Suspension with integrated ride height adjustment

Abstract

The damper (D) with adjustable ride height includes a damper body (A), a pump chamber (P) that expands and contracts with the extension and retraction of the damper body (A), a reservoir (T), a suspension spring (S) between a movable spring bracket (10) and a fixed spring bracket (7c), a jack (J), a suction channel (20) connecting the reservoir (T) and the pump chamber (P), a discharge channel (21) connected to the pump chamber (P), and a supply and discharge channel (22) connected to the jack chamber (C). The reflux channel (23) connected to the storage tank (T) and the switching valve (V) have a supply position (30a) that connects the discharge channel (21) and the supply and discharge channel (22) and blocks the reflux channel (23), an unloading position (30b) that connects the discharge channel (21) and the reflux channel (23) and blocks the supply and discharge channel (22), and a discharge position (30c) that connects the discharge channel (21), the supply and discharge channel (22) and the reflux channel (23) to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a damper with a vehicle height adjustment function. Background Technology

[0002] A damper with ride height adjustment function is used, for example, between the body and wheels of a suspension straddle-type vehicle. It suppresses vibrations of the body and wheels by the damping force generated during extension and retraction, while simultaneously adjusting the ride height.

[0003] Such a damper with vehicle height adjustment function includes, for example, a cylinder, a piston that is movably inserted into the cylinder to divide the cylinder into an elongated side chamber and a compression side chamber filled with hydraulic oil, a cylindrical piston rod that is movably inserted into the cylinder and connected to the piston, a reservoir for storing hydraulic oil, a cylindrical outer shell installed on the outer periphery of the cylinder, a movable spring bracket that is axially movably inserted into the outer shell and forms a jack chamber between the outer shell and the outer shell, a suspension spring that is installed between the movable spring bracket and a spring support provided at the front end of the piston rod, and a pump rod that is inserted into the compression side chamber and the piston rod and forms a pump chamber communicating with the jack chamber together with the piston rod.

[0004] For example, as shown in JP2008-128427A, when a shock absorber with a vehicle height adjustment function is constructed in this way and extends or retracts due to input vibration during the operation of a straddle-type vehicle, the pump chamber also expands or contracts as the piston rod is displaced relative to the cylinder. The pump chamber draws in hydraulic oil from the cylinder and discharges it into the jack chamber. As a result, the movable spring bracket is pushed away from the jack chamber, and the vehicle height increases.

[0005] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: JP2008-128427A Summary of the Invention The problem the invention aims to solve Previous shock absorbers with ride height adjustment function could use the extension and retraction of the suspension during the ride of a straddle-type vehicle to expand and contract the pump chamber, automatically raising the ride height to the specified ride height. Therefore, they had the advantage of not needing a drive source when raising the ride height. However, after the ride height was raised, the pressure in the pump chamber was always increased to the same pressure as the jack chamber. Therefore, this would become a resistance, resulting in a higher compression-side damping force generated during the contraction action.

[0006] Therefore, in the past, the damping force during the contraction action of the damper with the vehicle height adjustment function was higher, which often made the passengers of the suspension straddle-type vehicle feel a bumpy feeling, and the ride comfort needed to be improved.

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a damper with a height adjustment function that can adjust the vehicle height along with the telescopic movement and improve the ride comfort of the vehicle.

[0008] Problem-solving methods To address the aforementioned issues, the damper with height adjustment function of the present invention comprises: a damper body, including a cylinder, a piston rod axially movable into the cylinder, and a piston connected to the piston rod and axially movable into the cylinder, dividing the cylinder into an extension side chamber and a compression side chamber; a pump chamber that expands and contracts with the extension and retraction of the damper body; a reservoir for storing liquid; a suspension spring, disposed between a movable spring bracket axially movable around the cylinder and a fixed spring bracket mounted on the piston rod; and a jack. The jack chamber allows a movable spring support to move relative to the cylinder by means of liquid supplied or discharged within the jack chamber; an intake channel allows liquid to flow only from the reservoir to the pump chamber; an exhaust channel is connected to the pump chamber; a supply and exhaust channel is connected to the jack chamber; a return channel is connected to the reservoir; and a switching valve has a supply position that allows liquid to flow only from the exhaust channel to the supply and exhaust channel and blocks the return channel, an unloading position that connects the exhaust channel and the return channel and blocks the supply and exhaust channel, and an exhaust position that connects the exhaust channel, the supply and exhaust channel, and the return channel.

[0009] The damper with vehicle height adjustment function constructed in this way supplies liquid from the pump chamber to the jack chamber when the switching valve is in the supply position, thereby raising the vehicle height. When the switching valve is in the unloading position, it cuts off the connection between the pump chamber and the jack chamber to maintain the vehicle height, while connecting the pump chamber to the liquid storage tank. Even if the damper body extends or retracts, the pressure in the pump chamber will not increase. Furthermore, when the switching valve is in the discharge position, the pump chamber, the jack chamber, and the liquid storage tank can be connected to each other to lower the vehicle height. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a buffer with a vehicle height adjustment function in one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a switching valve for a buffer with an attached vehicle height adjustment function in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The present invention will now be described based on the illustrated embodiments. Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment, the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function includes: a buffer body A, comprising a cylinder 1, a piston rod 2 axially movable into the cylinder 1, and a piston 3 connected to the piston rod 2 and axially movable into the cylinder 1, dividing the cylinder 1 into an extension side chamber R1 and a compression side chamber R2; a pump chamber P, which expands and contracts with the extension and retraction of the buffer body A; a reservoir T, which stores liquid; a suspension spring S, which is disposed between a movable spring bracket 10 axially movable on the outer periphery of the cylinder 1 and a fixed spring bracket 7c mounted on the piston rod 2; and a jack J, having a jack chamber C, through which... The liquid supplied and discharged in chamber C allows the movable spring support 10 to be displaced relative to cylinder 1; the suction channel 20 allows liquid to flow only from the storage tank T to the pump chamber P; the discharge channel 21 is connected to the pump chamber P; the supply and discharge channel 22 is connected to the jack chamber C; the return channel 23 is connected to the storage tank T; and the switching valve V has a supply position 30a that allows liquid to flow only from the discharge channel 21 to the supply and discharge channel 22 and blocks the return channel 23, an unloading position 30b that connects the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23 and blocks the supply and discharge channel 22, and a discharge position 30c that connects the discharge channel 21, the supply and discharge channel 22 and the return channel 23.

[0013] Furthermore, although not illustrated, the damper D with ride height adjustment function is used between the body and rear wheel of a suspension straddle-type vehicle such as a motorcycle to suppress vibrations of the body and rear wheel. Additionally, the damper D with ride height adjustment function can also be used in vehicles other than suspension straddle-type vehicles.

[0014] The following is a detailed description of each part of the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function. First, the parts of the buffer body A will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, cylinder 1 is cylindrical. Figure 1 The upper and middle parts are closed by guide 5, and Figure 1 The lower middle part is covered and sealed by 6.

[0015] In addition, fitted into cylinder 1 Figure 1 The guide member 5 at the upper middle circumference is annular, comprising an annular sealing ring 5a that is in close contact with the inner circumference of the cylinder 1 on its outer circumference, an annular sealing ring 5b that slides in contact with the outer circumference of the piston rod 2 on its inner circumference, and an annular bushing 5c. Furthermore, the guide member 5 is mounted on the cylinder 1... Figure 1 The C-shaped ring 40 on the inner circumference of the upper middle part restricts the direction relative to cylinder 1. Figure 1 Move to the upper middle.

[0016] In this way, the piston rod 2, which is movably inserted into the cylinder 1, is inserted into the sealing ring 5b and bushing 5c ​​of the guide member 5 installed on the inner circumference of the cylinder 1. The guide member 5 supports the piston rod 2 with the bushing 5c, guides the piston rod 2 to move axially relative to the cylinder 1, and seals the outer circumference of the piston rod 2 with the sealing ring 5b. In addition, the sealing ring 5a is in close contact with the inner circumference of the cylinder 1, thus preventing liquid leakage from the guide member 5 and the cylinder 1. Furthermore, as the front end of the piston rod 2... Figure 1 The upper and middle ends are guided by the inner circumference of the guide 5 from the cylinder 1. Figure 1 The upper middle part protrudes outward.

[0017] The piston rod 2 is cylindrical and includes: a small-diameter portion 2a, which is located at... Figure 1 The outer diameter of the lower end is smaller than that of the upper end, and a piston 3 is installed on the outer circumference; the threaded part 2b is located on the small diameter part 2a. Figure 1 The lower outer periphery; and the through hole 2c, which is radially penetrating and closer to the smaller diameter portion 2a. Figure 1 The upper middle side. Additionally, on piston rod 2... Figure 1 The upper middle section is equipped with a bracket 7 that can be connected to the body of a suspension straddle-type vehicle.

[0018] Subsequently, a piston 3, mounted on the piston rod 2, is axially movable into the cylinder 1. The cylinder 1 is divided by the piston 3 into an elongation-side chamber R1 above the piston 3 and a compression-side chamber R2 below the piston 3. The elongation-side chamber R1 and the compression-side chamber R2 are filled with a liquid such as hydraulic oil. In this embodiment, the liquid is hydraulic oil, but other than hydraulic oil, it may be water, an aqueous solution, or other liquids. The through hole 2c of the piston rod 2 is located further than the small-diameter portion 2a where the piston 3 is mounted. Figure 1 The piston rod 2 has an opening at the top and faces the elongated side chamber R1, so the piston rod 2 communicates with the elongated side chamber R1 through the through hole 2c.

[0019] The piston 3 is annular and mounted on the outer periphery of the small-diameter portion 2a of the piston rod 2. It has an elongation-side port 3a and a compression-side port 3b that connect the elongation-side chamber R1 and the compression-side chamber R2 in parallel. In the piston 3... Figure 1 At the lower middle end, an extension-side damping valve 13, which is annular and installed on the outer periphery of the small-diameter portion 2a, is present to open and close the extension-side port 3a. Furthermore, in the piston 3... Figure 1 At the upper middle end, a compression-side damping valve 14, which is annular and installed on the outer periphery of the small-diameter portion 2a, is stacked to open and close the compression-side port 3b. Furthermore, the piston 3, the extension-side damping valve 13, and the compression-side damping valve 14 are fitted into the outer periphery of the small-diameter portion 2a of the piston rod 2, and are fixed to the piston rod 2 by a piston nut 15 screwed to the lower end of the small-diameter portion 2a.

[0020] In the damper D with vehicle height adjustment function in this embodiment, the extension-side damping valve 13 is a stacked vane valve, which is located on the piston 3. Figure 1 The device is constructed by stacking multiple annular plates at the lower middle end, with the inner circumference fixed. When the outer circumference bends due to the pressure in the elongation-side chamber R1, the elongation-side port 3a opens. The elongation-side damping valve 13 can open and close the elongation-side port 3a. It opens when the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function extends, applying resistance to the flow of liquid from the elongation-side chamber R1 to the compression-side chamber R2 through the elongation-side port 3a, and closes when the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function contracts, thus blocking the elongation-side port 3a. Furthermore, the elongation-side damping valve 13 can be any damping valve capable of applying resistance to the flow of liquid from the elongation-side chamber R1 to the compression-side chamber R2, and providing a damping force that hinders the extension of the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function when it extends. Therefore, it can be a damping valve other than a stacked vane valve.

[0021] In contrast, in the damper D with the attached vehicle height adjustment function of this embodiment, the compression-side damping valve 14 is a stacked vane valve, which is located on the piston 3. Figure 1 The upper and middle sections are constructed by stacking multiple annular plates, with the inner circumference fixed. When the outer circumference bends due to the pressure in the compression chamber R2, the compression port 3b opens. The compression port 3b can be opened and closed. When the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function retracts, the valve opens to resist the flow of liquid from the compression chamber R2 to the extension chamber R1 through the compression port 3b, and closes to block the compression port 3b when the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function extends. Furthermore, the compression port 3b can be blocked by any damping valve capable of resisting the flow of liquid from the compression chamber R2 to the extension chamber R1 and exerting a damping force that hinders the retraction of the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function when it retracts. Therefore, it can be a damping valve other than a stacked vane valve. Additionally, although not shown, a throttling orifice is provided alongside the extension port 13 and the compression port 14. The throttling orifice is formed, for example, by a notch provided on the annular plate constituting the extension-side damping valve 13 and the compression-side damping valve 14, or by an engraving provided on the valve seat of the piston 3 for the annular plate to sit on.

[0022] Thus, the extension side port 3a and the compression side port 3b of the piston 3 connect the extension side chamber R1 and the compression side chamber R2. Furthermore, for the flow of liquid traveling back and forth between the extension side chamber R1 and the compression side chamber R2 through the extension side port 3a and the compression side port 3b, resistance is applied by the aforementioned throttling orifice when the extension side damping valve 13 and the compression side damping valve 14 are closed. When the extension side damping valve 13 and the compression side damping valve 14 are open, the extension side damping valve 13 applies resistance to the flow of liquid through the extension side port 3a, and the compression side damping valve 14 applies resistance to the flow of liquid through the compression side port 3b.

[0023] cylinder 1 Figure 1 The lower closed cover 6 includes: a cover body 6a, which is connected to and closes the lower end of the cylinder 1; a bracket 6b, located at the lower end of the cover body 6a, which can be connected to an external swing arm that supports the rear wheel of a straddle-type vehicle; a valve housing 6c, located on the side of the cover body 6a; and a liquid tank holding part 6d, also located on the side of the cover body 6a, which holds the liquid tank T.

[0024] The storage tank T includes: a cylindrical container 16, and a storage tank holding section 6d. Figure 1 Upper middle; plug 17, installed in container 16 Figure 1 The upper inner circumference closes the opening of container 16; and the diaphragm 18 is held by container 16 and plug 17 to form a gas chamber G filled with gas and a liquid chamber L filled with liquid inside container 16.

[0025] Furthermore, the cover 6 has an opening at the upper end of the cover body 6a facing the compression chamber R2, a discharge passage 24 leading to the upper end of the liquid tank holding part 6d facing the liquid chamber L, and a liquid tank passage 25. In addition, the cover 6 includes: a bottom valve 26 provided in the discharge passage 24 to resist the flow of liquid from the compression chamber R2 toward the liquid chamber L; and a suction check valve 27 provided in the liquid tank passage 25 to allow liquid to flow only from the liquid chamber L toward the compression chamber R2.

[0026] The buffer body A is located on the piston rod 2. Figure 1 The upper bracket 7 is connected to the body of the suspension straddle-type vehicle, and can be connected to the rear wheel of the suspension straddle-type vehicle via the bracket 6b of the cover 6, thus being installed between the body and the rear wheel. Conversely, the bracket 7 can be connected to the rear wheel, thus connecting the cover 6 to the body.

[0027] When the piston rod 2 retracts from the cylinder 1, the buffer body A constructed in this manner extends. As the liquid moves through the extension side port 3a from the reduced extension side chamber R1 (which is displaced along with the piston rod 2) to the expanded compression side chamber R2, the extension side damping valve 13 applies resistance to the flow of the liquid, generating an extension side damping force that hinders the extension action. The insufficient liquid in the cylinder 1 due to the piston rod 2 retracting from the cylinder 1 is supplied from the liquid chamber L of the reservoir T through the reservoir passage 25 after the suction check valve 27 opens.

[0028] On the other hand, when the damper body A retracts into the cylinder 1 via the piston rod 2, the flow of liquid is obstructed by the compression-side damping valve 14 as the liquid moves through the compression-side port 3b from the reduced compression-side chamber R2 (which is displaced along with the piston rod 2) to the expanded extension-side chamber R1. Furthermore, the bottom valve 26 obstructs the flow of excess liquid in the cylinder 1 caused by the piston rod 2's intrusion into the cylinder 1 as it moves through the discharge passage 24 to the liquid chamber L of the reservoir T. Therefore, during the retraction of the damper body A, the compression-side damping valve 14 and the bottom valve 26 obstruct the flow of liquid, generating a compression-side damping force that hinders the retraction of the damper body A. Thus, the damper D with its height adjustment function can generate a damping force as the damper body A extends and retracts, thereby suppressing vehicle body vibration.

[0029] Subsequently, the pump chamber P, which expands and contracts with the extension and retraction of the buffer body A, is formed by the pump rod 4 and piston rod 2 held in the cover body 6a of the cover 6.

[0030] Cover body 6a in Figure 1 The upper part has a central recess 6a1, into which a cylindrical pump rod 4 is inserted. Figure 1 The lower middle section. A stop wheel 28 is provided in the recess 6a1 to prevent the pump rod 4 from disengaging from the recess 6a1, and the pump rod 4 is held in the cover 6. In addition, a sealing ring 29 is provided in the recess 6a1 to closely contact the outer periphery of the pump rod 4, and the cover 6 and the outer periphery of the pump rod 4 are sealed.

[0031] The pump rod 4 extends from the cover body 6a of the cover 6 and passes through the compression side chamber R2, and is slidably inserted into the piston rod 2. More specifically, the outer diameter of the pump rod 4 is smaller than the inner diameter of the piston rod 2, and the pump rod 4 can be slidably inserted into the small-diameter portion 2a of the piston rod 2. Figure 1 The inner circumference of the lower end is within the cylindrical bushing 2d. Therefore, when the buffer body A extends or retracts and the piston rod 2 is displaced relative to the cylinder 1, the piston rod 2 is also displaced relative to the pump rod 4 held in the cover 6. The pump rod 4 and the piston rod 2 form a pump chamber P on the inner side. When the buffer body A extends or retracts, the pump rod 4 and the piston rod 2 move relative to each other axially, thus expanding or contracting the volume of the pump chamber P.

[0032] Additionally, the pump rod 4 is movably fitted into the recess 6a1, and although it is held on the cover 6 by the stop wheel 28, it allows... Figure 1 The slight radial oscillation at the upper middle end allows for smooth forward and backward movement within the piston rod 2 when inserted. As described above, since the piston rod 2 is cylindrical, and the pump rod 4, which moves forward and backward within the piston rod 2 as the buffer body A extends and retracts, is located within the buffer body A, the pump chamber P can be installed without increasing the size of the buffer body A. However, the pump chamber P can also be installed outside the buffer body A.

[0033] Subsequently, the bracket 7 mounted on the upper end of the piston rod 2 includes: a U-shaped connecting part 7a, which is connected to the aforementioned vehicle body; and a cup-shaped retaining ring 7b, which is mounted on the connecting part 7a. Figure 1 The lower middle end; and the annular fixed spring bracket 7c, installed on the retaining ring 7b. Figure 1 The lower outer circumference. The upper end of the cylindrical buffer rubber 41, which is fitted with the upper outer circumference of the piston rod 2, is held in place by the retaining ring 7b. Furthermore, the fixed spring bracket 7c has an annular seat 7c1 and a cylindrical portion 7c2 extending downward from the inner circumference of the seat 7c1 and fitting with the outer circumference of the retaining ring 7b, and is fixed to the retaining ring 7b. The fixed spring bracket 7c is integral with the bracket 7, but can also be installed separately from the bracket 7 onto the piston rod 2.

[0034] The cushioning rubber 41 is axially mounted on the cylinder 1. Figure 1 The upper limit stop 42 faces each other. When the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function retracts to near the end of its stroke, it comes into contact with the limit stop 42 and is compressed. It then exerts its elasticity to mitigate the impact of the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function during its maximum retraction.

[0035] On the outer periphery of cylinder 1 and Figure 1 A jack J is provided on the lower center side, which drives the movable spring bracket 10. The jack J has a cylindrical outer shell 8 mounted on the outer periphery of the cylinder 1, and a plunger 9 that slides in and out of the outer shell 8 and forms the jack chamber C together with the outer shell 8, in sliding contact with the inner periphery of the outer shell 8 and the outer periphery of the cylinder 1. The outer shell 8 has an annular bottom 8a that fits into the outer periphery of the cylinder 1, and a jack extending from the outer periphery of the bottom 8a towards… Figure 1 The cylindrical part 8b stands upright in the middle. In addition, a sealing ring 8c that is in close contact with the outer periphery of the cylinder 1 is contained in an annular groove (not shown) provided on the inner circumference of the bottom 8a. Furthermore, an annular dustproof seal 8d and a sealing ring 8e are installed sequentially on the inner circumference of the open end side of the cylindrical part 8b from the atmospheric side.

[0036] Furthermore, the plunger 9, which is inserted into the cylindrical portion 8b of the outer casing 8 and forms the jack chamber C together with the outer casing 8, is axially movable and mounted on the outer periphery of the cylinder 1. The plunger 9 is cylindrical and slides in contact with the outer periphery of the cylinder 1 and the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 8b of the outer casing 8. It divides the jack chamber C within the cylindrical portion 8b. In addition to having an annular protrusion 9a that protrudes upward from the upper inner periphery, the inner periphery, starting from the atmospheric side, has an annular dustproof seal 9b, a bushing 9c, and a sealing ring 9d that slide in contact with the outer periphery of the cylinder 1.

[0037] When the plunger 9 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 8b of the housing 8, the dustproof seal 8d and sealing ring 8e located on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 8b slide in contact with the outer circumference of the plunger 9, and the dustproof seal 9b, bushing 9c, and sealing ring 9d located on the inner circumference of the plunger 9 slide in contact with the outer circumference of the cylinder 1, thus sealing the jack chamber C. The plunger 9 can move relative to the cylinder 1 and the housing 8 along... Figure 1 The plunger 9 can move vertically within a range from a position where its lower end abuts against the bottom 8a to maximize the compression of the jack chamber C, to a position where it abuts against the stop ring 70 fixed to the outer periphery of the cylinder 1, limiting its upward movement relative to the outer casing 8. Furthermore, the plunger 9 has an annular recess 9e on its lower inner circumference. When the lower end of the plunger 9 abuts against the bottom 8a, minimizing the volume of the jack chamber C, the lower end face of the plunger 9 will not be in complete contact with the upper surface of the bottom 8a. This prevents the plunger 9 from adhering to the bottom 8a, ensuring smooth movement of the plunger 9.

[0038] Furthermore, a movable spring bracket 10 with an L-shaped cross-section is fitted around the outer periphery of the protrusion 9a located at the upper end of the plunger 9. The movable spring bracket 10 includes an annular seat 10a facing the seat 7c1 of the fixed spring bracket 7c in the axial direction, and a spring bracket extending from the inner periphery of the seat 10a towards the outer periphery of the spring bracket 7c. Figure 1 A cylindrical guide portion 10b, erected at the upper center and fitted into the outer periphery of the protrusion 9a, is radially aligned relative to the cylinder 1 by fitting into the protrusion 9a. Furthermore, a movable spring bracket 10 allows the seat portion 10a to rest on the upper end of the plunger 9 and the outer periphery of the protrusion 9a, enabling it to move radially relative to the cylinder 1 along with the plunger 9. Figure 1 It can move up and down. In addition, the movable spring bracket 10 is set separately from the plunger 9, but it can also be set together with the plunger 9.

[0039] A suspension spring S, formed by a coil spring disposed on the outer periphery of the damper body A, is installed between the seat 7c1 of the fixed spring bracket 7c fixed to the piston rod 2 and the seat 10a of the movable spring bracket 10 installed on the outer periphery of the cylinder 1. The suspension spring S, by being installed between the fixed spring bracket 7c and the movable spring bracket 10, always applies force in the elongation direction that causes the piston rod 2 and the cylinder 1 in the damper body A to separate axially. When the damper D, which includes a ride height adjustment function, is installed between the body of the suspension straddle-type vehicle and the rear wheel, it elastically supports the vehicle body.

[0040] A suction passage 20 is provided in the cover 6, opening from the recess 6a1 of the cover 6 and leading to the liquid chamber L of the storage tank T, thus connecting the pump chamber P and the storage tank T. Furthermore, a check valve 20a is provided midway through the suction passage 20, allowing only liquid to flow from the liquid chamber L to the pump chamber P. The suction passage 20 is configured as a one-way passage that only allows liquid to flow from the liquid chamber L to the pump chamber P.

[0041] A discharge channel 21 is provided in the cover 6, opening from the recess 6a1 of the cover 6 and connecting to the switching valve V. A supply / discharge channel 22 passes through the bottom 8a of the outer casing 8 and leads into the cover 6, connecting the jack chamber C of the jack J to the switching valve V. A return channel 23 is provided in the cover 6, connecting the liquid chamber L of the storage tank T to the switching valve V. Furthermore, the cover 6 has an overflow channel 35 that connects the jack chamber C of the jack J to the liquid chamber L of the storage tank T. The overflow channel 35 is equipped with an overflow valve 36, which opens when the pressure in the jack chamber C is above the opening pressure, connecting the jack chamber C to the liquid chamber L and discharging the liquid in the jack chamber C to the liquid chamber L.

[0042] The switching valve V is located in the valve housing 6c of the cover 6. The switching valve V includes a port p connected to the discharge channel 21, a port a connected to the supply and discharge channel 22, a port b connected to the return channel 23, a valve body 30 for switching the connection states of these ports p, a, and b, a spring 31 for applying force to the valve body 30, and a solenoid 32 that acts as an actuator for the switching valve body 30.

[0043] The valve body 30 includes: a supply position 30a, which connects port p and port a, allowing liquid to flow only from the discharge channel 21 to the supply and discharge channel 22, and closes port b to block the return channel 23; an unloading position 30b, which connects port p and port b to connect the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23, and closes port a to block the supply and discharge channel 22; and a discharge position 30c, which connects ports p, a, and b to connect the discharge channel 21, the supply and discharge channel 22, and the return channel 23.

[0044] The valve body 30 is subjected to force by the spring 31, and is in the supply position 30a when the solenoid 32 is not energized, in the unloading position 30b when the solenoid 32 is energized but the supplied current is half of the maximum current, and in the discharge position 30c when the solenoid 32 is energized and the supplied current is the maximum current.

[0045] Therefore, the switching valve V takes on any one of three positions—supply position 30a, unloading position 30b, and discharge position 30c—based on the energization state of the solenoid 32: unenergized state, energized state supplying half the maximum current, and state supplying the maximum current. Furthermore, the maximum current refers to the maximum current that can be supplied according to the specifications of the solenoid 32, but the current when the switching valve V is in the unloading position 30b and discharge position 30c can be arbitrarily set, as long as the switching valve V can be in these two positions. Furthermore, the energization state of the solenoid 32 when the switching valve V is in the supply position 30a, unloading position 30b, and discharge position 30c can also be arbitrarily changed. Additionally, in this embodiment, the actuator is the solenoid 32, but any actuator other than a solenoid can be used as long as it can apply a thrust to the valve body 30 to switch the position of the valve body 30.

[0046] As described above, a buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function is constituted. The operation of the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function will be explained below. As mentioned before, the buffer body A in the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function exerts a damping force that resists its own extension and retraction as it extends and retracts. Moreover, with the extension and retraction of the buffer body A, the piston rod 2 and the pump rod 4 move relative to each other in the axial direction, causing the volume of the pump chamber P to expand and contract.

[0047] With solenoid 32 de-energized and switching valve V in supply position 30a, pump chamber P is connected to jack chamber C, blocking backflow channel 23. In this state, when the buffer body A extends, the volume of pump chamber P expands, allowing liquid to be drawn from liquid chamber L of storage tank T into pump chamber P through suction channel 20. Subsequently, when the buffer body A contracts, the volume of pump chamber P shrinks, allowing liquid to be supplied from the shrinking pump chamber P to jack chamber C through discharge channel 21 and supply / discharge channel 22. Switching valve V in supply position 30a only allows liquid to flow from pump chamber P to jack chamber C, but not in the reverse direction. Therefore, whenever the buffer body A extends or retracts repeatedly, the volume of pump chamber P expands or contracts, and the liquid in liquid chamber L is drawn into pump chamber P, then discharged into jack chamber C. Therefore, when the switching valve V is in the supply position 30a, and the buffer body A extends or retracts, liquid is supplied from the liquid chamber L to the jack chamber C. The jack chamber C expands and, together with the plunger 9, pushes the movable spring support 10 towards... Figure 1 The upper part is pushed up, so the suspension of the straddle-type vehicle is pushed up accordingly, and the vehicle height increases.

[0048] With the switching valve V in the supply position 30a, as the buffer body A repeatedly extends and retracts, the vehicle height gradually increases, and the pressure in the jack chamber C also rises. When the pressure in the jack chamber C reaches the opening pressure of the relief valve 36, the relief valve 36 opens, connecting the jack chamber C to the liquid chamber L and releasing the liquid in the jack chamber C into the liquid chamber L. Therefore, even if the switching valve V remains in the supply position 30a, the vehicle height will not rise indefinitely but will remain at the upper limit set by the opening pressure of the relief valve 36. Thus, when the switching valve V is in the supply position 30a, the vehicle height gradually increases through the extension and retraction of the buffer body A, and after reaching the upper limit, the vehicle height no longer increases but remains at a constant height. Furthermore, even if the switching valve V is kept in the supply position 30a, the pressure in the pump chamber P will not exceed the pressure in the jack chamber C, so there is no need to raise the pressure above the opening pressure of the relief valve 36.

[0049] Furthermore, when the solenoid 32 is supplied with half of its maximum current and the switching valve V is in the unloading position 30b, the pump chamber P is connected to the liquid chamber L of the storage tank T, blocking the supply and discharge channels 22. In this state, when the buffer body A extends, the volume of the pump chamber P expands, so liquid is drawn from the liquid chamber L of the storage tank T into the pump chamber P through the suction channel 20. However, when the buffer body A contracts, the liquid returns from the reduced pump chamber P to the liquid chamber L of the storage tank T through the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23. Therefore, when the switching valve V is in the unloading position 30b, liquid is not supplied from the pump chamber P to the jack chamber C, and because the supply and discharge channels 22 are blocked, liquid is not discharged from the high-pressure jack chamber C to the storage tank T through the supply and discharge channels 22. Therefore, compared with the vehicle height before the switching valve V was set to the unloading position 30b, the vehicle height remains unchanged. Furthermore, when the switching valve V is in the unloading position 30b, the connection between the pump chamber P and the jack chamber C is cut off, while the pump chamber P is connected to the liquid chamber L. Therefore, the pressure in the pump chamber P is approximately the same as the pressure in the liquid chamber L of the reservoir T, and the pressure in the pump chamber P will not cause excessive compression damping force generated by the buffer body A, thereby improving the ride comfort of the suspension straddle-type vehicle.

[0050] Furthermore, when the solenoid 32 is supplied with the maximum current and the switching valve V is in the discharge position 30c, the discharge channel 21, the supply and discharge channel 22, and the return channel 23 are interconnected, as are the pump chamber P, the jack chamber C, and the liquid chamber L of the storage tank T. In this state, the pressure inside the jack chamber C becomes the storage tank pressure, and the pump chamber P is also connected to the liquid chamber L, so no liquid is supplied to the jack chamber C. Therefore, the pressure inside the jack chamber C cannot support the vehicle weight, so the plunger 9 bears the vehicle weight and descends inside the housing 8, and the jack J contracts, reducing the vehicle height. When the switching valve V remains in the discharge position 30c, the jack J continues to contract due to the vehicle weight, the plunger 9 descends to abut against the bottom 8a of the housing 8, the jack J contracts to its maximum, and the vehicle height becomes the lowest. Furthermore, when the switching valve V is in the discharge position 30c, the pump chamber P is connected to the liquid chamber L. Therefore, the pressure in the pump chamber P is approximately the same as the pressure in the liquid chamber L of the storage tank T, and the pressure in the pump chamber P will not cause excessive compression-side damping force generated by the buffer body A.

[0051] In addition, when the switching valve V is in the discharge position 30c, if resistance is applied to the flow of liquid from the supply and discharge passage 22 toward the return passage 23, the reduction of vehicle height becomes slow, which can mitigate the impact when the plunger 9 comes into contact with the bottom 8a of the housing 8, and will not cause unease to the occupants of the suspension straddle-type vehicle when the vehicle height is reduced.

[0052] Thus, in the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function, by switching the position of the switching valve V, a mode can be selected from the mode of raising the vehicle height, the mode of maintaining the vehicle height and making the pressure of the pump chamber P equal to the pressure of the liquid storage tank, and the mode of lowering the vehicle height.

[0053] When switching valve V is operated by the passenger of the suspension straddle-type vehicle, valve V can be set to the supply position 30a. After the vehicle height is raised to the desired height, valve V is switched to the unloading position 30b. While maintaining a constant vehicle height, this causes the damper body A to generate the most suitable damping force to suppress vehicle vibration. Furthermore, when the vehicle height needs to be lowered, such as when the suspension straddle-type vehicle is parked, valve V can be switched to the discharge position 30c.

[0054] Furthermore, when a sensor capable of detecting the vehicle height of a straddle-type vehicle with suspension is available, the switching valve V can be controlled by the controller. In this case, the controller acquires the vehicle height information detected by the aforementioned sensor. When the vehicle height is lower than a preset set vehicle height, the switching valve V is switched to the supply position 30a to raise the vehicle height; when the vehicle height is higher than the set vehicle height, the switching valve V is switched to the discharge position 30c to lower the vehicle height; and when the vehicle height reaches the set vehicle height, the switching valve V can be switched to the unloading position 30b, and so on. Additionally, when the controller can acquire driving speed information from the straddle-type vehicle, for example, when the driving speed is below 15 km / h, the switching valve V is set to the discharge position 30c to lower the vehicle height; and when the driving speed is above 20 km / h, the switching valve V is switched to bring the vehicle height to the set vehicle height. Furthermore, in this case, the driving speed used as the reference for lowering the vehicle height can be arbitrarily set. In this way, the controller can automatically adjust the vehicle height to suit both driving and parking situations.

[0055] The buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function in this embodiment includes: a buffer body A, comprising a cylinder 1, a piston rod 2 axially movable into the cylinder 1, and a piston 3 connected to the piston rod 2 and axially movable into the cylinder 1, dividing the cylinder 1 into an extension side chamber R1 and a compression side chamber R2; a pump chamber P, which expands and contracts with the extension and retraction of the buffer body A; a liquid reservoir T, which stores liquid; a suspension spring S, which is disposed between a movable spring bracket 10 axially movable on the outer periphery of the cylinder 1 and a fixed spring bracket 7c mounted on the piston rod 2; and a jack J, having a jack chamber C, through which... The liquid supplied and discharged within chamber C allows the movable spring support 10 to be displaced relative to cylinder 1; the suction channel 20 allows liquid to flow only from the storage tank T to the pump chamber P; the discharge channel 21 is connected to the pump chamber P; the supply and discharge channel 22 is connected to the jack chamber C; the return channel 23 is connected to the storage tank T; and the switching valve V has a supply position 30a that allows liquid to flow only from the discharge channel 21 to the supply and discharge channel 22 and blocks the return channel 23, an unloading position 30b that connects the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23 and blocks the supply and discharge channel 22, and a discharge position 30c that connects the discharge channel 21, the supply and discharge channel 22 and the return channel 23.

[0056] According to the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function constructed in this way, when the switching valve V is in the supply position 30a, liquid is supplied from the pump chamber P to the jack chamber C to raise the vehicle height. When the switching valve V is in the unloading position 30b, the connection between the pump chamber P and the jack chamber C is cut off to maintain the vehicle height. At the same time, the pump chamber P is connected to the liquid storage tank T. Even if the buffer body A extends or retracts, the pressure in the pump chamber P will not increase. Furthermore, when the switching valve V is in the discharge position 30c, the pump chamber P, the jack chamber C and the liquid storage tank T can be connected to each other to lower the vehicle height.

[0057] Therefore, according to the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function of this embodiment, the vehicle height can be raised or lowered by switching the switching valve V. Furthermore, while maintaining a constant vehicle height, by setting the switching valve V to the unloading position 30b, the pressure in the pump chamber P becomes the pressure in the reservoir, preventing excessive compression-side damping force generated by the buffer body A. In summary, the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function of this embodiment can adjust the vehicle height during extension and retraction, thereby improving vehicle ride comfort.

[0058] Furthermore, the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function in this embodiment includes: an overflow channel 35 connecting the jack chamber C and the storage tank T; and an overflow valve 36 provided in the overflow channel 35, which opens the overflow channel 35 when the pressure in the jack chamber C reaches the opening pressure, allowing liquid to flow from the jack chamber C to the storage tank T. With the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function configured in this way, even if the switching valve V is continuously in the supply position 30a, the vehicle height will not rise indefinitely, but can be maintained at the upper limit vehicle height set by the opening pressure of the overflow valve 36, and can prevent abnormal pressure increases in the jack chamber C, thereby protecting the jack J.

[0059] As mentioned earlier, the principle of the switching valve V has been explained. The following describes the specific structure of the switching valve V. Figure 2 As shown, the specific switching valve V includes: a first valve 50, disposed between the discharge channel 21 and the supply / discharge channel 22, allowing liquid to flow only from the discharge channel 21 to the supply / discharge channel 22; a second valve 60, capable of switching the connection and disconnection of the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23, configured in series with the first valve 50, and forced to block the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23; and a solenoid 32, disposed on the opposite side of the first valve of the second valve 60. Furthermore, the first valve 50 and the second valve 60 are housed in a valve housing 6c provided in the cover 6.

[0060] The valve housing 6c has a solenoid mounting hole 6c1 for mounting a solenoid 32, and a valve hole 6c2 concentrically connected to the solenoid mounting hole 6c1 to accommodate the first valve 50 and the second valve 60. The inner diameter of the solenoid mounting hole 6c1 is larger than the inner diameter of the valve hole 6c2, and a stepped portion 6c3 is formed at the boundary between the solenoid mounting hole 6c1 and the valve hole 6c2. In addition, a threaded portion 6c4 is formed on the inner periphery of the solenoid mounting hole 6c1, and a threaded portion 6c5 is also formed on the inner periphery of the valve hole 6c2 near the opening side.

[0061] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the valve orifice 6c2 is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening side, and it has a small diameter portion 6c21 and a large diameter portion 6c22. The discharge channel 21 opens at one end to the inner side of the large diameter portion 6c22 of the valve orifice 6c2, and the other end communicates with the pump chamber P. The supply and discharge channel 22 opens at one end to the inner side of the small diameter portion 6c21 of the valve orifice 6c2, and the other end communicates with the jack chamber C. The return channel 23 opens at one end to the step portion 6c3, and the other end communicates with the liquid chamber L of the storage tank T.

[0062] The first valve 50 includes: a first valve seat 51b disposed between the discharge channel 21 and the supply and discharge channel 22; a first valve body 52 disposed on the supply and discharge channel side of the first valve seat 51b, which can be seated on the first valve seat 51b; and a first spring 53 that applies force in the direction that causes the first valve body 52 to be seated on the first valve seat 51b.

[0063] A first valve seat 51b is disposed on a cylindrical sleeve 51 inserted into a valve hole 6c2. The sleeve 51 includes: an annular protrusion 51a, which is cylindrical and protrudes radially inward from the center of its inner circumference; and a first valve seat 51b, located on the annular protrusion 51a. Figure 2 The middle left end is formed; the first port 51c is located at... Figure 2 Near the middle left end, the wall thickness is radially penetrated to connect the inside and outside; and the second port 51d extends radially outward from the inner circumferential opening of the annular protrusion 51a.

[0064] Sleeve 51 and fitted into Figure 2 When the annular spring seat 54 at the left end is inserted into the valve hole 6c2, its outer circumference engages with the inner circumference of the small-diameter portion 6c21 of the valve hole 6c2. In this way, the sealing ring 55 housed in the annular groove 51e on the outer circumference of the sleeve 51 is in close contact with the inner circumference of the small-diameter portion 6c21, and the opening of the discharge channel 21 is in close contact with the opening of the supply and discharge channel 22, preventing the discharge channel 21 and the supply and discharge channel 22 from communicating through the outer circumference of the sleeve 51. Furthermore, when the sleeve 51 is housed in the valve hole 6c2, the first port 51c faces the opening of the supply and discharge channel 22, and the second port 51d faces the opening of the discharge channel 21, thus communicating internally with the discharge channel 21 and the supply and discharge channel 22.

[0065] Spring seat 54 has an annular shape and is located at Figure 2 The flange 54a on the outer periphery of the middle left end, and from Figure 2 The annular guide 54b, protruding axially from the outer periphery at the left end, is fitted into the sleeve 51. Figure 2 The inner circumference of the left end is such that the flange 54a abuts against the left end of the sleeve 51.

[0066] The first valve body 52 is axially movable and can be inserted into the sleeve 51, and the annular protrusion 51a Figure 2On the left-middle side. Specifically, the first valve body 52 includes: a cylindrical main body portion 52a, which slides in contact with the inner circumference of the sleeve 51; and a valve head 52b, disposed on the main body portion 52a. Figure 2 The right end has a conical surface axially opposite to the first valve seat 51b; the spring fitting portion 52c extends from the main body portion 52a. Figure 2 The middle left end protrudes, and its outer diameter is smaller than that of the main body 52a; and the rod part 52d extends from the spring fitting part 52c. Figure 2 The middle left end extends to the left, and its outer diameter is smaller than that of the spring fitting part 52c.

[0067] The first valve body 52 can move axially within the sleeve 51, so that when the valve head 52b sits on the first valve seat 51b, the connection between the discharge channel 21 and the supply and discharge channel 22 is cut off. When the valve head 52b is seated on the first valve seat 51b, the connection between the discharge channel 21 and the supply and discharge channel 22 is cut off. Figure 2 When the valve head 52b moves to the left and leaves the first valve seat 51b, the discharge passage 21 is connected to the supply and discharge passage 22. In addition, the first valve body 52 has a groove 52e formed along the entire length of the main body 52a along the axial direction on the outer periphery of the main body 52a. Even when inserted into the sleeve 51, the inner periphery of the sleeve 51 will not be closed. When the valve is opened, the discharge passage 21 and the supply and discharge passage 22 are connected through the groove 52e.

[0068] The first spring 53 engages at one end with the outer periphery of the spring engagement portion 52c of the first valve body 52 and with the main body portion 52a. Figure 2 The left end of the spring 52 abuts against the other end, which is inserted into the guide 54b of the spring seat 54 and abuts against the end of the spring seat 54. The spring 52 is inserted between the first valve body 52 and the spring seat 54 in a compressed state. Therefore, the first spring 53 always applies force to the first valve seat 51b, causing the first valve body 52 to sit on the first valve seat 51b.

[0069] In the first valve 50 constructed in this manner, when the pressure in the discharge channel 21 is higher than the pressure in the supply and discharge channel 22, the first spring 53 contracts, and the first valve body 52 moves inward within the sleeve 51. Figure 2 The valve opens by retracting to the left, connecting the discharge channel 21 and the supply / discharge channel 22. Conversely, in the first valve 50, when the pressure in the supply / discharge channel 22 is higher than the pressure in the discharge channel 21, the first valve body 52 is pushed against the first valve seat 51b by the pressure of the first spring 53 and the supply / discharge channel 22, thus closing the valve and blocking the discharge channel 21 and the supply / discharge channel 22. Furthermore, when the first spring 53 contracts due to the thrust of the solenoid 32 via the second valve 60, the first valve body 52 moves inward within the sleeve 51... Figure 2 The valve is opened by retracting the left side, connecting the discharge channel 21 and the supply and discharge channel 22.

[0070] The second valve 60 includes: a second valve seat 61d disposed between the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23; a second valve body 62 disposed on the discharge channel side of the second valve seat 61d and capable of sitting on the second valve seat 61d; and a second spring 63 that applies force in the direction that causes the second valve body 62 to sit on the second valve seat 61d.

[0071] The second valve seat 61d is provided in the sleeve 51. Figure 2 A cylindrical valve seat component 61 is located on the outer periphery of the right end of the sleeve 51. The valve seat component 61 includes a large-diameter cylindrical portion 61a that fits into the outer periphery of the sleeve 51, an annular flange portion 61b protruding radially inward from the inner periphery of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61a, and a small-diameter cylindrical portion 61c protruding radially inward from the inner periphery of the flange portion 61b towards the opposite side of the sleeve. The flange portion 61b is located on the inner periphery of... Figure 2 A second valve seat 61d is formed at the left end. Furthermore, the valve seat component 61 has a port 61e that radially penetrates the small-diameter cylindrical portion 61c. The valve seat component 61 configured in this way has a threaded portion 61f on the outer periphery of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61a, which threadedly engages with a threaded portion 6c5 provided in the valve hole 6c2. When threadedly engaged with the valve hole 6c2, the sleeve 51 and the spring seat 54 can be pressed against the bottom of the valve hole 6c2 and fixed inside the valve hole 6c2. Furthermore, the sealing ring 64 contained in the annular groove 61g provided on the outer periphery of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61a is in close contact with the inner periphery of the large-diameter portion 6c22 of the valve hole 6c2. The port 61e of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 61c of the valve seat component 61 leads to a return channel 23 that opens in the stepped portion 6c3 of the valve housing 6c. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 61c communicates with the first port 51c and the second port 51d through the sleeve 51. Therefore, the return channel 23 communicates with the discharge channel 21 and the supply and discharge channel 22 through the sleeve 51 and the valve seat component 61. In addition, since the sealing ring 64 is in close contact with the inner circumference of the large diameter portion 6c22 of the valve hole 6c2, it prevents the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23 from communicating through the outer circumference of the valve seat component 61.

[0072] The second valve body 62 is axially movable and can be inserted into the sleeve 51, and the annular protrusion 51a Figure 2 On the right side. Specifically, the second valve body 62 includes: a cylindrical main body 62a that slides in contact with the inner circumference of the sleeve 51; and a valve head 62b disposed on the main body 62a. Figure 2 The right end has a conical surface axially opposite to the second valve seat 61d; the spring fitting part 62c extends from the main body part 62a. Figure 2 The middle left end protrudes, and its outer diameter is smaller than that of the main body 62a; and the rod part 62d extends from the spring fitting part 62c. Figure 2 The middle left end extends to the left, and its outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the spring fitting part 52c and the annular protrusion 51a of the sleeve 51.

[0073] The second valve body 62 can move axially within the sleeve 51, so that when the valve head 62b sits on the second valve seat 61d, the connection between the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23 is cut off. When the discharge is directed towards the return channel 23 within the sleeve 51... Figure 2 When the valve head 62b moves to the left and leaves the second valve seat 61d, the discharge passage 21 is connected to the return passage 23. In addition, the second valve body 62 has a groove 62e formed along the entire length of the main body 62a along the axial direction on the outer periphery of the main body 62a. Even when inserted into the sleeve 51, the inner periphery of the sleeve 51 will not be closed. When the valve is opened, the discharge passage 21 and the return passage 23 are connected through the groove 62e.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the valve head 62b is seated on the second valve seat 61d, the second valve body 62 causes the rod portion 62d to... Figure 2 The left end of the second valve body 62 moves away from the first valve body 52. ​​When it moves to the left within the sleeve 51, the rod portion 62d abuts against the front end of the valve head 52b of the first valve body 52. ​​Furthermore, after the rod portion 62d abuts against the first valve body 52, the second valve body 62 moves further within the sleeve 51... Figure 2 When the valve moves to the left, the first valve body 52 can be pushed to the left. Thus, the first valve body 52, pushed by the second valve body 62, moves from the position where the valve head 52b rests on the first valve seat 51b to the left side inside the sleeve 51, causing the valve head 52b to move away from the first valve seat 51b. Furthermore, in the specific switching valve V, the first valve body 52 and the second valve body 62 have the same shape and are the same part. Therefore, when assembling the switching valve V, it is not necessary to distinguish between the first valve body 52 and the second valve body 62 during assembly, preventing misassembly.

[0075] The second spring 63 engages at one end with the outer periphery of the spring engagement portion 62c of the second valve body 62 and with the main body portion 62a. Figure 2 The left end abuts against the other end, so that the other end is against the annular protrusion 51a of the sleeve 51. Figure 2 The right end abuts against the second valve body 62 and is mounted in a compressed state between the second valve body 62 and the annular protrusion 51a. Therefore, the second spring 63 always applies force to the second valve seat 61d, causing the second valve body 62 to sit on the second valve seat 61d.

[0076] The solenoid 32, serving as the actuator, comprises: a frame 32a, which is threadedly engaged with the inner circumference of the solenoid mounting hole 6c1 in the valve housing 6c; a push rod 32b, which is axially movable and inserted into the frame 32a; a cylindrical first fixed iron core and a cylindrical second fixed iron core (not shown), which are axially separated and inserted into the frame 32a; a movable iron core (not shown), which is axially movable and accommodated within the frame 32a between the first and second fixed iron cores, and connected to the push rod 32b; and a coil, which is mounted on the outer circumference of the first and second fixed iron cores and accommodated within the frame 32a. In the frame 32a... Figure 2The outer periphery of the middle left end is provided with a threaded portion 32a1 that is threadedly engaged with the threaded portion 6c4 formed by the inner periphery of the solenoid mounting hole 6c1. The solenoid 32 connects the frame 32a... Figure 2 The actuator is inserted into the solenoid mounting hole 6c1 on the left side and installed on the valve housing 6c. Alternatively, in a specific switching valve V, the actuator can be a direct-acting actuator other than the solenoid 32.

[0077] 32b putter Figure 2 The outer diameter of the left end of the solenoid 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the flange 61b of the valve seat component 61. It is inserted into the flange 61b and abuts against the second valve body 62. When the solenoid 32 is not energized and does not receive current, it does not generate thrust and will not push against the second valve body 62 in the second valve 60. On the other hand, when the solenoid 32 receives current, it generates thrust through the push rod 32b. Figure 2 The thrust that pushes the second valve body 62 from the left side.

[0078] The specific switching valve V is configured as described above. Next, the operation of the switching valve V will be explained. When the solenoid 32 is not energized, it does not generate the thrust to push the push rod 32b and will not push the second valve body 62. Thus, when the solenoid 32 is not energized, the second valve body 62 is forced into the second valve seat 61d by the second spring 63, the second valve 60 closes, and the second valve body 62 is separated from the first valve body 52. ​​Therefore, the first valve body 52 is forced into the first valve seat 51b by the first spring 53, and the first valve 50 also closes. In this state, because the second valve 60 is closed, the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23 are cut off. Therefore, when the pump chamber P expands or contracts, the pressure inside the pump chamber P becomes high pressure. Therefore, when the pressure in the pump chamber P exceeds the pressure in the jack chamber C, the first valve body 52, subjected to the pressure of the pump chamber P via the discharge channel 21, separates from the first valve seat 51b, and the first valve 50 opens. As described above, when the solenoid 32 is not energized, the specific switching valve V is in the supply position, allowing liquid to flow from the discharge channel 21 to the supply and discharge channel 22, and cutting off the connection between the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23.

[0079] Next, the operation of the switching valve V when half of the maximum current is supplied to the solenoid 32 will be explained. When the solenoid 32 is energized to half of the maximum current, the force of the solenoid 32 pushing the second valve body 62 via the push rod 32b overcomes the spring force of the second spring 63. Therefore, the second valve body 62 moves to the left, but regardless of whether the second valve body 62 is in contact with the first valve body 52, the first valve body 52 will not be displaced. Therefore, in this state, the second valve 60 is open, connecting the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23, while the first valve 50 is closed. Furthermore, in this state, because the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23 are connected due to the opening of the second valve 60, even if the pump chamber P expands and contracts with the liquid chamber L, the pressure inside the pump chamber P will not rise. Therefore, the second valve 60 will not be opened due to the pressure of the pump chamber P. As described above, when the solenoid 32 is energized at half the maximum current, the specific switching valve V is in the unloading position, connecting the discharge channel 21 to the return channel 23 but cutting off the connection between the discharge channel 21 and the supply and discharge channel 22.

[0080] Furthermore, the operation of the switching valve V when the maximum current is supplied to the solenoid 32 is explained. When the solenoid 32 is energized with the maximum current, the force exerted by the solenoid 32 on the second valve body 62 via the push rod 32b increases, causing the second valve body 62 to... Figure 2 As the movement to the left increases, the second valve body 62 comes into contact with the first valve body 52, and both the second valve body 62 and the first valve body 52 move to the left, opening both the first valve 50 and the second valve 60. Therefore, in this state, the discharge channel 21, the supply / discharge channel 22, and the return channel 23 are interconnected. As described above, when the solenoid 32 is energized to supply the maximum current, the specific switching valve V is in the discharge position, connecting the discharge channel 21, the supply / discharge channel 22, and the return channel 23.

[0081] Thus, the specific switching valve V, depending on the energization of the solenoid 32, takes one of the following positions: supply position, supplying liquid from the pump chamber P to the jack chamber C, causing the jack J to extend and thus raising the vehicle height; unloading position, maintaining a certain vehicle height while connecting the pump chamber P to the liquid chamber L to suppress excessive compression-side damping force of the buffer D with vehicle height adjustment function; and discharge position, connecting the jack chamber C to the liquid chamber L to retract the jack J, thus lowering the vehicle height.

[0082] The switching valve V of this embodiment includes: a first valve 50, disposed between the discharge channel 21 and the supply and discharge channel 22, which only allows liquid to flow from the discharge channel 21 to the supply and discharge channel 22; a second valve 60, which can switch the connection and blockage between the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23, is configured in series with the first valve 50, and is forced to block the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23; and a solenoid 32, disposed on the opposite side of the first valve of the second valve 60.

[0083] The damper D with ride height adjustment function constructed in this way is configured with a first valve 50 and a second valve 60 in series. The first valve 50 and the second valve 60 are opened and closed by applying thrust to the first valve 50 and the second valve 60 through a solenoid 32. Therefore, the switching valve V becomes lightweight and compact, which improves the performance of the damper D with ride height adjustment function on the suspension straddle-type vehicle, and also reduces the manufacturing cost, making it cost-effective.

[0084] Furthermore, in the specific switching valve V of this embodiment, the first valve 50 has a first valve seat 51b disposed between the discharge channel 21 and the supply / discharge channel 22, a first valve body 52 disposed on the supply / discharge channel side of the first valve seat 51b and capable of sitting on the first valve seat 51b, and a first valve body 52 that applies force in the direction that causes the first valve body 52 to sit on the first valve seat 51b. The second valve 60 has a second valve seat 61d disposed between the discharge channel 21 and the return channel 23, a second valve body 62 disposed on the discharge channel side of the second valve seat 61d and capable of sitting on the second valve seat 61d, and a first valve body 53 that applies force in the direction that causes the first valve body 52 to sit on the first valve seat 51b. The second spring 63, which applies force to the second valve body 62 in the direction where it rests on the second valve seat 61d, separates the first valve body 52 from the second valve body 62 when the first valve body 52 rests on the first valve seat 51b and the second valve body 62 rests on the second valve seat 61d. It switches between a state in which the solenoid 32 does not apply a thrust to the first valve body 52 and the second valve body 62 and is in the supply position, a state in which the solenoid 32 only applies a thrust to the second valve body 62 and is in the unloading position, and a state in which the solenoid 32 applies a thrust to the second valve body 62 and also applies a thrust to the first valve body 52 via the second valve body 62 and is in the discharge position.

[0085] The buffer D, constructed in this way and equipped with a vehicle height adjustment function, can be easily switched between a supply position, an unloading position, and a discharge position depending on the current supply to the solenoid 32. The first valve 50 and the second valve 60 can each be composed of a valve seat, a valve body, and a spring, respectively, thus simplifying the structure. Furthermore, by making the parts of the first valve body 52 and the second valve body 62 interchangeable, misassembly can be prevented when assembling the switching valve V.

[0086] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but modifications, variations and alterations are possible as long as they do not depart from the scope of the patent application.

[0087] Symbol Explanation 1 cylinder 2 piston rods 3-piston 7c Fixed Spring Bracket 10 movable spring supports 20 Inhalation Channels 21 Discharge Channel 22 water supply and drainage channels 23 Return Channels 30a supply location 30b Uninstall Location 30c discharge location 35 Overflow Channel 36 Overflow Valve 50 First Valve 51b First Valve Seat 52 First valve body 53 First Spring 60 Second Valve 61d Second Valve Seat 62 Second Valve Body 63 Second Spring A buffer body C jack chamber D with vehicle height adjustment function buffer J Jack P pump room R1 elongated side chamber R2 compression side chamber S-type suspension springs T-type storage tank V switching valve

Claims

1. A damper with vehicle height adjustment function, comprising: The buffer body includes a cylinder, a piston rod that is axially movable and inserted into the cylinder, and a piston that is connected to the piston rod and axially movable and inserted into the cylinder, dividing the cylinder into an extension side chamber and a compression side chamber. The pump chamber expands and contracts as the main body of the buffer extends and retracts; Liquid storage tanks are used to store liquids. A suspension spring is installed between a movable spring bracket that is axially movable on the outer periphery of the cylinder and a fixed spring bracket installed on the piston rod. A jack having a jack chamber, wherein the movable spring support can be displaced relative to the cylinder by liquid supplied or discharged within the jack chamber; The suction passage allows liquid to flow only from the storage tank to the pump chamber; Discharge channel, connected to the pump chamber; Supply and discharge channels are connected to the jack chamber; A reflux channel is connected to the liquid storage tank; as well as The switching valve has a position that allows liquid to flow only from the discharge channel to the supply and discharge channel and blocks the supply of the return channel, an unloading position that connects the discharge channel and the return channel and blocks the supply and discharge channel, and a discharge position that connects the discharge channel, the supply and discharge channel and the return channel to each other.

2. The buffer with vehicle height adjustment function according to claim 1, comprising: An overflow channel connects the jack chamber and the liquid storage tank; and An overflow valve is provided in the overflow channel. When the pressure in the jack chamber reaches the valve opening pressure, the overflow channel is opened to allow liquid to flow from the jack chamber to the storage tank.

3. The buffer with vehicle height adjustment function according to claim 1, wherein... The switching valve includes: A first valve is disposed between the discharge channel and the supply and discharge channel, allowing liquid to flow only from the discharge channel to the supply and discharge channel; The second valve, capable of switching the connection and blockage between the discharge channel and the return channel, is configured in series with the first valve and is applied force to block both the discharge channel and the return channel; and An actuator is located on the opposite side of the first valve of the second valve.

4. The damper with vehicle height adjustment function according to claim 3, wherein... The first valve has: A first valve seat is disposed between the discharge channel and the supply / discharge channel; A first valve body, disposed on the supply / discharge channel side of the first valve seat and capable of being seated or detached from the first valve seat; and The first spring applies force in the direction that causes the first valve body to sit on the first valve seat; The second valve has: The second valve seat is disposed between the discharge channel and the return channel; A second valve body is disposed on the discharge channel side of the second valve seat and can be seated or removed from the second valve seat; and The second spring applies force in the direction that causes the second valve body to sit on the second valve seat; With the first valve body seated on the first valve seat and the second valve body seated on the second valve seat, the first valve body and the second valve body separate. The switching valve switches under the following conditions: The actuator is in the supply position when it does not apply thrust to the first valve body and the second valve body, in the unloading position when it applies thrust only to the second valve body, and in the discharge position when it applies thrust to the second valve body and also applies thrust to the first valve body via the second valve body.

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