Damping force adjusting apparatus

Abstract

To provide a damping force adjusting device which can be made hard to rust.SOLUTION: The damping force adjusting device 17 includes the valve case 19 that is fixed to the outer cylinder 103 and houses the valve that generates the damping force, the cylindrical case 34 that is fitted to the valve case 19, the exterior member 50 that covers a part of the outer surface of the valve case 19 and a part of the outer surface of the cylindrical case 34 and forms the space 57 between the valve case 19 and the cylindrical case 34, and the sealant 58 that fills the space 57.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a damping force adjusting device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the damping force adjustable shock absorber described in Patent Document 1 comprises a cylinder in which a working fluid is sealed, a piston inserted into the cylinder to divide the interior of the cylinder into a rod side chamber and a bottom side chamber, a piston rod connected to the piston and extending to the outside of the cylinder, a flow path in which the flow of the working fluid occurs as the piston rod expands and contracts, and a damping force adjustable valve provided in the flow path and whose opening and closing operation is adjusted by a solenoid. The damping force control valve includes a substantially cylindrical valve case whose base end is fixed to the periphery of the opening of the outer cylinder and whose tip end projects radially outward from the outer cylinder. The damping force control valve also includes a cylindrical holder whose base end is fixed to the connection port of the intermediate cylinder and whose tip end forms an annular flange and is disposed inside the valve case, a valve member that abuts on the flange of the cylindrical holder, a main disc valve, and a valve body. The tip of the valve case is an inner circumferential engaging portion that is crimped to the cylindrical case. The cylindrical case constitutes the outer circumferential cover of the solenoid and is formed as a cylinder with its axis centered on the axis of the shaft portion. The damping force control valve also includes a coupling ring located at the other end of the valve case and formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The coupling ring is formed in a cylindrical shape and is composed of an outer engaging portion whose inner circumferential side engages with an inner engaging portion of the valve case, and a flange portion that protrudes radially inward from the other end of the outer engaging portion. The coupling ring covers the engagement portion where the inner engaging portion of the valve case and the cylindrical case overlap, and is fixed by the outer engaging portion engaging with the inner engaging portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-211062 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although the outer cylinder and the valve case fixed to the outer cylinder are painted, there is a risk of rust occurring at the paint interface, so it is desirable to make them rust-resistant. An object of the present invention is to provide a damping force adjusting device that is resistant to rust. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention, which was completed with this objective in mind, is a damping force adjusting device comprising a first case that is fixed to an outer cylinder and houses a valve that generates a damping force, a second case that fits into the first case, an exterior member that covers part of the outer surface of the first case and part of the outer surface of the second case and forms a space between the first case and the second case, and a sealant that fills the space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a damping force adjusting device that is resistant to rust. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a suspension device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section of an electromagnetic damping force adjusting device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a state in which a sealant is injected into a space. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section of a damping force adjusting device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a state in which a sealant is injected into a space. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section of a damping force adjusting device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a state in which a sealant is injected into a space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a suspension system 1 according to the first embodiment. The suspension system 1 is a suspension used in vehicles such as passenger cars, and as shown in Fig. 1, comprises a hydraulic shock absorber 2 and a coil spring 3 arranged on the outside of the shock absorber 2. The suspension system 1 also comprises a lower spring seat 4 that supports the end of the coil spring 3 on one side in the axial direction (the lower side in Fig. 1) of a rod 12, which will be described later. The suspension system 1 also comprises an upper spring seat 5 that supports the end of the coil spring 3 on the other side in the axial direction (the upper side in Fig. 1) of the rod 12.

[0009] The suspension device 1 also includes a vehicle body side bracket 6 for attaching the suspension device 1 to a vehicle, a wheel side bracket 7 for attaching the suspension device 1 to a wheel, and a dust cover 8 that covers at least a portion of the cylinder portion 10 and the rod 12. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the rod 12 may be simply referred to as the "axial direction." Furthermore, one side in the axial direction (the lower side in FIG. 1) and the other side in the axial direction (the upper side in FIG. 1) may be simply referred to as the "one side" and the "other side," respectively. Furthermore, a direction intersecting the axial direction (for example, a perpendicular direction) may be referred to as the "radial direction." In the radial direction, the side of the center line of the cylinder 101 may be simply referred to as the "inner side," and the side away from the center line may be simply referred to as the "outer side."

[0010] The shock absorber 2 includes a cylinder portion 10 that contains oil as an example of a working fluid, and a rod 12 that has one side that is slidably inserted into the cylinder portion 10 and the other side that protrudes from the cylinder portion 10. The shock absorber 2 also includes a piston portion 13 that is provided at one end of the rod 12, and a bottom portion 14 that is provided at one end of the cylinder portion 10. The shock absorber 2 also includes an electromagnetic damping force adjuster 17 that is provided outside the cylinder portion 10 and that generates and adjusts a damping force.

[0011] The cylinder portion 10 has a cylinder 101 that stores oil, an intermediate cylinder 102 that is provided outside the cylinder 101, and an outer cylinder 103 that is provided outside the cylinder 101 and further outside the intermediate cylinder 102. The cylinder portion 10 also has a rod guide portion 104 that movably supports the rod 12, a bump stopper cap 105, and an oil seal 106 that prevents foreign matter from entering the cylinder portion 10.

[0012] The cylinder 101 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a communication hole 101H that connects the inside and the outside is formed at the other end. The intermediate cylinder 102 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The intermediate cylinder 102 forms a communication path L between itself and the cylinder 101. The intermediate cylinder 102 also has an intermediate cylinder opening 102H at a position facing the electromagnetic damping force adjuster 17. A cylindrical holder 20 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, of the electromagnetic damping force adjuster 17 is fitted into the intermediate cylinder opening 102H.

[0013] The outer cylinder 103 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A reservoir chamber R in which oil accumulates is formed between the outer cylinder 103 and the intermediate cylinder 102. The reservoir chamber R absorbs oil from the cylinder 101 and supplies oil to the cylinder 101 as the rod 12 moves relative to the cylinder 101. The reservoir chamber R also accumulates oil that flows out from the electromagnetic damping force adjuster 17. The outer cylinder 103 also has a case opening 103H at a position facing the electromagnetic damping force adjuster 17.

[0014] The rod 12 is a rod-shaped member that extends long in the axial direction. One side of the rod 12 holds the piston portion 13. The other side of the rod 12 is connected to, for example, the vehicle body via a connecting member or the like (not shown).

[0015] The piston portion 13 has a piston body 131 having a plurality of piston oil passage ports, a piston valve 132 that opens and closes the other side of the piston oil passage ports, and a spring 133 provided between the piston valve 132 and one end of the rod 12. The piston portion 13 divides the oil in the cylinder 101 into a first oil chamber Y1 and a second oil chamber Y2.

[0016] The bottom portion 14 has a valve seat 141, a check valve portion 143 provided on the other side of the valve seat 141, and an axially provided fixing member 144. The bottom portion 14 separates the first oil chamber Y1 and the reservoir chamber R.

[0017] [Electromagnetic damping force adjuster 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section of the electromagnetic damping force adjuster 17 of the first embodiment. The electromagnetic damping force control device 17 differs from the electromagnetic damping force control device described in Patent Document 1 in the exterior member 50 and the sealant 58. Hereinafter, the same components in the electromagnetic damping force control device 17 and the electromagnetic damping force control device described in Patent Document 1 will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the electromagnetic damping force control device 17 may be referred to as the damping force control device 17.

[0018] The damping force adjusting device 17 includes a damping force adjusting valve 18 that generates a damping force, and a solenoid 33 that adjusts the damping force generated by the damping force adjusting valve 18. The damping force adjusting device 17 also includes an exterior member 50 that is provided so as to cover a portion of the outer circumferential surface of a valve case 19 and a cylindrical case 34 of the damping force adjusting valve 18, which will be described later.

[0019] (Damping force adjustment valve 18) The damping force control valve 18 includes a valve case 19, a cylindrical holder 20, a valve member 21, and a main disc valve 23. The damping force control valve 18 also includes a pilot pin 24, a pilot body 26, a return spring 28, a disc valve 29, a retaining plate 30, a pilot cap 31, and a valve body 32.

[0020] The valve case 19 is a substantially cylindrical member and has an inner flange portion 19A and an inner peripheral engaging portion 19B for crimping and fixing to the cylindrical case 34. An annular oil chamber 19C communicating with the reservoir chamber R is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the valve case 19 and the outer peripheral surfaces of the valve member 21, pilot body 26, etc. The valve case 19 is fixed to the outer cylinder 103 by, for example, welding, with the inner flange portion 19A in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 103.

[0021] In the following description, the center line direction of the valve case 19 (i.e., the direction intersecting the axial direction of the cylinder section 10 (see FIG. 1)) may be referred to as the "second axial direction." In addition, the center axis side of the cylinder section 10 in the second axial direction (the left side in FIG. 2) may be referred to as the "first side," and the side away from the center axis of the cylinder section 10 (the right side in FIG. 2) may be referred to as the "second side." In addition, the direction intersecting the center line direction of the valve case 19 (for example, the perpendicular direction) may be referred to as the "second radial direction." In addition, in the second radial direction, the center line side of the valve case 19 may be referred to as the "second inner side," and the side away from the center line of the valve case 19 may be referred to as the "second outer side."

[0022] The second inside of the cylindrical holder 20 has a first side in the second axial direction that communicates with the communication passage L, and a second side that serves as an oil passage 20B that extends to the position of the valve member 21. In addition, an annular spacer 22 is sandwiched between the flange portion 20A of the cylindrical holder 20 and the inner flange portion 19A of the valve case 19. The spacer 22 has a notch 22A formed therein that allows oil to flow between the oil chamber 19C and the reservoir chamber R.

[0023] The valve member 21 has a central hole 21A located at the center in the second radial direction and extending in the second axial direction. The valve member 21 also has a plurality of oil passages 21B (only one is shown) formed around the central hole 21A. The valve member 21 also has an annular recess 21C surrounding the second-side openings of the oil passages 21B. The valve member 21 also has an annular valve seat 21D located on the second outer side of the annular recess 21C and on which the main disc valve 23 is seated.

[0024] The main disc valve 23 has a second inner side sandwiched between the valve member 21 and a large diameter portion 24A of the pilot pin 24, which will be described later, and a second outer side seated on an annular valve seat 21D of the valve member 21. An elastic seal member 23A is fixed to the outer periphery of the second side of the main disc valve 23. The main disc valve 23 opens when it receives pressure on the oil passage 21B side of the valve member 21 and moves away from the annular valve seat 21D, thereby connecting the oil passage 21B of the valve member 21 to the oil chamber 19C (in other words, the reservoir chamber R side). The valve opening pressure of the main disc valve 23 changes depending on the pressure in a pilot chamber 27, which will be described later.

[0025] The pilot pin 24 has a large diameter portion 24A at the center in the second axial direction. The pilot pin 24 also has a stepped center hole 24B located at the center in the second radial direction and extending in the second axial direction, and an orifice 24C is formed at the first end of the center hole 24B. The pilot pin 24 has a first end portion press-fitted into a central hole 21A of the valve member 21, and the main disc valve 23 is sandwiched between the large diameter portion 24A and the valve member 21. The second end portion of the pilot pin 24 is fitted into a central hole 26C (described later) of the pilot body 26. An oil passage 25 extending in the second axial direction is formed between the central hole 26C of the pilot body 26 and the second side portion of the pilot pin 24. The oil passage 25 connects the central hole 26C to a pilot chamber 27 (described later).

[0026] The pilot body 26 has a cylindrical portion 26A with a stepped hole formed on its second inner side, and a bottom portion 26B that closes the cylindrical portion 26A. A central hole 26C is formed on the second inner side of the bottom portion 26B, into which the second end of the pilot pin 24 is fitted. A protruding cylindrical portion 26D, located on the second outer side and protruding around its entire circumference toward the valve member 21, is provided on the first side of the bottom portion 26B of the pilot body 26. The elastic seal member 23A of the main disc valve 23 is fitted liquid-tightly onto the inner circumferential surface of this protruding cylindrical portion 26D, forming a pilot chamber 27 between the main disc valve 23 and the pilot body 26. Pressure in the pilot chamber 27 acts on the main disc valve 23 in the valve closing direction.

[0027] A valve seat 26E, on which a valve element 32 (described later) is seated, is provided on a second side of the bottom 26B of the pilot body 26 so as to surround the central hole 26C. An oil passage 26F penetrating the bottom 26B in the second axial direction is provided on a second outer side of the valve seat 26E. This oil passage 26F allows oil to escape to the valve element 32 side via the flexible disc 26G when the pressure in the pilot chamber 27 excessively increases due to the opening operation of the main disc valve 23.

[0028] A return spring 28 is provided on a second inner side of the cylindrical portion 26A of the pilot body 26, biasing the valve element 32 in a direction away from the valve seat 26E of the pilot body 26. Also provided on the second inner side of the cylindrical portion 26A are a disk valve 29 that constitutes a fail-safe valve when the solenoid 33 is de-energized, and a retaining plate 30 having an oil passage 30A formed on the second inner side. The return spring 28, disk valve 29, retaining plate 30, etc. are fixed by a pilot cap 31 fitted to the open end side of the cylindrical portion 26A. The pilot cap 31 has multiple (e.g., four) notches 31A formed in the circumferential direction to allow oil that has flowed through the oil passage 30A of the retaining plate 30 to the solenoid 33 side to flow to the oil chamber 19C.

[0029] The valve element 32 is provided at the first end of a shaft portion 43 (described later) of the solenoid 33. The valve element 32 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and its tip portion, which seats on the valve seat portion 26E of the pilot body 26, is tapered. The shaft portion 43 is fitted inside the valve element 32, and the opening degree of the valve element 32 is adjusted in accordance with the supply of electricity to the solenoid 33. A flange portion 32A, which serves as a spring support, is formed around the entire periphery of the second side of the valve element 32. The flange portion 32A comes into contact with the disc valve 29 when the solenoid 33 is not energized, thereby forming a fail-safe valve.

[0030] (Solenoid 33) The solenoid 33 includes a cylindrical case 34, a bobbin 36, a coil 37, a movable core 38, a fixed core 39, an overmold 41, a shaft portion 43, a first bushing 44, a second bushing 45, a back pressure chamber forming member 46, and a cap member 48.

[0031] The cylindrical case 34 is a cylindrical member provided on a second outer side of the solenoid 33 and having an axis centered on the axis of the shaft portion 43, for example. The cylindrical case 34 houses the pilot body 26, the coil 37, the cap member 48, etc. in a second inner side. The cylindrical case 34 has a valve side cylindrical portion 34A located on a second outer side of the damping force control valve 18, and a coil side cylindrical portion 34B located on a second outer side of a cylindrical portion 41A (described later) of the overmold 41. The cylindrical case 34 also has an annular flange portion 34C provided between the valve side cylindrical portion 34A and the coil side cylindrical portion 34B. The cylindrical case 34 is molded from a magnetic material and forms a magnetic path when energized.

[0032] A pilot cap 31 of the damping force control valve 18 is fitted into the second inner side of the valve side cylindrical portion 34A, and a valve case 19 of the damping force control valve 18 is fitted into the second outer side of the valve side cylindrical portion 34A. A seal groove 34A1 is provided around the entire outer periphery of the valve side cylindrical portion 34A. A seal ring 34A2 is fitted into the seal groove 34A1, and the seal ring 34A2 provides a liquid-tight seal between the cylindrical case 34 and the valve case 19.

[0033] The cylindrical portion 41A of the overmold 41 is inserted into the second inner side of the coil side cylindrical portion 34B. A seal ring 34B1 is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the second end of the coil side cylindrical portion 34B and the outer circumferential surface of the overmold 41, providing a liquid-tight seal between the cylindrical case 34 and the overmold 41. More specifically, a recess 34E recessed from the inner circumferential surface to the second outer side is formed around the entire circumference at the second end of the coil side cylindrical portion 34B, and an annular space 60 is formed between the recess 34E and a recess 41E (described later) of the overmold 41. The seal ring 34B1 is fitted into the space 60. Furthermore, a recess 34F recessed from the inner circumferential surface toward the second outside is formed around the entire circumference of the coil side cylindrical portion 34B in a region closer to the first side than the recess 34E. A metal ring 34B2 is fitted into an annular space 65 formed between the recess 34F and a recess 41F (described later) of the overmold 41, thereby determining the position of the overmold 41 relative to the cylindrical case 34.

[0034] A tapered surface 34C1 is formed on the first end of the second inner side of the flange portion 34C. A cap member 48 is fitted onto the second inner side of the flange portion 34C. A seal ring 34C2 is provided between the tapered surface 34C1 of the flange portion 34C and the cap member 48.

[0035] The bobbin 36 is provided on the second outer side of the cap member 48. The bobbin 36 is molded from a resin material such as a thermosetting resin, and covers the second inner side of the coil 37. The bobbin 36 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape. The bobbin 36 has a bobbin body 36A that covers the inner circumferential surface and both end surfaces in the second axial direction of the coil 37, and a stepped cylindrical portion 36B that extends from the bobbin body 36A to the second side. The inner circumferential surface of the stepped cylindrical portion 36B forms an insertion hole 36B1 into which a small diameter portion 48C (described later) of the cap member 48 is inserted. An insert core 40 (described later) is embedded in the second inner side of the bobbin 36.

[0036] The coil 37 is provided between the coil side cylindrical portion 34B of the cylindrical case 34 and the bobbin body 36A of the bobbin 36. The coil 37 is provided by being wound around the bobbin body 36A of the bobbin 36. The coil 37 generates a magnetic force when power is supplied (energized) through the cable 42.

[0037] The movable core 38 is disposed on the second inner side of the cap member 48 and is fixed integrally to the shaft portion 43, thereby allowing it to move in the second axial direction. The movable core 38 is formed into a cylindrical shape from, for example, an iron-based magnetic material. When the coil 37 generates a magnetic force, the movable core 38 is attracted to the fixed core 39 and moves in the second axial direction.

[0038] The fixed core 39 is provided on the second inner side of the cap member 48, more specifically, on the second inner side of the cylindrical case 34 and the bobbin 36. The fixed core 39 has a cylindrical portion 39A through which the shaft portion 43 passes, and a flange portion 39B that protrudes from the first end of the cylindrical portion 39A to the second outer side. The fixed core 39 attracts the movable core 38 to the first side as the coil 37 generates a magnetic force. The second end of the cylindrical portion 39A is provided with a recess 39C into which the movable core 38 fits when the movable core 38 is attracted. Furthermore, a first bushing 44 that supports the shaft portion 43 is fitted into the second inner side of the fixed core 39 .

[0039] The insert core 40 is embedded in the bobbin 36 so as to be located at a second inner portion. The insert core 40 is molded using a magnetic material and has a tubular portion 40A through which the movable core 38 passes in the second inner portion, and a flange portion 40B that protrudes in the second radial direction from the second end of the tubular portion 40A so as to face the second end face of the coil 37. The second inner portion of the tubular portion 40A facing the movable core 38 is not covered by the bobbin 36, so that magnetic flux can be exchanged between the tubular portion 40A and the movable core 38. On the second outer side of the flange portion 40B, for example, a plurality of notches 40C for connecting the cable 42 to the coil 37 are formed in the circumferential direction.

[0040] The overmold 41 is provided at the second end of the solenoid 33. The overmold 41 is formed, for example, from a thermosetting resin or the like into a cylindrical shape with a bottom as a whole, and covers the second outside of the coil 37. The overmold 41 has a cylindrical tubular portion 41A that covers the second outside of the coil 37, and a lid portion 41B that closes the second side of the tubular portion 41A. The lid portion 41B has, at a part in the circumferential direction, a cable outlet portion 41C to which a cable 42 made up of a lead wire is connected.

[0041] A recess 41E recessed from the outer circumferential surface toward the second inner side is formed around the entire periphery of the cylindrical portion 41A at the second end portion. The recess 41E, together with the recess 34E of the cylindrical case 34, forms a space 60 into which the seal ring 34B1 is fitted. Further, a recess 41F recessed from the outer peripheral surface toward the second inner side is formed around the entire circumference of the cylindrical portion 41A, on the first side of the recess 41E. The recess 41F, together with the recess 34F of the cylindrical case 34, forms a space 65 into which the metal ring 34B2 is fitted.

[0042] The shaft portion 43 is a cylindrical member and is located on a second inner side of the movable iron core 38, the fixed iron core 39, and the back pressure chamber forming member 46. A first end of the shaft portion 43 in the second axial direction is supported by a first bushing 44, and a second end of the shaft portion 43 in the second axial direction is supported by a second bushing 45. The movable iron core 38 is fixed to the center of the shaft portion 43 in the second axial direction by, for example, press fitting, and the valve element 32 of the damping force control valve 18 is fixed to the first end of the shaft portion 43. Therefore, the valve element 32 moves integrally with the movable iron core 38 and the shaft portion 43. In other words, the valve opening or valve opening pressure of the valve element 32 corresponds to the thrust of the movable iron core 38 generated by energizing the coil 37.

[0043] The back pressure chamber forming member 46 is fitted into the second inner side of the second end of the cap member 48. The back pressure chamber forming member 46 is molded from a non-magnetic material and has a bottom portion 46A and a cylindrical portion 46B. A second bushing 45 that supports the shaft portion 43 is fitted into the second inner side of the back pressure chamber forming member 46. The back pressure chamber forming member 46 forms a back pressure chamber 47 into which oil flows.

[0044] The cap member 48 is provided on a second inner side of the bobbin 36. The cap member 48 is provided to surround the movable core 38, the fixed core 39, the back pressure chamber forming member 46, etc. The cap member 48 is formed into a stepped cylindrical shape with a bottom from a thin plate of a non-magnetic material. The cap member 48 is provided at an end on a first side in the second axial direction and has a large diameter portion 48A disposed on a second outer side of the cylindrical portion 40A of the fixed core 39 so as to face the cylindrical portion 40A in the second radial direction. The cap member 48 also has a medium diameter portion 48B disposed on the second outer side of the movable core 38 so as to face the movable core 38 in the second radial direction on the second side of the large diameter portion 48A, and a small diameter portion 48C disposed on the second side of the medium diameter portion 48B so as to face the movable core 38 in the second radial direction.

[0045] (Exterior member 50) The exterior member 50 is a member that covers the outer peripheral surface of the second-side end of the valve case 19 of the damping force control valve 18 and part of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 34 of the solenoid 33. The exterior member 50 has two cylindrical portions with the same outer diameter but different inner diameters: a first cylindrical portion 51 provided on the first side and a second cylindrical portion 52 provided on the second side. The inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 51 is larger than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 52. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 52 is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical case 34 and smaller than the outer diameter of the valve case 19.

[0046] The first cylindrical portion 51 has, at its center in the second axial direction, a protrusion 53 that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface toward the second inside and fits into a recess 19D provided on the second outside of the inner circumferential engaging portion 19B of the valve case 19. Furthermore, a through hole 54 that communicates the inside and outside is formed in a part of the circumferential direction at the end on the second side of the first cylindrical portion 51. For example, two through holes 54 can be formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. A chamfer 55 is formed on the second inner end of the second cylindrical portion 52 at the first side. A chamfer 56 is formed on the second outer end of the second cylindrical portion 52 at the second side.

[0047] In the exterior member 50 configured as described above, the protruding portion 53 of the first cylindrical portion 51 is fitted into the recessed portion 19D formed in the valve case 19. With the protruding portion 53 fitted into the recessed portion 19D, the through hole 54 is positioned on the second side relative to the second-side end of the valve case 19. An annular space 57 is formed by the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 51, the first-side end of the second cylindrical portion 52, the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical case 34, and the second-side end of the valve case 19.

[0048] The space 57 is filled with a sealant 58. This improves the waterproof and airtight properties of the inside of the valve case 19 of the damping force control valve 18. For example, water is prevented from entering the valve case 19 or the cylindrical case 34 from between the inner peripheral surface of the valve case 19 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 34 of the solenoid 33. Furthermore, even if the outer cylinder 103 and the valve case 19 fixed to the outer cylinder 103 are painted and there is a paint interface at the second end of the valve case 19, rust from the paint interface is prevented.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of how the sealant 58 is injected into the space 57. As shown in FIG. After the solenoid 33 is fitted into the valve case 19 of the damping force control valve 18 and the exterior member 50 is assembled, the sealant 58 is injected through one of the two through holes 54 formed in the first cylindrical portion 51 of the exterior member 50. After the sealant 58 is injected through one of the two through holes 54, it is further injected until it overflows from the other of the two through holes 54. This ensures that the sealant 58 is evenly distributed within the space 57, providing waterproofing and airtightness, and ensuring a sufficient amount of sealant to prevent rust from forming at the painted interface of the valve case 19.

[0050] The number of through holes 54 may be one. Even if there is one through hole 54, it is possible to fill the space 57 with a sufficient amount of sealant 58 to provide waterproofing, airtightness, and rust prevention by injecting a predetermined amount of sealant 58 into the space 57 through the through hole 54. However, by forming two through holes 54 and having one of the two through holes 54 function as an inlet for the sealant 58 and the other function as an outlet for the sealant 58, it is possible to fill the space 57 with a sufficient amount of sealant 58 with high reliability.

[0051] Furthermore, the number of through holes 54 does not have to be two, and three or more may be formed. By forming three or more through holes 54, it becomes possible for the multiple through holes 54 to function as injection ports for the sealant 58, and it becomes possible to quickly fill the sealant 58 into the space 57.

[0052] As described above, the damping force adjusting device 17 includes the valve case 19 (an example of a first case) that houses the main disc valve 23 (an example of a valve) that is fixed to the outer cylinder 103 and generates a damping force, and the cylindrical case 34 (an example of a second case) that fits into the valve case 19. The damping force adjusting device 17 also includes the exterior member 50 that covers part of the outer peripheral surface (an example of an outer surface) of the valve case 19 and part of the outer peripheral surface (an example of an outer surface) of the cylindrical case 34, and forms a space 57 between the valve case 19 and the cylindrical case 34. The damping force adjusting device 17 also includes the sealant 58 that is filled in the space 57. The damping force adjusting device 17 configured as described above prevents liquids such as water from entering the valve case 19 and the cylindrical case 34. Furthermore, even if the valve case 19 has a painted interface, rusting from the painted interface is prevented.

[0053] The exterior member 50 has a through hole 54 formed therein, which connects the space 57 with the outside and allows the sealant 58 to be injected into the space 57. This makes it possible to fill the space 57 with the sealant 58 after the exterior member 50 is assembled to the valve case 19 and the cylindrical case 34.

[0054] Furthermore, a plurality of through holes 54 are formed in the exterior member 50, and when sealant 58 is injected into the space 57 through one of the plurality of through holes 54, the sealant 58 is discharged from the space 57 to the outside through the other through holes 54. This makes it possible to reliably fill the space 57 with an amount of sealant 58 sufficient to provide waterproofing, airtightness, and rust prevention properties.

[0055] It should be noted that the above-described exterior member 50 is preferably configured as follows so that when the sealant 58 is injected into the space 57 through one of the through-holes 54, the sealant 58 does not overflow from portions other than the other through-holes 54 that function as discharge ports. For example, it is preferable to set the dimensions of the valve case 19 and the first cylindrical portion 51 of the exterior member 50 so that they fit together by an interference fit. It is also preferable to set the dimensions of the coil side cylindrical portion 34B of the cylindrical case 34 and the inner cylindrical surface of the second cylindrical portion 52 of the exterior member 50 so that they fit together by an interference fit.

[0056] Furthermore, in order to prevent damage to the sealant 58 itself or the members constituting the space 57 due to a change in volume of the sealant 58 filled in the space 57 caused by a temperature change, it is preferable that at least one of the members constituting the space 57 is made of an elastic material. For example, it is preferable that the exterior member 50 be formed using any one of steel, aluminum, and rubber.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above-described exterior member 50, the through holes 54 that communicate the space 57 with the outside are formed as the inlet and outlet of the sealant 58, but the present invention is not particularly limited to the through holes 54. For example, a gap may be formed in a part of the circumferential direction between the outer circumferential surface of the coil side cylindrical portion 34B of the cylindrical case 34 and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 52 of the exterior member 50, and this gap may be used as the inlet and outlet of the sealant 58.

[0058] Second Embodiment FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section of a damping force adjuster 217 according to the second embodiment. The damping force adjusting device 217 according to the second embodiment differs from the damping force adjusting device 17 according to the first embodiment in that a sealant 250 is filled in place of the seal ring 34B1. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below. The same components in the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0059] The damping force adjuster 217 according to the second embodiment has a cylindrical case 230 that corresponds to the cylindrical case 34 according to the first embodiment. The cylindrical case 230 differs from the cylindrical case 34 in that a through hole 235 that connects the inside and the outside is formed at the second end of the coil side cylindrical portion 34B. More specifically, the through hole 235 is formed at the second end of the coil side cylindrical portion 34B so as to connect the inside and the outside of the recess 34E. For example, two through holes 235 can be formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0060] A sealant 250 is filled into a space 60 formed by the recess 34E of the coil side cylindrical portion 34B of the cylindrical case 230 and the recess 41E of the cylindrical portion 41A of the overmold 41. This improves the waterproof and airtight properties of the inside of the cylindrical case 230. For example, water is prevented from entering the cylindrical case 230 from between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 230 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41A of the overmold 41.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of how the sealant 250 is injected into the space 60. As shown in FIG. After the tubular portion 41A of the overmold 41 is fitted into the second inner side of the coil side tubular portion 34B of the tubular case 230, the sealant 250 is injected through one of the two through holes 235 formed in the coil side tubular portion 34B of the tubular case 230. After the sealant 250 is injected through one of the two through holes 235, it is further injected until it overflows from the other of the two through holes 235. This ensures that the sealant 250 is evenly distributed within the space 60, ensuring a sufficient amount of sealant to achieve waterproofness and airtightness.

[0062] The number of through-holes 235 may be one. Even if there is one through-hole 235, it is possible to fill the space 60 with a sufficient amount of sealant 250 to achieve waterproofness and airtightness by injecting a predetermined amount of sealant 250 into the space 60 through the through-hole 235. However, by forming two through-holes 235 and having one of the two through-holes 235 function as an inlet for the sealant 250 and the other function as a discharge outlet, it is possible to fill the space 60 with a sufficient amount of sealant 250 with high reliability.

[0063] Furthermore, the number of through holes 235 does not have to be two, and three or more may be formed. By forming three or more through holes 235, it becomes possible for the multiple through holes 235 to function as injection ports for the sealant 250, and it becomes possible to quickly fill the space 60 with the sealant 250.

[0064] As described above, the damping force adjusting device 217 includes the valve case 19 that houses the main disc valve 23 that is fixed to the outer cylinder 103 and generates a damping force, and the cylindrical case 230 (an example of a second case) that fits into the valve case 19. The damping force adjusting device 217 also includes an exterior member 50 that covers part of the outer peripheral surface of the valve case 19 and part of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 230 and forms a space 57 between the valve case 19 and the cylindrical case 230, and a sealant 58 that fills the space 57. The damping force adjusting device 217 configured as described above prevents liquids such as water from entering the valve case 19 or the cylindrical case 230. Furthermore, even if the valve case 19 has a painted interface, rusting from the painted interface is prevented.

[0065] The damping force adjuster 217 also includes an overmold 41 (an example of a molded resin) that covers the periphery of the coil 37 that generates a magnetic force capable of adjusting the valve opening pressure of the main disc valve 23 and closes the opening 232 of the cylindrical case 230. The damping force adjuster 217 also includes a sealant 250 (an example of a second sealant) that is filled in a space 60 (an example of a second space) that is formed between the overmold 41 and a portion of the cylindrical case 230 on the opening 232 side. This prevents liquids such as water from entering the cylindrical case 230.

[0066] The cylindrical case 230 is formed with through holes 235 (an example of second through holes) that connect the outside to the space 60 and allow the sealant 250 to be injected into the space 60. This makes it possible to fill the space 60 with the sealant 250 after the overmold 41 is assembled to the cylindrical case 230.

[0067] Furthermore, a plurality of through holes 235 are formed in the cylindrical case 230. When the sealant 250 is injected into the space 60 through one of the plurality of through holes 235, the sealant 250 is discharged from the space 60 to the outside through the other through holes 235. This makes it possible to reliably fill the space 60 with an amount of sealant 250 sufficient to achieve waterproofness and airtightness.

[0068] It is preferable that the above-described cylindrical case 230 be configured as follows so that when the sealant 250 is injected into the space 60 through one of the through-holes 235, the sealant 250 does not overflow from areas other than the other through-holes 235 that function as discharge ports. For example, it is preferable to set the dimensions of the cylindrical portion 41A of the overmold 41 and the inner peripheral surface of the coil side cylindrical portion 34B of the cylindrical case 230 so that they are fitted together by an interference fit.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above-described cylindrical case 230, the through holes 235 that communicate the space 60 with the outside are formed as the injection and discharge ports for the sealant 250, but the present invention is not limited to the through holes 235. For example, a gap may be formed in a portion of the circumferential direction between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41A of the overmold 41 and the inner peripheral surface of the coil side cylindrical portion 34B of the cylindrical case 230, and this gap may be used as the injection and discharge ports for the sealant 250.

[0070] Third Embodiment FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section of a damping force adjuster 317 according to the third embodiment. The damping force adjusting device 317 according to the third embodiment differs from the damping force adjusting device 17 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include the exterior member 50, and in that it has a valve case 319 corresponding to the valve case 19 and an overmold 341 corresponding to the overmold 41. The damping force adjusting device 317 according to the third embodiment also differs from the damping force adjusting device 17 according to the first embodiment in that a sealant 350 is filled between the valve case 319 and the overmold 341. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below. The same components in the first and third embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0071] The size of the valve case 319 in the second axial direction is larger than the size of the valve case 19 in the second axial direction, and the second side end is located on the second side of the cylindrical case 34 relative to the second side end.

[0072] The overmold 341 differs from the overmold 41 in that a lid portion 341B corresponds to the lid portion 41B. The lid portion 341B has a first portion larger than the cable 42 in the second axial direction than the lid portion 41B, and has an outer peripheral surface 341G that is positioned on a second inner side of the second end portion of the valve case 319. The outer diameter of the portion of the lid portion 341B on the second side of the outer peripheral surface 341G is equal to the outer diameter of the valve case 319, and the lid portion 341B has a recess 341H that is recessed in the second radial direction. The recess 341H is rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. An annular space 357 is formed by the outer peripheral surface 341G, the inner peripheral surface of the second end of the valve case 319, and the second end of the cylindrical case . The space 357 is filled with a sealant 350 .

[0073] As described above, the damping force adjusting device 317 includes a valve case 319 (an example of a first case) that houses the main disc valve 23 (an example of a valve) that is fixed to the outer cylinder 103 and generates a damping force. The damping force adjusting device 317 also includes a cylindrical case 34 (an example of a second case) that fits into the valve case 319. The damping force adjusting device 317 also includes an overmold 341 (an example of a molding resin) that covers the periphery of the coil 37 that generates a magnetic force that can adjust the valve-opening pressure of the main disc valve 23 and closes an opening 319H (an example of a first opening) of the valve case 319 and an opening 34H (an example of a second opening) of the cylindrical case 34. The damping force adjusting device 317 also includes a sealant 350 that is filled in a space 357 formed between the overmold 341 and a portion of the valve case 319 on the opening 319H side and a portion of the cylindrical case 34 on the opening 34H side of the valve case 319. The damping force adjusting device 317 configured as above improves the waterproof and airtight properties of the inside of the valve case 319. For example, water is prevented from entering the valve case 319 or the cylindrical case 34 from between the inner peripheral surface of the valve case 319 and the outer peripheral surface 341G of the overmold 341.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of how the sealant 350 is injected into the space 357. As shown in FIG. The sealant 350 is injected from a recess 341H formed in the overmold 341 after the lid portion 341B of the overmold 341 is fitted into the second inner side of the valve case 319. When injecting the sealant 350, it is preferable to insert the overmold 341 into the valve case 319 and the cylindrical case 34, and then inject the sealant 350 while pressing the overmold 341 against the first side in the second axial direction. This makes it possible to prevent the sealant 350 from leaking outside the valve case 319.

[0075] Two recesses 341H may be formed in the overmold 341 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. For example, the sealant 350 may be injected into one of the two recesses 341H, and then continued until it overflows from the other recess 341H. This ensures that the sealant 350 is evenly distributed within the space 357, ensuring a sufficient amount of sealant to provide waterproof and airtight properties.

[0076] Furthermore, the number of recesses 341H does not have to be two, and three or more may be formed. By forming three or more recesses 341H, it becomes possible for the plurality of recesses 341H to function as injection ports for the sealant 350, and it becomes possible to quickly fill the sealant 350 into the space 357. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1...suspension device, 2...shock absorber, 10...cylinder portion, 12...rod, 13...piston portion, 17,217...damping force adjuster, 19,319...valve case (an example of a first case), 23...main disc valve (an example of a valve), 34...cylindrical case (an example of a second case), 34H...opening (an example of a second opening), 37...coil, 41,341...overmold (an example of a molding resin), 50...exterior member (an example of an exterior member), 57,357...space, 54,354...through hole, 58,350...sealant, 60...space (an example of a second space), 101...cylinder, 102...intermediate cylinder, 103...outer cylinder, 232...opening, 235...through hole (an example of a second through hole), 250...sealant (an example of a second sealant), 319H...opening (an example of a first opening)

Claims

1. a first case that houses a valve that is fixed to the outer cylinder and generates a damping force; a second case that fits into the first case; an exterior member that covers a portion of an outer surface of the first case and a portion of an outer surface of the second case and forms a space between the first case and the second case; a sealant filled in the space; A damping force adjusting device comprising:

2. The exterior member has a through hole formed therein, which connects the outside with the space and allows the sealant to be injected into the space. The damping force adjusting device according to claim 1 .

3. a plurality of through holes are formed in the exterior member, and when the sealant is injected into the space through one of the plurality of through holes, the sealant is discharged from the space to the outside through another of the plurality of through holes; The damping force adjusting device according to claim 2 .

4. a mold resin that covers the periphery of a coil that generates a magnetic force capable of adjusting the valve opening pressure and closes the opening of the second case; a second sealant filled in a second space formed between a portion of the second case on the opening side and the molding resin; The damping force adjusting device according to claim 1 , comprising:

5. The second case has a second through hole formed therein, which connects the outside with the second space and through which the second sealant can be injected into the second space. The damping force adjusting device according to claim 4.

6. a plurality of the second through holes are formed in the second case, and when the second sealant is injected into the second space through one of the plurality of second through holes, the second sealant is discharged from the second space to the outside through the other of the plurality of second through holes; The damping force adjusting device according to claim 5.

7. a first case that houses a valve that is fixed to the outer cylinder and generates a damping force; a second case that fits into the first case; a mold resin that covers the periphery of a coil that generates a magnetic force capable of adjusting the valve opening pressure of the valve and closes a first opening that is an opening of the first case and a second opening that is an opening of the second case; a sealant filled in a space formed between a portion of the first case on the side of the first opening, a portion of the second case on the side of the second opening, and the mold resin; A damping force adjusting device comprising:

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