Electronically controlled shock absorber with direct-drive flow path structure and variable valve therefor

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronically controlled shock absorber and a variable valve therefor that can maintain a small volume and weight while varying the damping force by an external input. [Solution] The device may include an outer cylinder that extends vertically, has a hollow columnar shape, houses an operating cylinder inside, has a mounting opening formed on its outer circumferential surface at a position corresponding to the chamber opening, and forms a reservoir chamber between its inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder, and a variable valve that is mounted on the outer surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening, configured such that a fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet passes through its interior, and is configured to change the damping force by changing the flow path via an external input. When the variable valve is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the sealing member is compressed, connecting the chamber opening to the inlet through the through hole, and sealing the chamber opening to the reservoir chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shock absorber, and more specifically, to an electronically controlled shock absorber having a direct connection type flow path structure in which an operating cylinder and a variable valve are directly connected, and a variable valve therefor.

Background Art

[0002] A shock absorber is a part of a vehicle's suspension device, and generally refers to a device that is installed between a vehicle body and an axle and attenuates the impact applied according to the movement of the vehicle. A shock absorber can not only improve the riding comfort of a vehicle, but also improve the braking force and steering force of the handle by maintaining a safe contact between the road and the tire during the running of the vehicle, and further reduce the wear of the tire.

[0003] FIG. 1 shows a commonly used twin-tube type shock absorber 10. The shock absorber 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes an operating cylinder 5 and a base shell 13, and a piston rod 4 is provided in the operating cylinder 5 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. A body valve 8 is provided at the lower ends of the operating cylinder 5 and the base shell 13, a seal guide 16 is provided at the upper end of the base shell 13, and a piston valve 6 is provided at the lower end of the piston rod 4. The inside of the operating cylinder 5 is filled with a fluid, and when the piston rod 4 moves along the longitudinal direction, the fluid applies resistance, so that the shock absorber 10 absorbs the impact. The body valve 8 and the seal guide 16 allow the fluid to move restrictively between the inside and the outside of the operating cylinder 5, and the space outside the operating cylinder 5 inside the base shell 13, that is, the space between the inner peripheral surface of the base shell 13 and the outer peripheral surface of the operating cylinder 5 is referred to as a reservoir chamber 3. For safety, the reservoir chamber 3 is designed so that the maximum internal pressure is maintained at 10 bar or less.

[0004] Shock absorbers have greater significance in the context of autonomous vehicles. In recent years, various levels of autonomous driving have been developed, and the passenger space of these vehicles is gradually changing from a space for controlling the vehicle's movement to a space for resting while the vehicle is autonomously driving. In autonomous vehicles, passengers do not directly operate the vehicle and are likely to be unaware of the road conditions while driving, so even a slight jolt to the vehicle can cause passengers significant inconvenience.

[0005] On the other hand, careful consideration is needed when designing the damping force provided by shock absorbers. Generally, in order to ensure driving safety and shorten braking distance, shock absorbers are required to provide high damping force, while in order to ensure a comfortable ride, shock absorbers are required to provide low damping force.

[0006] To solve this problem, a variable damping valve was developed, which is a valve configured to change the damping force provided by the shock absorber. Figure 2 shows a conventional variable damping shock absorber 20. Compared to the general shock absorber 10 shown in Figure 1, the variable damping shock absorber 20 shown in Figure 2 is further equipped with a tension-compression variable valve 9. As the piston rod 4 moves, fluid enters the tension-compression variable valve 9, adjusting the path of the tension-compression flow path and allowing the shock absorber 20 to adjust the damping force.

[0007] Furthermore, the damping force variable shock absorber 20 shown in Figure 2 further includes a separator tube 7, which is used to connect the inside of the operating cylinder 5 to the tension-compression variable valve 9 and is positioned between the operating cylinder 5 and the base shell 13. Generally, the operating cylinder in a shock absorber has small tolerances for its dimensions and roundness and must be manufactured with very high precision; therefore, continuous welding or firing is not permitted for the operating cylinder 5. The separator tube 7 can be considered to communicate with the inside of the operating cylinder 5 and extend the inside of the operating cylinder 5, but by connecting the tension-compression variable valve 9 to the separator tube 7, the inside of the operating cylinder 5 can be connected to the inside of the tension-compression variable valve 9 without welding or firing the operating cylinder 5.

[0008] However, because the separator tube 7 is positioned between the operating cylinder 5 and the base shell 13, the separator tube 7 occupies space within the reservoir chamber 3. A decrease in the volume of the reservoir chamber 3 increases the internal pressure, and as mentioned above, the internal pressure of the reservoir chamber 3 must be limited to a preset maximum value (e.g., 10 bar). As a result, the problem arises that the size of the base shell 13 itself must be increased in order to secure the volume of the reservoir chamber 3. This increases the manufacturing cost of the shock absorber 20 and also increases the volume and weight of the finished shock absorber 20. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, the present invention was derived to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide an electronically controlled shock absorber and a variable valve therefor that can maintain a small volume and weight while varying the damping force by an external input.

[0010] Other objects of the present invention will become more clear based on the embodiments described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present invention provides an electronically controlled shock absorber. An electronically controlled shock absorber according to one aspect of the present invention may include: an operating cylinder that extends vertically, has a hollow cylindrical shape, forms a chamber space inside, and has a chamber opening formed on its outer circumferential surface at at least one of an upper first height and a lower second height; a piston rod that extends vertically, has its lower part located in the chamber space, has a main valve mounted at its lower end, and is configured to be movable between the first height and the second height inside the chamber space; an outer cylinder that extends vertically, has a hollow columnar shape, houses the operating cylinder inside, has a mounting opening formed on its outer circumferential surface at a position corresponding to the chamber opening, and forms a reservoir chamber between its inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder; and a variable valve that is mounted on the outer surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening, is configured so that a fluid flowing from an inlet to an outlet passes through its interior, and is configured to change the damping force by changing the flow path via an external input. Here, the variable valve is configured to change the flow path by changing its internal structure in response to the external input, and may include: a valve portion coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening; a channel portion extending lateral from the valve portion, with the inlet open at its end and the outlet open on its outer circumferential surface, passing through the mounting opening and its end contacting the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder around the chamber opening; and a sealing member having an annular shape, with a through hole formed in the center, mounted on the end of the channel portion such that the through hole is aligned with the inlet, and in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder around the chamber opening. When the valve portion is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the sealing member is compressed, allowing the chamber opening to communicate with the inlet through the through hole, and sealing the chamber opening to the reservoir chamber.

[0012] The electronically controlled shock absorber according to the present invention may include one or more of the following embodiments. For example, the sealing member may be configured to be coupled to the end of the channel portion, and the outer edge formed on one side thereof may include a fixed portion having a circular shape when viewed from the direction of that one side; and an inner edge that protrudes from the fixed portion to one side, but protrudes further in the direction of that one side as it approaches the through hole from the outer edge of the fixed portion, and which has a circular shape when viewed from the direction of that one side, and which elastically deforms to make close contact with the outer surface of the operating cylinder when the valve portion is coupled to the outer surface of the outer cylinder.

[0013] The outer edge of the fixed portion may have the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder.

[0014] The inner edge of the deformed portion may have the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder.

[0015] The sealing member may have a clearance groove formed therein. The clearance groove can separate the inner edge of the deformable portion from the inner edge of the fixed portion, and when the valve portion is coupled to the outer surface of the outer cylinder and the deformable portion is elastically deformed, the clearance groove may narrow.

[0016] When the valve portion is bonded to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder and the deformable portion is elastically deformed, the diameter on one side of the through hole may decrease.

[0017] The end of the channel portion may have the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder, and when the valve portion is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the end of the channel portion may be configured to make surface contact in the region surrounding the chamber opening. In this case, the end of the channel portion can prevent the sealing member from being pushed in the outer diameter direction of the operating cylinder when the valve portion is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder.

[0018] The variable valve may further include a check valve mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the channel portion to restrict the movement of the fluid through the outlet. In this case, the check valve has an annular shape, is made of an elastically deformable material, can be tightly fitted over the entire outer circumferential surface of the channel portion, and when the pressure inside the variable valve exceeds a predetermined threshold, the fluid can be pushed out of the outlet and the check valve and discharged into the reservoir chamber.

[0019] The ends of the channel portion can be welded to the outer surface of the operating cylinder at multiple non-contiguous locations.

[0020] The channel portion may include an annular fixing band surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder. The fixing band may be welded to the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder at a plurality of non-contiguous individual points.

[0021] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber, which includes a hollow cylindrical operating cylinder having a chamber opening formed on its outer circumference, and a hollow columnar outer cylinder housing the operating cylinder and having a mounting opening formed on its outer circumference at a position corresponding to the chamber opening. A variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to change the flow path of a fluid flowing from an inlet to an outlet by changing its internal structure in response to an external input, and may include: a valve portion coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder around the mounting opening; a channel portion extending in a lateral direction from the valve portion, with the inlet open at its end and the outlet open on its outer circumferential surface, passing through the mounting opening and having its end in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder around the chamber opening, the end of which has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder, and when the valve portion is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the end of the channel portion making surface contact in the region surrounding the chamber opening; a sealing member having an annular shape, with a through hole formed in the center, mounted on the end of the channel portion so as to be aligned with the inlet, and in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder around the chamber opening; and a check valve mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the channel portion to restrict the movement of the fluid through the outlet. The sealing member is configured to be coupled to the end of the channel portion, and its outer edge formed on one side includes a fixed portion that has a circular shape when viewed from the direction of the one side; and its inner edge, which protrudes to one side from the outer edge of the fixed portion and protrudes further in the direction of the one side as it approaches the through hole, and which has a circular shape when viewed from the direction of the one side and which elastically deforms to make close contact with the outer surface of the operating cylinder when the valve portion is coupled to the outer surface of the outer cylinder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The means for solving the problems of the present invention as described above can be expected to have various effects, including the following. However, the present invention is not established only when all of the following effects are achieved.

[0023] One embodiment of the present invention can provide an electronically controlled shock absorber having a direct-connection type flow path structure in which an operating cylinder and a variable valve are directly connected, and a variable valve therefor. The variable valve is embodied in such a manner that it is coupled to an outer cylinder and the end of a channel portion and a seal member are in close contact with the periphery of a chamber opening without the need for continuous welding to the operating cylinder. This provides the advantage that the shock absorber has a function of varying the damping force and the volume and weight can be kept small because a separate separator tube is not required while maintaining the maximum allowable pressure inside the reservoir chamber at the same value.

[0024] Furthermore, the shock absorber and variable valve according to one embodiment of the present invention have the advantage that the variable valve can be mounted at each of a first height and a second height. Therefore, in the shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention, a variable valve communicating with an expansion chamber and a variable valve communicating with a compression chamber can be provided separately, and there is no difficulty in setting different damping forces when the piston rod is pressed downward and when it is pulled upward.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing a shock absorber according to the prior art. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing a shock absorber according to the prior art. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view exemplarily showing a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a transverse cross-sectional view exemplarily showing a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]This is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary housing for a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary housing for a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a plan view illustrating an exemplary sealing member of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a side view illustrating an exemplary sealing member of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary sealing member of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary sealing member of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary sealing member of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary sealing member of a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a conceptual side view showing a part of an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the attached drawings, regardless of the reference numerals used in the drawings, identical or corresponding components will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0027] For the sake of clarity, this specification uses terms such as "inside," "outside," "upper," and "lower." In the following description, "inside" refers to the side closer to the interior of the object being described, and "outside" refers to the side further from the interior of the object being described. When no specific object is described, "inside" and "outside" refer to the interior of the entire shock absorber 1000. "Upper" and "lower" refer to the case where the shock absorber 1000 is arranged as shown in Figure 3. Of course, when actually using the electronically controlled shock absorber 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the upward direction shown in this specification does not necessarily have to coincide with the actual upward direction.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates an electronically controlled shock absorber 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a variable valve 500 for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention, together with a part of the shock absorber 1000. On the other hand, Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a housing 510 for the variable valve 500 for an electronically controlled shock absorber, and Figures 8 to 13 illustrate a sealing member 700 applicable to the variable valve 500.

[0029] First, referring to Figures 3 to 5, an electronically controlled shock absorber 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an operating cylinder 100, a piston rod 200, an outer cylinder 300, and a variable valve 500.

[0030] The operating cylinder 100 may have a vertically extending, hollow cylindrical shape. The internal space of the operating cylinder 100 will be referred to as the chamber space 110. As will be described later, the chamber space 110 is divided into an upper expansion chamber 120 and a lower compression chamber 140, with respect to the main valve 270 provided at the end of the piston rod 200. The chamber space 110 is filled with a fluid such as oil.

[0031] A chamber opening 150 may be formed in the operating cylinder 100. The chamber opening 150 is an opening formed on the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the operating cylinder 100. A variable valve 500 is mounted at the position corresponding to the chamber opening 150. As described above, the operating cylinder 100 must be manufactured with extremely high precision in terms of dimensions and roundness for the shock absorber 1000 to function properly, and therefore continuous welding and plastic deformation are not permitted. However, the process of forming the chamber opening 150 can be carried out without sacrificing the dimensions and roundness of the operating cylinder 100.

[0032] The chamber opening 150 can be formed at at least one of the first height 1 and the second height 2. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 3, the chamber opening 150 can be formed at both the first height 1 and the second height 2, and a variable valve 500 can be fitted to each chamber opening 150.

[0033] A rod guide 160 can be attached to the upper part of the operating cylinder 100. The rod guide 160 can fix the upper part of the operating cylinder 100 to the outer cylinder 300 and can also support the piston rod 200 so that the piston rod 200 can move along the longitudinal direction. The seal guide 160 is configured to restrict fluid flow between the internal space of the operating cylinder 100 (i.e., the chamber space 110 or expansion chamber 120) and the external space of the operating cylinder 100 (i.e., the reservoir chamber 310).

[0034] A body valve 170 may be coupled to the lower part of the operating cylinder 100. The body valve 170 can fix the lower part of the operating cylinder 100 to the outer cylinder 300. The body valve 170 is configured to restrict fluid flow between the internal space of the operating cylinder 100 (i.e., the chamber space 110 or compression chamber 140) and the external space of the operating cylinder 100 (i.e., the reservoir chamber 310).

[0035] The piston rod 200 extends longitudinally, with its lower portion inserted into the chamber space 110. The piston rod 200 may be movably coupled to a rod guide 160 and configured to move longitudinally relative to the operating cylinder 100 and the outer cylinder 300. A main valve 270 is mounted at the lower end of the piston rod 200, and the piston rod 200 can move up and down such that the main valve 270 is in the interval between a first height 1 and a second height 2. A coupling port may be formed at the upper part of the piston rod 200 for coupling a shock absorber 1000 to the shock damping object. When the piston rod 200 moves downward due to an impact applied to the shock damping object, the piston rod 200, including the main valve 270, can dampen the impact as it passes through the fluid filling the chamber space 110.

[0036] The outer cylinder 300 may extend in the vertical direction and have a hollow columnar shape. The operating cylinder 100 is housed in the internal space of the outer cylinder 300. The space outside the operating cylinder 100 inside the outer cylinder 300, that is, the space between the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 300 and the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100, forms a reservoir chamber 310.

[0037] A rod guide 160 is attached to the upper part of the outer cylinder 300, and as described above, the rod guide 160 can fix the upper part of the operating cylinder 100 to the outer cylinder 300 and movably support the piston rod 200. The upper part of the rod guide 160 may be provided with a sealing structure to prevent leakage through the contact portion between the outer cylinder 300 and the rod guide 160 and the contact portion between the outer cylinder 300 and the piston rod 200.

[0038] A seal cap 370 may be coupled to the lower part of the outer cylinder 300, and the seal cap 370 can seal the lower part of the outer cylinder 300 to prevent fluid inside the outer cylinder 300 from leaking to the lower part of the outer cylinder 300. The body valve 170 can support the operating cylinder 100 at a position spaced apart from the seal cap 370 such that there is a gap between the operating cylinder 100 and the seal cap 370. In some embodiments, the body valve 170 may be implemented as an integrated structure with the seal cap 370.

[0039] A coupling port may be formed at the lower part of the seal cap 370 for connecting the shock absorber 1000 to the shock-damping object. As described above, the upper coupling port is connected to the piston rod 200 and the lower coupling port is connected to the outer cylinder 300, and the piston rod 200 is configured to be movable relative to the outer cylinder 300, so that the shock absorber 1000 can dampen the relative shock occurring between the two shock-damping objects. For example, when the upper coupling port of the piston rod 200 and the lower coupling port of the seal cap 370 are connected to the vehicle body and axle, respectively, the shock of the vehicle body to the axle can be absorbed by the movement of the piston rod 200, which moves up and down under the resistance of the fluid. Here, the variable valve 500 adjusts the resistance applied to the movement of the piston rod 200 by adjusting the resistance of the fluid, thereby adjusting the damping force.

[0040] A mounting opening 350 may be formed in the outer cylinder 300. The mounting opening 350 is an opening formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 300 and may be formed at a position corresponding to the chamber opening 150 of the operating cylinder 100. Therefore, the mounting opening 350 may also be formed at at least one of the first height 1 and the second height 2.

[0041] The mounting opening 350 allows a portion of the variable valve 500 to pass through and access the chamber opening 150 of the operating cylinder 100, and for this purpose the inner diameter of the mounting opening 350 may be designed to correspond to the outer diameter of the channel portion 550 of the variable valve 500. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer cylinder 300 may include a mounting portion 330 formed around the mounting opening 350. The mounting portion 330 may be formed in a flat shape on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 300.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operating cylinder 100 preferably has a cylindrical shape for smooth fluid flow within the chamber space 110. The outer cylinder 300 does not necessarily have to be formed in a cylindrical shape and may be formed in various columnar shapes, but it may be advantageous for the outer cylinder 300 to have an overall cylindrical shape for smooth fluid flow within the reservoir chamber 310. When the outer cylinder 300 is embodied as an overall cylindrical shape, the surface of the mounting portion 330 may deviate from the cylindrical shape and be formed flat, providing a flat surface for easy mounting of the variable valve 500.

[0043] In the example shown in the figure, the mounting portion 330 is recessed inward from the cylindrical shape of the outer cylinder 300 so that a flat surface of the mounting portion 330 is provided. This may be advantageous in that it can shorten the distance between the variable valve 500 mounted on the mounting portion 330 and the operating cylinder 100. In some embodiments of the present invention, the mounting portion 330 can protrude outward from the cylindrical shape of the outer cylinder 300 to provide a flat surface. Such a configuration may be advantageous in that the mounting portion 330 obstructs the fluid flow less within the outer cylinder 300.

[0044] The variable valve 500 is mounted on the outer surface of the outer cylinder 300 and is a part that changes the damping force of the shock absorber 1000 by adjusting the path through which the fluid inside the shock absorber 1000 flows. The variable valve 500 mounted at the first height 1 can adjust the damping force by adjusting the path of the fluid flowing in from the chamber space 110 (specifically, the expansion chamber 120) when the piston rod 200 moves upward, and the variable valve 500 mounted at the second height 2 can adjust the damping force by adjusting the path of the fluid flowing in from the chamber space 110 (specifically, the compression chamber 140) when the piston rod 200 moves downward.

[0045] The variable valve 500 is mounted on the outer surface of the outer cylinder 300 at a position corresponding to the mounting opening 350, and a portion of it can be tightly fitted around the chamber opening 150 of the operating cylinder 100. A flow path is formed inside the variable valve 500, and the fluid from the shock absorber 1000 is configured to pass from the inlet 610 to the outlet 630. The inlet 610 communicates with the chamber space 110 via the chamber opening 150 of the operating cylinder 100, and the outlet 630 communicates with the reservoir chamber 310.

[0046] Referring to Figures 3 to 7, an electronically controlled variable valve 500 for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a valve section 520, a channel section 550, a sealing member 700, and a check valve 800.

[0047] The valve section 520 constitutes the main part of the variable valve 500 and may have an internal structure that forms a fluid passage. The inlet 610 and outlet 630, which correspond to the start and end points of the fluid passage inside the variable valve 500, are formed in the channel section 550, and the internal structure of the valve section 520 may be connected to these so that fluid flowing in through the inlet 610 passes through the passage inside the valve section 520 and is discharged to the reservoir chamber 310 through the outlet 630. The valve section 520 may also include a wire 524 for communication with the outside. The valve section 520 can receive external input via the wire 524 and adjust its internal structure to change the fluid passage in response to the received input. The specific internal structure of the valve section 520 is omitted in the figure.

[0048] The variable valve 500 can be mounted by coupling the valve portion 520 to the outer surface of the outer cylinder 300. As shown in the example in the figure, if a flat mounting portion 330 is formed on the outer cylinder 300, the valve portion 520 can also have a flat contact portion 530 on one side. Since both the contact portion 530 of the valve portion 520 and the mounting portion 330 of the outer cylinder 300 have a flat shape, the valve portion 520 can be coupled to the outer cylinder 300 more easily and more securely.

[0049] A variable valve 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be embodied in a housing 510 similar to the example shown in Figures 6 and 7. The housing 510 may be one in which the outer portion of the valve section 520 and the channel section 550 are manufactured as a single unit. In this case, a contact section 530 may be formed on one side of the housing 510, and a valve section 520 extending from the contact section 530 may also be formed. When a valve module 522 (see Figures 4 and 5), which includes the internal structure of the valve section 520 and a control unit for adjusting it, is mounted in the internal space 511 (see Figure 7) of the housing 510, the flow path of the valve module 522 may be connected to an inlet 610 and an outlet 630 formed in the channel section 550 of the housing 510.

[0050] If necessary, a packing groove 525 (see Figure 7) may be formed inside the housing 510, and a packing 526 (see Figures 4 and 5) may be inserted into the packing groove 525 to prevent fluid leakage from the valve module 522.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, an annular packing groove 527 can be formed in the contact portion 530 of the valve portion 520, and a packing 528 can be inserted into the packing groove 527 to prevent fluid from leaking between the outer cylinder 300 and the variable valve 500.

[0052] The channel portion 550 can extend lateral from the valve portion 520. In one preferred embodiment, the channel portion 550 can project in a cylindrical shape from the flat contact portion 530 of the valve portion 520. The outer diameter of the channel portion 550 can be designed such that the cross-section of the channel portion 550 is smaller than the surface of the contact portion 530. The channel portion 550 may have an inlet 610 and an outlet 630 for the flow path inside the variable valve 500. For example, one inlet 610 may be formed at the end 560 of the channel portion 550, and multiple outlets 630 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the channel portion 550.

[0053] When the variable valve 500 is mounted on the mounting portion 330 of the outer cylinder 300, the channel portion 550 can be inserted into the mounting opening 350 formed in the outer cylinder 300, and the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 can be in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100 around the chamber opening 150 of the operating cylinder 100. That is, the length of the channel portion 550 extending in one direction from the contact portion 530 can correspond to the sum of the thickness of the outer cylinder 300 and the distance between the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 300 and the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100 at the mounting portion 330.

[0054] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 can have the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder 100. That is, assuming a hypothetical cylinder 101 having the same outer diameter as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder 100, the surface of the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 can be positioned on the outer surface of the hypothetical cylinder 101, as if the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 were cut by the hypothetical cylinder 101. Therefore, when the variable valve 500 is mounted on the mounting portion 330, the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 can make surface contact in the region surrounding the chamber opening 150 and can contact the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100.

[0055] The mounting opening 350 formed in the outer cylinder 300 and the chamber opening 150 formed in the operating cylinder 100 may be designed such that when the variable valve 500 is mounted, the channel portion 550 is aligned with the mounting opening 350 and the inlet 610 is aligned with the chamber opening 150. Therefore, when the variable valve 500 is mounted on the mounting portion 330, the inlet 610 formed at the end 560 of the channel portion 550 can communicate with the chamber opening 150. On the other hand, the outlet 630 formed in the channel portion 550 may be designed to open to the reservoir chamber 310 when the variable valve 500 is mounted on the mounting portion 330. That is, the distance between the outlet 630 and the contact portion 530 may be greater than or equal to the thickness of the outer cylinder 300 in the mounting portion 330.

[0056] A fixing groove 570 may be formed at the end 560 of the channel portion 550, and a sealing member 700 may be inserted into and fixed in the fixing groove 570. The fixing groove 570 may be formed in an annular shape so as to surround the inlet 610, and may be formed in a shape corresponding to the fixing portion 710 of the sealing member 700. Furthermore, the end 560 of the channel portion 550 and the fixing groove 570 may be designed such that the end 560 makes surface contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100 in the region surrounding the fixing groove 570.

[0057] The sealing member 700 is compressed and adheres tightly to the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100, allowing the chamber opening 110 to communicate with the inlet 610 of the variable valve 500, while sealing the reservoir chamber 310. The sealing member 700 has an annular shape, and a through hole 750 may be formed in its center, which may be formed to be aligned with the inlet 610. The sealing member 700 may be fixed to the end 560 of the channel portion 550, for example, by being inserted into a fixing groove 570 formed in the end 560 of the channel portion 550. Since the end 560 of the channel portion 550 makes surface contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100 in the region surrounding the sealing member 700, the end 560 of the channel portion 550 can be prevented from being pushed in the outer diameter direction of the operating cylinder 100 when the sealing member 700 is compressed and deformed.

[0058] Figures 8 to 13 show in more detail the sealing member 700 of a variable valve 500 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figures 8 and 9 are illustrative plan and side views showing a sealing member 700 applicable to an electronically controlled variable valve 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 10 and 11 are illustrative cross-sectional and longitudinal sections showing a sealing member 700' applicable to an electronically controlled variable valve 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively, and Figures 12 and 13 are illustrative cross-sectional and longitudinal sections showing other sealing members 700'' applicable to an electronically controlled variable valve 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively. In Figures 8 to 13, Figure (a) shows the state before the variable valve 500 is installed and the sealing member 700 is not yet compressed, and Figure (b) shows the state after the variable valve 500 is installed and the sealing member 700 is compressed.

[0059] Referring to Figures 8 to 13, a sealing member 700 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fixed portion 710 and a deformable portion 770. The fixed portion 710 may correspond to the portion that is coupled to the end 560 of the channel portion 550, and the deformable portion 770 may correspond to the portion that protrudes to one side from the fixed portion 710, elastically deforms when the valve portion 520 is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 300, and comes into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100. In Figures 10 to 13, the approximate boundary between the fixed portion 710 and the deformable portion 770 is shown by a dotted line, but it is not necessarily required that the boundary between the fixed portion 710 and the deformable portion 770 be clearly distinguished. For example, partial elastic deformation may occur in the fixed portion 710 as well, and the deformable portion 770 can also be considered to be partially coupled to the end 560 of the channel portion 550.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member 700 can be configured such that the outer edge 720 formed on one side of the fixing portion 710 has a circular shape when viewed from one side. Furthermore, since a through hole 750 is formed in the center of the sealing member 700, the inner edge 780 of the deformable portion 770 formed around the through hole 750 can also have a circular shape when viewed from one side.

[0061] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, in one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member 700 can be configured such that the outer edge 720 of the fixing portion 710 has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder 100. That is, assuming a virtual cylinder 101 having the same outer diameter as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder 100, the outer edge 720 of the fixing portion 710 can be positioned entirely on the outer surface of the virtual cylinder 101, as if the fixing portion 710 were cut by the virtual cylinder 101.

[0062] Since the fixed portion 710 is fixed to the end 560 of the channel portion 550, when the variable valve 500 is mounted on the mounting portion 330, the outer edge 720 of the fixed portion 710 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100. Because the outer edge 720 has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder 100, the outer edge 720 of the sealing member 700 can be tightly fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100 without any gaps. For reference, Figure 8 is a plan view, so the virtual cylinder 101 is shown as an arc, and Figure 9 is a side view, so the virtual cylinder 101 is shown as a straight line.

[0063] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, in one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member 700 can be configured such that the inner edge 780 of the deformed portion 710 also has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder 100. That is, assuming a virtual cylinder 101 having the same outer diameter as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder 100, the deformed portion 770 before compression can be positioned entirely on the outer surface of the virtual cylinder 101, as if it had been cut by the virtual cylinder 101.

[0064] The seal member 700 is fixed to the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550, and when the variable valve 500 is mounted on the mounting portion 330, it comes into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100. Before the seal member 700 comes into contact with the operating cylinder 100, the seal member 700 is in the basic state shown in Figure 8(a) and Figure 9(a). When the variable valve 500 is fully mounted and the seal member 700 comes into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100, the seal member 700 changes to the compressed state shown in Figure 8(b) and Figure 9(b). In the compressed state shown in Figure 8(b) and Figure 9(b), the deformable portion 770 is elastically deformed and in a compressed state.

[0065] As the sealing member 700 moves to one side during the installation process of the variable valve 500, the inner edge 780 of the deformable portion 710 first comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100. If the inner edge 780 of the deformable portion 710 has the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder 100, the entire inner edge 780 of the deformable portion 710 comes into uniform contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100. As the sealing member 700 moves further to one side and elastic deformation begins to occur in the deformable portion 710, the sealing member 700 can make uniform surface contact with the chamber opening 150 without any gaps, which allows the chamber opening 150 to be isolated from the reservoir chamber with very high sealing performance.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, the sides of the sealing member 700 (for reference, in the plan view of Figure 8, they face upward and downward) may be formed to be inclined toward the center of the virtual cylinder 101, and the sides of the fixing groove 570 into which the sealing member 700 is fitted may also be formed in a corresponding shape.

[0067] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate an exemplary sealing member 700' according to one embodiment of the present invention. The plan view and side view of the sealing member 700' shown in Figures 10 and 11 are the same as those in Figures 8 and 9.

[0068] The sealing member 700' shown in Figures 10 and 11 has a clearance groove 740 formed inside it. The clearance groove 740 can be formed in a form in which the diameter of the through hole 750 is increased on one side of the fixing portion 710 as shown in the figure, so that the fixing portion 710 has an inner edge 730 inside the sealing member 700'. In other words, the clearance groove 740 can separate the inner edge 780 of the deformable portion 770 from the inner edge 730 of the fixing portion 710.

[0069] When the valve portion 510 is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 300 and the sealing member 700' is compressed, the deformable portion 770 can be deformed such that the clearance groove 740 narrows. In the case of such a sealing member 700', fluid will also be located in the clearance groove 740 of the compressed sealing member 700' when the shock absorber 1000 is operating, and the very high hydraulic pressure in the variable valve 500 will cause the fluid in the clearance groove 740 to also press against the deformable portion 770. Figures 10(b) and 11(b) conceptually show the direction in which the hydraulic pressure presses against the deformable portion 770 with white arrows. In this way, the hydraulic pressure in the clearance groove 740 pushes the deformable portion 770 to one side, causing it to adhere more tightly to the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100, so that the sealing member 700' can provide excellent sealing performance.

[0070] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of the sealing member 700" according to the present invention. The plan view and side view of the sealing member 700" shown in Figures 12 and 13 are the same as those in Figures 8 and 9.

[0071] The sealing member 700" shown in Figures 12 and 13 does not have a clearance groove 740. The fixing portion 710 of the sealing member 700" is located inside the fixing groove 570, and its deformation is restricted, but the deformable portion 770 is located outside the fixing portion 570, and therefore is more prone to elastic deformation than the fixing portion 710.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12, the side portion of the sealing member 700' that defines the through hole 750 may also be formed inclined toward the center of the virtual cylinder 101 (see Figure 8). This allows the through hole 750 to be formed with a larger diameter d2 on one side compared to the diameter d1 on the other side.

[0073] When the valve portion 510 is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 300 and the sealing member 700" is compressed, elastic deformation can occur in the deformable portion 770, and in a structure without a clearance groove 740, the deformable portion 770 can be compressed in the direction of the through hole 750. As a result, the diameter d3 on one side of the through groove 750 can be reduced compared to the diameter d2 before compression.

[0074] As the inner diameter of the sealing member 700 increases, the tightening force of the sealing member 700 (meaning the contact pressure of the sealing member) decreases. However, if the sealing member 700" according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured such that the diameter on one side of the through hole 750 decreases as described above, the sealing member 700" can maintain a large contact area with respect to the operating cylinder 100, while the area of ​​the through hole 750 can be kept small. As a result, the sealing member 700" can isolate the chamber opening 150 from the reservoir chamber 310 with very high sealing performance.

[0075] Referring again to Figures 4 and 5, the check valve 800 is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the channel portion 550 and can restrict the movement of fluid through the outlet 630. In other words, the check valve 800 can restrict the fluid passing through the variable valve 500 from being discharged to the reservoir chamber 310 through the outlet 630.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the check valve 800 may have an annular shape and be formed from an elastically deformable material. The check valve 800, thus embodied in the form of a rubber ring, may be provided in a manner that encloses the channel portion 550 between the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 300. In this case, the check valve 800 may be provided in a tight fit across the entire outer circumferential surface so as to cover all outlets 630.

[0077] When such a check valve 800 is used, if the pressure inside the variable valve 500 exceeds a predetermined threshold, that is, if the fluid pressure at the outlet 630 exceeds the elastic force of the check valve 800 which is made of an elastic material, the fluid can be pushed outwards from the outlet 630 and discharged into the reservoir chamber 310.

[0078] When assembling the shock absorber 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the channel portion 550 is inserted into the mounting opening 350 of the outer cylinder 300. The valve portion 510 of the variable valve 500 may be coupled to the outer surface of the outer cylinder 300, for example, to the mounting portion 330. Unlike the operating cylinder 100, continuous welding may be applied to the outer cylinder 300, so such a technique can be used in the process of coupling the valve portion 510 to the outer cylinder 300.

[0079] When the valve portion 510 is coupled to the outer cylinder 300, the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 inserted into the mounting opening 350 is in close contact with the operating cylinder 100, and the seal member 700 fixed to the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 can also be in close contact with the operating cylinder 100. When the channel portion 550 is inserted, the inner edge 730 of the seal member 700 first contacts the outer surface of the operating cylinder 100, but since the inner edge 730 has the same curvature as the operating cylinder 100, a seal can be formed from the moment of contact.

[0080] Next, when the variable valve 500 is pressed so that the valve portion 510 contacts the outer cylinder 300, the seal member 700 is compressed and deformed. However, since the inner edge 730 of the deformed portion 770 has the same curvature as the operating cylinder 100, and the outer edge 720 of the fixed portion 710 also has the same curvature as the operating cylinder 100, the seal member 700 can surround the chamber opening 150 with a uniform area before, during, and after elastic deformation. This has the effect of enabling the seal member 700 to uniformly seal the area around the chamber opening 150 after the variable valve 500 is fully coupled. The end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 also has the same curvature as the operating cylinder 100, and makes surface contact in the area surrounding the chamber opening 150 and the seal member 700, and by contacting the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100, it is possible to prevent the seal member 700 from detaching from its designated position.

[0081] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention can provide an electronically controlled shock absorber 1000 and a variable valve 500 therefor, having a direct-connection flow path structure in which the operating cylinder 100 and the variable valve 500 are directly connected. The variable valve 500 is not directly welded to the operating cylinder 100, but is joined to the outer cylinder 300 by welding or other means, and is implemented in such a way that the end 560 of the channel portion 550 and the sealing member 700 are in close contact around the chamber opening 150. This has the advantage that the shock absorber 1000 has the function of varying the damping force, and does not require a separate separator tube 7 while maintaining the maximum allowable pressure inside the reservoir chamber at the same value, thus allowing for a smaller volume and weight.

[0082] As an example, comparing the shock absorbers in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the shock absorber 20 in Figure 2 has an increased diameter of the base shell 13 compared to the shock absorber 10 in Figure 1, due to the addition of a separator tube 7 for damping force modification. On the other hand, the shock absorber 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 3 includes a variable valve 500 and provides a damping force modification function, while the diameter of the outer cylinder 300 can be maintained at the same level as the diameter of the base shell 13 of the shock absorber 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0083] Furthermore, the shock absorber 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that a variable valve 500 can be installed at both the first height 1 and the second height 2. That is, in the conventional shock absorber 20 shown in Figure 2, a single tension-compression variable valve 9 sets the fluid path when the piston rod 4 moves upward and when it moves downward, and therefore complex control is required to set the damping force differently when the piston rod 4 is pressed downward and when it is pulled upward. In contrast, the shock absorber 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be provided separately with a variable valve 500 communicating with the expansion chamber 120 and a variable valve 500 communicating with the compression chamber 140, and it is not difficult to set the damping force differently when the piston rod 4 is pressed downward and when it is pulled upward.

[0084] Figure 14 is a conceptual side view of a part of an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the portion where the end 560 of the channel portion 550 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100. As described above, the end 560 of the channel portion 550 is configured to have the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder 100, and can make surface contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100 around the chamber opening 150. The sealing member 700 is located between the chamber opening 150 and the end 560 of the channel portion 550, and can be compressed by elastic deformation to seal the area around the chamber opening 150.

[0085] Referring to Figure 14, in one embodiment of the present invention, the ends 560 of the channel portion 550 can be welded to the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100 at a plurality of non-contiguous individual locations W. In order for the piston rod 200 to move correctly within the operating cylinder 100, excessive welding and firing processes should not be applied to the operating cylinder 100. However, if the welding applied to the operating cylinder 100 is performed intermittently at individual locations rather than continuously, the precision of the operating cylinder 100 can be avoided.

[0086] The welding applied at individual points W is not intended to connect the channel portion 550 to the operating cylinder 100, but rather to prevent the end portion 560 of the channel portion 550 from moving away from the position corresponding to the chamber opening 150, and to prevent the sealing member 700 from expanding in the radial direction of the operating cylinder 100. As already described, the coupling of the variable valve 500 can be achieved by coupling the valve portion 520 to the outer surface of the outer cylinder 300.

[0087] Figures 15 and 16 are illustrative longitudinal and transverse cross-sectional views, respectively, of a part of the variable valve 500 for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the channel portion 550 may include a fixing band 580. The fixing band 580 may have an annular shape overall and may be configured to wrap around the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100, as shown in Figures 15 and 16.

[0089] The fixing band 580 may be embodied in a form that is coupled to the rest of the channel portion 550. In this case, during the assembly of the shock absorber 1000, the fixing band 580 may be fitted first to the outer surface of the operating cylinder 100, and then the end of the fixing band 580 may be coupled to the rest of the channel portion 550. If necessary, the fixing band 580 may be coupled to the rest of the channel portion 550 by means of welding or other methods.

[0090] The fixing band 580 can more effectively prevent the sealing member 700 from expanding in the radial direction of the operating cylinder 100. That is, the fixing band 580 can enhance the role of the end 560 of the channel portion 550 in preventing the sealing member 700 from expanding in the radial direction of the operating cylinder 100 by allowing the end 560 of the channel portion 550 to be fixed in a designated position.

[0091] Referring to Figure 16, in one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing band 580 can be welded to the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder 100 at a plurality of non-contiguous individual locations W. As mentioned above, in order for the operating cylinder 100 to maintain high accuracy in terms of dimensions and roundness, excessive welding and firing processes should not be applied to the operating cylinder 100. However, if the welding applied to the operating cylinder 100 is performed intermittently at individual locations rather than continuously, the accuracy of the operating cylinder 100 can be avoided.

[0092] The welding applied at individual points W is to fix the relative position of the fixing band 580 to the operating cylinder 100 so that the end 560 of the channel portion 550 does not deviate from the position corresponding to the chamber opening 150, and as a result, to prevent the sealing member 700 from expanding in the radial direction of the operating cylinder 100. As already described, coupling of the variable valve 500 can be achieved by coupling the valve portion 520 to the outer surface of the outer cylinder 300.

[0093] Although the above has been described with reference to one embodiment of the present invention, a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1000: Electronically controlled shock absorber 100: Operating Cylinder 110: Chamber space 120: Expansion Chamber 140: Compression Chamber 150: Chamber opening 200: Piston rod 250: Main valve 300: Outer cylinder 310: Reservoir Room 330: Mounting part 350: Mounting opening 500: Variable valve 520: Valve section 530: Contact area 550: Channel Department 560: End of channel section 570: Fixed groove 580: Fixed band 610:Inlet 630: Outlet 700: Sealing material 710: Fixed part 770: Deformed part 800: Check valve

Claims

1. An operating cylinder having a vertically extending, hollow cylindrical shape, forming a chamber space inside, with a chamber opening formed on its outer surface at at least one of the upper first height and lower second height; A piston rod extends vertically, its lower part is located in the chamber space, and a main valve is attached to its lower end, wherein the main valve is configured to move between the first height and the second height within the chamber space; An outer cylinder that extends vertically, has a hollow columnar shape, houses the operating cylinder inside, has a mounting opening formed on its outer surface at a position corresponding to the chamber opening, and forms a reservoir chamber between its inner surface and the outer surface of the operating cylinder; A variable valve is mounted on the outer surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening, configured such that a fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet passes through its interior, and configured to change the damping force by changing the flow path via an external input, The aforementioned variable valve is The valve portion is configured to change the flow path by changing the internal structure in response to the external input, and is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening; A channel portion extending in one direction from the valve portion, with the inlet open at its end and the outlet open on its outer circumferential surface, passing through the mounting opening and its end contacting the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder around the chamber opening; The device includes a sealing member having an annular shape, with a through hole formed in the center, which is attached to the end of the channel portion so as to be aligned with the inlet, and which is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder around the chamber opening, When the valve portion is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the sealing member is compressed, connecting the chamber opening to the inlet through the through hole, and sealing the chamber opening to the reservoir chamber. The sealing member is The outer edge formed on one side of the channel portion is configured to be coupled to the end of the channel portion, and the outer edge formed on one side has a circular shape when viewed from the direction of that one side; A deformable portion that protrudes to one side from the fixed portion, but protrudes further in the direction of the one side as it approaches the through hole from the outer edge of the fixed portion, and the inner edge formed around the through hole has a circular shape when viewed from the direction of the one side, and when the valve portion is coupled to the outer surface of the outer cylinder, it deforms elastically and comes into close contact with the outer surface of the operating cylinder, The sealing member has a clearance groove formed therein, which separates the inner edge of the deformable portion from the inner edge of the fixed portion, and the clearance groove narrows when the valve portion is coupled to the outer surface of the outer cylinder and the deformable portion is elastically deformed.

2. An operating cylinder having a vertically extending, hollow cylindrical shape, forming a chamber space inside, with a chamber opening formed on its outer surface at at least one of the upper first height and lower second height; A piston rod extends vertically, its lower part is located in the chamber space, and a main valve is attached to its lower end, wherein the main valve is configured to move between the first height and the second height within the chamber space; An outer cylinder that extends vertically, has a hollow columnar shape, houses the operating cylinder inside, has a mounting opening formed on its outer surface at a position corresponding to the chamber opening, and forms a reservoir chamber between its inner surface and the outer surface of the operating cylinder; A variable valve is mounted on the outer surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening, configured such that a fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet passes through its interior, and configured to change the damping force by changing the flow path via an external input, The aforementioned variable valve is The valve portion is configured to change the flow path by changing the internal structure in response to the external input, and is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the mounting opening; A channel portion extending in one direction from the valve portion, with the inlet open at its end and the outlet open on its outer circumferential surface, passing through the mounting opening and its end contacting the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder around the chamber opening; The device includes a sealing member having an annular shape, with a through hole formed in the center, which is attached to the end of the channel portion so as to be aligned with the inlet, and which is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder around the chamber opening, When the valve portion is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the sealing member is compressed, connecting the chamber opening to the inlet through the through hole, and sealing the chamber opening to the reservoir chamber. The sealing member is The outer edge formed on one side of the channel portion is configured to be coupled to the end of the channel portion, and the outer edge formed on one side has a circular shape when viewed from the direction of that one side; A deformable portion that protrudes to one side from the fixed portion, but protrudes further in the direction of the one side as it approaches the through hole from the outer edge of the fixed portion, and the inner edge formed around the through hole has a circular shape when viewed from the direction of the one side, and when the valve portion is coupled to the outer surface of the outer cylinder, it deforms elastically and comes into close contact with the outer surface of the operating cylinder, An electronically controlled shock absorber in which the diameter on one side of the through hole decreases when the valve portion is bonded to the outer surface of the outer cylinder and the deformable portion is elastically deformed.

3. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer edge of the fixed portion has a curvature equal to that of the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder.

4. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner edge of the deformed portion has a curvature equal to that of the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder.

5. The end of the channel portion has a curvature equal to the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder, and when the valve portion is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the end of the channel portion prevents the sealing member from being pushed in the outer diameter direction of the operating cylinder, according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned variable valve is The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a check valve mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the channel portion to restrict the movement of the fluid through the outlet.

7. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 6, wherein the check valve has an annular shape, is made of an elastically deformable material, is in close contact with the entire outer surface of the channel portion, and when the pressure inside the variable valve exceeds a predetermined threshold, the fluid pushes the check valve out of the outlet and is discharged into the reservoir chamber.

8. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ends of the channel portion are welded to the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder at a plurality of non-continuous individual locations.

9. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel portion includes an annular fixing band surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder.

10. The electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 9, wherein the fixing band is welded to the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder at a plurality of non-contiguous individual locations.

11. A variable valve provided in an electronically controlled shock absorber, comprising a hollow cylindrical operating cylinder with a chamber opening formed on its outer circumference, and a hollow columnar outer cylinder housing the operating cylinder and having a mounting opening formed on its outer circumference at a position corresponding to the chamber opening, The device is configured to change the flow path of the fluid from the inlet to the outlet by changing its internal structure through an external input, and includes a valve portion coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder around the mounting opening; Extending in a lateral direction from the valve portion, with the inlet open at its end and the outlet open on its outer circumferential surface, passing through the mounting opening and its end contacting the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder surrounding the chamber opening, the end having the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder, and when the valve portion is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the end of the channel portion making surface contact with the channel portion in the region surrounding the chamber opening; The device includes a sealing member having an annular shape, with a through hole formed in the center, which is attached to the end of the channel portion so as to be aligned with the inlet, and which is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder around the chamber opening, The sealing member is The outer edge formed on one side of the channel portion is configured to be coupled to the end of the channel portion, and the outer edge formed on one side has a circular shape when viewed from the direction of that one side; The fixed portion includes a deformable portion that protrudes to one side from the outer edge of the fixed portion, protruding further in the direction of the one side as it approaches the through hole, the inner edge formed around the through hole having a circular shape when viewed from the direction of the one side, and which elastically deforms to make close contact with the outer surface of the operating cylinder when the valve portion is coupled to the outer surface of the outer cylinder, The sealing member has a clearance groove formed therein, which separates the inner edge of the deformable portion from the inner edge of the fixed portion, and when the valve portion is coupled to the outer surface of the outer cylinder and the deformable portion is elastically deformed, the clearance groove narrows. This is a variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber.

12. A variable valve provided in an electronically controlled shock absorber, comprising a hollow cylindrical operating cylinder with a chamber opening formed on its outer circumference, and a hollow columnar outer cylinder housing the operating cylinder and having a mounting opening formed on its outer circumference at a position corresponding to the chamber opening, The device is configured to change the flow path of the fluid from the inlet to the outlet by changing its internal structure through an external input, and includes a valve portion coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder around the mounting opening; Extending in a lateral direction from the valve portion, with the inlet open at its end and the outlet open on its outer circumferential surface, passing through the mounting opening and its end contacting the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder surrounding the chamber opening, the end having the same curvature as the cylindrical shape of the operating cylinder, and when the valve portion is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the end of the channel portion making surface contact with the channel portion in the region surrounding the chamber opening; The device includes a sealing member having an annular shape, with a through hole formed in the center, which is attached to the end of the channel portion so as to be aligned with the inlet, and which is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating cylinder around the chamber opening, The sealing member is The outer edge formed on one side of the channel portion is configured to be coupled to the end of the channel portion, and the outer edge formed on one side has a circular shape when viewed from the direction of that one side; The fixed portion includes a deformable portion that protrudes to one side from the outer edge of the fixed portion, protruding further in the direction of the one side as it approaches the through hole, the inner edge formed around the through hole having a circular shape when viewed from the direction of the one side, and which elastically deforms to make close contact with the outer surface of the operating cylinder when the valve portion is coupled to the outer surface of the outer cylinder, A variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber, wherein when the valve portion is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder and the deformable portion is elastically deformed, the diameter on one side of the through hole decreases.

13. The variable valve for an electronically controlled shock absorber according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a check valve mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the channel portion and restricting the movement of the fluid through the outlet.

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