Electronic control shock absorber having direct connection type flow path structure and variable valve therefor

Abstract

Disclosed is an electronically controlled shock absorber having a direct flow path structure and a variable valve therefor. The electronically controlled shock absorber of the present invention includes a working cylinder that forms a chamber space inside and has a chamber opening portion formed on an outer peripheral surface, a piston rod that has a main valve installed on a lower end portion and is movable between a first height and a second height inside the chamber space, an outer tube that houses the working cylinder inside, has an installation opening portion formed on an outer peripheral surface, and has a liquid reservoir formed between an inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder, and a variable valve that is installed on an outer side surface of the outer tube, passes a fluid flowing from an inlet to an outlet inside, and changes a flow path to change a damping force according to an external input. When the variable valve is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube, a sealing member can be compressed to communicate the chamber opening portion with the inlet through a through hole and seal the chamber opening portion with respect to the liquid reservoir.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a shock absorber, and more specifically, to an electronically controlled shock absorber having a direct-connection flow path structure with a working cylinder and a variable valve directly connected, and the variable valve therefor. Background Technology

[0002] A shock absorber is part of a vehicle's suspension system, typically located between the vehicle body and axles to dampen shocks experienced during vehicle movement. Shock absorbers not only improve ride comfort but also maintain safe contact between the road surface and tires while the vehicle is in motion, thereby enhancing braking force and steering effort, and reducing tire wear.

[0003] Figure 1 A commonly used dual-tube shock absorber 10 is shown. Figure 1 The shock absorber 10 shown includes a working cylinder 5 and a base housing 13. A piston rod 4 is movably disposed within the working cylinder 5 along its length. A body valve 8 is installed at the lower end of the working cylinder 5 and the base housing 13, a sealing guide 16 is provided at the upper end of the base housing 13, and a piston valve 6 is provided at the lower end of the piston rod 4. The working cylinder 5 is filled with fluid. When the piston rod 4 moves along its length, the fluid exerts resistance, thereby causing the shock absorber 10 to absorb shocks. The body valve 8 and the sealing guide 16 restrict the movement of fluid between the inside and outside of the working cylinder 5. The space inside the base housing 13 located outside the working cylinder 5, i.e., the space between the inner circumferential surface of the base housing 13 and the outer circumferential surface of the working cylinder 5, is called the reservoir 3. For safety reasons, the reservoir 3 is designed to maintain a maximum internal pressure below 10 bar.

[0004] Shock absorbers are becoming increasingly important in the context of autonomous vehicles. With the recent development of various levels of autonomous driving, the passenger space is gradually shifting from a space for controlling the vehicle to a space for resting while the vehicle is autonomously driving. In autonomous vehicles, passengers are more likely not to be directly controlling the vehicle or paying attention to road conditions; therefore, even minor impacts can cause significant discomfort.

[0005] On the other hand, caution is needed when designing the damping force that the shock absorber will provide, because generally speaking, to ensure driving safety and shorten braking distance, the shock absorber is required to provide higher damping force, while to ensure high ride comfort, the shock absorber is required to provide lower damping force.

[0006] To solve this problem, a variable damping force valve was developed, which is a valve configured to change the damping force provided by the shock absorber. Figure 2 A variable damping force shock absorber 20 in the prior art is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 1 Compared to the general shock absorber 10 shown, Figure 2 The damping force variable shock absorber 20 shown also includes a tension-compression variable valve 9. When the piston rod 4 moves, fluid enters the tension-compression variable valve 9, and by adjusting the path of the tension-compression flow path, the shock absorber 20 can adjust the damping force.

[0007] Figure 2 The variable damping shock absorber 20 shown also includes a partition tube 7, which connects the interior of the working cylinder 5 to the tension / compression variable valve 9. The partition tube 7 is positioned between the working cylinder 5 and the base housing 13. Typically, the working cylinder within a shock absorber requires extremely high precision manufacturing due to its low tolerance for dimensional and roundness errors; therefore, continuous welding or plastic forming is not permitted on the working cylinder 5. The partition tube 7 can be considered as having its interior connected to the interior of the working cylinder 5, thus extending the interior of the working cylinder 5. By integrating the tension / compression variable valve 9 into the partition tube 7, the interior of the working cylinder 5 can be connected to the interior of the tension / compression variable valve 9 without welding or plastic forming of the working cylinder 5.

[0008] However, since the separator 7 is positioned between the working cylinder 5 and the base housing 13, it occupies space in the reservoir 3. A reduction in the volume of the reservoir 3 leads to an increase in internal pressure, and as mentioned earlier, the internal pressure of the reservoir 3 needs to be limited to a predetermined maximum value (e.g., 10 bar). Therefore, to ensure the volume of the reservoir 3, the size of the base housing 13 itself needs to be increased. This increases the manufacturing cost of the shock absorber 20 and also increases the size and weight of the finished shock absorber 20. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] Therefore, the present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems. One aspect of the present invention aims to provide an electronically controlled shock absorber and a variable valve for the same, which allows the damping force to be variable according to external input while maintaining a small and lightweight size.

[0011] Other objects of the present invention will become clearer through the embodiments described below.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] One aspect of the present invention provides an electronically controlled shock absorber. According to one aspect of the invention, an electronically controlled shock absorber may include: a working cylinder having a longitudinally extending, hollow cylindrical shape to form a chamber space inside, and having a chamber opening formed on its outer peripheral surface at at least one of a first height on the upper side and a second height on the lower side; a piston rod extending longitudinally, its lower portion located within the chamber space, a main valve mounted at its lower end, and the main valve being configured to be movable within the chamber space between the first height and the second height; an outer cylinder having a longitudinally extending, hollow cylindrical shape housing the working cylinder, having a mounting opening formed on its outer peripheral surface at a position corresponding to the chamber opening, and having a reservoir formed between its inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder; and a variable valve mounted on the outer surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening, and configured to allow fluid flowing from an inlet to an outlet to pass through its interior, and to change the flow path to change the damping force according to external input. The variable valve may include: a valve portion configured to change the flow path by altering its internal structure according to the external input, and coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening; a channel portion extending to one side from the valve portion, opening the inlet at its end and the outlet at its outer peripheral surface, and passing through the mounting opening such that its end contacts the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder surrounding the chamber opening; and a sealing member having an annular shape, forming a through hole in the center, and mounted at the end of the channel portion such that the through hole is aligned with the inlet to fit tightly against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder surrounding the chamber opening. When the valve portion is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, the sealing member can be compressed, thereby communicating the chamber opening with the inlet through the through hole and sealing the chamber opening relative to the reservoir.

[0014] The electronically controlled shock absorber of the present invention may have one or more of the following embodiments. For example, the sealing member may include: a fixing portion configured to be coupled to the end of the channel portion, the outer edge formed on one side being circular when viewed from the direction of said one side; and a deformable portion protruding from the fixing portion to one side, and protruding further towards said one side as it protrudes from the outer edge of the fixing portion toward the through hole, the inner edge formed around the through hole being circular when viewed from the direction of said one side, and elastically deforming to fit against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder when the valve portion is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder.

[0015] The outer edge of the fixing part may have the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder.

[0016] The inner edge of the deformable part may have the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder.

[0017] A clearance groove may be formed on the sealing component. The clearance groove can separate the inner edge of the deformable part from the inner edge of the fixed part, and the clearance groove can become narrower when the valve part is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and the deformable part is elastically deformed.

[0018] When the valve part is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, causing the deformable part to elastically deform, the diameter on one side of the through hole can be reduced.

[0019] The end of the channel portion may have the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder, thereby configuring the end of the channel portion to form a surface contact in the region surrounding the chamber opening when the valve portion is engaged with the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder. In this case, the end of the channel portion can prevent the sealing member from being pushed towards the outer diameter direction of the working cylinder when the valve portion is engaged with the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder.

[0020] The variable valve may further include a check valve mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the channel portion to restrict the movement of the fluid through the outlet. In this case, the check valve may have an annular shape and be formed of a material capable of elastic deformation to fit snugly against the entire outer circumferential surface of the channel portion. When the internal pressure of the variable valve exceeds a predetermined critical value, the fluid may push open the check valve from the outlet and be discharged into the reservoir.

[0021] The end of the channel section can be welded to the outer circumferential surface of the working cylinder at multiple discontinuous individual points.

[0022] The channel portion may include an annular fixing band surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the working cylinder. The fixing band may also be welded to the outer circumferential surface of the working cylinder at multiple discontinuous individual points.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention provides a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber, comprising: a hollow cylindrical working cylinder having a chamber opening formed on its outer peripheral surface, and a hollow cylindrical outer cylinder having the working cylinder housed inside and having an mounting opening formed on its outer peripheral surface at a position corresponding to the chamber opening. According to one aspect of the invention, a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber may include: a valve portion configured to alter the flow path of fluid flowing from an inlet to an outlet by changing its internal structure according to an external input, and coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder around the mounting opening; a channel portion extending from the valve portion in a lateral direction, opening the inlet at one end and the outlet at the outer peripheral surface, and extending through the mounting opening such that its end contacts the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder around the chamber opening, and the end has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder, such that when the valve portion is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, the end of the channel portion forms a surface contact in the region surrounding the chamber opening; a sealing member having an annular shape, forming a through hole in the center, and mounted on the end of the channel portion such that the through hole is aligned with the inlet to fit against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder around the chamber opening; and a check valve mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the channel portion to restrict the movement of the fluid through the outlet. The sealing component may include: a fixing portion configured to be coupled to the end of the channel portion, the outer edge of which is circular when viewed from the direction of said side; and a deformable portion that protrudes to one side from the outer edge of the fixing portion, and protrudes further to the direction of said side as it faces the through hole, and the inner edge of which is circular when viewed from the direction of said side is formed around the through hole, and elastically deforms to fit against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder when the valve portion is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder.

[0024] The effects of the invention

[0025] Based on the technical solution of the present invention as described above, various effects, including the following, can be expected. However, it should be noted that the present invention does not necessarily require all of the following effects to be achieved.

[0026] One embodiment of the present invention provides an electronically controlled shock absorber with a direct-connection flow path structure having a working cylinder and a variable valve directly connected thereto, and a variable valve therefor. The variable valve does not require continuous welding of the working cylinder; instead, it is integrated into the outer cylinder, with the end of the channel portion and the sealing component tightly fitted around the chamber opening. This allows the shock absorber to have variable damping capabilities while maintaining a constant maximum permissible pressure inside the reservoir chamber, without the need for a separate separation pipe, thus providing the advantages of maintaining a small size and lightweight design.

[0027] Furthermore, the shock absorber and variable valve of one embodiment of the present invention have the advantage that variable valves can be installed at both the first height and the second height. Therefore, in the shock absorber of one embodiment of the present invention, a variable valve communicating with the expansion chamber and a variable valve communicating with the compression chamber can be provided respectively, and there is no difficulty in differentiating the damping force when the piston rod is pressed downward and stretched upward. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a prior art shock absorber.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a prior art shock absorber.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the electronically controlled shock absorber of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view illustrating a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the housing of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a plan view schematically illustrating a sealing component of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a side view schematically illustrating the sealing component of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sealing component of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view illustrating the sealing component of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 12This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sealing component of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view illustrating the sealing component of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 14 This is a side view conceptually illustrating a portion of an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 15 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view illustrating a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure Labels

[0045] 1000: Electronically controlled shock absorber; 100: Working cylinder; 110: Chamber space; 120: Expansion chamber; 140: Compression chamber; 150: Chamber opening; 200: Piston rod; 250: Main valve; 300: Outer cylinder; 310: Liquid reservoir; 330: Mounting part; 350: Mounting opening; 500: Variable valve; 520: Valve part; 530: Contact part; 550: Channel part; 560: End of channel part; 570: Fixing groove; 580: Fixing band; 610: Inlet; 630: Outlet; 700: Sealing component; 710: Fixing part; 770: Deformable part; 800: Check valve. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding constituent elements will be assigned the same reference numerals, regardless of the reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0047] For ease of explanation, this specification uses terms such as "inner side," "outer side," "upper side," and "lower side." In the following description, "inner side" refers to the side closer to the interior of the object being described, and "outer side" refers to the side farther from the interior of the object being described. If no specific object is described, "inner side" and "outer side" are based on the interior of the shock absorber 1000 as a whole. "Upper side" and "lower side" are based on the interior of the shock absorber 1000 as shown below. Figure 3 The configuration shown is a baseline. Of course, in actual use, the upper direction mentioned in the specification may differ from the actual upper direction of the electronically controlled shock absorber 1000 of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3 An electronically controlled shock absorber 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically. Figure 4 and Figure 5 A variable valve 500 for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown together with a portion of the shock absorber 1000. On the other hand, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The housing 510 of the variable valve 500 for an electronically controlled shock absorber is schematically shown. Figures 8 to 13 The schematic diagram shows a sealing component 700 that can be applied to a variable valve 500.

[0049] First refer to Figures 3 to 5 An embodiment of the electronically controlled shock absorber 1000 of the present invention may include a working cylinder 100, a piston rod 200, an outer cylinder 300, and a variable valve 500.

[0050] The working cylinder 100 may have a longitudinally extending and hollow cylindrical shape. The internal space of the working cylinder 100 is referred to as the chamber space 110. As described later, the chamber space 110 may be divided into an upper expansion chamber 120 and a lower compression chamber 140 based on the main valve 270 located at the end of the piston rod 200. The chamber space 110 is filled with a fluid such as oil.

[0051] A chamber opening 150 may be formed on the working cylinder 100. The chamber opening 150 is an opening formed on the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100, which allows the interior of the working cylinder 100 to communicate with the outside. A variable valve 500 is installed at a position corresponding to the chamber opening 150. As mentioned above, the working cylinder 100 needs to be manufactured with extremely high precision in terms of size and roundness for the shock absorber 1000 to function properly. Therefore, continuous welding or plastic forming is not allowed. However, the process of forming the chamber opening 150 can be performed without sacrificing the size and roundness of the working cylinder 100.

[0052] The chamber opening 150 may be formed at at least one location in the first height 1 and the second height 2. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the chamber opening 150 can be formed at both the first height 1 and the second height 2, and a variable valve 500 can be installed on each chamber opening 150.

[0053] A rod guide 160 may be attached to the upper part of the working cylinder 100. The rod guide 160 can fix the upper part of the working cylinder 100 to the outer cylinder 300 and can support the piston rod 200 so that it can move longitudinally. The rod guide 160 is configured to restrict the flow of fluid between the space inside the working cylinder 100 (i.e., the chamber space 110 or the expansion chamber 120) and the space outside the working cylinder 100 (i.e., the reservoir 310).

[0054] A body valve 170 may be attached to the lower part of the working cylinder 100. The body valve 170 can fix the lower part of the working cylinder 100 to the outer cylinder 300. The body valve 170 is configured to restrict the flow of fluid between the space inside the working cylinder 100 (i.e., the chamber space 110 or the compression chamber 140) and the space outside the working cylinder 100 (i.e., the reservoir 310).

[0055] The piston rod 200 extends longitudinally, with its lower portion inserted into the chamber space 110. The piston rod 200 is movably coupled to the rod guide 160 and configured to move longitudinally relative to the working cylinder 100 and the outer cylinder 300. A main valve 270 is mounted at the lower end of the piston rod 200, allowing the piston rod 200 to move vertically within a range between a first height 1 and a second height 2. The upper portion of the piston rod 200 may have a connection port for attaching the shock absorber 1000 to the impact damping object. When the piston rod 200 moves downward due to an impact applied to the impact damping object, the piston rod 200, including the main valve 270, dampens the impact as it passes through the fluid filling the chamber space 110.

[0056] The outer cylinder 300 may have a longitudinally extending and hollow cylindrical shape. The working cylinder 100 is housed within the internal space of the outer cylinder 300. The space inside the outer cylinder 300 located outside the working cylinder 100, i.e., the space between the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 300 and the outer circumferential surface of the working cylinder 100, forms a liquid storage chamber 310.

[0057] A rod guide 160 can be attached to the upper part of the outer cylinder 300. As described above, the rod guide 160 can fix the upper part of the working cylinder 100 to the outer cylinder 300 while movably supporting the piston rod 200. The upper part of the rod guide 160 may be provided with a sealing structure to prevent leakage through the contact portion between the outer cylinder 300 and the rod guide 160, and between the outer cylinder 300 and the piston rod 200.

[0058] A sealing cap 370 can be attached to the lower part of the outer cylinder 300. The sealing cap 370 seals the lower part of the outer cylinder 300 to prevent fluid inside the outer cylinder 300 from leaking to the lower part of the outer cylinder 300. The body valve 170 supports the working cylinder 100 at a position spaced apart from the sealing cap 370, with a gap between the working cylinder 100 and the sealing cap 370. In some embodiments, the body valve 170 may also be implemented as an integral structure with the sealing cap 370.

[0059] A connection port for attaching the shock absorber 1000 to an impact damping object can be formed at the lower part of the sealing cap 370. As mentioned earlier, the upper connection port is attached to the piston rod 200, and the lower connection port is attached to the outer cylinder 300. The piston rod 200 is configured to move relative to the outer cylinder 300, thus the shock absorber 1000 can dampen the relative impact occurring between the two impact damping objects. For example, if the upper connection port of the piston rod 200 and the lower connection port of the sealing cap 370 are respectively attached to the vehicle body and the axle, the impact of the vehicle body on the axle can be absorbed by the movement of the piston rod 200, which is subject to fluid resistance and moves up and down. Here, the variable valve 500 adjusts the resistance to the movement of the piston rod 200 by adjusting the fluid resistance, thereby adjusting the damping force.

[0060] An installation opening 350 may be formed on the outer cylinder 300. The installation opening 350 is an opening formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 300, and may be formed at a position corresponding to the chamber opening 150 of the working cylinder 100. Therefore, the installation opening 350 may also be formed at at least one position in the first height 1 and the second height 2.

[0061] The mounting opening 350 allows a portion of the variable valve 500 to pass through and approach the chamber opening 150 of the working cylinder 100. For this purpose, the inner diameter of the mounting opening 350 may be designed to correspond to the outer diameter of the passage portion 550 of the variable valve 500. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer cylinder 300 may include a mounting portion 330 formed around the mounting opening 350. The mounting portion 330 may be formed in a flat shape on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 300.

[0062] In one embodiment of the invention, the working cylinder 100 should have a cylindrical shape to facilitate smooth fluid flow within the chamber space 110. The outer cylinder 300 does not necessarily need to be cylindrical; it can be formed in various cylindrical shapes. However, it may be advantageous for the outer cylinder 300 to have an overall cylindrical shape to facilitate smooth fluid flow within the reservoir 310. When the outer cylinder 300 is integrally cylindrical, the surface of the outer cylinder 300 at the mounting portion 330 can deviate from the cylindrical shape and be flattened, thereby providing a flat surface to facilitate easy installation of the variable valve 500.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the mounting portion 330 is recessed inward from the cylindrical shape formed by the outer cylinder 300 to provide a flat surface. This may be advantageous in reducing the distance between the variable valve 500 mounted on the mounting portion 330 and the working cylinder 100. In some embodiments of the invention, the mounting portion 330 may protrude outward from the cylindrical shape formed by the outer cylinder 300 to provide a flat surface. This configuration may be advantageous in that the mounting portion 330 less obstructs the flow of fluid within the outer cylinder 300.

[0064] The variable valve 500 is a component installed on the outer surface of the outer cylinder 300 that changes the damping force of the shock absorber 1000 by adjusting the path of fluid flow inside the shock absorber 1000. The variable valve 500 installed at the first height 1 can adjust the damping force by adjusting the path of fluid flowing into the chamber space 110 (specifically, the expansion chamber 120) when the piston rod 200 moves upward; the variable valve 500 installed at the second height 2 can adjust the damping force by adjusting the path of fluid flowing into the chamber space 110 (specifically, the compression chamber 140) when the piston rod 200 moves downward.

[0065] The variable valve 500 is mounted on the outer surface of the outer cylinder 300 at a position corresponding to the mounting opening 350, and a portion of it can be closely attached to the periphery of the chamber opening 150 of the working cylinder 100. The variable valve 500 has a flow path formed inside, configured to allow fluid from the shock absorber 1000 to pass from the inlet 610 to the outlet 630, wherein the inlet 610 communicates with the chamber space 110 through the chamber opening 150 of the working cylinder 100, and the outlet 630 communicates with the liquid storage chamber 310.

[0066] Reference Figures 3 to 7 A variable valve 500 for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a valve portion 520, a channel portion 550, a sealing component 700, and a check valve 800.

[0067] The valve section 520 constitutes the main part of the variable valve 500 and may have an internal structure that forms the flow path through which the fluid passes. The inlet 610 and outlet 630 corresponding to the start and end points of the flow path inside the variable valve 500 are formed in the channel section 550, but the internal structure of the valve section 520 may be configured to connect to them, so that fluid flowing in through the inlet 610 passes through the flow path inside the valve section 520 and is discharged to the reservoir 310 through the outlet 630. The valve section 520 may also include a wire 524 for communication with the outside. The valve section 520 can receive external input via the wire 524 and adjust its internal structure according to the received input to change the flow path of the fluid. The specific internal structure of the valve section 520 is omitted in the figure.

[0068] The variable valve 500 can be mounted by attaching the valve portion 520 to the outer surface of the outer cylinder 300. As shown in the example in the attached drawings, when the outer cylinder 300 has a flat mounting portion 330, the valve portion 520 may also have a flat contact portion 530 on one side. Since both the contact portion 530 of the valve portion 520 and the mounting portion 330 of the outer cylinder 300 have a flat shape, the valve portion 520 can be attached to the outer cylinder 300 more easily and securely.

[0069] A variable valve 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a... Figure 6 and Figure 7The example shown uses a similar housing 510. The housing 510 can correspond to a result where the outer portion of the valve section 520 and the channel section 550 are integrally formed. In this case, a contact portion 530 can be formed on one side of the housing 510, and a valve section 520 extending from the contact portion 530 can also be formed. The valve module 522 (see reference 520) includes the internal structure of the valve section 520 and its adjustment control section. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Installed in the internal space 511 of the housing 510 (see reference) Figure 7 When the valve module 522 is in operation, the flow path of the valve module 522 can be connected to the inlet 610 and outlet 630 formed on the channel portion 550 of the housing 510.

[0070] If necessary, an encapsulation groove 525 can be formed on the inner side of the housing 510 (see reference). Figure 7 ), and insert package 526 into package slot 525 (refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 This prevents fluid from leaking from valve module 522.

[0071] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, an annular encapsulation groove 527 can be formed on the contact portion 530 of the valve portion 520, and an encapsulation member 528 can be inserted into the encapsulation groove 527 to prevent fluid leakage between the outer cylinder 300 and the variable valve 500.

[0072] The channel portion 550 may extend to one side from the valve portion 520. In a preferred embodiment, the channel portion 550 may protrude in a cylindrical shape from the flat contact portion 530 of the valve portion 520. The outer diameter of the channel portion 550 may be designed such that the cross-section of the channel portion 550 is smaller than the surface of the contact portion 530. An inlet 610 and an outlet 630 for the flow path inside the variable valve 500 may be formed on the channel portion 550. For example, an inlet 610 may be formed at the end 560 of the channel portion 550, and a plurality of outlets 630 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the channel portion 550.

[0073] When the variable valve 500 is installed in the mounting portion 330 of the outer cylinder 300, the channel portion 550 can be inserted into the mounting opening 350 formed in the outer cylinder 300, and the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 can be pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100 around the chamber opening 150. That is, the length of the channel portion 550 extending to one side from the contact portion 530 corresponds to the sum of the thickness of the outer cylinder 300 in the mounting portion 330 and the distance between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 300 and the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100.

[0074] like Figures 4 to 7As shown, the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 may have the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder 100. That is, assuming a virtual cylinder 101 with the same outer diameter as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder 100, the surface of the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 may be located on the outer surface of the virtual cylinder 101 as if cut by the virtual cylinder 101. Therefore, when the variable valve 500 is mounted on the mounting portion 330, the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 may form a surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100 in the region surrounding the chamber opening 150.

[0075] The mounting opening 350 formed in the outer cylinder 300 and the chamber opening 150 formed in the working cylinder 100 can be designed such that, when the variable valve 500 is installed, the channel portion 550 is aligned with the mounting opening 350, and the inlet 610 is aligned with the chamber opening 150. Therefore, when the variable valve 500 is installed in the mounting portion 330, the inlet 610 formed at the end 560 of the channel portion 550 can communicate with the chamber opening 150. On the other hand, the outlet 630 formed in the channel portion 550 can be designed such that, when the variable valve 500 is installed in the mounting portion 330, it opens to the liquid storage chamber 310. That is, the distance between the outlet 630 and the contact portion 530 can be greater than or equal to the thickness of the outer cylinder 300 in the mounting portion 330.

[0076] A fixing groove 570 may be formed at the end 560 of the channel portion 550, and a sealing member 700 may be inserted into and fixed in the fixing groove 570. The fixing groove 570 may be formed in an annular shape around the inlet 610, and may be formed in a corresponding shape to the fixing portion 710 of the sealing member 700. Furthermore, the end 560 of the channel portion 550 and the fixing groove 570 may be designed such that the end 560 forms a surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100 in the area surrounding the fixing groove 570.

[0077] When compressed, the sealing member 700 adheres tightly to the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100, serving to connect the chamber opening 110 with the inlet 610 of the variable valve 500, while sealing it relative to the reservoir 310. The sealing member 700 may have an annular shape, with a through hole 750 formed in its center, and the through hole 750 may be aligned with the inlet 610. The sealing member 700 may be fixed to the end 560 of the channel portion 550, for example, it may be inserted into a fixing groove 570 formed in the end 560 of the channel portion 550. Since the end 560 of the channel portion 550 forms a surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100 in the area surrounding the sealing member 700, the end 560 of the channel portion 550 can prevent it from being pushed in the outer diameter direction of the working cylinder 100 when the sealing member 700 is compressed and deformed.

[0078] Figures 8 to 13The sealing component 700 of a variable valve 500 according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown in more detail. Figure 8 and Figure 9 These are, respectively, a plan view and a side view of a sealing component 700 for an electronically controlled shock absorber, which can be applied to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 and Figure 11 These are, respectively, a cross-sectional view and a longitudinal sectional view of a sealing component 700' of a variable valve 500 for an electronically controlled shock absorber, which can be applied to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 and Figure 13 These are, respectively, a cross-sectional view and a longitudinal sectional view of another sealing component 700" of a variable valve 500 for an electronically controlled shock absorber, which is exemplarily applicable to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 8 to 13 In the figure, (a) shows the state before the variable valve 500 is installed and the sealing component 700 is not compressed, and (b) shows the state after the variable valve 500 is installed and the sealing component 700 is compressed.

[0079] Reference Figures 8 to 13 In one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member 700 may include a fixing portion 710 and a deformable portion 770. The fixing portion 710 may correspond to the portion coupled to the end 560 of the channel portion 550, and the deformable portion 770 may protrude to one side from the fixing portion 710 and elastically deform to fit against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100 when the valve portion 520 is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 300. Figures 10 to 13 In the diagram, the approximate boundary between the fixing part 710 and the deformable part 770 is indicated by a dashed line, but the boundary between the fixing part 710 and the deformable part 770 does not necessarily need to be clearly distinguished. For example, the fixing part 710 may also undergo partial elastic deformation, and the deformable part 770 can also be regarded as being partially attached to the end 560 of the channel part 550.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member 700 may be configured such that the outer edge 720 formed on one side of the fixing portion 710 is circular when viewed from one side. Furthermore, since a through hole 750 is formed in the center of the sealing member 700, the inner edge 780 of the deformable portion 770 formed around the through hole 750 may also be circular when viewed from one side.

[0081] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 In one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member 700 may be configured such that the outer edge 720 of the fixing portion 710 has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder 100. That is, assuming a virtual cylinder 101 having the same outer diameter as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder 100, the entire outer edge 720 of the fixing portion 710 may be located on the outer surface of the virtual cylinder 101 as if the fixing portion 710 were cut by the virtual cylinder 101.

[0082] The fixing part 710 is fixed to the end 560 of the channel part 550. Therefore, when the variable valve 500 is installed in the mounting part 330, the outer edge 720 of the fixing part 710 will contact the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100. Since the outer edge 720 has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder 100, the outer edge 720 of the sealing member 700 can seamlessly fit against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100. For reference, Figure 8 It is a plan view, therefore the virtual cylinder 101 is represented by an arc; Figure 9 This is a side view, so the virtual cylinder 101 is represented by a straight line.

[0083] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 In one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member 700 may be configured such that the inner edge 780 of the deformable portion 770 also has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder 100. That is, assuming a virtual cylinder 101 having the same outer diameter as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder 100, the deformable portion 770 before compression may be located entirely on the outer surface of the virtual cylinder 101, as if it were cut by the virtual cylinder 101.

[0084] With the variable valve 500 mounted on the mounting portion 330 and fixed to the end 560 of the channel portion 550, the sealing member 700 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100. Before the sealing member 700 contacts the working cylinder 100, the sealing member 700 is in a state of... Figure 8 (a) and Figure 9 The basic state described in (a) is as follows; while when the variable valve 500 is fully installed and the sealing component 700 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100, the sealing component 700 becomes... Figure 8 (b) and Figure 9 The compression state described in (b). Figure 8 (b) and Figure 9 In the compressed state depicted in (b), the deformable part 770 has elastically deformed and is in a compressed state.

[0085] During the installation of the variable valve 500, when the sealing component 700 moves to one side, the inner edge 780 of the deformable portion 770 first contacts the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100. When the inner edge 780 of the deformable portion 770 has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder 100, the inner edge 780 of the deformable portion 770 will uniformly contact the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100. When the sealing component 700 moves further to one side, causing the deformable portion 770 to begin elastic deformation, the sealing component 700 can seamlessly achieve uniform surface contact around the chamber opening 150, thereby isolating the chamber opening 150 from the liquid storage chamber 310 with extremely high sealing performance.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, the side of the sealing member 700 (for reference, in the plan view) Figure 8 The center (facing upwards and downwards) can be formed to be inclined toward the center of the virtual cylinder 101, and the side of the fixing groove 570 for mounting the sealing member 700 can also be formed in a corresponding shape.

[0087] Figure 10 and Figure 11 A sealing component 700' according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown as an example. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The plan view and side view of the sealing component 700' shown are consistent with... Figure 8 and Figure 9 same.

[0088] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The sealing member 700' shown has a clearance groove 740 formed inside it. The clearance groove 740 can be formed, as shown, on one side of the fixing portion 710 in the form of an enlarged through hole 750. As a result, the fixing portion 710 has an inner edge 730 on the inner side of the sealing member 700'. That is, the clearance groove 740 can space the inner edge 780 of the deformable portion 770 from the inner edge 730 of the fixing portion 710.

[0089] When the valve section 510 is engaged with the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 300, and the sealing member 700' is compressed, the deformable part 770 deforms by narrowing the clearance groove 740. For this sealing member 700', during the operation of the shock absorber 1000, there is also fluid within the clearance groove 740 of the compressed sealing member 700', and the extremely high hydraulic pressure within the variable valve 500 causes the fluid within the clearance groove 740 to also exert pressure on the deformable part 770. Figure 10 (b) and Figure 11 In (b), the direction of the hydraulic pressure applied to the deformable part 770 is conceptually indicated by a white arrow. In this way, the hydraulic pressure within the clearance groove 740 pressurizes the deformable part 770 to one side, making it more firmly attached to the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100, thus enabling the sealing component 700' to provide excellent sealing performance.

[0090] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A sealing component 700 of another embodiment of the present invention is shown as an example. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The plan view and side view of the sealing component 700" shown are consistent with Figure 8 and Figure 9 same.

[0091] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The sealing member 700" shown does not have a clearance groove 740. The fixing part 710 of the sealing member 700" is located inside the fixing groove 570, and its shape is restricted from deformation. However, since the deformable part 770 is located outside the fixing groove 570, it is more likely to undergo elastic deformation than the fixing part 710.

[0092] like Figure 12 As shown, in the sealing member 700", the side portion defining the through hole 750 can also be formed as a virtual cylinder 101 (see reference). Figure 8 The center of the through hole 750 is tilted. Therefore, the diameter d2 on one side can be larger than the diameter d1 on the other side.

[0093] When the valve part 510 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 300 and the sealing member 700" is compressed, the deformable part 770 may undergo elastic deformation. In a structure without the clearance groove 740, the deformable part 770 may be compressed in the direction of the through hole 750. As a result, the diameter d3 of the through hole 750 on one side may be smaller than the diameter d2 before compression.

[0094] As the inner diameter of the sealing member 700 increases, the clamping force of the sealing member 700 decreases. However, if the sealing member 700" of an embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above such that the diameter of the through hole 750 on one side is reduced, the sealing member 700" can maintain a large contact area relative to the working cylinder 100, and the area of ​​the through hole 750 is kept small. This allows the sealing member 700" to isolate the chamber opening 150 from the liquid storage chamber 310 with extremely high sealing performance.

[0095] Refer again Figure 4 and Figure 5 The check valve 800 can be installed on the outer peripheral surface of the channel portion 550 to restrict the movement of fluid through the outlet 630. That is, the check valve 800 can restrict the discharge of fluid through the variable valve 500 into the reservoir 310 via the outlet 630.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the check valve 800 may have an annular shape and be formed of an elastically deformable material. This check valve 800, implemented in the form of a rubber ring, can be installed between the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 300 around the channel portion 550. In this case, the check valve 800 can be tightly fitted to the entire outer peripheral surface in a manner that covers all outlets 630.

[0097] When this check valve 800 is used, if the pressure inside the variable valve 500 exceeds a predetermined critical value, that is, if the pressure of the fluid at the outlet 630 exceeds the elastic force of the check valve 800 made of elastic material, the fluid at the outlet 630 can push the check valve 800 outward to discharge into the reservoir 310.

[0098] When assembling the shock absorber 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the channel portion 550 is inserted into the mounting opening 350 of the outer cylinder 300. The valve portion 510 of the variable valve 500 can be attached to the outer surface of the outer cylinder 300, such as the mounting portion 330. Unlike the working cylinder 100, continuous welding can be performed in the outer cylinder 300, so this technique can be used in the process of attaching the valve portion 510 to the outer cylinder 300.

[0099] After the valve part 510 is attached to the outer cylinder 300, the end 560 of the channel part 550 inserted into the mounting opening 350 is pressed against the working cylinder 100, and the sealing member 700 fixed to the end 560 of the channel part 550 is also pressed against the working cylinder 100. As the channel part 550 is inserted, the inner edge 730 of the sealing member 700 initially contacts the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100. Since the inner edge 730 has the same curvature as the working cylinder 100, a seal can be formed upon contact.

[0100] Next, when the variable valve 500 is pressurized so that the valve portion 510 contacts the outer cylinder 300, the sealing member 700 is compressed and deformed. Since the inner edge 730 of the deformable portion 770 has the same curvature as the working cylinder 100, and the outer edge 720 of the fixing portion 710 also has the same curvature as the working cylinder 100, the sealing member 700 can uniformly surround the chamber opening 150 with an area before, during, and after elastic deformation. This results in the sealing member 700 uniformly sealing the periphery of the chamber opening 150 after the variable valve 500 is fully engaged. As the end 560 of the channel portion 550 also forms surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100 in the area surrounding the chamber opening 150 and the sealing member 700 with the same curvature as the working cylinder 100, the sealing member 700 can be prevented from detaching from its designated position.

[0101] Thus, the embodiments of the present invention described above can provide an electronically controlled shock absorber 1000 with a direct-connection flow path structure having a working cylinder 100 and a variable valve 500 directly connected thereto, and a variable valve 500 therefor. The variable valve 500 is not directly welded to the working cylinder 100, but is joined to the outer cylinder 300 by welding or other methods, and is achieved by the end 560 of the channel portion 550 and the sealing member 700 being tightly fitted around the chamber opening 150. This allows the shock absorber 1000 to have the function of variable damping force, and can maintain the maximum permissible pressure inside the reservoir at the same value, while eliminating the need for a separate partition tube 7, thus providing the advantages of maintaining a small and lightweight design.

[0102] For example, comparison Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Shock absorbers, Figure 2 The shock absorber 20 is further equipped with a partition tube 7 for the purpose of changing the damping force, thus... Figure 1 Compared to the shock absorber 10, the diameter of the base shell 13 is increased; while Figure 3 The shock absorber 1000 shown in one embodiment of the present invention provides damping force variation function by including a variable valve 500, while also maintaining the diameter of the outer cylinder 300 in accordance with... Figure 1 The base shell 13 of the shock absorber 10 shown has the same diameter.

[0103] Furthermore, an advantage of the shock absorber 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention is that variable valves 500 can be installed at both the first height 1 and the second height 2. That is, in Figure 2 In the prior art shock absorber 20 shown, the fluid path for the piston rod 4 to move upward and downward is set by a tension-compression variable valve 9. Therefore, complex control is required when differentiating the damping force of the piston rod 4 when it is pressed downward and stretched upward. In contrast, in the shock absorber 1000 of an embodiment of the present invention, variable valves 500 communicating with the expansion chamber 120 and the compression chamber 140 can be provided respectively, which eliminates the difficulty in differentiating the damping force of the piston rod 4 when it is pressed downward and stretched upward.

[0104] Figure 14 This is a side view conceptually illustrating a portion of an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the portion where the end 560 of the channel portion 550 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100. As previously described, the end 560 of the channel portion 550 is configured to have the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder 100, thereby forming a surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100 around the chamber opening 150. A sealing member 700 is located between the chamber opening 150 and the end 560 of the channel portion 550 and can seal the area around the chamber opening 150 by elastic deformation compression.

[0105] Reference Figure 14 In one embodiment of the invention, the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 can be welded to the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100 at multiple discontinuous independent points W. To ensure proper movement of the piston rod 200 within the working cylinder 100, excessive welding and plastic processing should be avoided on the working cylinder 100. However, if the welding is performed intermittently at independent points in a discontinuous manner, the accuracy of the working cylinder 100 can be avoided. The purpose of welding at the independent points W is not to attach the channel portion 550 to the working cylinder 100, but to prevent the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 from deviating from the position corresponding to the chamber opening 150 and to prevent the sealing member 700 from being pushed open in the outer diameter direction of the working cylinder 100. As mentioned, the variable valve 500 can be attached by attaching the valve portion 520 to the outer surface of the outer cylinder 300.

[0106] Figure 15 and Figure 16 These are, respectively, longitudinal and transverse sectional views illustrating a portion of a variable valve 500 for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the channel portion 550 may include a retaining strap 580. The retaining strap 580 may generally have an annular shape, and as shown in the figure... Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, it can be configured to surround the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100.

[0108] The fixing strap 580 can be integrated with the rest of the channel portion 550. In this case, when assembling the shock absorber 1000, the fixing strap 580 can first be inserted into the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100, and then the end of the fixing strap 580 can be integrated with the rest of the channel portion 550. If necessary, the fixing strap 580 can be integrated with the rest of the channel portion 550 by welding or other methods.

[0109] The fixing band 580 can more effectively prevent the sealing member 700 from being pushed open in the direction of the outer diameter of the working cylinder 100. That is, the fixing band 580 can strengthen the function of the end 560 of the channel portion 550, so that the end 560 of the channel portion 550 can be fixed in a designated position, thereby preventing the sealing member 700 from being pushed open in the direction of the outer diameter of the working cylinder 100.

[0110] Reference Figure 16In one embodiment of the invention, the fixing band 580 can be welded to the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder 100 at multiple discontinuous independent points W. As mentioned above, in order to maintain high accuracy in terms of size and roundness of the working cylinder 100, excessive welding and plastic processing should not be performed on the working cylinder. However, if the welding applied to the working cylinder is performed intermittently at independent points in a discontinuous manner, the accuracy of the working cylinder 100 can be avoided.

[0111] The welding applied at the independent point W is intended to fix the relative position of the fixing band 580 with respect to the working cylinder 100, to prevent the end 560 of the channel portion 550 from deviating from the position corresponding to the chamber opening 150, thereby preventing the sealing member 700 from being pushed open in the outer diameter direction of the working cylinder 100. As mentioned, the engagement of the variable valve 500 can be achieved by engaging the valve portion 520 to the outer surface of the outer cylinder 300.

[0112] Although the invention has been described above with reference to one embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. An electronically controlled shock absorber, characterized in that, include: The working cylinder has a longitudinally extending and hollow cylindrical shape, thereby forming a chamber space inside, and a chamber opening is formed on the outer peripheral surface at at least one of a first height on the upper side and a second height on the lower side. A piston rod extends longitudinally, with its lower portion located within the chamber space. A main valve is mounted at the lower end of the main valve, which is configured to be movable within the chamber space between a first height and a second height. An outer cylinder, having a longitudinally extending and hollow cylindrical shape, houses the working cylinder within it. An installation opening is formed on its outer circumferential surface at a position corresponding to the opening of the chamber, and a liquid storage chamber is formed between its inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the working cylinder; and A variable valve is mounted on the outer surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening, and is configured to allow fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet to pass through internally, and to change the flow path to change the damping force according to external input. The variable valve includes: The valve section is configured to change the flow path by changing its internal structure according to the external input, and is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening. A channel portion extending to one side from the valve portion, opening the inlet at one end and the outlet at the outer peripheral surface, and passing through the mounting opening such that its end contacts the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder surrounding the chamber opening; and A sealing component, having an annular shape, has a through hole formed in the center, and is mounted at the end of the channel portion in such a manner that the through hole is aligned with the inlet to fit snugly against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder surrounding the chamber opening. When the valve part is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, the sealing member is compressed, thereby connecting the chamber opening to the inlet through the through hole and sealing the chamber opening relative to the liquid storage chamber. The sealing component includes: A fixing part, configured to be joined to the end of the channel portion, having an outer edge formed on one side that is circular when viewed from said side; and The deformable portion protrudes to one side from the fixed portion, and protrudes further to that side from the outer edge of the fixed portion toward the through hole. The inner edge formed around the through hole is circular when viewed from that side. When the valve portion is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, it elastically deforms to fit tightly against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder. A clearance groove is formed on the sealing component, which separates the inner edge of the deformable part from the inner edge of the fixed part, and the clearance groove narrows when the valve part is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and the deformable part is elastically deformed.

2. An electronically controlled shock absorber, characterized in that, include: The working cylinder has a longitudinally extending and hollow cylindrical shape, thereby forming a chamber space inside, and a chamber opening is formed on the outer peripheral surface at at least one of a first height on the upper side and a second height on the lower side. A piston rod extends longitudinally, with its lower portion located within the chamber space. A main valve is mounted at the lower end of the main valve, which is configured to be movable within the chamber space between a first height and a second height. An outer cylinder, having a longitudinally extending and hollow cylindrical shape, houses the working cylinder within it. An installation opening is formed on its outer circumferential surface at a position corresponding to the opening of the chamber, and a liquid storage chamber is formed between its inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the working cylinder; and A variable valve is mounted on the outer surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening, and is configured to allow fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet to pass through internally, and to change the flow path to change the damping force according to external input. The variable valve includes: The valve section is configured to change the flow path by changing its internal structure according to the external input, and is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening. A channel portion extending to one side from the valve portion, opening the inlet at one end and the outlet at the outer peripheral surface, and passing through the mounting opening such that its end contacts the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder surrounding the chamber opening; and A sealing component, having an annular shape, has a through hole formed in the center, and is mounted at the end of the channel portion in such a manner that the through hole is aligned with the inlet to fit snugly against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder surrounding the chamber opening. When the valve part is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, the sealing member is compressed, thereby connecting the chamber opening to the inlet through the through hole and sealing the chamber opening relative to the liquid storage chamber. The sealing component includes: A fixing part, configured to be joined to the end of the channel portion, having an outer edge formed on one side that is circular when viewed from said side; and The deformable portion protrudes to one side from the fixed portion, and protrudes further to that side from the outer edge of the fixed portion toward the through hole. The inner edge formed around the through hole is circular when viewed from that side. When the valve portion is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, it elastically deforms to fit tightly against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder. When the valve part is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, causing the deformable part to elastically deform, the diameter on one side of the through hole decreases.

3. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outer edge of the fixing part has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder.

4. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inner edge of the deformable part has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder.

5. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The end of the channel portion has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder, so that when the valve portion is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the end of the channel portion prevents the sealing member from being pushed toward the outer diameter direction of the working cylinder.

6. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The variable valve also includes a check valve mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the channel portion to restrict the movement of the fluid through the outlet.

7. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 6, characterized in that, The check valve has an annular shape and is formed of a material that can elastically deform to fit tightly against the entire outer circumference of the channel. When the internal pressure of the variable valve exceeds a predetermined critical value, the fluid pushes open the check valve from the outlet and is discharged into the reservoir.

8. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The end of the channel section is welded to the outer circumferential surface of the working cylinder at multiple discontinuous individual points.

9. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The channel section includes an annular fixing band surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the working cylinder.

10. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fixing band is welded to the outer circumferential surface of the working cylinder at multiple discontinuous individual points.

11. A variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber, the electronically controlled shock absorber comprising: The variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber is characterized by comprising: a hollow cylindrical working cylinder with a chamber opening formed on its outer peripheral surface, and a hollow cylindrical outer cylinder containing the working cylinder and having an mounting opening formed on its outer peripheral surface at a position corresponding to the chamber opening. The valve section is configured to change the flow path of the fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet by changing the internal structure according to external input, and is combined with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder around the mounting opening. A channel portion extending from the valve portion along one side, opening the inlet at one end and the outlet at the outer peripheral surface, and passing through the mounting opening, such that its end contacts the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder surrounding the chamber opening, and the end has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder, so that when the valve portion is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, the end of the channel portion forms a surface contact in the region surrounding the chamber opening; and A sealing component, having an annular shape, has a through hole formed in the center and is mounted on the end of the channel portion in such a manner that the through hole is aligned with the inlet to fit snugly against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder surrounding the chamber opening. The sealing component includes: A fixing part, configured to be joined to the end of the channel portion, having an outer edge formed on one side that is circular when viewed from said side; and The deformable part protrudes to one side from the outer edge of the fixed part, and protrudes further to one side as it moves toward the through hole. The inner edge formed around the through hole is circular when viewed from the side. When the valve part is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, it elastically deforms to fit tightly against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder. A clearance groove is formed on the sealing component, which separates the inner edge of the deformable part from the inner edge of the fixed part, and the clearance groove narrows when the valve part is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and the deformable part is elastically deformed.

12. A variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber, the electronically controlled shock absorber comprising: The variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber is characterized by comprising: a hollow cylindrical working cylinder with a chamber opening formed on its outer peripheral surface, and a hollow cylindrical outer cylinder containing the working cylinder and having an mounting opening formed on its outer peripheral surface at a position corresponding to the chamber opening. The valve section is configured to change the flow path of the fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet by changing the internal structure according to external input, and is combined with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder around the mounting opening. A channel portion extending from the valve portion along one side, opening the inlet at one end and the outlet at the outer peripheral surface, and passing through the mounting opening, such that its end contacts the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder surrounding the chamber opening, and the end has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the working cylinder, so that when the valve portion is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, the end of the channel portion forms a surface contact in the region surrounding the chamber opening; and A sealing component, having an annular shape, has a through hole formed in the center and is mounted on the end of the channel portion in such a manner that the through hole is aligned with the inlet to fit snugly against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder surrounding the chamber opening. The sealing component includes: A fixing part, configured to be joined to the end of the channel portion, having an outer edge formed on one side that is circular when viewed from said side; and The deformable part protrudes to one side from the outer edge of the fixed part, and protrudes further to one side as it moves toward the through hole. The inner edge formed around the through hole is circular when viewed from the side. When the valve part is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, it elastically deforms to fit tightly against the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder. When the valve part is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, causing the deformable part to elastically deform, the diameter on one side of the through hole decreases.

13. The variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, It also includes a check valve, which is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the channel portion to restrict the movement of the fluid through the outlet.

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