MEMBRAN

Abstract

A diaphragm is disclosed. The diaphragm, which is a diaphragm for a self-leveling damper comprising an outer tube, a cylinder configured to surround the outer tube, and a first and second holder spaced apart from each other between the outer tube and the cylinder, includes a diaphragm body having a longitudinally extending tubular shape and arranged between the outer tube and the cylinder, the two end parts of which are longitudinally coupled to the first and second holders, and a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs projecting from an inner surface of the diaphragm body to be in contact with an outer surface of the outer tube, forming a plurality of flow paths.which extend in the longitudinal direction between the outer surface of the outer tube and the inner surface of the membrane body, wherein the plurality of ribs and the plurality of flow paths are arranged alternately in a circumferential direction of the membrane body, and connecting flow paths are provided in the plurality of ribs to connect the flow paths adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean patent application No. 10-2024-0082546, filed on June 25, 2024, and Korean patent application No. 10-2025-0066151, filed on May 21, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in full. BACKGROUND 1. Field of the invention

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a diaphragm, in particular a diaphragm for a self-leveling damper. 2. Discussion of the state of the art

[0003] A vehicle damper is a shock absorber that is installed between an axle and a vehicle body to absorb vibrations and shocks picked up by the axle from the road surface during driving, thus improving driving comfort.

[0004] In general, due to the nature of the vehicles, larger quantities of cargo are often loaded into the trunks of station wagons and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) than into those of sedans.

[0005] In this case, the height of the vehicle at the rear wheels is significantly lowered by the additional load, which increases the load transfer from the road surface and worsens driving comfort.

[0006] To solve this problem, self-leveling dampers are used on the rear wheels to compensate for the vehicle's sagging under increased load.

[0007] A self-leveling damper is a device that, during the movement of a vehicle, essentially increases the pressure in an inner chamber with the shock and rebound force of a shock absorber to raise the height of the vehicle to a certain level in order to compensate for a load and thus counteract sagging.

[0008] A self-leveling damper includes a pressure relief valve. If the pressure in a high-pressure chamber rises excessively, the pressure relief valve opens to allow oil to be released from the high-pressure chamber into a low-pressure chamber, thereby regulating the maximum pressure in the high-pressure chamber.

[0009] However, conventional self-leveling dampers have the disadvantage that the oil does not flow evenly from a high-pressure chamber to a low-pressure chamber. This is due to structural problems such as a reduction in the lateral flow path between a diaphragm and an upper retainer and between the diaphragm and a lower retainer, as well as the expansion of the diaphragm when a damper is compressed and extended, even though a pressure relief valve is provided. This leads to an excessive increase in the pressure of the high-pressure chamber, resulting in damage due to reduced durability of parts and causing loud noise. [State of the art document][Patent documents]

[0010] (Patent Document 1) KR 10-2005-0107664A. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present disclosure aims to provide a membrane that can prevent the oil flow between a high-pressure chamber and a low-pressure chamber from being blocked and that improves an excessive pressure increase in the high-pressure chamber.

[0012] The subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to that described above, and other subject matter not described will be clearly understood by a person competent from the following description.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a diaphragm is provided, which is a diaphragm for a self-leveling damper, comprising an outer tube, a cylinder configured to surround the outer tube, and a first holder and a second holder spaced apart from each other between the outer tube and the cylinder, wherein the diaphragm comprises a diaphragm body having a tubular shape extending in a longitudinal direction and arranged between the outer tube and the cylinder, and the two end parts of which are connected longitudinally to the first holder and the second holder, and a plurality of ribs extending longitudinally from an inner surface of the diaphragm body to be in contact with an outer surface of the outer tube, and forming a plurality of flow paths.which extend in the longitudinal direction between the outer surface of the outer tube and the inner surface of the membrane body, wherein the plurality of ribs and the plurality of flow paths are arranged alternately in a circumferential direction of the membrane body, and connecting flow paths are provided in the plurality of ribs to connect the flow paths side by side in the circumferential direction.

[0014] The membrane body can comprise a straight part formed from a cylindrical tube of constant longitudinal diameter and having an inner surface on which the plurality of ribs are formed, a first holder coupling part designed such that its diameter gradually increases from one end part of the straight part in the longitudinal direction and has an end part coupled to the first holder, and a second holder coupling part designed such that its diameter gradually increases from the other end part of the straight part in the longitudinal direction and has an end part coupled to the second holder.

[0015] Each of the multitude of ribs can extend intermittently in the longitudinal direction, and intermittent sections of each of the multitude of ribs can form the connecting flow paths.

[0016] Each of the plurality of ribs can comprise a plurality of sub-ribs projecting from the inner surface of the membrane body to be in contact with the outer surface of the outer tube, and arranged in a line to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of sub-ribs being designed to have a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction and a predetermined width in the circumferential direction, and separation spaces between the plurality of sub-ribs being able to form the connecting flow path.

[0017] The plurality of ribs can comprise first ribs and second ribs arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, each of the first ribs comprising a plurality of first partial ribs projecting from the inner surface of the membrane body to be in contact with the outer surface of the outer tube and arranged in a line to be spaced apart longitudinally, each of the second ribs comprising a plurality of second partial ribs projecting from the inner surface of the membrane body to be in contact with the outer surface of the outer tube and arranged in a line to be spaced apart longitudinally, and the plurality of first partial ribs and the plurality of second partial ribs can be arranged obliquely to be spaced apart circumferentially.

[0018] The plurality of second partial ribs can be arranged such that a center of each of the second partial ribs in the longitudinal direction and a center of a first separation space, which lies in the longitudinal direction and corresponds to each of the second partial ribs under the first separation spaces between the plurality of first partial ribs, are arranged in a line in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of first partial ribs can be arranged such that a center of each of the first partial ribs in the longitudinal direction and a center of a second separation space, which is arranged in the longitudinal direction and corresponds to each of the first partial ribs under the second separation spaces between the plurality of second partial ribs, are arranged in a line in the circumferential direction.

[0019] The length of each of the first partial ribs can be 1.0 to 5.0 times the length of the second separation space corresponding to each of the first partial ribs, and the length of each of the second partial ribs can be 1.0 to 5.0 times the length of the first separation space corresponding to each of the second partial ribs.

[0020] The several first partial ribs can be of the same length and arranged at equal intervals from each other, and the several second partial ribs can be of the same length and arranged at equal intervals from each other.

[0021] The length of the first separation space between the plurality of first partial ribs can be 0.2 to 1.0 times the length of any one of the plurality of first partial ribs, and the length of the second separation space between the plurality of second partial ribs can be 0.2 to 1.0 times the length of any one of the plurality of second partial ribs.

[0022] The length of the plurality of first partial ribs can be equal to the length of the plurality of second partial ribs, and the length of the first separation space between the plurality of first partial ribs can be equal to the length of the second separation space between the plurality of second partial ribs.

[0023] The plurality of first partial ribs and the plurality of second partial ribs can have the same width, and a separation distance between the plurality of first partial ribs and the plurality of second partial ribs in the circumferential direction can be 0.5 to 3.0 times the width of any one of the plurality of first partial ribs and the plurality of second partial ribs.

[0024] At least one partial rib of the multitude of partial ribs can be shaped in such a way that a central surface of it has a predetermined width in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] The at least one partial rib can be shaped in such a way that its cross-section has a square shape with rounded corners in a projection direction.

[0026] The at least one partial rib can be shaped in such a way that its cross-section has a capsule shape in a projection direction.

[0027] At least one partial rib from the multitude of partial ribs can be shaped in such a way that its width increases in the longitudinal direction and then decreases.

[0028] At least one partial rib can be shaped in such a way that a cross-section of it has a rhombus shape with rounded corners in the direction of the projection.

[0029] The at least one partial rib can be shaped in such a way that it has a hexagonal shape, which has a symmetrical structure in a width direction, in which there are a pair of mutually facing sides on both end parts in the longitudinal direction and whose corners are rounded.

[0030] Each of the multiple ribs can encompass a single body that extends continuously in the longitudinal direction, and a through-hole that runs through the single body in the circumferential direction can be formed to create the connecting flow path.

[0031] The through-hole formed in the single body can be provided as a plurality of through-holes, and the plurality of through-holes can be designed such that they are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] The plurality of ribs can comprise first ribs and second ribs arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, each of the first ribs being able to comprise a first single body extending continuously in the longitudinal direction, wherein a plurality of first through-holes passing through the first single body in the circumferential direction can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, each of the second ribs being able to comprise a second single body extending continuously in the longitudinal direction, a plurality of second through-holes passing through the second single body in the circumferential direction can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of second through-holes can be arranged obliquely to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a self-leveling damper with a diaphragm is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The aforementioned and other tasks, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to the person skilled in the art by a detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a self-leveling damper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is a view showing a membrane, a first holder and a second holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part B of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a view in the direction of the arrow of line CC from Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a view in the direction of the arrow of line DD from Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 7 is a view showing an inner surface of a part of a membrane body in a developed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a view that is a modified example of one in Fig. The partial rib shown in section 7 is shown; Fig. 9 is another modified example of the shape of a partial rib made of Fig. 7; Fig. 10 is another modified example of the shape of a partial rib made of Fig. 7; Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a membrane according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 12 is a view in the direction of the arrow of line EE from Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a view in the direction of the arrow of line FF from Fig. 11; and Fig. Figure 14 is a view showing an inner surface of part of a membrane body in a developed state according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLE EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. It is understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various ways and is not limited to the following embodiments. To ensure clarity, parts not belonging to the description are omitted from the drawings. Identical components are designated with the same reference numbers throughout the specification.

[0036] The words and terms used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to conventional or dictionary meanings, but rather with meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure, based on the principle that an inventor can correctly define the concepts of terms in order to best explain his disclosure.

[0037] Therefore, the embodiments described in the present specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and it should therefore be understood that there may be various equivalents and variations that can replace them at the time of application.

[0038] As used here, the word “include” or “have” is used to specify the presence of a feature, number, process, operation, constituent element, part or combination thereof, and it is understood that the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, processes, operations, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof is not precluded.

[0039] Unless special circumstances exist, a case in which a component is arranged "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" another component includes not only a case in which the component is arranged directly "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" the other component, but also a case in which another component is arranged in between. Unless special circumstances exist, a case in which a component is "connected" to another component includes not only a case in which the component is directly connected to the other component, but also a case in which the component is indirectly connected to the other component.

[0040] A diaphragm and a self-leveling damper containing it according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Fig. Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a self-leveling damper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a view showing a membrane, a first holder, and a second holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows the membrane in a longitudinal section. Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part B of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a view in the direction of the arrow of line CC from Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a view in the direction of the arrow of line DD from Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 7 is a view showing an inner surface of a part of a membrane body in a developed state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a vehicle body (not shown) is located above a self-leveling damper 1, and an axle (not shown) is located below the self-leveling damper 1.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 the self-leveling damper 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a piston rod 10, a piston valve 20, an inner tube 30, an outer tube 40, a cylinder 50, a first holder 60, a second holder 70, a diaphragm 100 and a pressure relief valve 80.

[0044] The piston rod 10 extends to a certain length. One end of the piston rod 10 is connected to the vehicle body, and the piston valve 20 is connected to the other end of the piston rod 10.

[0045] The inner tube 30 extends to a certain length. The inner tube 30 guides the movement of the piston valve 20 and is filled with oil. The inner tube 30 extends in the same direction as the piston rod 10. In this case, the longitudinal direction of the inner tube 30 can coincide with the axial direction of the piston rod 10.

[0046] The interior of the inner tube 30 can be divided into a first chamber 31 and a second chamber 32 by the piston valve 20. The size of the first chamber 31 and the second chamber 32 can vary depending on the position of the piston valve 20 inside the inner tube 30.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, for example, the first chamber 31 is located above the piston valve 20 and the second chamber 32 is located below the piston valve 20. In this case, the first chamber 31 is located closer to the vehicle body (not shown) than the second chamber 32.

[0048] The outer tube 40 extends to a certain length. The outer tube 40 extends in the same direction as the inner tube 30. In this case, the longitudinal direction of the outer tube 40 can coincide with the longitudinal direction of the inner tube 30. The outer tube 40 surrounds the inner tube 30.

[0049] The cylinder 50 extends over a certain length. The cylinder 50 extends in the same direction as the outer tube 40. In this case, the axial or longitudinal direction of the cylinder 50 can coincide with the longitudinal direction of the outer tube 40.

[0050] The first holder 60 is connected longitudinally to an end part of the outer tube 40 and is located between the outer tube 40 and the cylinder 50.

[0051] A first flow path 61 is formed in the first holder 60. The oil of a high-pressure chamber 91 can flow between the outer tube 40 and the cylinder 50 through the first flow path of the holder 61. The first flow path of the holder 61 can be provided as a plurality of flow paths of the first holder 61, and the plurality of flow paths of the first holder 61 can be formed in an inner surface of the first holder such that they are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0052] The second holder 70 is connected longitudinally to the other end part of the outer tube 40 and is arranged between the outer tube 40 and the cylinder 50. A second flow path 71 is formed in the second holder 70. The second flow path of the holder 71 is connected to the pressure relief valve 80, which will be described below.

[0053] Oil introduced from the high-pressure chamber 91 into a section between the outer tube 40 and the cylinder 50 through the first holder 60 can pass through the second flow path of the holder 71 and the pressure relief valve 80 into a low-pressure chamber 92.

[0054] The pressure relief valve 80 can be connected to the second holder 70. The pressure relief valve 80 is installed such that it is connected to the second flow path 71 of the second holder 70.

[0055] If the pressure in the high-pressure chamber 91 rises excessively, the pressure relief valve 80 is opened to allow oil to be drained from the high-pressure chamber 91 into the low-pressure chamber 92, thereby regulating the maximum pressure in the high-pressure chamber 91.

[0056] For example, during a compression stroke (push stroke), when the piston valve 20 is lowered, oil located in the second chamber 32 moves to the first chamber 31 and the high-pressure chamber 91, and during a retraction stroke (recoil stroke), when the piston valve 20 is raised, oil located in the first chamber 31 and the high-pressure chamber 91 moves to the second chamber 32 and the low-pressure chamber 92, enabling the self-leveling damper 1 to exert a damping force during the shock and recoil phases.

[0057] As the compression stroke of the piston valve 20 continues and the pressure in the high-pressure chamber 91 increases, a position of the piston valve 20 is raised in the opposite direction to adjust the vehicle's height. In this case, if the pressure in the high-pressure chamber 91 rises excessively, the pressure relief valve 80 opens to allow the pressure from the high-pressure chamber 91 to be transferred to the low-pressure chamber 92, thus maintaining the pressure in the high-pressure chamber 91 at a specific level.

[0058] The diaphragm 100 is located in a space between the outer tube 40 and the cylinder 50, and one end part and the other end part thereof are connected longitudinally to the first holder 60 and the second holder 70 respectively.

[0059] The diaphragm 100 can be formed from a cylindrical tube. The diaphragm 100 can be made of an elastic material, e.g., a rubber material. The diaphragm 100 forms a flow path 200 for oil that exits the high-pressure chamber 91 and flows to the low-pressure chamber 92.

[0060] Oil exiting through the flow path 61 of the first holder 60 moves through the flow path 200 in the diaphragm 100 to the second holder 70.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the membrane 100 comprises a membrane body 110 having a longitudinally extending tubular shape and a plurality of ribs 130 and 140 which are designed to project from an inner surface of the membrane body 110.

[0062] The membrane body 110 is formed from a cylindrical tube. The membrane body 110 extends longitudinally. The longitudinal direction of the membrane body 110 is the same as the longitudinal direction of the outer tube 40, the cylinder 50, etc. The membrane body 110 can be made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0063] The membrane body 110 can comprise a straight part 111, a first holder coupling part 113 and a second holder coupling part 115.

[0064] The straight section 111 is formed from a cylindrical tube with a constant longitudinal diameter. The plurality of ribs 130 and 140 are formed on an inner surface of the straight section 111. The plurality of ribs 130 and 140 form the flow path 200. This is described below.

[0065] The first holder coupling part 113 is shaped such that its diameter gradually increases in the longitudinal direction from an end part of the straight part 111, and an end part of it is connected to the first holder 60.

[0066] The second holder coupling part 115 is shaped such that its diameter gradually increases in the longitudinal direction from the other end part of the straight part 111, and one end part of it is connected to the second holder 70.

[0067] In the membrane body 110, a length L1 of the first holder coupling part 113 can be greater than a difference L3 between an inner diameter and an outer diameter of a surface of the first holder 60 facing the second holder 70.

[0068] In this case, even if the membrane body 110 is deformed by oil pressure, the opening of the flow path 200 to the high-pressure chamber 91 can always be maintained, since the first holder coupling part 113 cannot come into contact with the surface of the first holder 60 facing the second holder 70, and in particular, it can be prevented that the first holder coupling part 113 is damaged by contact with the first holder 60.

[0069] To prevent the first holder coupling part 113 from coming into contact with the first holder 60 when the diaphragm body 110 is deformed by oil pressure, the length L1 of the first holder coupling part 113 should preferably be at least twice as large as the difference L3 between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the surface of the first holder 60 facing the second holder 70, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0070] In the membrane body 110, a length L2 of the second holder coupling part 115 can be greater than a difference L4 between an inner diameter and an outer diameter of a surface of the second holder 70 facing the first holder 60.

[0071] In this case, even if the membrane body 110 is deformed by oil pressure, the opening of the flow path 200 to the low-pressure chamber 92 can always be maintained, since the second holder coupling part 115 cannot come into contact with the surface of the second holder 70 facing the first holder 60.

[0072] To prevent the second holder coupling part 115 from coming into contact with the second holder 70 when the diaphragm body 110 is deformed by oil pressure, the length L2 of the second holder coupling part 115 should preferably be at least twice as large as the difference L4 between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the surface of the second holder 70 facing the first holder 60, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0073] The multiple ribs 130 and 140 extend in the longitudinal direction of the membrane body 110 or the straight part 111 and project from the inner surface of the membrane body 110, in particular from the inner surface of the straight part 111, in order to be in contact with an outer surface of the outer tube 40.

[0074] In this case, the multiple ribs 130 and 140 form a multitude of flow paths 200, which extend in a longitudinal direction between the outer surface of the outer tube 40 and the inner surface of the straight part 111.

[0075] The multiple ribs 130 and 140 are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the membrane body 110 or the straight part 111, and the multiple flow paths 200 are arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Here, the term "circumferential direction" of the membrane body 110 or the straight part 111 can be replaced by the term "circumferential direction".

[0076] In this case, the multitude of ribs 130 and 140 and the multitude of flow paths 200 can be arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0077] Unless a specific object is described below with regard to the “longitudinal direction” and “circumferential direction” used to describe the multiple ribs 130 and 140 and the multiple flow paths 200, the “longitudinal direction” and “circumferential direction” are the “longitudinal direction” and the “circumferential direction” of the membrane body 110 or the straight part 111.

[0078] When the pressure of the high-pressure chamber 91 increases due to a compression stroke of the piston valve 20, the oil pressure of the high-pressure chamber 91 is directed through the first holder 60 and then onto the first holder coupling part 113 of the diaphragm body 110 in the direction of the Fig. 3 dotted arrows, and there is a possibility that the straight part 111 of the membrane body 110 will be contracted and deformed by the transmitted oil pressure.

[0079] In this case, the multiple ribs 130 and 140, which are shaped so that they project from the inner surface of the straight part 111 and are in contact with the outer surface of the outer tube 40, support the inner surface of the straight part 111 so that it is not in close contact with the outer surface of the outer tube 40, and also provide the flow path 200 so that the oil of the high-pressure chamber 91 can move uniformly to the low-pressure chamber 92.

[0080] This prevents damage to parts and noise generation in the self-leveling damper 1.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ribs 130 and 140 can be arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In this case, the plurality of ribs 130 and 140 and the plurality of flow paths 200 formed by the plurality of ribs 130 and 140 can have a symmetrical structure, so that the oil flow through the flow path 200 can be stabilized and standardized.

[0082] Alternatively, although not shown, one or more of the multitude of ribs 130 and 140 can be arranged such that they have a different distance in the circumferential direction than the other ribs 130 and 140.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a connecting flow path can be provided in each of the circumferentially spaced ribs 130 and 140 for connecting the flow path 200 with another circumferentially adjacent flow path 200 to form the flow path 200. The connecting flow path can have the form of a hole or channel extending circumferentially through each of the ribs 130 and 140.

[0084] If, for example, the straight section 111 is partially deformed by excessive pressure, the inner surface of the straight section 111 may come into partial close contact with the outer surface of the outer tube 40. In this case, at least one flow path 200 out of the plurality of flow paths 200 may be blocked.

[0085] In this case, oil moving through a blocked flow path can flow into another adjacent flow path via a connecting flow path formed in a pair of ribs 130 and 140 that define the blocked flow path. In other words, the connecting flow path acts as a bypass for the blocked flow path.

[0086] If the connecting flow path is provided in each of the ribs 130 and 140, a sudden pressure increase caused by a blocked flow path can be prevented, so that the self-leveling damper 1 can perform stable operation.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of ribs 130 and 140 extends intermittently in the longitudinal direction.

[0088] In this case, intermittent sections of each of the ribs 130 and 140 form connecting flow paths that connect adjacent flow paths 200 in the circumferential direction.

[0089] The multiple ribs 130 and 140 comprise multiple partial ribs 131 and 141, which are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction.

[0090] The multiple partial ribs 131 and 141, which form the ribs 130 and 140, project from the inner surface of the membrane body 110, in particular the inner surface of the straight part 111, in order to be in contact with the outer surface of the outer tube 40, and are arranged in a line that is spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the membrane body 110, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the straight part 111.

[0091] The partial ribs 131 and 141 have a column-like shape, projecting from the inner surface of the straight part 111 towards the outer surface of the outer tube 40. In this case, the partial ribs 131 and 141 can project from the inner surface of the straight part 111 by a certain height.

[0092] The separation spaces 131a and 141a between the several partial ribs 131 and 141, which form the ribs 130 and 140, are intermittent sections and form connecting flow paths that connect adjacent flow paths 200.

[0093] Each of the multitude of partial ribs 131 and 141 that form the ribs 130 and 140 can have a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the straight part 111 and a predetermined width in the circumferential direction of the straight part 111.

[0094] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of partial ribs 131 and 141 forming the ribs 130 and 140 can all have the same length and width. Alternatively, although not shown, at least one of the multiple partial ribs forming the ribs can have a different length and width than the rest.

[0095] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lengths of the gaps 131a and 141a between the plurality of partial ribs 131 and 141 forming the ribs 130 and 140 can all be the same. Alternatively, although not shown, at least one of the gaps between the plurality of partial ribs forming the ribs can have a different length than the rest.

[0096] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ribs 130 and 140 can comprise first ribs 130 and second ribs 140 arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. In this case, a second rib 140 can be arranged between a pair of first ribs 130 that lie side by side in the circumferential direction, and a first rib 130 can be arranged between a pair of second ribs 140 that lie side by side in the circumferential direction.

[0097] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of first ribs 130 and a plurality of second ribs 140 are provided.

[0098] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rib 130 comprises a plurality of first partial ribs 131 which project from the inner surface of the membrane body 110, in particular the inner surface of the straight part 111, in order to be in contact with the outer surface of the outer tube 40, and which are arranged in a line in order to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0099] First separation spaces 131a between the several first partial ribs 131 that form the first rib 130 are intermittent sections and form connecting flow paths that connect adjacent flow paths 200.

[0100] The second rib 140 comprises a plurality of second partial ribs 141, which project from the inner surface of the membrane body 110, in particular the inner surface of the straight part 111, to be in contact with the outer surface of the outer tube 40, and which are arranged in a line to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0101] Second separation spaces 141a between the several second partial ribs 141 that form the second rib 140 are intermittent sections and form connecting flow paths that connect adjacent flow paths 200.

[0102] The multitude of first partial ribs 131, which form the first rib 130, and the multitude of second partial ribs 141, which form the second rib 140, can be arranged obliquely so that they are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0103] In other words, the several first partial ribs 131, which form the first rib 130, and the several second partial ribs 141, which form the second rib 140, can be arranged side by side in a zigzag pattern in the longitudinal direction.

[0104] In this case, the first separation space 131a, which is a connecting flow path provided in the first rib 130, and the second separation space 141a, which is a connecting flow path provided in the second rib 140, can be arranged at an angle in order to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0105] In other words, the first separation chamber 131a, which represents the connecting flow path provided in the first rib 130, and the second separation chamber 141a, which represents the connecting flow path provided in the second rib 140, are arranged side by side in a zigzag pattern in the longitudinal direction.

[0106] In this case, the oil moves along the flow path 200 formed between the first rib 130 and the second rib 140 and alternately encounters the first separation space 131a, which represents the connecting flow path provided in the first rib 130, and the second separation space 141a, which represents the connecting flow path provided in the second rib 140.

[0107] In this case, the oil, which moves along the flow path 200 formed between the first rib 130 and the second rib 140, alternately encounters two different flow paths 200 through connecting flow paths with which the oil moves.

[0108] In this case, the oil moving along the flow path 200 formed between the first rib 130 and the second rib 140 can flow more evenly along the flow path 200 than in a case where the oil moves to simultaneously meet the connecting flow path provided in the first rib 130 and the connecting flow path provided in the second rib 140.

[0109] Furthermore, the membrane body 110 can be partially deformed due to overpressure, so that a certain flow path 200, which is formed between the first rib 130 and the second rib 140, can be blocked at a certain part in the longitudinal direction.

[0110] In this case, even if part of the connecting flow path of the first rib 130 and the connecting flow path of the second rib 140 is blocked in a certain part in the longitudinal direction, the other part, which is not in the certain part in the longitudinal direction, can remain open so that the oil of the certain flow path 200 can be diverted smoothly.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the multiple first partial ribs 131 forming the first rib 130 can be arranged such that a center point of each first partial rib 131 in the longitudinal direction and a center point of the second separation space 141a, which is located in the longitudinal direction and corresponds to each first partial rib 131 under the second separation spaces 141a between the multiple second partial ribs 141, are arranged in a line in the circumferential direction.

[0112] The several second partial ribs 141, which form the second rib 140, can be arranged such that a center point of each second partial rib 141 in the longitudinal direction and a center point of the first separation space 131a, which corresponds to each first partial rib 131 under the first separation spaces 131a between the several first partial ribs 131, are arranged on a line in the circumferential direction.

[0113] In this case, the first separation chamber 131a and the second separation chamber 141a can be arranged in a regular zigzag pattern along the flow path 200. In this case, the oil flow along the flow path 200 can be uniform and smooth.

[0114] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the length P1 of each first partial rib 131 can be 1.0 to 5.0 times the length Q2 of the second separation space 141a corresponding to each first partial rib 131. Each first partial rib 131 and the associated second separation space 141a are arranged such that they face each other circumferentially.

[0115] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a vertical direction is the longitudinal direction of the membrane body 110 or the straight part 111, and a lateral direction is the circumferential direction (or the peripheral direction) of the membrane body 110 or the straight part 111.

[0116] If the length P1 of the first partial rib 131 is less than 1.0 times the length Q2 of the corresponding second separation chamber 141a, the second separation chamber 141a, which serves as a bypass, may become too large, so that the oil flow moving along the flow path 200 may not be uniform.

[0117] If the length P1 of the first partial rib 131 exceeds 5.0 times the length Q2 of the corresponding second separation space 141a, the second separation space 141a, which serves as a bypass, may become too small, and thus the function of the second separation space 141a as a bypass may be impaired.

[0118] Furthermore, the length P2 of each second partial rib 141 can be 1.0 to 5.0 times the length Q1 of the first separation space 131a corresponding to each second partial rib 141. Each second partial rib 141 and the associated first separation space 131a are arranged such that they face each other circumferentially.

[0119] If the length P2 of the second partial rib 141 is less than 1.0 times the length Q1 of the corresponding first separation chamber 131a, the second separation chamber 141a, which serves as a bypass, may become too large, so that the oil flow moving along the flow path 200 may not be uniform.

[0120] If the length P2 of the second partial rib 141 exceeds 5.0 times the length Q1 of the corresponding first separation space 131a, the first separation space 131a, which serves as a bypass, may become too small, and thus the function of the first separation space 131a as a bypass may be impaired.

[0121] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the plurality of first partial ribs 131 can have the same length P1. The plurality of first partial ribs 131 can be arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals Q1. In this case, the lengths Q1 of the first gaps 131a between the plurality of first partial ribs 131 are equal.

[0122] Furthermore, the plurality of second partial ribs 141 can have the same length P2. The plurality of second partial ribs 141 can be arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals Q2. In this case, the lengths Q2 of the second separation spaces 141a between the plurality of second partial ribs 141 are equal.

[0123] If the several first partial ribs 131 have the same length and are arranged so that they are spaced at equal intervals from each other, and the several second partial ribs 141 have the same length and are arranged so that they are spaced at equal intervals from each other, the oil flow flowing along the flow path 200 can have a predetermined consistency and regularity.

[0124] In this case, the length Q1 of the first separation space 131a between the several first partial ribs 131 that form the first rib 130 can be 0.2 to 1.0 times the length P1 of any one of the several first partial ribs 131.

[0125] If the length Q1 of the first separation space 131a is less than 0.2 times the length P1 of the first partial rib 131, the first separation space 131a, which serves as a bypass, may become too small, and thus the function of the first separation space 131a as a bypass may be impaired.

[0126] If the length Q1 of the first separation chamber 131a exceeds 1.0 times the length P1 of the first partial rib 131, the first separation chamber 131a, which serves as a bypass, will be too large, and the oil flow moving along the flow path 200 may not be uniform.

[0127] Furthermore, the length Q2 of the second separation space 141a between the plurality of second partial ribs 141 forming the second rib 140 can be 0.2 to 1.0 times the length P2 of any plurality of the second partial ribs 141.

[0128] If the length Q2 of the second separation chamber 141a is less than 0.2 times the length P2 of the second partial rib 141, the second separation chamber 141a, which serves as a bypass, may become too small and thus impair the function of the second separation chamber 141a as a bypass.

[0129] If the length Q2 of the second separation chamber 141a exceeds 1.0 times the length P2 of the second partial rib 141, the second separation chamber 141a, which serves as a bypass, will be too large, so that the oil flow moving along the flow path 200 may not be uniform.

[0130] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the length P1 of the several first partial ribs 131, which form the first rib 130, can be equal to the length P2 of the several second partial ribs 141, which form the second rib 140.

[0131] Furthermore, the length Q1 of the first separation space 131a between the several first partial ribs 131 that form the first rib 130 can be equal to the length Q2 of the second separation space 141a between the several second partial ribs 141 that form the second rib 140.

[0132] In this case, all partial ribs 131 and 141, including the multiple first partial ribs 131 and the multiple second partial ribs 141, can have the same consistency and regularity in the longitudinal and circumferential directions of the membrane body 110, so that the oil flow along the flow path 200 can have improved consistency and regularity.

[0133] With reference to Fig. 7. A width T1 of the plurality of first partial ribs 131 can be equal to a width T2 of the plurality of second partial ribs 141. In other words, the plurality of first partial ribs 131 and the plurality of second partial ribs 141 can have the same width.

[0134] In this case, the separation distance G between the plurality of first partial ribs 131 and the plurality of second partial ribs 141 in the circumferential direction can be 0.5 to 3.0 times the width T1 of the plurality of first partial ribs 131 or the width T2 of the plurality of second partial ribs 141.

[0135] If the separation distance G between the plurality of first partial ribs 131 and the plurality of second partial ribs 141 in the circumferential direction is less than 0.5 times the width T1 of the plurality of first partial ribs 131 and the width T2 of the plurality of second partial ribs 141, the width G of the flow path 200 formed between the plurality of first partial ribs 131 and the plurality of second partial ribs 141 may be too small, and thus the oil flow moving along the flow path 200 may not be uniform.

[0136] If the separation distance G between the plurality of first partial ribs 131 and the plurality of second partial ribs 141 in the circumferential direction exceeds 3.0 times any width T1 of the plurality of first partial ribs 131 and width T2 of the plurality of second partial ribs 141, the width T1 or T2 of the first partial rib 131 or of the second partial rib 141 can be less than the width G of the flow path 200, and thus a supporting force for supporting the inner surface of the straight part 111 with respect to the external pressure and for maintaining the flow path 200 can be reduced.

[0137] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one partial rib 131 or 41 from the plurality of partial ribs 131 and 141 forming the ribs 130 and 140 can be designed such that a central surface thereof has a predetermined width in the longitudinal direction.

[0138] For example, a partial rib 131 or 141 is formed from a column with a square cross-section and rounded corners, as in Fig. 7 shown. In other words, at least one partial rib 131 or 141 is shaped such that its cross-section in the projection direction has a quadrilateral shape with rounded corners, as shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows the partial rib. However, the partial rib can also be formed from a general column with a square cross-section and angled corners, although this is not shown.

[0139] The multiple partial ribs 131 and 141, which form ribs 130 and 140, can all sections with the in Fig. exhibit the form shown in section 7. In this case, the oil flow along flow path 200 can exhibit improved consistency and uniformity.

[0140] However, the multiple partial ribs 131 and 141 do not all have to have the same shape.

[0141] As a further example, at least one partial rib 131-1 or 141-1 can be designed such that its cross-section in the projection direction corresponds to the Fig. 8 exhibits the capsule shape shown. In other words, at least one partial rib 131-1 or 141-1 can be formed from a column having a cross-section in which both end parts of a rectangle are formed as semicircles, as in Fig. 8 shown.

[0142] Fig. Figure 8 is a view showing a modified example of the shape of a partial rib made of Fig. 7 shows.

[0143] A multitude of partial ribs 131-1 and 141-1, which form the ribs, can all sections with the same shape as in Fig. 8 have, but the present revelation is not limited to that.

[0144] If the partial ribs 131, 141, 131-1 and 141-1 are shaped such that a central surface thereof has a predetermined width in the longitudinal direction, as described above, the oil flow moving through the flow path 200 can be uniform due to the central surface with a predetermined width.

[0145] The in the Fig. 7 and Fig. The 8 partial ribs shown 131, 141, 131-1 and 141-1 have rounded corners, so that no vortices occur in the oil flow moving along the flow path 200 or in the oil flow being diverted through the connecting flow path, and the oil flow thus becomes more uniform.

[0146] Alternatively, as in the Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows several partial ribs 131-2, 141-2, 131-3 and 141-3 forming the ribs, designed such that their width is increased or decreased in the longitudinal direction.

[0147] To illustrate, shows Fig. 9 another modified example of a partial rib made of Fig. 7. Fig. 10 is another modified example of the shape of a partial rib made of Fig. 7.

[0148] For example, at least one partial rib 131-3 or 141-3 can be formed from a column with a rhombus-shaped cross-section with rounded corners, as in Fig. 10. In other words, at least one partial rib 131-3 or 141-3 can be shaped such that its cross-section in the projection direction has a rhombus shape with rounded corners, as shown in Fig. Figure 10 shows. Although not shown, the partial rib can also be formed from a column with a cross-section in a general rhombus shape with square corners.

[0149] A multitude of partial ribs 131-3 and 141-3, which form the ribs, can connect all sections with the in Fig. 10 have the form shown, but the present revelation is not limited to that.

[0150] As a further example, at least one partial rib 131-2 or 141-2 can be shaped to have a hexagonal form, in which a cross-section in a projection direction has a symmetrical structure in a width direction, a pair of opposite sides on both end parts are arranged in a longitudinal direction, and the corners are rounded, as in Fig. 9 shown. Although not shown, the partial rib can be shaped to have a cross-section with angled corners, unlike in Fig. 9 shown.

[0151] A multitude of partial ribs 131-2 and 141-2, which form the ribs, can all sections with the same shape as in Fig. 9 have, but the present revelation is not limited to that.

[0152] If the partial ribs 131-2, 141-2, 131-3 and 141-3 are shaped such that their width is increased and then decreased in the longitudinal direction, oil moving along the flow path 200 can move laterally along the side surfaces of the partial ribs 131 and 141 and be gently diverted into another flow path 200 through the separation spaces 131a and 141a between a pair of partial ribs 131 and 141 that lie side by side in the longitudinal direction.

[0153] Fig. Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a membrane according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a view in the direction of the arrow of line EE from Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a view in the direction of the arrow of line FF from Fig. 11. Fig. Figure 14 is a view showing an inner surface of part of a membrane body in a developed state according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] As in the Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13 to Fig. Figure 14 shows that a membrane 100' according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a membrane body 110 and a plurality of ribs 130' and 140'. The ribs 130' and 140' according to the present embodiment differ from the ribs 130 and 140 according to the embodiment above.

[0155] The present embodiment is described below with a focus on ribs 130' and 140'.

[0156] The multiple ribs 130' and 140' extend in a longitudinal direction of the membrane body 110 or a straight part 111, project from an inner surface of the membrane body 110 to be in contact with an outer surface of an outer tube 40, and form multiple flow paths 200 that extend in a longitudinal direction between the outer surface of the outer tube 40 and the inner surface of the membrane body 110 or the straight part 111.

[0157] In each of the multiple ribs 130' and 140' a connecting flow path is provided to connect adjacent flow paths 200 to each other.

[0158] In the present embodiment, the ribs 130' and 140' comprise individual bodies 132 and 142 which extend continuously in the longitudinal direction.

[0159] Through-holes 132a and 142a are formed, which penetrate the individual bodies 132 and 142 of the ribs 130' and 140' in the circumferential direction of the membrane body 110, in particular in the circumferential direction of the straight part 111. The through-holes 132a and 142a form the connecting flow path that connects adjacent flow paths 200.

[0160] Unless a specific object is described below with respect to the “longitudinal direction” and “circumferential direction” used to describe the plurality of ribs 130’ and 140’ and a plurality of flow paths 200, the “longitudinal direction” and “circumferential direction” are the “longitudinal direction” and the “circumferential direction” of the membrane body 110 or the straight part 111.

[0161] The through-holes 132a and 142a can be shaped to pass through portions of the projecting surfaces of the individual bodies 132 and 142. For example, the through-holes 132a and 142a can be shaped to pass through surfaces near the outer tube 40 between the projecting surfaces of the individual bodies 132 and 142 that project from the inner surface of the straight part 111. In this case, the through-holes 132a and 142a can be shaped such that the side surfaces of the individual bodies 132 and 142 that are in contact with the outer surface of the outer tube 40 are open.

[0162] In this case, the individual bodies 132 and 142 are shaped such that the overhang height of the parts in which the through holes 132a and 142a are formed is less than the overhang height of the parts in which the through holes 132a and 142a are not formed.

[0163] Another example, not shown, is that the through holes can be formed in a shape where one inner surface is completely closed.

[0164] In the present embodiment, a plurality of through holes 132a and 142a can be formed in the individual bodies 132 and 142 of the ribs 130' and 140'. The multiple through holes 132a and 142a can be arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the individual bodies 132 and 142.

[0165] In this case, through-hole-forming parts, in which the through-holes 132a and 142a are formed, and non-through-hole-forming parts, in which the through-holes 132a and 142a are not formed, are formed alternately in the longitudinal direction in the individual bodies 132 and 142. Several parts forming through-holes and several parts not forming through-holes can be formed.

[0166] The multiple through holes 132a and 142a formed in the individual bodies 132 and 142 can have a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction and a predetermined width in the circumferential direction.

[0167] In the present embodiment, the plurality of ribs 130' and 140' can comprise first ribs 130' and second ribs 140' arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0168] In this case, a second rib 140' can be arranged between a pair of first ribs 130' that lie next to each other in the circumferential direction, and a first rib 130' can be arranged between a pair of second ribs 140' that lie next to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0169] In the present embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of first ribs 130' and a plurality of second ribs 140' are provided.

[0170] In the present embodiment, the first rib 130' comprises a first single body 132 extending continuously in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of first through-holes 132a can be formed, which penetrate the first single body 132 in the circumferential direction of the straight part 111 or in a lateral direction of the first rib 130' and are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction. The first through-hole 132a forms a connecting flow path that links adjacent flow paths 200.

[0171] The second rib 140' comprises a second single body 142 extending continuously in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of second through-holes 142a can be formed, penetrating the second single body 142 in the circumferential direction of the straight part 111 or in a lateral direction of the second rib 140' and spaced apart longitudinally. The second through-hole 142a forms a connecting flow path that links adjacent flow paths 200.

[0172] The plurality of first through holes 132a and the plurality of second through holes 142a can be arranged obliquely, so that they are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the membrane body 110.

[0173] In other words, the plurality of first through holes 132a and the plurality of second through holes 142a can be arranged side by side in a zigzag pattern formed in the longitudinal direction of the membrane body 110.

[0174] In this case, the oil moves along the flow path 200, which is formed between the first rib 130' and the second rib 140', and alternately encounters the first through-hole 132a, which represents a connecting flow path provided in the first rib 130', and the second through-hole 142a, which represents a connecting flow path provided in the second rib 140'.

[0175] In the present embodiment, the first rib 130' can be shaped such that a center of each first through-hole 132a in the longitudinal direction and a center of a second through-hole, which is not shaped and lies in the longitudinal direction and corresponds to each first through-hole 132a under a plurality of second through-hole-free parts of the second rib 140', are arranged in a line in the circumferential direction.

[0176] The second rib 140' can be shaped such that a center point of every second through hole 142a in the longitudinal direction and a center point of a first, non-forming part, which is located in the longitudinal direction and corresponds to every second through hole 142a under a plurality of first, non-forming parts of the first rib 130', are arranged in a line in the circumferential direction.

[0177] Referring to Fig. 14 the length Q1' of each first through hole 132a may be 1.0 to 5.0 times the length P2' of the second, non-forming part of the through hole corresponding to each first through hole 132a.

[0178] The length Q2' of each second through hole 142a can be 1.0 to 5.0 times the length P1' of the first non-forming part of the through hole corresponding to each second through hole 132a.

[0179] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the plurality of first through holes 132a can have the same length Q1'. The plurality of first through holes 132a can be arranged at equal intervals P1' in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the plurality of first, non-forming parts of the through hole can have the same length P1'.

[0180] The plurality of second through-holes 142a can have the same length Q2'. The plurality of second through-holes 142a can be arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals P2' in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the plurality of second parts of the through-hole, which are not shaped, can have the same length P2'.

[0181] In this case, the length Q1' of the plurality of first through holes 132a can be 0.2 to 1.0 times the length P1' of any part of the plurality of first through holes without forming. The length Q2' of the plurality of second through holes 142a can be 0.2 to 1.0 times the length P2' of any part of the plurality of second through holes without forming.

[0182] In this case, the length Q1' of the plurality of first through holes 132a can be equal to the length Q2' of the plurality of second through holes 142a. The length P1' of the multiple first through-hole non-molded parts can be equal to the length P2' of the multiple second through-hole non-molded parts.

[0183] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 14, the width T1' of the first rib 130' can be equal to the width T2' of the second rib 140'. In this case, the first through-hole 132a and the second through-hole 142a can have the same width. The first through-hole non-molded part and the second through-hole non-molded part can also have the same width.

[0184] A separation distance G between the first rib 130' and the second rib 140' in the circumferential direction can be 0.5 to 3.0 times the width T1' of the first rib 130' or the width T2' of the second rib 140'.

[0185] According to the embodiments described above in the present disclosure, several ribs 130, 140, 130' and 140' are formed in the membranes 100 and 100' such that they project from an inner surface of a membrane body 110, are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction and extend in a longitudinal direction, thereby forming a plurality of flow paths 200 between an outer surface of an outer tube 40 and the inner surface of the membrane body 110, so that the flow path 200 can be maintained even when the membrane body 110 is deformed by oil pressure, allowing oil to move uniformly from a high-pressure chamber to a low-pressure chamber.

[0186] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in membranes 100 and 100', since a connecting flow path extends through a plurality of ribs 130, 140, 130' and 140' in a circumferential direction to connect circumferentially adjacent flow paths 200, oil moving through the blocked flow path 200 can be diverted via the connecting flow path into another adjacent flow path 200, even if at least one of a plurality of flow paths 200 is blocked.

[0187] This prevents a sudden pressure increase due to a blocked flow path 200, and the self-leveling damper 1 can operate stably.

[0188] According to such a configuration, in a membrane according to one aspect of the present disclosure, several ribs are formed such that they project from an inner surface of a membrane body, are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction and extend in a longitudinal direction, thereby forming a plurality of flow paths between an outer surface of an outer tube and an inner surface of the membrane body, so that the flow path can be maintained even when the membrane body is deformed by oil pressure, allowing oil to move uniformly from a high-pressure chamber to a low-pressure chamber.

[0189] Since a diaphragm has a connecting flow path that extends circumferentially through a plurality of ribs to connect circumferentially adjacent flow paths, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, oil moving through the blocked flow path can be diverted through the connecting flow path into another adjacent flow path, even if at least one flow path from a plurality of flow paths is blocked. This prevents a sudden pressure increase due to a blocked flow path, and a self-leveling damper can operate stably.

[0190] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above and should be understood to include all effects that can be derived from the configuration of this disclosure as described in the detailed description or claims of this disclosure.

[0191] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to its embodiments, the spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented in the present description. Those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present disclosure can readily propose other embodiments by adding, modifying, or deleting components within the framework of the same concept, and these other embodiments are likewise in accordance with the spirit of the present disclosure. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10-2024-0082546

[0001] KR 10-2025-0066151

[0001] KR 10-2005-0107664

[0010]

Claims

[1] Membrane (100; 100') comprising a membrane (100) for a self-leveling damper (1) with an outer tube (40), a cylinder (50) arranged to surround the outer tube (40), and a first holder (60) and a second holder (70) spaced apart from each other between the outer tube (40) and the cylinder (50), wherein the membrane (100) comprises: a membrane body (110) having a longitudinally extending tubular shape and arranged between the outer tube (40) and the cylinder (50), the two end parts of which are connected longitudinally to the first holder (60) and the second holder (70); and a plurality of ribs (130, 140; 130', 140') extending longitudinally from an inner surface of the membrane body (110) to be in contact with an outer surface of the outer tube (40), and forming a plurality of flow paths (200) extending longitudinally between the outer surface of the outer tube (40) and the inner surface of the membrane body (110), wherein the plurality of ribs (130, 140; 130', 140') and the plurality of flow paths (200) are arranged alternately in a circumferential direction of the membrane body (110), and Connecting flow paths are provided in the multitude of ribs (130, 140; 130', 140') to connect the flow paths (200) side by side in the circumferential direction. [2] Membrane (100; 100') according to claim 1, wherein the membrane body (110) comprises: a straight part (111) formed from a cylindrical tube with a constant diameter in the longitudinal direction and having an inner surface on which the several ribs (130, 140; 130', 140') are formed; a first holder coupling part (113) which is designed such that its diameter gradually increases in the longitudinal direction from an end part of the straight part (111) and has an end part coupled to the first holder (60); and a second holder coupling part (115) which is designed such that its diameter gradually increases in the longitudinal direction from the other end part of the straight part (111) and which has an end part coupled to the second holder (70). [3] Membrane (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein each of the multiple ribs (130, 140) extends intermittently in the longitudinal direction, and the intermittent sections of each of the plurality of ribs (130, 140) form the connecting flow paths. [4] Membrane (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the plurality of ribs (130, 140) has several partial ribs (131, 141) projecting from the inner surface of the membrane body (110) to be in contact with the outer surface of the outer tube (40), and which are arranged in a line to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, each of the multiple partial ribs (131, 141) is designed to have a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction and a predetermined width in the circumferential direction, and Separation spaces (131a, 141a) between the several partial ribs (131, 141) form the connecting flow paths. [5] Membrane (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the multiple ribs (130, 140) comprise first ribs (130) and second ribs (140) arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, Each of the first ribs (130) has a plurality of first partial ribs (131) projecting from the inner surface of the membrane body (110) to be in contact with the outer surface of the outer tube (40), and arranged in a line to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. Each of the second ribs (140) has a plurality of second partial ribs (141) projecting from the inner surface of the membrane body (110) to be in contact with the outer surface of the outer tube (40), and arranged in a line to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the multitude of first partial ribs (131) and the multitude of second partial ribs (141) are arranged obliquely in order to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. [6] Membrane (100) according to claim 5, wherein the multiple second partial ribs (141) are arranged such that a center point of each of the second partial ribs (141) is arranged in a line in the circumferential direction and a center point of a first separation space (131a) located in the longitudinal direction and corresponding to each of the second partial ribs (141) is arranged in a line in the circumferential direction below the first separation spaces (131a) between the multiple first partial ribs (131), and the multiple first partial ribs (131) are arranged such that a center point of each of the first partial ribs (131) is arranged in a line in the circumferential direction and a center point of a second separation space (141a) located in the longitudinal direction and corresponding to each of the first partial ribs (131) is arranged in a line in the circumferential direction below the second separation spaces (141a) between the multiple second partial ribs (141). [7] Membrane (100) according to claim 6, wherein the length of each of the first partial ribs (131) is 1.0 to 5.0 times the length of the second separation space (141a) corresponding to each of the first partial ribs (131), and the length of each of the second partial ribs (141) is 1.0 to 5.0 times the length of the first separation space (131a) corresponding to each of the second partial ribs (141). [8] Membrane (100) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the multiple first partial ribs (131) have the same length and are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals, and the plurality of second partial ribs (141) have the same length and are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals. [9] Membrane (100) according to claim 8, wherein the length of the first separation space (131a) between the plurality of first partial ribs (131) is 0.2 to 1.0 times the length of any one of the plurality of first partial ribs (131), and the length of the second separation space (141a) between the plurality of second partial ribs (141) is 0.2 to 1.0 times the length of any one of the plurality of second partial ribs (141). [10] Membrane (100) according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein a length of the plurality of first partial ribs (131) is equal to a length of the plurality of second partial ribs (141), and the length of the first separation space (131a) between the plurality of first partial ribs (131) is equal to the length of the second separation space (141a) between the plurality of second partial ribs (141). [11] Membrane (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the plurality of first partial ribs (131) and the plurality of second partial ribs (141) have the same width, and a separation distance between the plurality of first partial ribs (131) and the plurality of second partial ribs (141) in the circumferential direction is 0.5 to 3.0 times a width of any one of the plurality of first partial ribs (131) and the plurality of second partial ribs (141). [12] Membrane (100) according to one of claims 4 to 11, wherein at least one partial rib (131, 141; 131-1, 141-1) of the plurality of partial ribs (131, 141) is designed such that a central area thereof has a predetermined width in the longitudinal direction. [13] Membrane (100) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one partial rib (131, 141) is shaped such that its cross-section has a square shape with rounded corners in a projection direction. [14] Membrane (100) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one partial rib (131-1, 141-1) is shaped such that a cross-section thereof has a capsule shape in a projection direction. [15] Membrane (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein at least one partial rib (131-2, 141-2; 131-3, 141-3) of the plurality of partial ribs (131, 141) is designed such that its width increases in the longitudinal direction and then decreases. [16] Membrane (100) according to claim 15, wherein the at least one partial rib (131-3, 141-3) is shaped such that a cross-section thereof has a rhombus shape with rounded corners in a projection direction. [17] Membrane (100) according to claim 15, wherein the at least one partial rib (131-2, 141-2) is formed to have a hexagonal shape having a symmetrical structure in a width direction, of which a pair of mutually facing sides are arranged at both end parts in the longitudinal direction and whose corners are rounded. [18] Membrane (100') according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein each of the multiple ribs (130', 140') has a single body (132, 142) extending continuously in the longitudinal direction, and a through-hole is formed which traverses the single body (132, 142) in the circumferential direction and represents the connecting flow path. [19] Membrane (100') according to claim 18, wherein the through-hole formed in the single body (132, 142) is provided as a plurality of through-holes (132a, 142a), and the plurality of through-holes (132a, 142a) are formed to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. [20] Membrane (100') according to one of claims 1, 2, 18 or 19, wherein the multiple ribs (130', 140') comprise first ribs (130') and second ribs (140') arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, Each of the first ribs (130') has a first single body (132) that extends continuously in the longitudinal direction, a plurality of first through holes (132a) which extend through the first single body (132) in the circumferential direction are formed, being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, Each of the second ribs (140') has a second single body (142) that extends continuously in the longitudinal direction, a plurality of second through-holes (142a) extending through the second single body (142) in the circumferential direction are formed, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of first through holes (132a) and the plurality of second through holes (132a) are arranged obliquely in order to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

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