Damping force variable valve assembly and damping force variable shock absorber including the same

Abstract

This invention provides a variable damping force valve assembly and a variable damping force shock absorber including the same. According to one aspect of the invention, a variable damping force valve assembly includes: an integral flexible valve port, a valve housing, and a main valve portion. The integral flexible valve port includes: a main body portion having a centrally formed fitting hole for fitting a valve mounting member that fixes the valve disc, and a connecting flow path formed outside the fitting hole; and a replica body portion extending laterally along the rear periphery of the main body portion, with a protrusion formed at the rear, which closely fits the front of the valve disc. The connecting flow path is located between the fitting hole and the protrusion, and includes a first region and a second region. The first region has a relatively small cross-sectional area, and the second region has a larger cross-sectional area relative to the first region and is located behind the first region.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0189940, filed on December 18, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a variable damping force valve assembly and a variable damping force shock absorber including the same, and more particularly, to a variable damping force valve assembly and a variable damping force shock absorber including the same that are easy to assemble and can reduce the overall size. Background Technology

[0004] Generally speaking, shock absorbers are installed on vehicles such as cars and motorcycles to absorb and buffer vibrations or impacts from the road surface while driving, thereby improving ride comfort.

[0005] The shock absorber consists of a piston rod that is configured to perform compression and extension strokes inside the cylinder, and a piston valve located inside the cylinder and generating damping force when engaged with the piston rod.

[0006] When the damping force is set low, the shock absorber can absorb vibrations caused by road surface irregularities, thereby improving ride comfort; conversely, when the damping force is set high, the shock absorber can suppress changes in vehicle body posture, thus improving handling stability.

[0007] In recent years, variable damping shock absorbers have been applied to vehicles, and their damping characteristics can be set according to different vehicle usage purposes.

[0008] This type of variable damping shock absorber also includes a variable damping valve assembly for adjusting the damping force. The variable damping valve assembly can switch the damping force by closing the auxiliary flow path with the valve core of the electromagnet to generate a hard mode with high damping force and opening the auxiliary flow path with the valve core of the electromagnet to generate a soft mode with low damping force.

[0009] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating a variable damping force shock absorber according to the prior art.

[0010] According to the prior art, a damping force variable shock absorber may include a shock absorber body 1 and a damping force variable valve 200. The shock absorber body 1 includes a cylinder 10 having an outer cylinder 11 and an inner cylinder 12, a piston rod 13, a piston valve 14, a storage chamber 15, and an isolation pipe 16.

[0011] A damping force variable valve assembly 100 is provided on the outside of the outer cylinder 11, and an inner cylinder 12 is provided inside the outer cylinder 11 to maintain a certain interval.

[0012] In addition, a storage chamber 15 is formed between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12 for forming a low-pressure chamber PL and a high-pressure chamber PH.

[0013] One end of the piston rod 13 reciprocates in the direction of compression and stretching stroke while engaged with the piston valve 14 located inside the inner cylinder 12.

[0014] When the piston valve 14 is engaged with one end of the piston rod 13, it divides the inner cylinder 12 into a compression chamber 12a and a tension chamber 12b in the length direction, thereby generating a damping force caused by fluid resistance while reciprocating in the compression and tension stroke directions inside the cylinder 10.

[0015] The storage chamber 15 is located in the space between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12.

[0016] The isolation tube 16 is disposed between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12. Specifically, it is disposed on the outer side of the inner cylinder 12, forming a high-pressure chamber PH on its inner side and a low-pressure chamber PL on its outer side.

[0017] That is, the isolation tube 16 divides the interior of the storage chamber 15 into a low-pressure chamber PL and a high-pressure chamber PH.

[0018] The body valve 17 is located at the lower end of the inner cylinder 12 and generates damping force by controlling the flow of working fluid between the storage chamber 15 and the compression chamber 12a.

[0019] On the other hand, the high-pressure chamber PH is connected to the stretching chamber 12b through the internal hole 12c provided in the inner cylinder 12, and the low-pressure chamber PL is connected to the compression chamber 12a through the lower flow path formed between the body valve 17 and the outer cylinder 11 and the flow path formed in the body valve 17 (not shown).

[0020] The damping force variable valve assembly 100 is integrated with the shock absorber body 1. Working fluid can flow into the shock absorber body 1.

[0021] Figure 2 To show Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of the variable damping force valve assembly used in a variable damping force shock absorber. Figure 3 To show in magnified form Figure 2 Diagram of the middle port and the soft valve section. Figure 4 To show Figure 3 The diagram shows the state of the valve installation component after removal.

[0022] The following is from Figure 2 As can be seen, the shock absorber body 1, which is combined with the damping force variable valve assembly 100, is positioned on the upper side, and the direction toward the shock absorber body 1 is defined as the front of the damping force variable valve assembly 100.

[0023] According to the prior art, the damping force variable valve assembly 100 may include a port 110, a valve body 120, a soft valve section 130, a main valve section 140, a safety valve section 150, and an electromagnet section 160.

[0024] The front end of port 110 is connected to the high-pressure chamber PH through the outer cylinder 11 and the isolation pipe 16. The interior is connected front and back to form a connecting flow path 111 so that the working fluid can flow from the high-pressure chamber PH into the damping force variable valve assembly.

[0025] That is, the inlet of the flow path 111 is connected to the high-pressure chamber PH, and the outlet is connected to the pilot chamber 123 and the lifting chamber 125 of the valve body 120.

[0026] A washer 113 for fixing can be provided on the outside of port 110.

[0027] A support portion 115 protruding laterally is formed on the rear side of port 110, and a protrusion that contacts the front of the soft valve body 131 is formed behind the support portion 115.

[0028] This protrusion seals the space between port 110 and the soft valve body 131.

[0029] The valve housing 120 is made of cylindrical metal material, and the soft valve part 130, the main valve part 140 and the safety valve part 150 can be assembled sequentially in the hollow interior.

[0030] The hollow internal space of the valve body 120 can be divided by the plate-shaped valve base 121.

[0031] The valve housing 120 is centered on the valve base 121, with a pilot chamber 123 at the front and a lifting chamber 125 at the rear. The two can be connected through the base hole 122 provided in the valve base 121.

[0032] The pilot chamber 123 forms a wider space than the lifting chamber 125.

[0033] The pilot chamber 123 has multiple steps along its length on its hollow inner side, and each step is provided with a soft valve section 130 and a main valve section 140 in sequence from the port side inlet.

[0034] At the middle height position of the valve housing 120 where the main valve section 140 is located, a plurality of flow path holes 126 are provided along the circumferential direction to form the main flow path, so that the interior of the valve housing 120 is connected to the exterior.

[0035] The volume of the lifting chamber 125 is set to be smaller than that of the pilot chamber 123, and the safety valve part 150 is located inside it.

[0036] The soft valve section 130 is connected to the connection flow path 111 provided at the port 110, so that the fluid passing through the port 110 preferentially passes through the valve body 120.

[0037] The flexible valve section 130 includes a flexible valve body 131, a valve disc 133, and a valve mounting component 135.

[0038] The soft valve body 131 is cylindrical, with the valve mounting part 135 passing through its center, and at least one soft flow path 132 passing through its circumference.

[0039] The valve disc 133 is plate-shaped and is located on the rear end side of the soft valve body 131, for example, on the opposite side of the port 110, in a state of close contact with the soft valve body.

[0040] Valve disc 133 can be configured in a stacked manner.

[0041] The valve mounting component 135 supports the valve disc 133 and is connected to the soft valve body 131 in the state of normally closing the soft flow path 132.

[0042] The valve mounting component 135 is provided with rivets or pins and can be attached to the soft valve body 131.

[0043] This flexible valve section 130 is attached to the inlet-side end of the valve housing 120 to selectively connect the port 110 to the pilot chamber 123.

[0044] In particular, the soft valve section 130 has an independent component form, and its adjustment freedom can be greatly improved through individual design. For example, the damping force of the main valve section can be minimized in soft mode, and the damping force at low speed can be adjusted.

[0045] The main valve section 140 is housed in the pilot chamber 123 of the valve housing 120 and may include a valve seat 141, a valve body 143, and a valve spring 145.

[0046] Valve seat 141 is arranged in a ring shape.

[0047] In addition, the valve seat 141 can be supported by the locking platform 127 located on the inner side of the valve body 120 via the step provided on the outer side.

[0048] While the rear end of the valve seat 141 selectively contacts the front end of the valve body 143, the main flow path between the pilot chamber 123 and the valve body is connected.

[0049] The valve body 143 can be vertically connected to the pilot chamber 123.

[0050] The valve body 143 includes a disc-shaped main body 143a, and a front edge 143b and a rear edge 143c extending from the front and rear sides of the main body 143a, respectively.

[0051] The main body disk 143a has a main body hole 144 in the center so that the front and rear of the main body disk 143a are connected.

[0052] The upper end of the front edge 143b selectively contacts or is spaced from the rear end of the valve seat 141, and the rear end of the rear edge 143c is elastically supported by the valve spring 145 towards the port side.

[0053] The valve spring 145 can be in the form of a helical spring.

[0054] The safety valve section 150 is disposed in the lifting chamber 125 and between the valve body 120 and the electromagnet section 160.

[0055] The electromagnet part 160 is driven by an externally transmitted current. When the current is supplied, the electromagnetic force generated by the excitation of the coil causes the protruding rod 162 to move in the forward and backward direction.

[0056] In addition, a bypass flow path 170 is provided between the valve housing 120 and the electromagnet part 160.

[0057] The bypass flow path 170 connects the interior of the lifting chamber 125 with the storage chamber 15.

[0058] Specifically, the inlet of the bypass flow path 170 is connected to the interior of the lift chamber 125, and the outlet is connected to the low-pressure chamber PL of the storage chamber 15. When driven in hard mode, soft mode, and fail mode, the working fluid of the lift chamber 125 is moved to the low-pressure chamber PL.

[0059] However, in the existing damping force variable valve assembly as described above, since the port 110 and the soft valve part 130 are provided separately, a seal is required between the port 110 and the soft valve body 131.

[0060] This results in an increase in the number of parts, more complex assembly, and an increase in the overall size of the valve assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0061] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0062] The purpose of this invention is to provide a damping force variable valve assembly that is easy to assemble and can reduce the overall size, and a damping force variable shock absorber including the same.

[0063] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and other purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains from the following description.

[0064] means for solving problems

[0065] According to one aspect of the present invention, a variable damping force valve assembly is provided, comprising: an integral flexible valve port, the front end of which is connected to a shock absorber body, and an internally formed connecting flow path extending in a forward-rear direction to allow working fluid to flow in from the shock absorber body, the valve disc being tightly fitted to the rear portion; a valve housing, which is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, the inner circumferential surface of the front end being combined with the outer circumferential surface of the integral flexible valve port; and a main valve portion disposed within the valve housing at the rear portion of the integral flexible valve port, wherein the integral flexible valve port includes: a main body portion, which has a centrally formed fitting hole for fitting a valve mounting member that fixes the valve disc, and the connecting flow path is formed outside the fitting hole; and a replica body portion, which extends laterally along the periphery of the rear portion of the main body portion, and has a protrusion formed at the rear, tightly fitted to the front of the valve disc, wherein the connecting flow path is located between the fitting hole and the protrusion, the connecting flow path including a first region and a second region, the first region having a relatively small cross-sectional area, and the second region having a larger cross-sectional area relative to the first region and located behind the first region.

[0066] At this time, the first side of the second region near the protrusion can be tilted toward the protrusion.

[0067] At this time, the first side surface can be formed to be uneven.

[0068] On the other hand, the first side surface can be formed as a plane or a curved surface.

[0069] On the other hand, the first side of the second region near the protrusion can be formed in a front-back direction.

[0070] On the other hand, a valve mounting component for fixing the valve disc can be fitted into the fitting hole.

[0071] On the other hand, the valve disc can be arranged in the form of multiple discs stacked together.

[0072] On the other hand, the valve disc can be attached to the rear of the integrated soft valve port in a state where the connecting flow path is normally closed.

[0073] On the other hand, the connection flow path can be formed in multiple ways.

[0074] On the other hand, the copy body may include: a first copy body extending laterally around the rear of the main body and protruding from the rear to form the protrusion; and a second copy body extending rearward along the rear edge region of the first copy body.

[0075] At this time, the valve disc can be located in the mounting groove formed by the inner peripheral surface of the second replica body.

[0076] On the other hand, the support portion may be formed horizontally at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the replica body.

[0077] At this time, the support portion can be set in 3 locations and arranged at 120° intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0078] At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the support part contacts the inner peripheral surface of the valve housing, and the rear end of the support part contacts the upper surface of the main valve part, thereby enabling the integrated soft valve port to maintain a stable state inside the valve housing.

[0079] On the other hand, the connecting flow paths formed on the main body can be formed in multiple ways along the circumferential direction outside the fitting hole.

[0080] On the other hand, the valve mounting component can be provided in the form of a rivet or a pin.

[0081] According to another aspect of the invention, a damping force variable shock absorber comprising the aforementioned damping force variable valve assembly can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0082] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art through detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0083] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating a variable damping force shock absorber according to the prior art.

[0084] Figure 2 To show Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of the variable damping force valve assembly used in a variable damping force shock absorber.

[0085] Figure 3 To show in magnified form Figure 2 Diagram of the middle port and the soft valve section.

[0086] Figure 4 To show Figure 3 The diagram shows the state of the valve installation component after removal.

[0087] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating the variable damping force shock absorber according to the present invention is provided.

[0088] Figure 6 To show Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the variable damping force valve assembly used in the variable damping force shock absorber.

[0089] Figure 7 To show in magnified form Figure 6 Diagram of the integrated soft valve port.

[0090] Figure 8 To show Figure 7 The diagram shows the state of the valve installation component after removal.

[0091] Figure 9 To show Figure 8 The diagram shows the state of the valve disc being removed from the port of the integrated soft valve.

[0092] Figure 10 A diagram illustrating an integral soft valve port according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 11 To show Figure 10 The diagram shows the state of the valve installation component after removal.

[0094] Figure 12 To show Figure 10 A diagram of a modified example of the first side of the second region shown.

[0095] Figure 13 To show Figure 10 A diagram showing another variation of the first side of the second region.

[0096] Figure 14 To show Figure 10 A diagram showing another variation of the first side of the second region. Detailed Implementation

[0097] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can readily implement the present invention. The present invention may be implemented in different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description have been omitted for clarity of the invention, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar constituent elements.

[0098] The words and terms used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limiting way according to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical spirit of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventors can define terms and concepts in order to best describe their invention.

[0099] In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to describe the features, figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof that are present in the specification, and do not preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0100] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating the variable damping force shock absorber according to the present invention is provided.

[0101] The damping force variable shock absorber according to the present invention may include a shock absorber body 1 and a damping force variable valve 200.

[0102] The shock absorber body 1 includes a cylinder 10 with an outer cylinder 11 and an inner cylinder 12, a piston rod 13, a piston valve 14, a storage chamber 15, and an isolation pipe 16.

[0103] A damping force variable valve assembly 200 is provided on the outside of the outer cylinder 11, and an inner cylinder 12 is provided inside the outer cylinder 11 to maintain a certain interval.

[0104] In addition, a storage chamber 15 is formed between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12 for forming a low-pressure chamber PL and a high-pressure chamber PH.

[0105] One end of the piston rod 13 reciprocates in the direction of compression and stretching stroke while engaged with the piston valve 14 located inside the inner cylinder 12.

[0106] When the piston valve 14 is engaged with one end of the piston rod 13, it divides the inner cylinder 12 into a compression chamber 12a and a tension chamber 12b in the length direction, thereby generating a damping force caused by fluid resistance while reciprocating in the compression and tension stroke directions inside the cylinder 10.

[0107] The storage chamber 15 is located in the space between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12.

[0108] The isolation tube 16 is disposed between the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12. Specifically, it is disposed on the outer side of the inner cylinder 12, forming a high-pressure chamber PH on its inner side and a low-pressure chamber PL on its outer side.

[0109] That is, the isolation tube 16 divides the interior of the storage chamber 15 into a low-pressure chamber PL and a high-pressure chamber PH.

[0110] The body valve 17 is located at the lower end of the inner cylinder 12 and generates damping force by controlling the flow of working fluid between the storage chamber 15 and the compression chamber 12a.

[0111] On the other hand, the high-pressure chamber PH is connected to the stretching chamber 12b through the internal hole 12c provided in the inner cylinder 12, and the low-pressure chamber PL is connected to the compression chamber 12a through the lower flow path formed between the body valve 17 and the outer cylinder 11 and the flow path formed in the body valve 17 (not shown).

[0112] The damping force variable valve assembly 200 is integrated with the shock absorber body 1. Working fluid can flow into the shock absorber body 1.

[0113] Figure 6 To show Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the variable damping force valve assembly used in the variable damping force shock absorber.

[0114] The following is from Figure 6 As can be seen, the shock absorber body 1, which is combined with the damping force variable valve assembly 200, is positioned on the upper side, and the direction toward the shock absorber body 1 is defined as the front of the damping force variable valve assembly 200.

[0115] The damping force variable valve assembly 200 according to the present invention may include: an integral soft valve port 210, a valve housing 220, a main valve section 230, and an electromagnet section 240.

[0116] The front end of the integrated flexible valve port 210 is connected to Figure 5 The shock absorber body 1 shown has a through-flow path 211b inside, so that the working fluid flows in from the shock absorber body 1, and the valve disc 217 is in close contact with the rear.

[0117] The front end of the integrated soft valve port 210 passes through Figure 5 The outer cylinder 11 and isolation pipe 16 shown are connected to the high-pressure chamber PH. At this time, the working fluid can flow from the high-pressure chamber PH into the integrated soft valve port 210 through the connecting flow path 211b extending in the forward and backward direction.

[0118] A fitting hole 211a can be formed through the center of this integrated soft valve port 210, and the fitting hole 211a can extend in the forward and backward directions.

[0119] A valve mounting member 219, which is configured to fix the valve disc 217, can be fitted into the fitting hole 211a. The valve mounting member 219 is configured as a rivet or pin. At this time, the valve mounting member 219 can pass through the center of the valve disc 217 and be inserted into the fitting hole 211a, and be combined with the integral flexible valve port 210.

[0120] In addition, the valve disc 217 can be attached to the rear of the integrated soft valve port 210 in a state where the connecting flow path 211b formed in the integrated soft valve port 210 is normally closed.

[0121] Furthermore, the connection flow path 211b of the integrated soft valve port 210 can be formed in multiple ways.

[0122] The valve body 220 is made of a hollow cylindrical shape, and the inner circumferential surface of the front end is combined with the outer circumferential surface of the integral soft valve port 210.

[0123] The main valve section 230 is located at the rear of the integrated flexible valve port 210 inside the valve housing 220.

[0124] The integrated soft valve port 210 of the damping force variable valve assembly 200 according to the present invention integrates the port and soft valve part in the existing damping force variable valve assembly, thereby making it easy to assemble and reducing the overall size of the valve assembly 200.

[0125] In the variable damping force valve assembly 200 according to the present invention, the valve housing 220, main valve section 230, electromagnet section 240 and other constituent elements, except for the integral soft valve port 210, are the same as those in the prior art, so the description of them is omitted.

[0126] Figure 7 To show in magnified form Figure 6 A diagram of the integrated flexible valve port. Figure 8 To show Figure 7 The image shows the state of the valve installation components after removal. Figure 9 To show Figure 8 The diagram shows the state of the valve disc being removed from the port of the integrated soft valve.

[0127] The integrated soft valve port 210 may include a main body 211, a replica body 213, a support 215, a valve disc 217, and a valve mounting component 219.

[0128] The main body 211 is formed in the shape of a circular plate with a predetermined thickness, and a fitting hole 211a is formed through the center to fit the valve mounting part 219, which is made of pins or rivets and is used to fix the valve disc 217. A connecting flow path 211b is formed on the outside of the fitting hole 211a.

[0129] At this time, the connecting flow path 211b formed in the main body part 211 can be formed in multiple ways along the circumferential direction on the outside of the fitting hole 211a.

[0130] The replica body 213 has a predetermined thickness and extends laterally around the rear portion of the main body 211. A protrusion 213b is formed on the rear end 213s of the replica body 213, which fits tightly against the front end of the valve disc 217.

[0131] The protrusion 213b can fit tightly against the front edge of the valve disc 217. The connecting flow path 211b can be located between the fitting hole 211a and the protrusion 213b.

[0132] The copy body 213 may include a first copy body 213a and a second copy body 213c. The first copy body 213a extends laterally around the rear of the main body 211 and has a protrusion 213b protruding from its rear end 213s. The second copy body 213c extends rearward along the rear edge region of the first copy body 213a.

[0133] Here, the rear end 211s of the main body part 211 and the rear end 213s of the first copy body part 213a are preferably located on the same plane.

[0134] The second copy body 213c is located behind the first copy body 213a at 213s, and is further outward than the protrusion 213b. The second copy body 213c protrudes further rearward from the rear of the first copy body 213a at 213s than the protrusion 213b.

[0135] A gap space G, which connects to the connecting flow path 211b, is formed between the rear 213s of the main body 211 and the first copy body 213a and the front of the valve disc 217 and the protrusion 213b.

[0136] Through the connecting flow path 211b, the working fluid can flow into the gap space G. If the pressure of the working fluid in the gap space G reaches a predetermined value or higher, the valve disc 217 will deform and separate from the protrusion 213b, and the working fluid can flow out from the gap space G.

[0137] Furthermore, the valve disc 217 may be located in the mounting groove 213d formed between the inner peripheral surface of the second replica body 213c and the rear ends 211s and 213s of the main body 211 and the first replica body 213a.

[0138] Furthermore, the support portion 215 may be formed in the lateral direction along the circumferential direction at predetermined intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the second copy portion 213c.

[0139] The support portion 215 is preferably provided in 3 locations, and is arranged at 120° intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0140] At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the support part 215 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the valve housing 220, and the rear of the support part 215 contacts the front of the main valve part 230, so that the integrated soft valve port 210 can maintain a stable state inside the valve housing 220.

[0141] Thus, by setting the support portion 215 to a minimum number, durability is maintained while also reducing manufacturing costs, including mold costs.

[0142] The valve disc 217 can be configured as a stack of discs composed of multiple plate-like structures.

[0143] A through hole (not shown) is formed in the center of this valve disc 217 and extends through the front and back to fit a valve mounting part 219 made of a pin or rivet.

[0144] The valve mounting part 219 can be fitted into the fitting hole 211a formed in the main body part 211 and the through hole (not shown) formed in the valve disc 217.

[0145] Thus, by providing an integrated soft valve port 210 that combines the conventional port with the soft valve section, the present invention makes assembly easier and has the advantage of reducing the overall size of the valve assembly 200.

[0146] This will enable the automotive industry to address the demands of recent years for improved ride comfort, enhanced handling stability, and greater interior space, which have led to simplifications not only in the suspension but also in the steering and drivetrain structures, resulting in smaller shock absorber sizes.

[0147] Figure 10 To illustrate a diagram of an integral flexible valve port according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11 To show Figure 10 The diagram shows the state of the valve installation component after removal.

[0148] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 According to this embodiment, the integrated soft valve port 210' includes a main body portion 211 and a replica body portion 213.

[0149] A fitting hole 211a is formed through the center of the main body 211 so that the valve mounting part 219 of the fixed valve disc 217 is fitted in, and a connecting flow path 211b' is formed on the outside of the fitting hole 211a.

[0150] The replica body 213 extends along the periphery of the rear of the main body 211 in the lateral direction of the main body 211, and forms a protrusion 213b on the rear that fits tightly against the front of the valve disc 217. The connecting flow path 211b' is located between the fitting hole 211a and the protrusion 213b.

[0151] The copy body 213 may include: a first copy body 213a, which extends laterally around the rear portion of the main body 211 and protrudes from the rear to form a protrusion 213b; and a second copy body 213c, which extends rearward along the rear edge region of the first copy body 213a.

[0152] According to the integrated flexible valve port 210' of this embodiment, apart from the shape of the connecting flow path and its related parts, the remaining parts are similar to... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The integrated flexible valve port 210 shown is essentially the same, so a description of it is omitted.

[0153] Hereinafter, when describing the integrated soft valve port 210' of this embodiment, the description will focus on the connection flow path 211b'.

[0154] In this embodiment, the connecting flow path 211b' extends forward and backward in the main body portion 211. The connecting flow path 211b' includes a first region 2111 and a second region 2112. The first region 2111 has a relatively small cross-sectional area, and the second region 2112 has a larger cross-sectional area than the first region 2111 and is located behind the first region 2111.

[0155] The cross section of the connecting flow path 211b' refers to the cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the connecting flow path 211b', i.e., the front-to-back direction.

[0156] The second region 2112 is the region that is closer to the valve disc 217 than the first region 2111.

[0157] The first region 2111 can be formed to have the same cross-sectional area in the extension direction of the connecting flow path 211b'.

[0158] The second region 2112 can have a shape in which the cross-sectional area increases in the direction of extension of the connecting flow path 211b'. Because of the second region 2112, the working fluid flowing toward the valve disc 217 via the connecting flow path 211b' can be uniformly distributed from the center of the valve disc 217 to the edge region away from the center. In this case, the hydraulic pressure of the working fluid can act uniformly on the entire region of the valve disc 217.

[0159] In this case, compared to the case where the connecting flow path 211b' has the same cross-sectional area in the front and rear directions, the valve disc 217 can be deformed with relatively less hydraulic pressure, which is more effective.

[0160] The first side 2112a of the second region 2112 near the protrusion 213b can be as follows Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, it can be formed to be inclined toward the protrusion 213b. At this time, the first side 2112a of the second region 2112 can have an uneven shape.

[0161] For example, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the rear end 211s of the main body portion 211 and the rear end 213s of the first copy portion 213a, which are located on the same plane, can be removed by sintering to form the first side 2112a of the second region 2112 that is inclined toward the protrusion 213b and is uneven.

[0162] The first side 2112a of the second region 2112 can be as follows Figure 10 and Figure 11The second region 2112 is formed across the main body portion 211 and the first copy portion 213a. The first side surface 2112a of the second region 2112 forms the rear of both the main body portion 211 and the first copy portion 213a. However, although not shown, the first side surface of the second region may be formed only on the main body portion.

[0163] As an alternative, the first side surfaces 2112a-1 and 2112a-2 of the second region 2112 near the protrusion 213b can be as follows: Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, it is formed to be inclined toward the protrusion 213b. At this time, the first side 2112a-1 of the second region 2112 can be as follows: Figure 12 The shape shown has a planar shape, or as... Figure 13 The diagram shows a curved surface shape. The first side surface 2112a-2 of the curved surface shape can be as follows: Figure 13 The shape shown has a forward-convex shape, or a rearward-convex shape (not shown).

[0164] For reference Figure 12 To show Figure 10 A diagram showing a modified example of the first side of the second region. Figure 13 To show Figure 10 A diagram showing another variation of the first side of the second region.

[0165] As an alternative, the first side 2112a-3 of the second region 2112 near the protrusion 213b can be as follows: Figure 14 As shown, it extends forward and backward. In other words, the first side 2112a-3 of the second region 2112 can be formed as shown. Figure 14 It extends in a direction perpendicular to the front of the valve disc 217. At this time, the front inner side of the second region 2112 can be formed to be parallel to the front of the valve disc 217.

[0166] For reference Figure 14 To show Figure 10 A diagram showing another variation of the first side of the second region.

[0167] According to the above configuration, the damping force variable valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention has the effect of facilitating assembly and reducing the overall size by providing an integrated soft valve port that integrates the conventional port and the soft valve part.

[0168] This will enable the automotive industry to address the demands of recent years for improved ride comfort, enhanced handling stability, and greater interior space, which have led to simplifications not only in suspension but also in steering and drivetrain structures, resulting in smaller shock absorber sizes.

[0169] Furthermore, since the second region in the connecting flow path has a larger cross-sectional area than the first region and is closer to the valve disc, and has a shape with an increasing cross-sectional area in the direction of extension of the connecting flow path, the working fluid flowing toward the valve disc via the connecting flow path can be evenly distributed from the center of the valve disc to the edge region away from the center, and the hydraulic pressure of the working fluid can be evenly applied to the entire region of the valve disc.

[0170] Therefore, compared to cases where the connecting flow path has the same cross-sectional area in the front and rear, the valve disc can be deformed with relatively less hydraulic pressure, thus making it more effective.

[0171] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, but should be understood to include all effects that can be deduced from the technical solutions of the invention as described in the description or claims of the present invention.

[0172] While the invention has been described above in conjunction with one embodiment, the spirit of the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in this specification. For those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the invention, other embodiments can be readily proposed within the same spiritual scope by adding, modifying, deleting, or supplementing constituent elements, and these embodiments also fall within the spiritual scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A variable damping force valve assembly, comprising: An integrated soft valve port is connected to the shock absorber body at the front end, and the interior is through to form a connecting flow path extending in the forward and backward directions so that the working fluid flows in from the shock absorber body. The valve disc fits tightly with the rear part. The valve body is composed of a hollow cylindrical shape, with the inner circumferential surface of the front end combined with the outer circumferential surface of the integral flexible valve port; as well as The main valve section is located at the rear of the integrated flexible valve port inside the valve housing; The integrated flexible valve port includes: The main body has a centrally formed fitting hole for fitting a valve mounting component that secures the valve disc, and a connecting flow path is formed outside the fitting hole; and The replica body extends laterally from the rear of the main body towards the side of the main body, and has a protrusion at its rear end that fits tightly against the front of the valve disc. The connecting flow path is located between the fitting hole and the protrusion; The connecting flow path includes a first region and a second region. The first region has a relatively small cross-sectional area, and the second region has a larger cross-sectional area relative to the first region and is located behind the first region.

2. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first side of the second region near the protrusion is inclined toward the protrusion.

3. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first side surface is formed to be uneven.

4. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first side is formed as a plane or a curved surface.

5. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second region is formed by extending the first side of the protrusion in the front-back direction.

6. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, A valve mounting component for fixing the valve disc is fitted into the fitting hole.

7. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The valve discs are arranged in a stacked configuration.

8. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The valve disc is attached to the rear of the integrated flexible valve port in a state where the connecting flow path is normally closed.

9. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connection flow path is formed in multiple ways.

10. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The copy body includes: The first copy portion extends laterally around the rear portion of the main body portion and protrudes from the rear to form the protrusion portion; and The second copy body is formed by extending rearward along the rear edge region of the first copy body.

11. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The valve disc is located in a mounting groove formed by the inner circumferential surface of the second replica body.

12. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The support portion protrudes horizontally along the circumferential direction at predetermined intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the replica body.

13. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The support portion is provided in 3 locations and is arranged at 120° intervals along the circumference.

14. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The outer peripheral surface of the support portion contacts the inner peripheral surface of the valve housing, and the rear end of the support portion contacts the upper surface of the main valve portion, thereby maintaining the integrated soft valve port in a stable state inside the valve housing.

15. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple connecting flow paths formed on the main body are formed along the circumferential direction outside the fitting hole.

16. The variable damping force valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The valve mounting component is provided in the form of a rivet or a pin.

17. A damping force variable shock absorber, comprising: The variable damping force valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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