Air spring

Abstract

To provide an air spring capable of improving riding comfort of a passenger.SOLUTION: An air spring includes an upper surface plate, a lower surface plate, a diaphragm, a connection shaft, and an orifice. The lower surface plate faces the upper surface plate. The diaphragm connects the upper surface plate with the lower surface plate, and forms a first internal space between the upper surface plate and the lower surface plate. The connection shaft forms a second internal space. The orifice is disposed between the first internal space and the second internal space and can adjust the flow of air between the first internal space and the second internal space. An area of a region through which air passes in the orifice when a distance between the upper surface plate and the lower surface plate increases is smaller than an area of a region through which air passes in the orifice when the distance between the upper surface plate and the lower surface plate decreases.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air springs. [Background technology]

[0002] In railway vehicles, air springs are installed between the carbody and the bogie to reduce the shock and vibration that is applied to the carbody when the vehicle is in motion. Typically, an air spring has an upper plate near the carbody, a lower plate near the bogie, and a diaphragm. The diaphragm connects the upper and lower plates.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 6-239230 (Patent Document 1) discloses an air spring provided with a throttle control mechanism that detects vibrations of a vehicle body with a sensor and provides a damping force proportional to the vibration speed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-239230 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an air spring that can improve passenger comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air spring according to the present disclosure includes an upper plate, a lower plate, a diaphragm, a connecting shaft, and an orifice. The lower plate faces the upper plate. The diaphragm connects the upper plate and the lower plate, forming a first internal space between the upper plate and the lower plate. The connecting shaft forms a second internal space. The orifice is disposed between the first internal space and the second internal space, and is capable of adjusting the flow of air between the first internal space and the second internal space. When the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate is increased, the area of ​​the region through which air passes in the orifice is smaller than the area of ​​the region through which air passes in the orifice when the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate is decreased. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air spring that can improve the riding comfort of passengers can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view showing the configuration of an air spring according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic view of region II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the movable member. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the movable member. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view showing the state of the orifice when the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate increases. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the pressing member and the movable member. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the load and the vertical displacement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiment] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described below.

[0010] (1) An air spring according to the present disclosure includes an upper plate, a lower plate, a diaphragm, a connecting shaft, and an orifice. The lower plate faces the upper plate. The diaphragm connects the upper plate and the lower plate and forms a first internal space between the upper plate and the lower plate. The connecting shaft forms a second internal space. The orifice is disposed between the first internal space and the second internal space and is capable of adjusting the flow of air between the first internal space and the second internal space. When the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate is large, the area of ​​the region through which air passes in the orifice is smaller than the area of ​​the region through which air passes in the orifice when the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate is small.

[0011] (2) According to the air spring pertaining to (1) above, the orifice may include a movable member and a retaining member that stops movement of the movable member. The movable member may be provided with a first through hole. The retaining member may be provided with a second through hole. When movement of the movable member is stopped by the retaining member, the flow of air passing through a portion of the first through hole may be obstructed by the retaining member.

[0012] (3) According to the air spring pertaining to (2) above, the first through hole may have a center hole facing the second through hole and an outer hole located outside the center hole. When viewed in a direction parallel to the direction from the upper plate toward the lower plate, the outer hole may be located outside the second through hole.

[0013] (4) According to the air spring according to (2) or (3) above, the total area of ​​the first through hole may be equal to or less than the total area of ​​the second through hole.

[0014] (5) The air spring according to any one of (2) to (4) above may further include a guide member that guides the movable member.

[0015] (6) According to the air spring according to any one of (1) to (5) above, at least a part of the orifice may be provided in the connecting shaft.

[0016] (7) According to the air spring according to (6) above, the connecting shaft may be connectable to the bogie or the car body.

[0017] (8) The air spring according to (6) or (7) above may further include a laminated rubber that forms a third internal space provided between the first internal space and the second internal space. The connecting shaft may be separable from the laminated rubber. [Details of the embodiment] Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0018] First, the configuration of the air spring according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air spring according to this embodiment.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1 , the air spring 1 according to this embodiment mainly includes an outer cylinder 30, a lower plate 20, a diaphragm 4, a laminated rubber 5, a first connecting shaft 2, a second connecting shaft 8, a sliding plate 9, and a sliding portion 7. The outer cylinder 30 mainly includes an upper plate 31, an upper member 32, and an outer cylinder rubber 33. The first connecting shaft 2 extends along an axis A. The first connecting shaft 2 is hollow and cylindrical. The first connecting shaft 2 is attached to the upper plate 31. The upper plate 31 surrounds the first connecting shaft 2.

[0020] The upper surface member 32 is disposed on the upper surface plate 31. At least a portion of the upper surface member 32 is located radially outward of the upper surface plate 31. A portion of the upper surface member 32 is embedded in an outer tube rubber 33. The outer tube rubber 33 is disposed so as to surround the upper surface plate 31. The outer tube rubber 33 is in contact with a portion of the diaphragm 4.

[0021] The lower plate 20 faces the upper plate 31. The lower plate 20 is disposed below the upper plate 31. The diaphragm 4 is hollow and cylindrical. The diaphragm 4 connects the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20. The diaphragm 4 forms a first internal space S1 between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20. The first internal space S1 is filled with compressed air. The diaphragm 4 has a first open end 4a and a second open end 4b. The first open end 4a of the diaphragm 4 is connected to the upper plate 31 via a portion of the outer rubber tube 33. The first open end 4a of the diaphragm 4 may be directly connected to the upper plate 31. The second open end 4b of the diaphragm 4 is connected to the lower plate 20.

[0022] The sliding plate 9 is attached to the lower surface of the upper plate 31. The sliding plate 9 is made of, for example, stainless steel. The lower surface of the sliding plate 9 is mirror-finished. A sliding portion 7 is provided on the upper surface of the lower plate 20. The sliding portion 7 faces the sliding plate 9. The sliding portion 7 is made of, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0023] The laminated rubber 5 is disposed below the lower plate 20. In other words, the laminated rubber 5 is located on the opposite side of the lower plate 20 from the upper plate 31. The lower plate 20 is attached to the laminated rubber 5 with fastening screws 3. The laminated rubber 5 is hollow and tubular. The laminated rubber 5 forms a third internal space S3. The laminated rubber 5 surrounds the axis A. A fixing plate 6 is disposed below the laminated rubber 5. The second connecting shaft 8 extends along the axis A. The second connecting shaft 8 is attached to the fixing plate 6. The second connecting shaft 8 is hollow and tubular. The second connecting shaft 8 forms a second internal space S2. The third internal space S3 is provided between the first internal space S1 and the second internal space S2. The third internal space S3 is connected to both the first internal space S1 and the second internal space S2.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the air spring 1 has a configuration that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the axis A. The direction from the lower plate 20 toward the upper plate 31 is also referred to as the upward direction. The direction from the upper plate 31 toward the lower plate 20 is also referred to as the downward direction. The upward direction and the downward direction are each parallel to the axis A. A direction that is perpendicular to the axis A and extends radially from the axis A is also referred to as the radial direction.

[0025] Fig. 2 is an enlarged schematic view of region II in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the air spring 1 according to this embodiment further has an orifice 70 and a guide member 50. The orifice 70 has a movable member 10 and a pressing member 40. The pressing member 40 is disposed on the upper surface of the fixed plate 6. The pressing member 40 has a first region 41 and a second region 42.

[0026] The first region 41 is, for example, disk-shaped. A second through hole 62 is provided in the first region 41. The second through hole 62 extends along the axis A. The second region 42 is continuous with the first region 41. The second region 42 is located between the first region 41 and the fixed plate 6. The second region 42 is hollow and cylindrical. The second region 42 surrounds a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting shaft 8. The second connecting shaft 8 is arranged to pass through a hole provided in the fixed plate 6. The guide member 50 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second connecting shaft 8.

[0027] 3 is a perspective schematic diagram showing the configuration of the movable member 10. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the movable member 10 has a first portion 11, a second portion 12, and a third portion 13. The first portion 11 is, for example, disk-shaped. A first through-hole 61 is provided in the first portion 11. The first through-hole 61 has a center hole 81 and outer holes 82.

[0028] The second portion 12 is continuous with the first portion 11. The second portion 12 has, for example, a hollow cylindrical shape. The third portion 13 is continuous with the second portion 12. The second portion 12 is located between the first portion 11 and the third portion 13. The third portion 13 has, for example, a hollow cylindrical shape. The third portion 13 is surrounded by a guide member 50.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the diameter of the first portion 11 (first diameter D1) is larger than the diameter of the second portion 12 (second diameter D2). The diameter of the second portion 12 (second diameter D2) is larger than the diameter of the third portion 13 (third diameter D3). In the direction along the axis A, the length of the third portion 13 is longer than the lengths of the first portion 11 and the second portion 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the central hole 81 extends along the axis A. The central hole 81 faces the second through hole 62 provided in the pressing member 40. The outer hole 82 extends along a straight line parallel to the axis A.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the movable member 10. In the radial direction, the outer holes 82 are arranged outside the central hole 81. The number of outer holes 82 is, for example, 12. As an example, the multiple outer holes 82 may be arranged at equal intervals along an imaginary circle centered on the axis A. The arrangement of the outer holes 82 is not particularly limited. The number of outer holes 82 is not particularly limited. The number of outer holes 82 may be, for example, one, two, four, or eight.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4 , when viewed along the axis A, the shape of the central hole 81 is, for example, a circle. The diameter of the central hole 81 is, for example, 8 mm. The shape of the central hole 81 is not limited to a circle. The shape of the central hole 81 may be, for example, a polygon. When viewed along the axis A, the shape of the outer holes 82 is, for example, a circle. The shape of the outer holes 82 is not limited to a circle. The shape of the outer holes 82 may be, for example, a polygon. When viewed along the axis A, the area of ​​each of the multiple outer holes 82 may be smaller than the area of ​​the central hole 81. The total area of ​​the first through hole 61 is the sum of the area of ​​the central hole 81 and the area of ​​all of the outer holes 82.

[0032] 5 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view showing the state of the orifice 70 when the distance between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate increases. The region shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the region shown in FIG.

[0033] 5, when the distance between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20 increases, air moves upward, causing the movable member 10 to float. The guide member 50 guides the movement of the movable member 10. As a result, the upper surface of the first portion 11 of the movable member 10 comes into contact with the lower surface of the first region 41 of the pressing member 40. The movement of the movable member 10 is stopped by the pressing member 40.

[0034] The guide member 50 smooths the movement of the movable member 10. The guide member 50 is, for example, a linear bushing. The linear bushing includes, for example, rolling elements. The guide member 50 may also be, for example, a sliding bushing. The sliding bushing includes, for example, a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) coating portion. The guide member 50 may also be a grease lubrication member.

[0035] At least a portion of the orifice 70 is provided in the second connecting shaft 8. Specifically, the third portion 13 of the movable member 10 is disposed inside the second connecting shaft 8. When the movable member 10 is not raised, the second portion 12 of the movable member 10 may be disposed inside the second connecting shaft 8 (see FIG. 2). The first portion 11 of the movable member 10 may be disposed outside the second connecting shaft 8. The second connecting shaft 8 may be separable from the laminated rubber 5. The second connecting shaft 8 is connectable to a bogie (not shown).

[0036] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the orifice 70 may be provided in the first connecting shaft 2. Specifically, at least a portion of the movable member 10 may be disposed inside the first connecting shaft 2. The first connecting shaft 2 can be connected to a train car body (not shown).

[0037] 6 is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the presser member 40 and the movable member 10. As shown in FIG. 6, when viewed in a direction parallel to the direction from the upper plate 31 toward the lower plate 20, the outer hole 82 is provided radially outward of the second through hole 62. The outer hole 82 is provided radially inward of the second region 42 of the presser member 40. When viewed in a direction parallel to the direction from the upper plate 31 toward the lower plate 20, the outer hole 82 overlaps with the first region 41 of the presser member 40. When viewed in a direction parallel to the direction from the upper plate 31 toward the lower plate 20, the total area of ​​the first through hole 61 may be the same as the total area of ​​the second through hole 62, or may be smaller than the total area of ​​the second through hole 62.

[0038] When the movement of the movable member 10 is stopped by the pressing member 40, the flow of air passing through a portion of the first through hole 61 is blocked by the pressing member 40. Specifically, the flow of air passing through the outer holes 82 is blocked by the first region 41 of the pressing member 40. The air passing through the central hole 81 is not blocked by the first region 41. The air passing through the central hole 81 passes through the second through hole 62. When viewed in a direction parallel to the direction from the upper panel 31 toward the lower panel 20, the area of ​​the second through hole 62 is larger than the area of ​​the central hole 81. The diameter of the second through hole 62 is, for example, 16 mm.

[0039] 1, the orifice 70 is disposed between the first internal space S1 and the second internal space S2. The orifice 70 is capable of adjusting the flow of air between the first internal space S1 and the second internal space S2. More specifically, the orifice 70 is disposed between the third internal space S3 and the second internal space S2. The orifice 70 is capable of adjusting the flow of air between the third internal space S3 and the second internal space S2.

[0040] When air moves from the second internal space S2 toward the first internal space S1, the distance between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20 increases. When air moves from the second internal space S2 toward the first internal space S1, the movable member 10 of the orifice 70 floats up along the guide member 50, and the upper surface of the first portion 11 of the movable member 10 comes into contact with the lower surface of the first region 41 of the pressing member 40 (see FIG. 5). In this case, the air passes through the central hole 81 but does not pass through the outer holes 82.

[0041] On the other hand, when air moves from the first internal space S1 toward the second internal space S2, the distance between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20 decreases. When air moves from the first internal space S1 toward the second internal space S2, the movable member 10 of the orifice 70 descends due to gravity, and the upper surface of the first portion 11 of the movable member 10 moves away from the lower surface of the first region 41 of the pressing member 40 (see FIG. 2). In this case, the air passes through both the central hole 81 and the outer holes 82.

[0042] In other words, in the air spring 1 according to this embodiment, the area of ​​the region through which air passes in the orifice 70 when the distance between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20 increases is smaller than the area of ​​the region through which air passes in the orifice 70 when the distance between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20 decreases.

[0043] Next, the effects of the air spring 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0044] According to the air spring 1 of this embodiment, the area of ​​the region through which air passes in the orifice 70 when the distance between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20 increases is smaller than the area of ​​the region through which air passes in the orifice 70 when the distance between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20 decreases. As a result, when the distance between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20 increases (the air spring 1 expands), the amount of attenuation of the force that the vehicle receives from the air spring 1 increases. This makes it difficult for people riding in the vehicle to sense an inertial force that would cause them to float up. This makes it possible to improve the ride comfort for passengers.

[0045] According to the air spring 1 according to the present embodiment, the orifice 70 may include a movable member 10 and a retaining member 40 that stops the movement of the movable member 10. A first through hole 61 may be provided in the movable member 10. A second through hole 62 may be provided in the retaining member 40. When the movement of the movable member 10 is stopped by the retaining member 40, the flow of air passing through a portion of the first through hole 61 may be obstructed by the retaining member 40. This makes it possible to adjust the flow of air with a simple structure, without a complex control mechanism.

[0046] According to the air spring 1 according to this embodiment, the first through hole 61 may have a central hole 81 facing the second through hole 62, and an outer hole 82 located outside the central hole 81. When viewed in a direction parallel to the direction from the upper plate 31 toward the lower plate 20, the outer hole 82 may be provided outside the second through hole 62. By controlling the flow of air passing through the outer hole 82, it is possible to adjust the flow of air.

[0047] The air spring 1 according to this embodiment may further include a guide member 50 that guides the movable member 10. This allows the movable member 10 to move smoothly.

[0048] According to the air spring 1 according to this embodiment, at least a portion of the orifice 70 may be provided in the connecting shaft, which allows the orifice 70 to be made smaller.

[0049] According to the air spring 1 of this embodiment, the connecting shaft may be connectable to a bogie or a car body. From another perspective, the orifice 70 may be disposed on the first connecting shaft 2 or on the second connecting shaft 8. Therefore, the air spring 1 of this embodiment is also applicable to a vehicle in which an auxiliary air chamber is provided between the car body and the air spring 1.

[0050] The air spring 1 according to this embodiment may further include a laminated rubber 5 that defines a third internal space S3 that is provided between the first internal space S1 and the second internal space S2. The connecting shaft may be separable from the laminated rubber 5. This allows the orifice 70 and guide member 50 that are disposed on the connecting shaft to be removed without disassembling most of the components that make up the air spring 1. This makes it easier to maintain the orifice 70 and the guide member 50. [Example]

[0051] Next, we will explain the results of the load test on the air spring 1. First, air springs 1 of Samples 1 and 2 were prepared. The air spring 1 of Sample 1 is an example of the present invention. The air spring 1 of Sample 2 is a comparative example.

[0052] The orifice 70 of the air spring 1 of Sample 1 can change the area of ​​the region through which air passes when displaced in the compression direction and when displaced in the extension direction. Specifically, the orifice 70 has a movable member 10 and a retainer member 40. In other words, the orifice 70 of the air spring 1 of Sample 1 is of a variable restriction type. On the other hand, the orifice 70 of the air spring 1 of Sample 2 does not change the area of ​​the region through which air passes when displaced in the compression direction and when displaced in the extension direction. In other words, the orifice 70 of the air spring 1 of Sample 2 is of a fixed restriction type.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between load and vertical displacement. The horizontal axis represents vertical displacement. The vertical axis represents the load (reaction force) from the air spring 1. The air spring 1 is filled with air at a predetermined internal pressure. A load is applied to the air spring 1 from the outside to maintain a certain gap between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20 of the air spring 1. The load (reaction force) from the air spring 1 was measured while changing the vertical displacement. The direction of change in the vertical displacement was clockwise (i.e., 0 → compression → 0 → extension → 0).

[0054] 7, when the air spring 1 is compressed (the gap between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20 becomes smaller), the load (reaction force) from the air spring 1 increases. Conversely, when the air spring 1 is expanded (the gap between the upper plate 31 and the lower plate 20 becomes larger), the load (reaction force) from the air spring 1 decreases.

[0055] The load on air spring 1 of sample 1 at the start of the experiment (vertical displacement 0 mm) was approximately 71,000 N. When air spring 1 was compressed, the load from air spring 1 increased. When the vertical displacement was +10 mm, the load from air spring 1 was approximately 75,000 N. Next, air spring 1 was extended. The load on air spring 1 of sample 1 at a vertical displacement of 0 mm was approximately 67,500 N. Next, air spring 1 was extended further, and when the vertical displacement reached -10 mm, the load on air spring 1 of sample 1 was approximately 63,500 N. Next, air spring 1 was compressed. When the vertical displacement reached 0 mm, the load on air spring 1 of sample 1 was approximately 71,000 N.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 7, in the compression direction (the direction of change from negative vertical displacement to positive vertical displacement), the slope of the load change for the air spring 1 of Sample 1 was approximately the same as the slope of the load change for the air spring 1 of Sample 2. On the other hand, in the extension direction (the direction of change from positive vertical displacement to negative vertical displacement), the slope of the load change for the air spring 1 of Sample 1 was larger than the slope of the load change for the air spring 1 of Sample 2. In other words, compared to the air spring 1 of Sample 2, the damping force of the air spring 1 of Sample 1 increases during extension. Therefore, passengers in a vehicle equipped with the air spring 1 of Sample 1 are less likely to perceive the inertial force that causes them to float during extension. This can improve passenger comfort. Specifically, it can reduce passenger motion sickness.

[0057] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include any meaning equivalent to the claims and any modifications within the scope thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Air spring 2 1st connection shaft 3 Fastening screws 4 diaphragm 4a 1st opening end 4b 2nd opening end 5. Laminated rubber 6 Fixed plate 7 Sliding part 8 Second connection shaft 9 Sliding plate 10 Movable parts 11 Part 1 12 Part 2 13 Part 3 20 Bottom plate 30 outer cylinder 31 Top plate 32 Upper surface member 33 Outer tube rubber 40 holding member 41 First area 42 Second area 50 Guide member 61 First through hole 62 Second through hole 70 Orifice 81 Center hole 82 Outer hole A axis D1 1st diameter D2 2nd diameter D3 Third diameter S1 1st internal space S2 2nd internal space S3 3rd internal space

Claims

1. A top plate; a lower surface plate facing the upper surface plate; a diaphragm that connects the upper plate and the lower plate and forms a first internal space between the upper plate and the lower plate; a connecting shaft that forms a second internal space; an orifice disposed between the first internal space and the second internal space and capable of adjusting the flow of air between the first internal space and the second internal space; an area of ​​a region in the orifice through which air passes when the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate increases is smaller than an area of ​​a region in the orifice through which air passes when the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate decreases.

2. the orifice includes a movable member and a pressing member that stops the movement of the movable member, The movable member is provided with a first through hole, The pressing member is provided with a second through hole, The air spring according to claim 1 , wherein when the movement of the movable member is stopped by the pressing member, the flow of air passing through a portion of the first through hole is blocked by the pressing member.

3. the first through hole has a central hole facing the second through hole and an outer hole located outside the central hole, The air spring according to claim 2 , wherein the outer hole is provided further outward than the second through hole when viewed in a direction parallel to a direction from the upper surface plate toward the lower surface plate.

4. 4. The air spring according to claim 2, wherein a total area of ​​the first through holes is equal to or less than a total area of ​​the second through holes.

5. 4. The air spring according to claim 2, further comprising a guide member that guides the movable member.

6. The air spring according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the orifice is provided in the connecting shaft.

7. The air spring according to claim 6, wherein the connecting shaft is connectable to a bogie or a car body.

8. a laminated rubber member that forms a third internal space between the first internal space and the second internal space; The air spring according to claim 6, wherein the connecting shaft is separable from the laminated rubber.

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