Valve device and shock absorber provided with same

Abstract

A valve device (30) is provided with a cylindrical passage-forming member (40) and a cylindrical spool valve (60) that is slidable with respect to the passage-forming member (40). The passage-forming member (40) has a communication port (56) that communicates the inside and the outside in the radial direction. The slide valve (60) has at least one cut portion (62, 63) cut from one end surface (61) in the axial direction (Rs). The degree of communication of the cutout portions (62, 63) with respect to the communication port (56) can be adjusted by relative displacement of the spool valve (60) with respect to the passage forming member (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device and a buffer having the valve device. Background Technology

[0002] The valve device includes a valve whose opening degree is adjusted by electronic control. Such a valve device is, for example, assembled in a shock absorber mounted on a motorcycle, tricycle, or other similar vehicle, thereby automatically adjusting the damping force of the shock absorber while the vehicle is in motion. As a result, the valve device can automatically control real-time damping adjustments corresponding to the riding conditions of the motorcycle. Such a valve device and shock absorber are known, for example, from Patent Document 1.

[0003] The valve device known in Patent Document 1 comprises: a housing having an axially elongated hollow portion; a cylindrical slide valve that slidably fits axially relative to the hollow portion; and a solenoid that drives the slide valve axially. The housing has a port that radially connects the inside and outside of the hollow portion. The slide valve has an elongated orifice that is axially longer than the valve itself. This orifice extends radially through the slide valve and closes both ends in the longitudinal direction (axial direction). A narrow section with a narrow groove is formed at one end of the orifice in the longitudinal direction. The slide valve is driven by the solenoid, thereby allowing adjustment of the degree of communication between the port and the orifice. This valve device is assembled with a buffer.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6023446 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the valve device known in Patent Document 1, the elongated orifice of the spool valve has a complex shape, with one end having a groove shape that differs from the rest, in order to adjust the degree of communication with the port. To ensure the appropriate variable characteristics of the valve device, it is necessary to improve the machining accuracy of the elongated orifice shape, especially the narrow section. Furthermore, both ends of the elongated orifice are closed. To machine such a complex-shaped elongated orifice, a cutting tool such as a drill bit is typically used to first create a hole radially outward from the spool valve, and then the cutting tool is moved from this point to machine it into the specified shape. Therefore, the machining difficulty of the elongated orifice is high.

[0009] The objective of this invention is to provide a technique that can improve the variable characteristics of a valve device and enhance the manufacturability of a spool valve.

[0010] Technical means for solving problems

[0011] The inventors conducted in-depth research and found that, in order to ensure the variable characteristics of the valve device, it is not necessary to limit it to an elongated orifice that is closed at both ends. Furthermore, they discovered that if an opening exists that extends radially through the spool valve, the degree of connection between the opening and the connecting port can be adjusted. This invention is based on this insight.

[0012] According to the present invention, a valve device is provided, comprising: a passage forming member comprising a cylindrical component having a communication port that radially connects the interior and the exterior; and a slide valve comprising a cylindrical component capable of sliding directly or indirectly relative to the passage forming member, having at least one cut-out portion formed by cutting off one end face in the axial direction, the slide valve being capable of adjusting the degree of communication of the cut-out portion relative to the communication port by relative displacement relative to the passage forming member.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] In this disclosure, the variable characteristics of the valve device can be improved, and the manufacturability of the spool valve can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the main part of the buffer having the valve device of Embodiment 1 cut open.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the area surrounding the valve assembly shown.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the valve assembly shown.

[0018] Figure 4 In Figure 4 A is Figure 3 The diagram shown is a 3D representation of the slide valve. Figure 4 B is Figure 4 A is an unfolded view of the outer circumferential surface of the slide valve.

[0019] Figure 5 In Figure 5 A is Figure 4 Figure A shows a first modified example of the cut-off portion. Figure 5 B is Figure 4 Figure A shows a second modified example of the cut-off portion. Figure 5 C is Figure 4 The third modified example of the excised portion is shown in Figure A.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the function of the valve device.

[0021] Figure 7 In Figure 7 A schematically shows the resected portion relative to... Figure 6 The diagram shows the connectivity of the annular groove and the connecting ports. Figure 7 B is an expanded view showing the cut portion relative to... Figure 7 A diagram showing the connection status of the annular groove and the connecting port.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the buffer and valve assembly of Embodiment 2.

[0023] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The exploded view of the slide valve and collar is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments shown in the drawings are one example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In the description, "up" and "down" refer to the position relative to the state in which a buffer is mounted on a motorcycle. Furthermore, in the figures, Up represents up and Dn represents down.

[0025] <Example 1>

[0026] Reference Figures 1-7 The valve device 30 of Embodiment 1 and the buffer 10 having the valve device 30 will be described.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the buffer 10 is used in a motorized two-wheeled vehicle that is a straddle-type vehicle (not shown) for a passenger to straddle. Hereinafter, the motorized two-wheeled vehicle will sometimes be referred to as a "straddle-type vehicle".

[0028] The buffer 10 is used, for example, as a rear buffer in a straddle-type vehicle. However, the buffer 10 is not limited to a rear buffer and can also be used in a front fork.

[0029] The buffer 10 includes a cylindrical body-side tube 11 (first tube 11) connected to a body-side bracket (not shown) and a cylindrical axle-side tube 12 (second tube 12) connected to an axle-side bracket (not shown). The axle-side tube 12 is inserted relative to the body-side tube 11 in a way that allows relative movement. The axle-side tube 12 also functions as a cylinder 13. Alternatively, the cylinder 13 may be constructed from a different component than the axle-side tube 12. In this case, the cylinder 13 can simply be a structure that extends from the lower end of the axle-side tube 12 into its interior. The interior of the cylindrical cylinder 13 is filled with liquid (working oil). The body-side tube 11 and the axle-side tube 12 are forced apart by a compression coil spring 14.

[0030] In Embodiment 1, an inverted structure of the buffer 10 that moves the axle side tube 12 forward and backward relative to the body side tube 11 will be described. However, the buffer 10 also includes an upright structure that moves the body side tube 11 forward and backward relative to the axle side tube 12.

[0031] Furthermore, the buffer 10 includes a piston rod 21 that extends from the upper end 11a of the vehicle side tube 11 into the interior of the cylinder 13. A piston 22 is located at the lower end of the piston rod 21. This piston 22 divides the cylinder 13 into two liquid chambers 23 and 24 (the upper first liquid chamber 23 and the lower second liquid chamber 24). The vehicle side tube 11, the axle side tube 12 (cylinder 13), the piston rod 21, and the piston 22 are all located on the centerline CL of the piston rod 21.

[0032] The piston rod 21 consists of a first piston rod 25 extending from the upper end 11a of the vehicle side tube 11 into the first liquid chamber 23 and a second piston rod 26 extending from the lower end 25a of the first piston rod 25 into the second liquid chamber 24. The first piston rod 25 is a cylindrical component, a so-called hollow rod. The second piston rod 26 is located at the end of the piston rod 21, and is therefore also called the rod end. The first piston rod 25 and the second piston rod 26 are the strength components constituting the buffer 10, and are therefore made of a high-strength material, such as steel. The piston 22 is disposed within the second piston rod 26 of the piston rod 21.

[0033] A valve device 30 is assembled in the buffer 10. This valve device 30 is disposed in a connecting passage 27, such as a second piston rod 26, that connects the first liquid chamber 23 and the second liquid chamber 24. By assembling the valve device 30 into the buffer 10, the damping force of the buffer 10 can be automatically adjusted during the movement of the motorcycle. As a result, real-time damping adjustments corresponding to the driving conditions of the motorcycle can be automatically controlled via the valve device 30.

[0034] The valve device 30 will now be described in detail.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the valve device 30 includes a cylindrical passage forming member 40, a cylindrical slide valve 60 slidable relative to the passage forming member 40, and a drive mechanism 70 for driving the slide valve 60 (see also...). Figure 1 ).

[0036] The cylindrical passage forming component 40 and the slide valve 60 are respectively located on the centerline CL of the piston rod 21. The centerline CL of the piston rod 21 is sometimes appropriately referred to as the "centerline CL (axis CL) of the passage forming component 40" or the "centerline CL (axis CL) of the slide valve 60". Here, the axial direction Rs of the passage forming component 40 is along the centerline CL of the passage forming component 40, which is the same as the axial direction Rs of the slide valve 60 (along the centerline CL of the slide valve 60).

[0037] The passage forming component 40 (valve body 40) is also served by the second piston rod 26 (rod end 26). This allows for easy assembly of the valve device 30 onto the piston rod 21, thus simplifying the structure, miniaturizing the valve device 30, and reducing the number of components. Alternatively, the passage forming component 40 can also be a separate component from the piston rod 21.

[0038] The interior of the cylindrical passage forming component 40 is divided into two chambers 42 and 43 (the upper first chamber 42 and the lower second chamber 43) by a partition plate 41 formed midway along the length direction (axial direction Rs). The first chamber 42 communicates with the interior of the first piston rod 25. The second chamber 43 communicates with the second liquid chamber 24.

[0039] The first end portion 51 on the first chamber 42 side of the passage forming component 40 has: an internal thread 52 capable of threadedly engaging with the lower end portion 25a of the first piston rod 25, and a through hole 53 radially penetrating inward and outward at the position of the first chamber 42. The through hole 53 communicates with the first chamber 42.

[0040] The second end 55 on the second chamber 43 side of the passage forming member 40 has at least one radially penetrating port 56 near the partition plate 41. This port 56 is formed, for example, by a circular through-hole, connecting the second chamber 43 to the outside of the passage forming member 40. Furthermore, at the location of the port 56 on the outer peripheral surface 40a of the passage forming member 40, there is an annular groove 57 (annular groove 57) formed throughout the entire circumference. The first liquid chamber 23 and the second liquid chamber 24 (see reference...) Figure 1 The connecting path 27 is a flow path consisting of the second chamber 43, the connecting port 56 and the annular groove 57.

[0041] Furthermore, the annular groove 57 is formed so that the communication port 56 can be connected to the cut-off portions 62 and 63 (described later) of the slide valve 60 even if the slide valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction relative to the passage forming member 40. If the slide valve 60 does not rotate in the circumferential direction relative to the passage forming member 40, the annular groove 57 can be omitted.

[0042] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown in Figure A, the slide valve 60 (valve core 60) is fitted with the outer peripheral surface 40a of the passage forming member 40 in a slidable manner (particularly slidable along the axial direction Rs). The gap between the outer peripheral surface 40a of the passage forming member 40 and the inner peripheral surface 60a of the slide valve 60 is preferably set to the minimum range of relative sliding.

[0043] The slide valve 60 has at least one (preferably multiple) cut-out portions 62 and 63 formed by cutting away one end face 61 (first end face 61) in the axial direction Rs, such as the end face 61 on the side of the first piston rod 25. That is, the opening ends 62a and 63a of the cut-out portions 62 and 63 coincide with the first end face 61 of the slide valve 60, and the bottom ends 62b and 63b of the cut-out portions 62 and 63 face the other end face 64 (second end face 64) in the axial direction Rs of the slide valve 60. The cut-out portions 62 and 63 penetrate radially inside and outside the cylindrical slide valve 60.

[0044] like Figure 4 A and Figure 4 As shown in B, preferably, the plurality of cut portions 62, 63 include at least one (e.g., a plurality of) first cut portions 62 having a first shape and at least one (e.g., a plurality of) second cut portions 63 having a second shape different from the first shape.

[0045] When the slide valve 60 is viewed from the outer peripheral surface 60b side, the first shape of the first cut-out portion 62 is, for example, a V-shaped shape that tapers towards the second end surface 64 with the first end surface 61 of the slide valve 60 as the opening end 62a. The top 62b (bottom 62b) of the V-shape faces the second end surface 64. The second shape of the second cut-out portion 63 is, for example, a rectangular shape with the first end surface 61 of the slide valve 60 as the opening end 63a and the flat bottom 63b facing the second end surface 64. For example, the bottom 62b of the V-shaped first cut-out portion 62 is set to be deeper than the bottom 63b of the rectangular second cut-out portion 63 by a depth Dp towards the second end surface 64.

[0046] The first cutting portion 62 and the second cutting portion 63 are preferably arranged alternately at equal intervals on the circumferential direction Rf of the slide valve 60. More preferably, each of the first cutting portions 62 and the second cutting portions 63 has a pair. The pair of first cutting portions 62, 62 are arranged symmetrically (linearly symmetrically) with respect to the center line CL of the slide valve 60. The pair of second cutting portions 63, 63 are arranged symmetrically (linearly symmetrically) with respect to the center line CL of the slide valve 60. For example, as Figure 4 As shown in Figure B, with the center line CL of the slide valve 60 as a reference, the first cutting portion 62 is located at 0° and 180°, and the second cutting portion 63 is located at 90° and 270°.

[0047] The shapes of these cut-out portions 62 and 63 are arbitrary; for example, they could also be... Figure 5As shown in Figure A, the arc shape has a semi-circular base 62c and 63c. Figure 5 The rectangular shape shown in B has conical surfaces 62d and 63d. Figure 5 The shape shown in C has a narrow auxiliary cutting portion 62f, 63f that is further cut from the flat bottom 62e, 63e toward the second end face 64.

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the drive mechanism 70 includes a drive unit 71, a rod 72 driven by the drive unit 71 and capable of moving axially toward the slide valve 60, an arm 73 extending radially outward from the rod 72, and a pressing member 80 pressed by the arm 73 and capable of moving axially toward the slide valve 60.

[0049] The drive unit 71 is a drive source such as a solenoid or stepper motor, and is driven by a control signal from a control unit (not shown). The rod 72 is disposed within the first piston rod 25 in a manner capable of moving along the axial direction Rs of the slide valve 60. This rod 72 is located on the centerline CL of the slide valve 60, that is, inside the cylindrical passage forming member 40. An arm 73 engages with one end 72a (lower end 72a) of the rod 72 and extends radially outward beyond the passage forming member 40. This arm 73 is, for example, composed of a rod or plate-like component.

[0050] The pressing member 80 is an annular component capable of pressing the first end face 61 of the axial direction Rs of the slide valve 60. This pressing member 80 covers the first end face 61 of the axial direction Rs of the slide valve 60 and the opening ends 62a and 63a of the cut-out portions 62 and 63, and therefore can be called a cover member. More specifically, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the pressing member 80 has an inner peripheral surface 80a that can engage with the outer peripheral surface 60b of the slide valve 60, and an annular flange 81 with a diameter smaller than the inner peripheral surface 80a. The flange 81 has an upper first flange surface 81a that can be pressed by the arm 73, and a lower second flange surface 81b that can press the first end face 61 of the slide valve 60. These first flange surfaces 81a and second flange surfaces 81b are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the centerline CL of the slide valve 60. The drive unit 71 can move the slide valve 60 axially Rs via the arm 73 and the pressing member 80.

[0051] Furthermore, the drive mechanism 70 includes a force-applying member 90 that applies force to the slide valve 60 towards the pressing member 80. This force-applying member 90 is, for example, a compression coil spring. This force-applying member 90 is sometimes appropriately referred to as a "compression coil spring 90". The compression coil spring 90 is located between a spring receiving portion 58 provided in the passage forming member 40 and a spring receiving portion 65 provided on the outer peripheral surface 60b of the slide valve 60, thereby applying force in the direction (upward of the axial direction Rs) where the slide valve 60 closes the communication port 56 of the passage forming member 40. As a result, the compression coil spring 90 maintains a fully closed state where the communication port 56 is closed by the slide valve 60 (see reference). Figure 2 The first end face 61 of the slide valve 60 is held pressed against the pressing member 80. The inner circumferential surface 60a of the slide valve 60 closes the communication port 56 and the annular groove 57.

[0052] Next, the function of the valve device 30 in the above structure will be explained.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, in the drive unit 71 (refer to...) Figure 1 When the lever 72 is not pressed toward the passage forming member 40, the compression coil spring 90 remains in a fully closed state, with the connecting port 56 and the annular groove 57 closed by the slide valve 60. In this fully closed state, the first end face 61 of the slide valve 60 is pressed against the pressing member 80.

[0054] After that, as Figure 6 As shown, the drive unit 71 (refer to) Figure 1 The arm 73 presses the rod 72 toward the passage forming member 40 against the force of the compression coil spring 90, thereby pressing the first flange surface 81a of the pressing member 80 toward the slide valve 60 by the pressing stroke (movement). Therefore, the pressing member 80 presses the first end face 61 of the slide valve 60 toward the compression coil spring 90 via the second flange surface 81b. The slide valve 60 displaces downwards (Dn) in the axial direction Rs against the force of the compression coil spring 90, thereby opening the annular groove 57 according to this displacement. As a result, the degree of connection between the cut-off portions 62 and 63 and the communication port 56 can be adjusted.

[0055] The degree of connectivity between the cut-off portions 62 and 63 and the connecting port 56 will be described in more detail. Figure 7 A schematically shows the cut portions 62 and 63 relative to each other. Figure 6 The connection status of the annular groove 57 and the connecting port 56 shown. Figure 7 B will cut off portions 62 and 63 relative to... Figure 7 The connection state of the annular groove 57 and the connecting port 56 shown in Figure A is unfolded.

[0056] When the slide valve 60 is opened to any position, the opening area of ​​the V-shaped first cut-off portion 62 relative to the annular groove 57 is A1, and the opening area of ​​the rectangular second cut-off portion 63 relative to the annular groove 57 is A2. There is a pair of first cut-off portions 62 and second cut-off portions 63, so the total opening area A10 (not shown) can be calculated using the formula A10 = 2 × (A1 + A2). Thus, the total opening area A10 varies according to the axial displacement (stroke) of the slide valve 60. The variable characteristic of the opening area relative to the stroke can be arbitrarily set by appropriately setting the shape of the bottoms 62b and 63b of each cut-off portion 62 and 63. Therefore, by combining the shape, size, arrangement, and number of each cut-off portion 62 and 63, the degree of connection between the cut-off portions 62 and 63 and the communication port 56 can be appropriately set according to the purpose of the valve device 30.

[0057] In this invention, the damping force characteristics of the buffer 10 are easily controlled if they are kept as constant as possible relative to the stroke of the slide valve 60. In this case, by designing the bottoms 62b and 63b of the cut-off portions 62 and 63 of the slide valve 60 of the valve device 30 into arc or triangular shapes and combining them in a staggered arrangement, the change in the opening area is superimposed and calculated, thereby achieving the aforementioned objective.

[0058] Machining holes in the shape of arcs, triangles, quadrilaterals, etc., is very difficult. In addition, from the perspective of design, it is difficult to create different variations in hole machining, but by cutting away material (grooving) from the open ends 62a and 63a, it is possible to easily form machining of arbitrary shapes.

[0059] As can be seen from the above description, the slide valve 60 can adjust the degree of connection between the cut-off portions 62 and 63 and the communication port 56 by the relative displacement of the slide valve 60 with respect to the passage forming component 40 in the axial direction Rs.

[0060] <Example 2>

[0061] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The valve device 130 of Embodiment 2 and the buffer 100 having the valve device 130 will be described.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the buffer 100 and the valve assembly 130, and... Figure 2 Correspondingly. Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the main components of the valve device 130, compared with... Figure 3 Corresponding. The valve device 130 of Embodiment 2 is characterized in that, for... Figures 1-7 The valve device 30 of Embodiment 1 shown is additionally equipped with Figure 8 and Figure 9The collar 140 is shown. Other basic structures are common to the valve device 30 and the buffer 10 equipped with the valve device 30 of Embodiment 1. For parts common to the valve device 30 and buffer 10 of Embodiment 1, reference numerals are used, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0063] In detail, the valve device 130 of Embodiment 2 has a cylindrical collar 140 sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface 40a of the passage forming member 40 and the inner peripheral surface 60a of the slide valve 60. This collar 140 is engaged with the outer peripheral surface 40a of the passage forming member 40 while its relative movement along the axial direction Rs is restricted. The slide valve 60 is configured to be able to slide indirectly relative to the passage forming member 40 by being slidably engaged with the outer peripheral surface 140a of the collar 140. To prevent liquid leakage from the engaged portion of the passage forming member 40 and the collar 140, it is preferable to improve the sealing performance between the two 40s (e.g., improve the engagement accuracy).

[0064] The collar 140 has at least one communicating port 141 extending radially inward and outward. Furthermore, at the location of the communicating port 141 on the outer circumferential surface 140a of the collar 140, there is an annular groove 142 (annular groove 142) formed throughout the entire circumference. In Embodiment 2, the first liquid chamber 23 and the second liquid chamber 24 (see...) Figure 1 The connecting path 127 is a flow path composed of the second chamber 43, the connecting port 56, the annular groove 57, the connecting port 141 of the collar 140, and the annular groove 142.

[0065] In addition, the annular grooves 57 and 142 are formed so that the connecting port 56 can be connected to the cut-off parts 62 and 63 even if the slide valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction of the passage forming member 40. If the slide valve 60 does not rotate in the circumferential direction relative to the passage forming member 40, it can be omitted.

[0066] The linear expansion coefficient of the collar 140 is greater than that of the passage forming component 40 and the slide valve 60. For example, the passage forming component 40 and the slide valve 60 are made of steel, while the collar 140 is made of aluminum (including aluminum alloys). The outer peripheral surface 140a of the aluminum collar 140 is used for sliding of the slide valve 60, and therefore, to improve wear resistance, it is preferably covered with a coating with excellent wear resistance (e.g., an anodized coating).

[0067] When the ambient temperature increases while using the buffer 100, the passage forming component 40, the slide valve 60, and the collar 140 undergo thermal expansion. Considering the difference in thermal expansion when the ambient temperature is within a preset reference temperature range, Figure 9The diameter d1 of the inner circumferential surface 60a of the slide valve 60 and the diameter d2 of the outer circumferential surface 140a of the collar 140 are set as the range within which the inner circumferential surface 60a of the slide valve 60 can slide relative to the outer circumferential surface 140a of the collar 140.

[0068] The function and effect of the valve device 130 and the buffer 100 equipped with the valve device 130 in Embodiment 2 are the same as those of the valve device 30 and the buffer 10 equipped with the valve device 30 in Embodiment 1.

[0069] The valve devices 30 and 130 described above, and the buffers 10 and 100 equipped with the valve devices 30 and 130, are summarized as follows.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 8 According to embodiments 1 and 2, firstly, the valve devices 30 and 130 include: a passage forming member 40, which is composed of a cylindrical component and has a communication port 56 that connects the interior and the exterior radially; and a slide valve 60, which is composed of a cylindrical component that can slide directly or indirectly relative to the passage forming member 40, and has at least one cut-out portion 62, 63 formed by cutting off one end face 61 (first end face 61) in the axial direction Rs, and the degree of communication between the cut-out portion 62, 63 and the communication port 56 can be adjusted by the relative displacement of the cut-out portion 62, 63 relative to the passage forming member 40.

[0071] Thus, the passage forming component 40 has a communication port 56 that communicates radially. The cylindrical slide valve 60 has cut-out portions 62 and 63 on one end face 61 in the axial direction Rs. By adjusting the relative displacement of the slide valve 60 with respect to the passage forming component 40, the degree of communication between the cut-out portions 62 and 63 and the communication port 56 can be easily adjusted. Moreover, the cylindrical slide valve 60 has a structure with cut-out portions 62 and 63 on one end face 61. By setting parameters such as the size of the cut-out portions 62 and 63, the depth in the axial direction Rs, and the shape of the cut-out portions 62 and 63, the cut-out portions 62 and 63 can be easily formed by machining from one end face 61 in the axial direction Rs. For example, shape parameters include V-shape, rectangular shape, and the shape of the bottom 62b and 63b. Therefore, the variable characteristics of the valve device 30 can be improved, and the machinability of the slide valve 60 can be improved.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 A, Figure 4 B and Figure 8Secondly, preferably, based on the valve devices 30 and 130 described in the first description, the cut-off portions 62 and 63 include: at least one first cut-off portion 62 having a first shape and at least one second cut-off portion 63 having a second shape different from the first shape. The first cut-off portion 62 and the second cut-off portion 63 are arranged along the circumferential direction Rf of the slide valve 60. In this way, the opening characteristics of the first cut-off portion 62 having the first shape and the second cut-off portion 63 having the second shape are different from each other. By arranging the cut-off portions 62 and 63 with different shapes on the circumferential direction Rf of the slide valve 60, a variety of variable characteristics of the valve device 30 can be obtained.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 A, Figure 4 B and Figure 8 Third, preferably, based on the valve devices 30 and 130 described in the second description, each has a pair of first cut-off portions 62 and second cut-off portions 63. The pair of first cut-off portions 62, 62 are arranged symmetrically (linearly symmetrically) with respect to the spool valve 60. The pair of second cut-off portions 63, 63 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the spool valve 60. In this way, by arranging cut-off portions of the same shape symmetrically with respect to the spool valve 60, i.e., the pair of first cut-off portions 62, 62 or the pair of second cut-off portions 63, 63, a balance of opening characteristics can be achieved. As a result, the hydraulic balance of the valve devices 30 and 130 can be appropriately set.

[0074] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 8 Fourth, preferably, based on the valve devices 30 and 130 described in the first to third descriptions, it includes: a pressing member 80 capable of pressing one end face 61 (first end face 61) of the axial direction Rs of the slide valve 60; and a driving unit 71 that moves the slide valve 60 in the axial direction Rs via the pressing member 80. That is, the opening ends 62a and 63a of the cutting portions 62 and 63 are located on one end face 61 of the axial direction Rs of the slide valve 60. The pressing member 80 is sandwiched between such an end face 61 and the driving unit 71. Therefore, even though the opening ends 62a and 63a of the cutting portions 62 and 63 are present on one end face 61, the driving force of the driving unit 71 can be reliably transmitted to the slide valve 60.

[0075] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 8 Fifth, preferably, based on the valve devices 30 and 130 described in the first to fourth descriptions, the slide valve 60 is slidably fitted with the outer peripheral surface 40a of the passage forming member 40. That is, the slide valve 60 surrounds the outer peripheral surface 40a of the passage forming member 40. Compared with the structure in which the slide valve 60 is assembled inside the passage forming member 40, the valve devices 30 and 130 can be miniaturized.

[0076] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 8 Sixth, preferably, based on the valve devices 30 and 130 described in the fifth description, it includes: a rod 72 located inside the passage forming member 40 and movable axially toward the slide valve 60 (Rs); and an arm 73 extending radially outward from the rod 72 and moving together with the rod 72, capable of driving the slide valve 60 axially (Rs). Therefore, the rod 72 located inside the passage forming member 40 can drive the slide valve 60 located outside the passage forming member 40 axially (Rs) via the arm 73. Although the slide valve 60 is located outside the passage forming member 40, it can be easily driven by the rod 72 located at the central side.

[0077] Reference Figure 8 Seventh, preferably, based on the valve device 130 described in the first to sixth sections, a cylindrical collar 140 is provided between the outer peripheral surface 40a of the passage forming member 40 and the inner peripheral surface 60a of the slide valve 60. The slide valve 60 is configured to slide indirectly relative to the passage forming member 40 by being slidably fitted onto the outer peripheral surface 140a of the collar 140. The coefficient of linear expansion of the collar 140 is greater than that of the slide valve 60.

[0078] As the ambient temperature of the valve device 130 increases, the slide valve 60 and the collar 140 undergo thermal expansion. The coefficient of linear expansion of the collar 140 is greater than that of the slide valve 60; therefore, as the temperature rises, the gap between the inner circumferential surface 60a of the slide valve 60 and the outer circumferential surface 140a of the collar 140 decreases. Due to the reduced gap, leakage of the working fluid from this gap decreases. Since the higher the temperature, the less leakage of the working fluid, the degree of connection between the cut-off portions 62 and 63 and the communication port 56 can be adjusted with high precision. That is, the temperature characteristics of the valve device 130 can be improved. For example, in a buffer 100 having the valve device 130, the proportion of damping force variation with temperature (temperature characteristics of damping force) can be reduced; therefore, stable damping force characteristics can be obtained regardless of the material of the passage forming component 40.

[0079] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 8 Eighth, preferably, the buffers 10 and 100 include a cylinder 13, a piston 22 dividing the cylinder 13 into a first liquid chamber 23 and a second liquid chamber 24, and valve devices 30 and 130 described in the first to seventh sections provided in the connecting passages 27 and 127 connecting the first liquid chamber 23 and the second liquid chamber 24. Therefore, by assembling the valve devices 30 and 130, the buffers 10 and 100 can exert a stable damping force.

[0080] Furthermore, the valve devices 30 and 130 of the present invention and the buffers 10 and 100 equipped with the valve devices 30 and 130 are not limited to the above embodiments as long as they perform the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0081] Industrial practicality

[0082] The valve devices 30, 130 of the present invention and the buffers 10, 100 having the valve devices 30, 130 are suitable for use in front forks and rear shock absorbers mounted on motorcycles.

[0083] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0084] 10··· Buffer, 13··· Cylinder, 21··· Piston Rod, 22··· Piston, 23··· First Liquid Chamber, 24··· Second Liquid Chamber, 27··· Connecting Path, 30··· Valve Device, 40··· Passage Forming Component, 40a··· Outer Peripheral Surface, 56··· Connecting Port, 60··· Slide Valve, 60a··· Inner Peripheral Surface, 60b··· Outer Peripheral Surface, 61··· First End Face (One End Face), 62··· Cut-off Section (First Cut-off Section), 62a··· Opening End, 63··· Cut-off Section ( 63a···Open end, 64···Second end face (other end face), 71···Drive part, 72···Rod, 72a···One end (lower end), 73···Arm, 80···Pressing part, 80a···Inner circumferential surface, 100···Buffer, 127···Connecting path, 130···Valve device, 140···Cuff, 140a···Outer circumferential surface, 141···Connecting port, Rf···Circumferential direction of slide valve, Rs···Axial direction of passage forming part (slide valve).

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized in that, include: A passage forming component, the passage forming component being composed of a cylindrical component having a communication port that connects the interior and the exterior radially; as well as A slide valve comprising a cylindrical component capable of sliding directly or indirectly relative to the passage forming component, having at least one cut-out portion formed by cutting off one end face in the axial direction, the slide valve being capable of adjusting the degree of connection of the cut-out portion relative to the communication port by relative displacement relative to the passage forming component.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The excision portion includes: at least one first excision portion having a first shape; and at least one second excision portion having a second shape different from the first shape. The first cut-off portion and the second cut-off portion are arranged in the circumferential direction of the slide valve.

3. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first resection portion and the second resection portion each have a pair. The pair of first cut-off portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the spool valve axis. The pair of second cut-off portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axial direction of the slide valve.

4. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve device further includes: A pressing component, capable of pressing the axial end face of the slide valve; and A drive unit that moves the slide valve axially via the pressing member.

5. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide valve is slidably engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the passage forming component.

6. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve device further includes: A rod, located inside the passage forming member, capable of axial movement along the slide valve; and An arm, which extends radially outward from the rod, is capable of moving together with the rod to axially drive the slide valve.

7. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve device also includes a cylindrical collar located between the outer peripheral surface of the passage forming component and the inner peripheral surface of the slide valve. The slide valve is configured to slide indirectly relative to the passage forming component by being slidably fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the collar. The coefficient of linear expansion of the collar is greater than that of the passage forming component.

8. A buffer, characterized in that, have: Cylinder; Piston, which divides the interior of the cylinder into a first liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber; and The valve device of claim 1 is disposed in a communication path connecting the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber.

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