cushioning device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of buffer device, can not respond delay and generate more in the high-speed area of piston speed within the damping force to improve damping performance, and can improve the ride comfort and handling stability of vehicle by the increase of damping force. Buffer device includes: internal cylinder, with internal space;Intermediate cylinder, is arranged at the outside of internal cylinder;Cover, covers the opening of internal cylinder and intermediate cylinder;Flow path, is formed by the space between internal cylinder and intermediate cylinder;Piston, movably installed in internal cylinder, and the internal space is divided into first chamber and second chamber;And piston rod, with the first end portion being connected with piston, and the second end portion extending to the outside. Valve body is provided between cover and internal cylinder, valve body has the main flow path being communicated with first chamber and flow path, and the length of main flow path in radial direction is shorter than the distance of internal cylinder and piston rod in radial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a buffer device, and more particularly to a buffer device that can be used in vehicles and connected to a damping force generating device to generate damping force. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, efforts to provide access to sustainable transportation systems that also take into account vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, and children among traffic participants have become increasingly active. To achieve this goal, research and development are focused on further improving traffic safety and convenience through advancements related to vehicle behavioral stability. However, among technologies related to vehicle behavioral stability, the cushioning effect of buffer devices installed in vehicles remains a challenge.

[0003] In the prior art, a buffer device includes an inner cylinder for containing a liquid (e.g., oil), an intermediate cylinder disposed outside the inner cylinder, a cover covering the openings of the inner and intermediate cylinders, and a flow path formed by the space between the inner and intermediate cylinders. It also includes a piston movably mounted in the inner cylinder and a piston rod connected to the piston and extending outward through the cover. The buffer device is further connected to a damping force generating device communicating with the flow path. Thus, by extending and retracting the piston rod, the piston reciprocates within the inner cylinder, allowing the liquid to flow between the inner cylinder and the flow path. After the liquid flows from the inner cylinder into the flow path due to the piston's movement, it flows into the damping force generating device communicating with the flow path, and a damping force is generated by the flow resistance of an electrically controlled valve (e.g., a solenoid valve) provided in the damping force generating device. However, in the aforementioned buffer device, how to increase the damping force of the piston during high-speed extension and retraction, and thus improve the vehicle's ride comfort, remains a challenge. In the high-speed range of piston speed, response delays may occur due to sensing delays or delays in the action of electronic control valves, and even if an attempt is made to generate a large damping force in this speed range, it may not be generated at the appropriate time. On the other hand, even if piston valves or foot valves of other hydraulic generating units are used to generate damping force, difficulties arise because the flow rate of oil into them is limited.

[0004] In order to solve the aforementioned problem, the present invention aims to provide a damping device that can improve damping performance by generating more damping force in the high-speed region of piston speed without response delay, and can improve the ride comfort and handling stability of the vehicle by increasing the damping force.

[0005] [Existing technical documents]

[0006] [Patent Literature]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-14556 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention provides a buffer device that can improve damping performance by generating more damping force in the high-speed region of piston speed without response delay, and can improve vehicle ride comfort and handling stability by increasing the damping force.

[0009] This invention provides a buffer device. The buffer device includes: an inner cylinder having an internal space and sealing liquid within the internal space; an intermediate cylinder disposed outside the inner cylinder; a cover covering an opening located at one end of the inner cylinder and the intermediate cylinder; a flow path formed by the space between the inner cylinder and the intermediate cylinder; a piston movably mounted in the inner cylinder and dividing the internal space of the inner cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber; and a piston rod having a first end connected to the piston and a second end extending outward through the first chamber and the cover, wherein a valve body connected to the cover is provided between the cover and the inner cylinder, the valve body having a main flow path communicating with the first chamber and the flow path to allow the liquid to flow, and the length of the main flow path in the radial direction is shorter than the distance between the inner cylinder and the piston rod in the radial direction.

[0010] In the buffer device of an embodiment of the present invention, the piston rod has a stop portion for setting the extension distance of the piston rod, the main flow path has a main inlet open toward the first chamber and a main outlet open toward the flow path, the valve body also has a bypass flow path communicating with the first chamber and the flow path to allow the liquid to flow, the bypass flow path has a bypass inlet open toward the first chamber and a bypass outlet open toward the flow path, and the bypass inlet opens toward the side of the internal cylinder.

[0011] In the buffer device of an embodiment of the present invention, the main outlet also serves as the bypass outlet, and the bypass inlet is connected to the main outlet that also serves as the bypass outlet.

[0012] In the buffer device of an embodiment of the present invention, the valve body has a cover sealing portion that is closer to the cover than the main outlet and located between the cover and the intermediate cylinder, and a portion of the side of the cover presses the intermediate cylinder and the cover sealing portion.

[0013] In the buffer device of an embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of ​​the main outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the bypass inlet.

[0014] In the buffer device of an embodiment of the present invention, a sealing element is provided on the outer periphery of the valve body, and the sealing element is located between the bypass inlet and the main outlet.

[0015] In the buffer device of an embodiment of the present invention, a rod guide is provided between the cover and the piston rod, a cover gap is provided between the cover and the rod guide, and the cover gap is in communication with the main flow path.

[0016] Based on the above, in the buffer device of the present invention, the piston reciprocates within the internal cylinder by extending and contracting the piston rod in the longitudinal direction, enabling liquid to flow within the internal cylinder and the flow path. A valve body connected to the cover is provided between the cover and the internal cylinder. The first chamber of the internal cylinder and the flow path are interconnected through the main flow path of the valve body, allowing liquid flow. The radial length of the main flow path is shorter than the radial distance between the internal cylinder and the piston rod. When the piston rod contracts, causing the piston to move towards the second chamber of the internal cylinder, the liquid flows from the second chamber to the first chamber due to the piston's movement, and then flows more efficiently into the flow path through the shorter main flow path of the valve body. Thus, the liquid can reliably generate additional damping force at the corresponding location when the piston moves at high speed, and when the buffer device is further connected to a damping force generating device, damping force can be generated stably. Accordingly, the buffer device of the present invention can improve damping performance by generating more damping force in the high-speed region of piston speed without response delay, and can improve vehicle ride comfort and handling stability by increasing damping force.

[0017] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a buffer device according to an embodiment of the present invention after a portion of it has been cut along its length.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the buffer device near the valve body with the piston rod in the retracted state.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The buffer device shown is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view near the valve body with the piston rod extended.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the valve body used in the buffer device shown.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 100: Buffer device;

[0024] 102: Liquid;

[0025] 110: Internal cylinder;

[0026] 112: Interior space;

[0027] 112A: First Room;

[0028] 112B: Second Chamber;

[0029] 114, 122: Openings;

[0030] 116: Bottom valve;

[0031] 120: Intermediate cylinder;

[0032] 120A: Pipe body;

[0033] 130: Cover;

[0034] 132: Rod hole;

[0035] 140: Flow path;

[0036] 150: Piston;

[0037] 152: Check valve;

[0038] 160: Piston rod;

[0039] 162: First end;

[0040] 164: Second end;

[0041] 166: Stop section;

[0042] 170: Valve body;

[0043] 170S1: First side section;

[0044] 170S2: Second side;

[0045] 172: Main flow path;

[0046] 172A: Main entrance;

[0047] 172B: Main exports;

[0048] 174: Bypass path;

[0049] 174A: Bypass entrance;

[0050] 174B: Bypass Exit;

[0051] 176: Cover and seal the part;

[0052] 180: Seal;

[0053] 190: Rod guide;

[0054] 200: Damping force generating device;

[0055] 210: Electric control valve;

[0056] 220: Casing;

[0057] D: Distance;

[0058] G1: Cylinder clearance;

[0059] G2: Cover gap;

[0060] L: Length. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a buffer device according to an embodiment of the present invention, after a portion of it has been cut along its length. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the buffer device near the valve body when the piston rod is in the retracted state. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the buffer device near the valve body with the piston rod extended. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the valve body used in the buffer device. The following will use... Figures 1 to 4 This invention describes the specific structure of the buffer device 100 in this embodiment and the application means of the buffer device 100 in a vehicle (not shown) connected to the damping force generating device 200 to generate damping force. However, this is only one example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It can be adjusted according to needs.

[0062] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3In this embodiment, the buffer device 100 includes an internal cylinder 110, an intermediate cylinder 120, a cover 130, a flow path 140, a piston 150, a piston rod 160, and a valve body 170. The internal cylinder 110 has an internal space 112, within which a liquid 102 (e.g., oil) is sealed. The intermediate cylinder 120 is disposed outside the internal cylinder 110. The cover 130 covers openings 114 and 122 located at one end of the internal cylinder 110 and the intermediate cylinder 120 (e.g., the end shown above in the drawing). The flow path 140 is formed by the space between the internal cylinder 110 and the intermediate cylinder 120. The piston 150 is movably mounted in the internal cylinder 110 and divides the internal space 112 of the internal cylinder 110 into a first chamber 112A and a second chamber 112B. The piston rod 160 has a first end 162 connected to the piston 150 and a second end 164 extending outward (e.g., from the upper side of the drawing) through the first chamber 112A and the cover 130. A valve body 170 connected to the cover 130 is provided between the cover 130 and the internal cylinder 110. The valve body 170 has a main flow path 172 communicating with the first chamber 112A and the flow path 140 to allow the flow of liquid 102. Furthermore, the length L of the main flow path 172 in the radial direction (in...) Figure 2 (indicated by the middle mark) The distance D in the radial direction between the internal cylinder 110 and the piston rod 160 (in the middle mark) Figure 2 (The winning bid is short.)

[0063] Specifically, in this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the inner cylinder 110 is, for example, an elongated cylindrical structure extending in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the vertical direction in the drawing) and has an internal space 112. The intermediate cylinder 120 is, for example, an elongated cylindrical structure extending in the longitudinal direction and surrounds the inner cylinder 110. Furthermore, the tube body 120A of the elongated cylindrical structure may be further provided outside the intermediate cylinder 120. One side end of the inner cylinder 110 and the intermediate cylinder 120 (e.g., the end on the upper side in the drawing) has an opening 114 and an opening 122. A cover 130 covers the opening 114 of the inner cylinder 110 and the opening 122 of the intermediate cylinder 120. The inner cylinder 110 and the intermediate cylinder 120 are spaced apart from each other to form a flow path 140, and the relative position (e.g., coaxial arrangement) of the inner cylinder 110 and the intermediate cylinder 120 can be limited by the cover 130. Correspondingly, the other end of the intermediate cylinder 120 (e.g., the end shown at the bottom of the drawing) has a bottom and is closed, and the other end of the inner cylinder 110 has a bottom and is provided with a bottom valve 116. Thus, the internal space 112 of the inner cylinder 110 is connected to the flow path 140 through the flow path in the bottom valve 116, while the intermediate cylinder 120 serves as the outer housing of the buffer device 100 to seal the liquid 102. Furthermore, the cover 130 is provided with a rod hole 132 for the piston rod 160 to pass through. However, the present invention does not limit the specific structure of the inner cylinder 110, intermediate cylinder 120, cover 130, and flow path 140, which can be adjusted according to requirements.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the piston 150 is, for example, a circular plate extending in the width direction and contacting the inner wall of the inner cylinder 110 (in... Figure 1The piston 150 is depicted as a cut semi-circular plate, allowing it to reciprocate (slide) along the inner wall of the inner cylinder 110 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the vertical direction in the drawing) via the piston rod 160. This divides the internal space 112 of the inner cylinder 110 into a first chamber 112A (e.g., the portion on the upper side of the drawing) near the cover 130 and a second chamber 112B (e.g., the portion on the lower side of the drawing) away from the cover 130. As an example, the piston 150 is provided with a one-way valve 152 that opens toward the first chamber 112A and closes toward the second chamber 112B. Thus, the first chamber 112A and the second chamber 112B are unidirectionally connected toward the first chamber 112A via the one-way valve 152 of the piston 150. Accordingly, the piston rod 160 is, for example, a circular rod extending in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the vertical direction in the drawing), with its first end 162 (e.g., the end on the lower side of the drawing) connected to the piston 150, and its second end 164 (e.g., the end on the upper side of the drawing) extending outward through the first chamber 112A and the cover 130. Thus, the piston rod 160 can be extended and retracted in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the vertical direction in the drawing) by a drive source not shown, and drives the piston 150 to reciprocate within the internal cylinder 110 (e.g., moving towards the upper and lower sides of the drawing). The liquid 102 sealed in the internal space 112 of the internal cylinder 110 and stored in the flow path 140 can flow between the internal space 112 and the flow path 140 by the action of the piston rod 160 and the piston 150. However, the present invention does not limit the specific structure of the piston 150 and the piston rod 160, which can be adjusted as needed.

[0065] Additionally, in this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the valve body 170 is, for example, an annular member provided at the end of the cover 130 facing the inner cylinder 110 (e.g., the end on the lower side of the drawing) and connected to the cover 130. Figure 1 The valve body 170 is depicted as a cut semi-circular ring and is positioned near the opening 114 of the inner cylinder 110, thus located between the cover 130 and the inner cylinder 110. Furthermore, the piston rod 160, extending outward through the rod hole 132 of the cover 130, also passes through the opening of the annular valve body 170. The main flow path 172 is located inside the valve body 170 and has an opening on its surface, thereby communicating with the first chamber 112A and the flow path 140. Furthermore, the length L of the main flow path 172 in the radial direction (in...) Figure 2 (indicated by the middle mark) The distance D in the radial direction between the internal cylinder 110 and the piston rod 160 (in the middle mark) Figure 2(The length L of the valve body 170 is shorter). Thus, compared to the situation where liquid 102 flows from the area between the internal cylinder 110 and the piston rod 160 through an additional cylinder opening (not shown) to the flow path 140 without the valve body 170, the presence of the valve body 170 allows liquid 102 to flow more efficiently from the area between the internal cylinder 110 and the piston rod 160 through the main flow path 172, which has a shorter length L, to the flow path 140. However, the present invention does not limit the specific structure of the valve body 170, which can be adjusted according to requirements.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, the internal space 112 of the internal cylinder 110 (including the first chamber 112A and the second chamber 112B) and the flow path 140 are interconnected through the main flow path 172 of the valve body 170, the flow path in the bottom valve 116 of the internal cylinder 110, and the one-way valve 152 of the piston 150. The liquid 102 can flow between the internal space 112 and the flow path 140 by the action of the piston rod 160 and the piston 150. As an example, when the piston rod 160 retracts and drives the piston 150 to move away from the cover 130 and closer to the second chamber 112B (e.g., moving towards the lower side of the figure), at least a portion of the liquid 102 in the second chamber 112B flows to the first chamber 112A through the one-way valve 152 which is open towards the first chamber 112A, and at least a portion of the liquid 102 in the first chamber 112A flows to the flow path 140 through the main flow path 172 of the valve body 170. Correspondingly, when the piston rod 160 extends and drives the piston 150 to move towards the side closer to the cover 130 and closer to the first chamber 112A (e.g., towards the upper side of the drawing), at least a portion of the liquid 102 in the first chamber 112A is blocked by the one-way valve 152 and flows through the main flow path 172 of the valve body 170 to the flow path 140, and at least a portion of the liquid 102 in the flow path 140 flows through the flow path in the bottom valve 116 to the second chamber 112B. During this process, the length L of the main flow path 172 in the radial direction (in...) Figure 2 The short length of the flow path (indicated by the valve body 170) allows the liquid 102 to flow more efficiently through the main flow path 172 of the valve body 170 to the flow path 140. This ensures that the liquid reliably generates additional damping force at the corresponding location when the piston moves at high speed. Therefore, the buffer device 100 can improve damping performance by generating more damping force in the high-speed region of the piston 150 without response delay, and can improve vehicle ride comfort and handling stability through the increased damping force. However, the present invention does not limit the operation mode of the buffer device 100, which can be adjusted as needed.

[0067] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, the buffer device 100 is, for example, an application in a vehicle (not shown) that connects to the damping force generating device 200 to generate damping force. As an example, the damping force generating device 200 is, for example, equipped with an electrically controlled valve 210 (e.g., a solenoid valve) and generates damping force through the flow resistance generated by the electrically controlled valve 210 in response to the liquid flowing into the damping force generating device 200. One end of the damping force generating device 200 is connected to the flow path 140. Thus, after the liquid 102 is driven by the piston rod 160 and the piston 150 to flow from the internal cylinder 110 into the flow path 140, the liquid 102 flows into the damping force generating device 200 connected to the flow path 140, and generates damping force through the flow resistance of the electrically controlled valve 210 provided in the damping force generating device 200. Here, only the electrically controlled valve 210 and the housing 220 housing the electrically controlled valve 210 are shown in the diagram of the damping force generating device 200; other structures are omitted from description. Furthermore, the specific structure of the damping force generating device 200 can be adjusted as needed, and the buffer device 100 can also be applied to other devices that require liquid supply; the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0068] With the above configuration, in the buffer device 100 of this embodiment, the piston 150 is driven to reciprocate within the internal cylinder 110 (e.g., moving towards the upper and lower sides of the drawing) by the extension and contraction of the piston rod 160 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the vertical direction in the drawing), allowing the liquid 102 to flow in the internal cylinder 110 and the flow path 140. A valve body 170 connected to the cover 130 is provided between the cover 130 and the internal cylinder 110. The first chamber 112A of the internal cylinder 110 and the flow path 140 are interconnected through the main flow path 172 of the valve body 170, allowing the liquid 102 to flow. Furthermore, the length L of the main flow path 172 in the radial direction is shorter than the radial distance D between the internal cylinder 110 and the piston rod 160. When the piston rod 160 retracts, causing the piston 150 to move towards the second chamber 112B of the inner cylinder 110 (e.g., towards the lower side of the drawing), the liquid 102 flows from the second chamber 112B to the first chamber 112A due to the movement of the piston 150, and then flows more efficiently into the flow path 140 through the main flow path 172 of the valve body 170, which has a short length L. Thus, the liquid 102 can reliably generate additional damping force at the corresponding location when the piston 150 moves at high speed, and can stably generate damping force when the damping device 100 is further connected to the damping force generating device 200. Accordingly, the damping device 100 can improve damping performance by generating more damping force in the high-speed range of the piston 150 without response delay, and can improve vehicle ride comfort and handling stability by increasing the damping force.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the piston rod 160 has a stop portion 166 that sets the extension and retraction distance of the piston rod 160. The stop portion 166 is, for example, an annular protrusion structure provided on the rod body of the piston rod 160 (in... Figure 1 (Drawn as a cut semi-circular ring), and its radius is larger than the radius of the piston rod 160 and the rod hole 132 on the cover 130 through which the piston rod 160 passes. When the piston rod 160 extends and drives the piston 150 to move closer to the first chamber 112A, the piston rod 160 can only extend to the stop 166 abutting against the end of the valve body 170 (e.g., Figure 3 The piston rod 160 cannot extend further until it reaches the state shown. That is, the extension distance of the piston rod 160 is set to the distance that the stop portion 166 moves to the end that contacts the valve body 170. In this way, the extension distance of the piston rod 160 can be effectively set, and the extension and retraction of the piston rod 160 are more stable. However, in other embodiments not shown, the stop portion 166 may be omitted, and the extension distance of the piston rod 160 may be set to the distance that the piston 150 moves to the end that contacts the valve body 170. Correspondingly, when the piston rod 160 retracts and drives the piston 150 to move towards the second chamber 112B, the retraction distance of the piston rod 160 is set to the distance that the piston 150 moves to the bottom that contacts the inner cylinder 110. In other embodiments not shown, a stop portion may also be provided at the second end 164 of the piston rod 160. In addition, the extension distance of the piston rod 160 may also be set by the drive stroke of the drive source (not shown) used to drive the piston rod 160. The present invention does not limit the specific structure, location, or presence of the stop part 166, nor does it limit the means of setting the extension distance of the piston rod 160, which can be adjusted as needed.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the main flow path 172 has a main inlet 172A opening toward the first chamber 112A and a main outlet 172B opening toward the flow path 140. The main inlet 172A is located at the end of the valve body 170 facing the first chamber 112A (e.g., the end on the lower side of the figure), and the main outlet 172B is located on the side of the valve body 170 facing the flow path 140 (i.e., the space between the inner cylinder 110 and the intermediate cylinder 120), while the main flow path 172 passes through the interior of the valve body 170. Furthermore, the valve body 170 also has a bypass flow path 174 communicating with the first chamber 112A and the flow path 140 to allow the flow of liquid 102. The bypass flow path 174 has a bypass inlet 174A opening toward the first chamber 112A and a bypass outlet 174B opening toward the flow path 140. The bypass inlet 174A opens towards the side of the internal cylinder 110, that is, it is located on the side of the valve body 170 facing the internal cylinder 110, while the bypass flow path 174 passes through the interior of the valve body 170. As an example, there is a cylinder gap G1 between the bypass inlet 174A and the internal cylinder 110. That is, the side of the valve body 170 with the bypass inlet 174A does not contact the inner surface of the internal cylinder 110.

[0071] With the above configuration, in this embodiment, driven by the piston rod 160 and the piston 150, the liquid 102 can flow from the first chamber 112A to the flow path 140 through the main flow path 172 and the bypass flow path 174 of the valve body 170. In particular, as Figure 3 As shown, when the piston rod 160 extends and drives the piston 150 to move closer to the first chamber 112A, since the piston rod 160 can extend until the stop portion 166 abuts against the end of the valve body 170, and the main inlet 172A is located at the end of the valve body 170 facing the first chamber 112A, there is a concern that the stop portion 166 might block the main inlet 172A. However, since the valve body 170 also has a bypass flow path 174 and the bypass inlet 174A is open to the side of the internal cylinder 110, the stop portion 166 will not block the bypass inlet 174A. Thus, even if the stop portion 166 blocks the main inlet 172A, the liquid 102 can still flow from the first chamber 112A to the flow path 140 through the guidance of the bypass flow path 174 when the piston rod 160 extends and drives the piston 150 to move closer to the first chamber 112A. In particular, the liquid 102 can flow smoothly into the bypass inlet 174A through the cylinder gap G1. In this way, the damping device 100 can improve its damping performance by generating more damping force in the high-speed region of the piston 150 without response delay, and can improve the vehicle's ride comfort and handling stability by increasing the damping force.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the main outlet 172B also serves as the bypass outlet 174B, and the bypass inlet 174A is connected to the main outlet 172B, which also serves as the bypass outlet 174B. That is, the same outlet is used as both the main outlet 172B and the bypass outlet 174B, and the main flow path 172 and the bypass flow path 174 share a portion of the flow path. According to the above description, as long as the main inlet 172A and the bypass inlet 174A are separated to prevent the liquid 102 from having difficulty flowing into the valve body 170, it does not restrict whether the main outlet 172B and the bypass outlet 174B are separated or shared. By using the same outlet as both the main outlet 172B and the bypass outlet 174B, regardless of whether the liquid 102 flows to the flow path 140 through the main flow path 172 or the bypass flow path 174, its flow characteristics, such as flow rate, will not change, thus enabling the buffer device 100 to be used in a vehicle (not shown) and the damping force generating device 200 (in Figure 1 When the damping force is generated by the connection (shown in the diagram), the passengers of the vehicle will not feel any discomfort. However, in other embodiments not shown, the main outlet 172B and the bypass outlet 174B can also be separated, as long as the liquid 102 can flow from the first chamber 112A to the flow path 140 through the main flow path 172 and the bypass flow path 174. Furthermore, the bypass flow path 174 can be omitted, and the position of the main inlet 172A can be adjusted to avoid being blocked by the stop 166. Alternatively, the stop 166 can be omitted as described above without any concern about the main inlet 172A being blocked. The present invention is not limited thereto and can be adjusted as needed.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 4As shown, a portion of the main flow path 172 is formed, for example, by the space between the inner surface of the valve body 170 and the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod 160, and another portion of the main flow path 172 is formed, for example, at one end of the side of the valve body 170 (e.g., the upper side of the figure) and connects the inside and outside of the valve body 170. The main inlet 172A is, for example, an annular opening formed between the inner surface of the valve body 170 and the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod 160, and the main outlet 172B is, for example, a plurality of through holes formed on the outer end face of one end of the valve body 170 and arranged circumferentially. Correspondingly, a portion of the bypass flow path 174 is formed, for example, at the other end of the side of the valve body 170 (e.g., the lower side of the figure) and connects the inside and outside of the valve body 170, and another portion of the bypass flow path 174 is shared with the main flow path 172. The bypass inlet 174A is, for example, a plurality of through holes formed on the outer end face of the other end of the valve body 170 and arranged circumferentially, and the bypass outlet 174B is also used as the main outlet 172B. Thus, the main inlet 172A, which is configured as an annular opening, and the bypass inlet 174A, which is configured as a plurality of through holes arranged circumferentially, allow the liquid 102 to flow into the valve body 170 uniformly, and the main outlet 172B, which is configured as a plurality of through holes arranged circumferentially (and also used as the bypass outlet 174B), allows the liquid 102 to flow out of the valve body 170 uniformly.

[0074] As an example, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the main outlet 172B, which also serves as the bypass outlet 174B, is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the bypass inlet 174A. When the main outlet 172B is configured as a plurality of through holes arranged circumferentially, the cross-sectional area of ​​the main outlet 172B refers to the total cross-sectional area of ​​all the through holes serving as the main outlet 172B, or it can refer to the cross-sectional area of ​​a single through hole. Furthermore, the main outlet 172B can also be configured as an annular opening or a single through hole. Similarly, when the bypass inlet 174A is configured as a plurality of through holes arranged circumferentially, the cross-sectional area of ​​the bypass inlet 174A refers to the total cross-sectional area of ​​all the through holes serving as the bypass inlet 174A, or it can refer to the cross-sectional area of ​​a single through hole. Furthermore, the bypass inlet 174A can also be configured as an annular opening or a single through hole. Thus, when liquid 102 flows through the main outlet 172B with a small cross-sectional area to the flow path 140, it generates resistance, thereby increasing the generated damping force when the damping force generating device 200 is further connected to the buffer device 100. However, the present invention does not limit the shape, number, and size of the inlet and outlet of the valve body 170, which can be adjusted as needed.

[0075] Additionally, in this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the valve body 170 has a cover seal 176 located closer to the cover 130 (i.e., closer to the upper side of the drawing) than the main outlet 172B and situated between the cover 130 and the intermediate cylinder 120. A portion of the side of the cover 130 presses against the intermediate cylinder 120 and the cover seal 176. As an example, the opening 114 of the inner cylinder 110 is recessed further inward than the opening 122 of the intermediate cylinder 120 (i.e., closer to the lower side of the drawing), and the cover 130 covers the outside of the opening 122 of the intermediate cylinder 120 and extends into the intermediate cylinder 120. The end of the cover 130 extending into the intermediate cylinder 120 is provided with the valve body 170, and the valve body 170 further extends into the inner cylinder 110. An annular cover seal 176 is formed at the end of the valve body 170 corresponding to the cover 130 (e.g., the upper end of the drawing). The cover sealing portion 176 surrounds the end of the cover body 130 extending into the intermediate cylinder 120, and the cover body 130 is brought into close contact with the intermediate cylinder 120 and the cover sealing portion 176 by pressing a portion of its side against them. Thus, the liquid 102 flowing through the main outlet 172B of the valve body 170 to the flow path 140 is blocked by the cover sealing portion 176 and prevents it from flowing into the cover body 130, thereby preventing the liquid 102 from overflowing to the outside of the cover body 130. Furthermore, the valve body 170 can be positioned between the cover body 130 and the intermediate cylinder 120 by the cover sealing portion 176, thereby maintaining the fluidity of the liquid 102 flowing through the valve body 170 and maintaining the generated damping force when the buffer device 100 is further connected to the damping force generating device 200. However, the present invention does not limit the specific structure, location, or presence of the cover sealing portion 176, which can be adjusted as needed.

[0076] Similarly, in this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 4As shown, a seal 180 is provided on the outer periphery of the valve body 170, and the seal 180 is located between the bypass inlet 174A and the main outlet 172B (which also serves as the bypass outlet 174B). Furthermore, at least one end of the valve body 170 (e.g., the end shown below in the figure) extends into the internal cylinder 110, and this end of the valve body 170 extending into the internal cylinder 110 has a first side portion 170S1 with a small radius to facilitate the bypass inlet 174A being spaced apart from the internal cylinder 110, and a second side portion 170S2 with a large radius to facilitate contact with the inner surface of the internal cylinder 110. Thus, the valve body 170 can both provide a bypass inlet 174A for easy flow of liquid 102 and be fixed in contact with the inner surface of the internal cylinder 110. At this point, a groove for receiving a seal 180 is further formed on the outer periphery of the second side portion 170S2 of the valve body 170. The seal 180 is, for example, an annular sealing strip (e.g., an O-ring) that surrounds the outer periphery of the valve body 170 and is received in the groove. Furthermore, the seal 180 received in the groove can abut against the inner side of the inner cylinder 110, thereby further sealing any gaps that may exist between the outer periphery of the valve body 170 and the inner cylinder 110. In this way, the seal 180 can prevent liquid 102 from flowing out of the inner cylinder 110 through gaps other than the main inlet 172A and the bypass inlet 174A. However, the present invention does not limit the specific structure, location, or presence of the seal 180, and it can be adjusted as needed.

[0077] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 3As shown, a rod guide 190 is provided between the cover 130 and the piston rod 160. A cover gap G2 is provided between the cover 130 and the rod guide 190, and the cover gap G2 communicates with the main flow path 172. The rod guide 190 is, for example, a cylindrical component disposed on the outer periphery of the piston rod 160 and extending in the length direction. The rod guide 190 is located between the cover 130 and the piston rod 160 in the width direction and between the cover 130 and the valve body 170 in the length direction. Furthermore, at least a portion of the cover 130 located on the outer periphery of the piston rod 160 and the rod guide 190 is spaced apart from the rod guide 190 and has a cover gap G2, and the opening of at least one end of the cover gap G2 (for example, the lower end in the figure) corresponds to one side of the main flow path 172 of the valve body 170 and communicates with the main flow path 172. For example, a portion of the main flow path 172 is formed by the space between the inner side of the valve body 170 and the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod 160. One end of this portion forms a main inlet 172A, and the other end communicates with the cover gap G2. Thus, the piston rod 160 can extend and retract in the longitudinal direction guided by the rod guide 190. Furthermore, as the liquid 102 flows from the first chamber 112A through the main flow path 172 of the valve body 170 to the flow path 140, the liquid 102 can also flow through the main flow path 172 to the cover gap G2, thereby lubricating the rod guide 190 and the piston rod 160. That is, the flow path of the liquid 102 to the rod guide 190 and the piston rod 160 is formed by the cover gap G2 and a portion of the main flow path 172, thereby further simplifying the structure, providing lubrication, and improving ride comfort when the buffer device 100 is applied in a vehicle (not shown). However, the present invention does not limit the specific structure, setting method, or whether the cover gap G2 is set or not; it can be adjusted according to requirements.

[0078] In summary, in the buffer device of the present invention, the piston reciprocates within the internal cylinder by extending and contracting the piston rod in the longitudinal direction, enabling liquid to flow within the internal cylinder and the flow path. A valve body connected to the cover is provided between the cover and the internal cylinder. The first chamber of the internal cylinder and the flow path are interconnected through the main flow path of the valve body, allowing liquid flow. The radial length of the main flow path is shorter than the radial distance between the internal cylinder and the piston rod. When the piston rod contracts, causing the piston to move towards the second chamber of the internal cylinder, the liquid flows from the second chamber to the first chamber due to the piston's movement, and then flows more efficiently into the flow path through the shorter main flow path of the valve body. Thus, the liquid can reliably generate additional damping force at the corresponding location when the piston moves at high speed, and this damping force can be stably generated when the buffer device is further connected to a damping force generating device. Preferably, the valve body also has a bypass flow path, with the bypass inlet opening towards the side of the internal cylinder, and the main outlet also serving as the bypass outlet, thereby further simplifying the structure. Accordingly, the buffer device of the present invention can improve damping performance by generating more damping force in the high-speed region of piston speed without response delay, and can improve vehicle ride comfort and handling stability by increasing damping force.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A buffer device, characterized in that, include: An internal cylinder having an internal space, and liquid sealed within said internal space; An intermediate cylinder is located outside the inner cylinder; A cover that covers an opening located at one end of the inner cylinder and the intermediate cylinder; The flow path is formed by the space between the inner cylinder and the intermediate cylinder; A piston is movably mounted in the internal cylinder and divides the internal space of the internal cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber; as well as The piston rod has a first end connected to the piston and a second end extending outward through the first chamber and the cover, wherein A valve body connected to the cover is provided between the cover and the internal cylinder. The valve body has a main flow path that communicates with the first chamber and the flow path to allow the liquid to flow, and The length of the main flow path in the radial direction is shorter than the distance between the internal cylinder and the piston rod in the radial direction.

2. The buffer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piston rod has a stop portion for setting the extension and retraction distance of the piston rod. The main flow path has a main inlet opening toward the first chamber and a main outlet opening toward the flow path. The valve body also has a bypass flow path that communicates with the first chamber and the flow path to allow the liquid to flow. The bypass flow path has a bypass inlet opening toward the first chamber and a bypass outlet opening toward the flow path, and The bypass inlet opens toward the side of the internal cylinder.

3. The buffer device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main outlet also serves as the bypass outlet, and The bypass inlet is connected to the main outlet, which also serves as the bypass outlet.

4. The buffer device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The valve body has a cover seal portion that is closer to the cover than the main outlet and located between the cover and the intermediate cylinder, and A portion of the side of the cover presses against the intermediate cylinder and the cover sealing portion.

5. The buffer device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the main outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the bypass inlet.

6. The buffer device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The valve body is provided with a seal on its outer periphery, and the seal is located between the bypass inlet and the main outlet.

7. The buffer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A rod guide is provided between the cover and the piston rod. There is a cover gap between the cover and the rod guide, and The gap in the cover is connected to the main flow path.

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