Electronic shock absorber

Abstract

An electronic shock absorber includes a chamber unit defining a main cavity space and an augmented space, a piston unit movably disposed in the main cavity space, and an electric control unit. The electric control unit includes a fixed partition separating the main cavity space and the augmented space, and a movable partition separating the augmented space to form an augmented chamber and a gas chamber. The electric control unit includes a sleeve, and an electric control valve movably disposed in the sleeve. The electric control valve and the sleeve define an aperture for the damping fluid to flow between the main cavity space and the augmented chamber. The electric control valve is moved relative to the fixed partition by hydraulic pressure of the damping fluid and electric power, and adjusts the size of the aperture. In this way, the flow rate of the damping fluid through the aperture is controlled in an electrically controlled manner, and the damping size is adjusted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an electronic shock absorber, and more particularly to an electronic shock absorber that uses gas-assisted rebound. Background Technology

[0002] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 Patent application No. TWI789878B discloses a known shock absorber 1 with an electronically switching mode, comprising a shock absorber body 11 storing damping fluid and a gas cylinder 12. The gas cylinder 12 defines a damping chamber 120 storing damping fluid, a first chamber 121, and a second chamber 122, and includes a piston 123 separating the damping chamber 120 and the first chamber 121, an electronic control device 125 separating the first chamber 121 and the second chamber 122, and a communication port 126 connecting the first chamber 121 and the second chamber 122. The electronic control device 125 includes a movable lever assembly 127 that can be driven by electromagnetic force and can open or close the communication port 126. When the movable lever assembly 127 opens the communication port 126, gas is allowed to flow between the first chamber 121 and the second chamber 122.

[0003] In this way, the connection port 126 can be opened or closed electronically to change the amount and space of compressible gas, thereby adjusting the damping magnitude.

[0004] However, because gas is easily compressible, it can react quickly to changes in the road surface. Therefore, closing the connection port 126 would affect the response sensitivity. Furthermore, when adjusting the damping magnitude electronically, there are only two possible states: on or off, leaving room for improvement in practicality. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electronic shock absorber that can adjust the damping magnitude electronically during driving and improve sensitivity and stability.

[0006] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model includes a chamber unit, a piston unit, and an electronic control unit.

[0007] The chamber unit defines a main chamber space storing damping fluid and an expansion space, and includes a fixed isolator separating the main chamber space and the expansion space, and a movable isolator that is movable along the axial direction and passes through the expansion space. The movable isolator separates the expansion space to form an expansion chamber with a variable volume that is connected to the main chamber space, and a gas chamber with a variable volume that stores gas.

[0008] The piston unit is movable through the main cavity space along the axis.

[0009] The electronic control unit includes a bushing that passes through the movable isolator and is connected to the fixed isolator along the axis, and an electronically controlled valve that is movable along the axis, passes through the bushing, and defines an orifice with the bushing. The orifice allows damping fluid to pass through, so that the damping fluid flows between the main cavity space and the expansion chamber. The electronically controlled valve is moved relative to the fixed isolator between a maximum flow position and a minimum flow position under the hydraulic and electrical action of the damping fluid. At the maximum flow position, the orifice is at its maximum, and at the minimum flow position, the orifice is at its minimum.

[0010] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model has a bushing with an outer annular wall defining a shaft hole and an inner annular wall passing through the shaft hole and defining a valve port. The bushing also constructs a flow path connecting the main cavity space and the expansion chamber and including a portion of the shaft hole and the valve port. The electrically controlled valve has a conical portion passing through the valve port and defining the orifice with the inner annular wall, and a rod portion opposite to the conical portion and passing through the shaft hole. The orifice is constructed as part of the flow path. At the maximum flow position, the rod portion is away from the inner annular wall, and at the minimum flow position, the rod portion is adjacent to the inner annular wall.

[0011] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model includes an electronic control unit further comprising a carrier connected to the chamber unit and defining a channel, a coil group surrounding the channel and wound around the carrier, a wire group electrically connected to the coil group and used for transmitting current, and an elastic element. The channel is through which the rod of the electronically controlled valve passes. The elastic element passes through the channel and abuts against the carrier and the rod of the electronically controlled valve, generating a spring force that drives the electronically controlled valve to move toward the minimum flow position. When the wire group conducts current, the electronically controlled valve moves toward the minimum flow position under the action of electromagnetic force and spring force. When the wire group interrupts the current, the electronically controlled valve moves toward the maximum flow position under the hydraulic action of damping fluid.

[0012] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model includes an excitation element installed on the carrier and at least partially passing through the channel, and a movable magnetic conductive element passing through the channel and located between the elastic element and the electronic control valve. When the conductor group conducts current, the excitation element generates electromagnetic force and attracts the magnetic conductive element to approach the excitation element and abut against the rod. The magnetic conductive element and the excitation element are separated by a variable distance.

[0013] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model has a bushing that connects the main cavity space and the expansion chamber and allows damping fluid to pass through. When the electronically controlled valve is in the minimum flow position, the electronically controlled valve closes the valve port and blocks the flow path, so that the damping fluid can only flow between the main cavity space and the expansion chamber through the channel.

[0014] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model further includes a first cylindrical member surrounding the axis and an end cap. The end cap is connected to one end of the first cylindrical member, and the end cap, the first cylindrical member, and the fixed isolation member together define the main cavity space.

[0015] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model includes a piston unit comprising a piston in airtight contact with the first cylindrical member, a piston rod sleeve passing through the end cap and the piston along the axial direction, and a control valve movable along the axial direction and inserted through the piston rod sleeve. The piston divides the main cavity space to form two variable-volume chambers and constructs a first flow path connecting the chambers. The piston rod sleeve has an outer ring portion defining a perforation and an inner ring portion passing through the perforation and defining a valve port. The piston rod sleeve also constructs a second flow path connecting the chambers and including the perforation and the valve port. The control valve is operablely inserted through the perforation of the piston rod sleeve and has a conical section defining an annular gap with the inner ring portion of the piston rod sleeve, and a rod section opposite to the conical section and screwed into the outer ring portion. The annular gap is constructed as part of the second flow path for the passage of damping fluid, which flows between the chambers.

[0016] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model has a fixed isolator disposed in the first cylinder along the direction of the axis and located between the movable isolator and the piston unit. The electronic control unit also includes a carrier connected to the other end of the first cylinder. The carrier and the fixed isolator together define the expansion space, so that the main cavity space, the expansion chamber and the air chamber are arranged sequentially along the direction of the axis.

[0017] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model further includes a second cylindrical component defining the amplification space and a plug cap. The plug cap is connected to the other end of the first cylindrical component and, together with the first cylindrical component and the end cap, defines the main cavity space. A fixed isolator is connected to one end of the second cylindrical component, and a movable isolator is inserted inside the second cylindrical component. The electronic control unit further includes a carrier connected to the other end of the second cylindrical component. The carrier, together with the second cylindrical component and the fixed isolator, defines the amplification space, such that the expansion chamber and the gas chamber are arranged along the axis, the main cavity space and the amplification space are parallel, and the bushing is fixed between the carrier and the fixed isolator.

[0018] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model further includes a plug seat in the chamber unit. The fixed isolation member is disposed in the second cylinder along the direction of the axis. The plug seat is connected to the end of the second cylinder opposite to the carrier and adjacent to the fixed isolation member. The plug seat and the plug cover form a flow path including the pore and communicating the main cavity space and the expansion chamber.

[0019] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model further includes a switching unit mounted on the plug seat, including an operable and movable switching valve, the switching valve defining a blockable gap with the plug seat, the gap being configured to form part of the flow path.

[0020] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model has a plug seat with an outer ring body defining a shaft cavity and an inner ring body passing through the shaft cavity and defining a valve port. The shaft cavity, the valve port and the gap are configured to form part of the flow path. The plug seat, together with the fixed isolator and the bushing, forms another flow path for the damping fluid to flow in the expansion chamber and the main cavity space. The switching valve can move relative to the inner ring body to open or close the valve port.

[0021] The electronic shock absorber of this utility model has an inner ring extending along the axis. The switching unit further includes a screwed member screwed to the switching valve and a rotating member that is rotatably sleeved on the plug seat and can drive the screwed member to rotate. The rotating member is used to drive the screwed member to rotate, so that the switching valve moves relative to the inner ring along the axis.

[0022] In this invention, the inner ring extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis, and the switching valve moves relative to the inner ring in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

[0023] The beneficial effect of this invention is that it enables the electronic control of the flow rate of the damping fluid through the pores. This allows for adjustment of the damping magnitude without affecting the gas volume or the space occupied. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Other features and effects of this utility model will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 It is a 3D diagram illustrating a known shock absorber with an electronic switching mode disclosed in patent application No. TWI789878B.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a sectional view illustrating the gas cylinder of the known shock absorber;

[0027] Figure 3This is a perspective view illustrating the first embodiment of the electronic shock absorber of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A sectional view of the portion intercepted by line V-V in the diagram;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view, illustrating that the electrically controlled valve of the first embodiment is located at the maximum flow position;

[0031] Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 6 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view, but the electrically controlled valve in the first embodiment is located at the minimum flow position;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a partial three-dimensional sectional view illustrating the channel of the first embodiment;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a sectional view illustrating a variation of the first embodiment;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a sectional view illustrating the second embodiment of the electronic shock absorber of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the second embodiment;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a sectional view illustrating the third embodiment of the electronic shock absorber of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the third embodiment;

[0038] Figure 14 This is a perspective view illustrating the fourth embodiment of the electronic shock absorber of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment;

[0040] Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 The sectional view intercepted by line XVI-XVI in the diagram;

[0041] Figure 17 It is along Figure 15 The sectional view intercepted by line XⅦ-XⅦ in the diagram;

[0042] Figure 18 This is a perspective sectional view illustrating the plug seat of the fourth embodiment; and

[0043] Figure 19 This is a partial three-dimensional sectional view illustrating the third flow path of the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0044] See Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 A first embodiment of the electronic shock absorber of this utility model includes a chamber unit 2, a piston unit 3, and an electronic control unit 4.

[0045] The chamber unit 2 includes a first cylindrical member 22 surrounding an axis X and defining a main chamber space 21, an end cap 23, a second cylindrical member 25 defining an amplification space 24, a fixed isolator 26 separating the main chamber space 21 from the amplification space 24, a movable isolator 27 movable along the direction of the axis X and inserted through the amplification space 24, a plug 28, and a tube 29.

[0046] The main cavity space 21 stores damping fluid.

[0047] The end cap 23 is connected to one end of the first cylindrical component 22.

[0048] In this embodiment, the fixing isolator 26 is configured to close the cap of the second cylinder 25 and connect to one end of the second cylinder 25.

[0049] The movable isolator 27 separates the expansion space 24 to form an expansion chamber 241 with a variable volume that is connected to the main cavity space 21, and a gas chamber 242 with a variable volume that stores gas. The movable isolator 27, together with the second cylindrical member 25 and the fixed isolator 26, defines the expansion chamber 241.

[0050] The plug 28 is connected to the other end of the first cylindrical member 22 and, together with the first cylindrical member 22 and the end cap 23, defines the main cavity space 21. The main cavity space 21 is parallel to the expansion space 24.

[0051] The pipe fitting 29 is locked to the fixed isolator 26 and the plug 28, and connects the main cavity space 21 and the expansion chamber 241.

[0052] The piston unit 3 is movable along the X-axis and passes through the main cavity space 21. It includes a piston 31 that is in airtight contact with the first cylinder 22, a piston rod sleeve 32 that passes through the end cap 23 and the piston 31 along the X-axis, and a control valve 33 that is movable along the X-axis and passes through the piston rod sleeve 32.

[0053] The piston 31 divides the main cavity space 21 to form two variable volume chambers 211, and constructs a first flow path L1 that connects the chambers 211 as shown by the solid arrow.

[0054] The plug sleeve 32 has an outer ring portion 322 defining a through hole 321, and an inner ring portion 324 passing through the through hole 321 and defining a first valve port 323. The plug sleeve 32 also constructs a second flow path L2 communicating with the chamber 211 and as shown by the dashed arrow. The second flow path L2 includes the through hole 321 and the first valve port 323.

[0055] In this embodiment, the control valve 33 is operablely inserted into the perforation 321 of the plug rod sleeve 32 and has a tapered section 332 that defines an annular gap 331 with the inner ring portion 324 of the plug rod sleeve 32, and a rod section 333 opposite to the tapered section 332 and screwed into the outer ring portion 322. The annular gap 331 is constructed as part of the second flow path L2 for the passage of damping fluid and for flow between the chambers 211.

[0056] The electronic control unit 4 includes a bushing 41, an electronic control valve 42, a carrier 43, a coil group 44, a wire group 45, an elastic element 46, an excitation element 47, a magnetic conductive element 48, and a wire frame 49.

[0057] See Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bushing 41 passes through the movable isolator 27 and is connected to the fixed isolator 26 and the carrier 43 along the direction of the axis X. It has an outer annular wall 412 defining a shaft hole 411 and an inner annular wall 414 passing through the shaft hole 411 and defining a second valve port 413. The bushing 41, the fixed isolator 26, and the pipe 29 also construct a third flow path L3 connecting the main cavity space 21 and the expansion chamber 241, as indicated by the solid arrow. The third flow path L3 includes a portion of the shaft hole 411 and the second valve port 413.

[0058] The electrically controlled valve 42, movable along the axis X, passes through a shaft hole 411 in the bushing 41. It has a tapered portion 422 that passes through the second valve port 413 and defines an orifice 421 with the inner annular wall 414, and a rod portion 423 opposite to the tapered portion 422 that passes through the shaft hole 411. The orifice 421 forms part of the third flow path L3 for the passage of damping fluid.

[0059] The electrically controlled valve 42 is subjected to both hydraulic and electrical forces from the damping fluid and is positioned relative to the fixed isolator 26 at a maximum flow rate (e.g., ...). Figure 6 ) and a minimum flow location (e.g. Figure 7 The rod 423 moves between the inner ring wall 414 at the maximum flow rate position and the orifice 421 is at its maximum. At the minimum flow rate position, the rod 423 is adjacent to the inner ring wall 414 and the orifice 421 is at its minimum.

[0060] In this embodiment, the carrier 43 is connected to the other end of the second cylindrical member 25 and defines a channel 431. The channel 431 is through which the rod portion 423 of the electrically controlled valve 42 passes. The carrier 43, the second cylindrical member 25, and the movable isolator 27 together define the air chamber 242, such that the expansion chamber 241 and the air chamber 242 are arranged along the direction of the axis X.

[0061] The coil group 44 surrounds the channel 431 and is wound around the carrier 43 to generate an electromagnetic force that drives the solenoid valve 42 to move.

[0062] The conductor group 45 is electrically connected to the coil group 44 and is used to transmit current.

[0063] The elastic element 46 passes through the channel 431 and one end abuts against the carrier 43, generating an elastic force that drives the electronically controlled valve 42 to move toward the minimum flow position.

[0064] The excitation element 47 is mounted on the carrier 43 and at least partially passes through the channel 431.

[0065] The magnetically conductive element 48 is movable along the X-axis and passes through the channel 431, abutting against the other end of the elastic element 46 and located between the rod portion 423 of the electrically controlled valve 42 and the elastic element 46. The magnetically conductive element 48 is separated from the excitation element 47 by a variable gap 40 and abuts against the rod portion 423 under the action of elastic force. The gap 40 is inversely proportional to the magnitude of the electromagnetic force.

[0066] The wire frame 49 is mounted on the carrier 43 and is wound around the coil assembly 44. The wire frame 49 is configured as an insulator.

[0067] When the current to the conductor assembly 45 is interrupted, the electrically controlled valve 42 is subjected to the hydraulic pressure of the damping fluid, pushing the magnetically conductive element 48 against the elastic force and moving towards the maximum flow position, thus forming the orifice 421. The size of the orifice 421 is proportional to the magnitude of the hydraulic pressure. When the current to the conductor assembly 45 is conducted, the excitation element 47 generates an electromagnetic force, attracting the magnetically conductive element 48 to approach the excitation element 47 and abut against the rod portion 423. When the current magnitude is changed, the distance 40 between the magnetically conductive element 48 and the excitation element 47 changes. This allows the electrically controlled valve 42 to move towards the minimum flow position by the magnetically conductive element 48 during its movement, thereby reducing the size of the orifice 421. Alternatively, the magnetically conductive element 48, when moved to a fixed point, can block the electrically controlled valve 42, which is under hydraulic pressure and moving towards the maximum flow position, forcing the electrically controlled valve 42 to overcome the elastic force and electromagnetic force to expand the orifice 421, thus limiting the size of the orifice 421.

[0068] See Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The electronic shock absorber of this invention is installed in a vehicle (not shown), such as a vehicle or bicycle. When the piston unit 3 is impacted by the road surface and moves along the axis X during the movement of the vehicle, the damping fluid flows between the chamber 211 and the expansion chamber 241 through the first flow path L1, the second flow path L2 and the third flow path L3, and pushes the movable isolator 27 in the expansion space 24, so that the gas in the gas chamber 242 is compressed or rebounded, thereby achieving the shock absorption effect.

[0069] It is worth noting that the main technical feature of this utility model lies in adjusting the flow rate of the damping fluid through the orifice 421 in an electronically controlled manner. The aforementioned principle of using damping fluid and gas for shock absorption is not the focus of this utility model and is existing. Since those skilled in the art can deduce the extended details based on the above description, they will not be elaborated further.

[0070] When the electronically controlled valve 42 is in the minimum flow position, only a small amount of damping fluid can pass through the orifice 421 in the third flow path L3. This slows down the flow rate of the damping fluid, thereby increasing damping and making the shock absorber stiffer.

[0071] It is worth noting that the bushing 41 and the fixed isolation member 26 are not limited to being completely airtight; in other variations, they can also be as follows: Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the bushing 41 also has a channel 415 that connects the main cavity space 21 and the expansion chamber 241 and allows damping fluid to pass through. This allows the damping fluid to flow between the main cavity space 21 and the expansion chamber 241 through the channel 415.

[0072] When the current to the conductor group 45 is interrupted, and the electrically controlled valve 42 is able to move to the maximum flow position under the hydraulic pressure of the damping fluid, a large amount of damping fluid can pass through the orifice 421 in the third flow path L3. In this way, the damping fluid can flow rapidly between the main cavity space 21 and the expansion chamber 241 through the first flow path L1, the second flow path L2, and the third flow path L3, thereby reducing damping and making the shock absorber more flexible.

[0073] It is worth noting that this invention can generate different magnitudes of electromagnetic force in the excitation element 47 simply by changing the current. This allows for stepless adjustment of the distance the electrically controlled valve 42 can move and the size of the orifice 421. Thus, the damping can be electrically adjusted as the vehicle moves according to usage requirements.

[0074] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 In addition to electronically adjusting the damping stiffness, this invention also allows for manual adjustment of the control valve 33 using a hand tool (not shown), moving the control valve 33 along the axis X and changing the size of the annular gap 331. Thus, when the piston unit 3 moves along the axis X due to road impact, the damping fluid flowing between the chamber 211 through the first flow path L1 and the second flow path L2 will change its flow rate due to the change in the size of the annular gap 331. This allows for further adjustment of the damping stiffness and, in conjunction with changes in the size of the orifice 421, provides more variations in the damping stiffness.

[0075] It should be noted that the pipe fitting 29 is not limited to being connected to the fixed isolator 26 and the plug 28 by a locking mechanism. In other variations of this embodiment, it can also be connected in the same way. Figure 9 As shown, the end of the first cylindrical member 22 away from the end cap 23 is a closed end, and the pipe 29 is connected to the first cylindrical member 22 and the fixed isolation member 26 by welding or integral forming, so that the pipe 29, the fixed isolation member 26, and the first cylindrical member 22 are fixedly connected to each other to prevent leakage.

[0076] See Figure 10 and Figure 11A second embodiment of the electronic shock absorber of this utility model is similar to the first embodiment, also including the chamber unit 2, the piston unit 3, and the electronic control unit 4. The difference is:

[0077] The chamber unit 2 omits features such as Figure 4 The second cylindrical member 25 is shown. The fixed isolation member 26 is disposed within the first cylindrical member 22 along the direction of the axis X and is located between the movable isolation member 27 and the piston unit 3, so that the main cavity space 21, the expansion chamber 241 and the air chamber 242 are arranged sequentially along the direction of the axis X.

[0078] The end cap 23 and the carrier 43 of the electronic control unit 4 are connected to opposite ends of the first cylindrical component 22.

[0079] In this way, the damping fluid can also flow between the chambers 211 and between the expansion chamber 241 and the main cavity space 21. Furthermore, the distance the electrically controlled valve 42 can move and the size of the orifice 421 can be adjusted electronically. This allows for changing the flow rate of the damping fluid through the orifice 421, thereby adjusting the damping magnitude.

[0080] See Figure 12 and Figure 13 A third embodiment of the electronic shock absorber of this utility model is similar to the first embodiment, also including the chamber unit 2, the piston unit 3, and the electronic control unit 4. The difference is that the electronic shock absorber also includes a switching unit 5.

[0081] The chamber unit 2 further includes a plug seat 20. The fixed isolator 26 is disposed within the second cylinder 25 along the X-axis. The plug seat 20 is connected to the end of the second cylinder 25 opposite to the carrier 43 and adjacent to the fixed isolator 26. The plug seat 20, together with the bushing 41, the second cylinder 25, and the plug cap 28, constitutes the third flow path L3, and together with the fixed isolator 26 and the bushing 41, constitutes a fourth flow path L4 for the damping fluid to flow between the expansion chamber 241 and the main cavity space 21. The plug seat 20 has an outer ring 202 defining a shaft cavity 201, and an inner ring 204 passing through the shaft cavity 201 and defining a third valve port 203. In this embodiment, the inner ring 204 extends along the X-axis.

[0082] The switching unit 5 is installed on the plug seat 20 and includes a switch valve 51 that can be operated and can move along the direction of the axis X, a screwed member 52 that is screwed to the switch valve 51, and a rotating member 53 that is rotatably sleeved on the plug seat 20 and can drive the screwed member 52 to rotate.

[0083] The switching valve 51 and the inner ring 204 of the plug seat 20 define a blockable gap 511. The shaft cavity 201, the third valve port 203, and the gap 511 are configured to form part of the third flow path L3. The switching valve 51 is movable relative to the inner ring 204 to open or close the third valve port 203.

[0084] The rotating member 53 is used to drive the screwed member 52 to rotate, so that the switching valve 51 can move relative to the inner ring body 204 along the direction of the axis X.

[0085] Therefore, by simply rotating the rotating member 53, the switching valve 51 can be moved relative to the inner ring body 204 along the axis X via the screw connector 52. When the switching valve 51 closes the third valve port 203, it can block the third flow path L3, allowing the damping fluid to flow only between the expansion chamber 241 and the main cavity space 21 through the fourth flow path L4. When the switching valve 51 opens the third valve port 203, the damping fluid can flow bidirectionally between the main cavity space 21 and the expansion chamber 241 through the third flow path L3 as shown by the solid arrow, and can also flow between the expansion chamber 241 and the main cavity space 21 through the fourth flow path L4 as shown by the dashed arrow. This changes the speed and damping magnitude of the piston unit 3 during rebound and compression.

[0086] See Figure 14 , Figure 15 A fourth embodiment of the electronic shock absorber of this utility model is similar to the third embodiment, also including the chamber unit 2, the piston unit 3, and the electronic control unit 4. The difference is that the electronic shock absorber includes two of the switching units 5.

[0087] See Figures 16 to 19 The plug seat 20 defines two shaft cavities 201 and has two inner ring bodies 204. Each inner ring body 204 passes through its respective shaft cavity 201. The plug seat 20 and the plug cap 28 constitute two third flow paths L3. In this embodiment, the inner ring body 204 is perpendicular to the axis X ( Figure 15 Extend in the direction of ).

[0088] The switching valve 51 is movable relative to the inner ring body 204 in a direction perpendicular to the axis X. The shaft cavity 201, the third valve port 203, and the gap 511 are configured to form part of the third flow path L3.

[0089] Therefore, by simply turning any of the screw connections 52 with a hand tool, the respective switching valves 51 can be moved towards their respective inner rings 204 in a direction perpendicular to the axis X. When one of the switching valves 51 closes the corresponding third valve port 203, the corresponding third flow path L3 is blocked, allowing the damping fluid to flow bidirectionally between the main cavity space 21 and the expansion chamber 241 through the other third flow path L3, as shown by the solid arrow. When the switching valve 51 closes the third valve port 203, the third flow path L3 is also blocked. This allows for greater variation in the damping magnitude and the rebound speed of the piston unit 3.

[0090] It should be noted that in the fourth embodiment, the number of the switch unit 5 is not limited to two; in other variations of this embodiment, it may also be one.

[0091] It is worth noting that the components used to construct the first flow path L1, the second flow path L2, the third flow path L3, or the fourth flow path L4 have one or more holes or openings for the damping fluid to pass through. Since those skilled in the art can deduce further details from the above description, they will not be elaborated upon further.

[0092] Based on the above explanation, the advantages of the aforementioned embodiments can be summarized as follows:

[0093] 1. This utility model enables the electronic control of the flow rate of damping fluid through the orifice 421 during vehicle movement. This allows for adjustment of the damping magnitude without affecting the gas volume or space. It not only has a simplified structure and low maintenance costs but also extends service life.

[0094] 2. This utility model can also be used in conjunction with the control valve 33 or the switch unit 5 to change the flow speed of the damping fluid in the chamber 211 or to change the rebound speed of the piston unit 3, so that the damping stiffness has more variability and can meet different usage requirements.

[0095] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An electronic shock absorber, characterized in that, The electronic shock absorber includes: The chamber unit defines a main chamber space containing damping fluid and an expansion space, and includes a fixed isolator separating the main chamber space and the expansion space, and a movable isolator that is movable along an axial direction and passes through the expansion space. The movable isolator separates the expansion space to form an expansion chamber with a variable volume and connected to the main chamber space, and a gas chamber with a variable volume and storing gas. A piston unit is movable through the main cavity space along the direction of the axis; and The electronic control unit includes a bushing that passes through the movable isolator and is connected to the fixed isolator along the axis, and an electronically controlled valve that is movable along the axis, passes through the bushing, and defines an orifice with the bushing. The orifice allows damping fluid to pass through, causing the damping fluid to flow between the main cavity space and the expansion chamber. The electronically controlled valve is moved relative to the fixed isolator between a maximum flow position and a minimum flow position under the hydraulic and electrical action of the damping fluid. At the maximum flow position, the orifice is at its maximum, and at the minimum flow position, the orifice is at its minimum.

2. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bushing has an outer annular wall defining a shaft bore and an inner annular wall passing through the shaft bore and defining a valve port. The bushing also constructs a flow path connecting the main cavity space and the expansion chamber and including a portion of the shaft bore and the valve port. The electrically controlled valve has a tapered portion passing through the valve port and defining the orifice with the inner annular wall, and a rod portion opposite to the tapered portion and passing through the shaft bore. The orifice is constructed as part of the flow path. At the maximum flow rate position, the rod portion is away from the inner annular wall, and at the minimum flow rate position, the rod portion is adjacent to the inner annular wall.

3. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electronic control unit further includes a carrier connected to the chamber unit and defining a channel, a coil group surrounding the channel and wound around the carrier, a wire group electrically connected to the coil group and used for transmitting current, and an elastic element. The channel allows the stem of the electronically controlled valve to pass through. The elastic element passes through the channel and abuts against the carrier and the stem of the electronically controlled valve, generating a spring force that moves the electronically controlled valve toward the minimum flow position. When the wire group conducts current, the electronically controlled valve moves toward the minimum flow position under the action of electromagnetic force and spring force. When the wire group interrupts the current, the electronically controlled valve moves toward the maximum flow position under the action of hydraulic pressure of damping fluid.

4. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electronic control unit further includes an excitation element installed on the carrier and at least partially passing through the channel, and a movable magnetic conductive element passing through the channel and located between the elastic element and the electronic control valve. When the conductor group conducts current, the excitation element generates an electromagnetic force and attracts the magnetic conductive element to approach the excitation element and abut against the rod. The magnetic conductive element and the excitation element are separated by a variable distance.

5. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bushing also has a channel connecting the main cavity space and the expansion chamber and allowing the damping fluid to pass through. When the electrically controlled valve is in the minimum flow position, the electrically controlled valve closes the valve port and blocks the flow path, so that the damping fluid can only flow between the main cavity space and the expansion chamber through the channel.

6. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chamber unit also includes a first cylindrical member surrounding the axis and an end cap, the end cap being connected to one end of the first cylindrical member, and the end cap, together with the first cylindrical member and the fixed isolation member, defining the main cavity space.

7. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 6, characterized in that: The piston unit includes a piston in airtight contact with the first cylinder, a piston rod sleeve passing through the end cap and the piston along the axis, and a control valve movable along the axis and inserted through the piston rod sleeve. The piston divides the main cavity space to form two variable-volume chambers and establishes a first flow path connecting the chambers. The piston rod sleeve has an outer ring portion defining a perforation and an inner ring portion passing through the perforation and defining a valve port. The piston rod sleeve also establishes a second flow path connecting the chambers and including the perforation and the valve port. The control valve is operablely inserted through the perforation of the piston rod sleeve and has a conical section defining an annular gap with the inner ring portion of the piston rod sleeve, and a rod section opposite to the conical section and screwed into the outer ring portion. The annular gap is part of the second flow path for the passage of damping fluid and for flow between the chambers.

8. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fixed isolator is disposed within the first cylinder along the axis and located between the movable isolator and the piston unit. The electronic control unit also includes a carrier connected to the other end of the first cylinder. The carrier and the fixed isolator together define the expansion space, so that the main cavity space, the expansion chamber and the gas chamber are arranged sequentially along the axis.

9. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 6, characterized in that: The chamber unit further includes a second cylindrical component defining the amplification space and a stopper cap. The stopper cap is connected to the other end of the first cylindrical component and, together with the first cylindrical component and the end cap, defines the main cavity space. The fixed isolator is connected to one end of the second cylindrical component, and the movable isolator is inserted inside the second cylindrical component. The electronic control unit further includes a carrier connected to the other end of the second cylindrical component. The carrier, together with the second cylindrical component and the fixed isolator, defines the amplification space, such that the expansion chamber and the gas chamber are arranged along the direction of the axis, the main cavity space and the amplification space are parallel, and the bushing is fixed between the carrier and the fixed isolator.

10. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 9, characterized in that: The chamber unit further includes a plug seat, and the fixed isolator is disposed within the second cylinder along the direction of the axis. The plug seat is connected to the end of the second cylinder opposite to the carrier and adjacent to the fixed isolator. The plug seat and the plug cover form a flow path including the pore and communicating the main cavity space and the expansion chamber.

11. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 10, characterized in that: The electronic shock absorber also includes a switching unit mounted on the plug seat, comprising an operable and movable switching valve that defines a blockable gap with the plug seat, the gap being configured to form part of the flow path.

12. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 11, characterized in that: The plug seat has an outer ring that defines a shaft cavity and an inner ring that passes through the shaft cavity and defines a valve port. The shaft cavity, the valve port, and the gap are configured to form part of the flow path. The plug seat, together with the fixed isolator and the bushing, forms another flow path for the damping fluid to flow in the expansion chamber and the main cavity space. The switching valve is movable relative to the inner ring to open or close the valve port.

13. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 12, characterized in that: The inner ring extends along the axis. The switching unit further includes a screwed member screwed to the switching valve and a rotating member that is rotatably sleeved on the plug seat and can drive the screwed member to rotate. The rotating member is used to drive the screwed member to rotate, so that the switching valve moves relative to the inner ring along the axis.

14. The electronic shock absorber according to claim 12, characterized in that: The inner ring extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis, and the switching valve moves relative to the inner ring in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

Images