Stiffness adjusting apparatus for torsion bar and vehicle suspension system comprising the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stiffness adjustment device that enables securing interior space of a vehicle through a torsion bar, and a vehicle suspension system including the same. A stiffness adjustment device for varying the stiffness of a torsion bar comprises a motor, a mounting member coupled to the torsion bar, and a connecting unit that connects the motor and the mounting member and moves the mounting member while operating by the operation of the motor.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stiffness adjustment device and a vehicle suspension system including the same. Background Technology

[0002] The suspension system is one of the important elements of a vehicle for satisfying Ride & Handling (R&H), including ride comfort and steering stability. Such suspension systems may include strut types that use coil springs and shock absorbers, or torsion bar types in which structural members are placed between the left and right wheels to prevent twisting.

[0003] Recently, various structures have been developed to effectively utilize the interior space of vehicles. To this end, securing interior space may be essential. However, in the case of the strut type suspension system mentioned above, coil springs and shock absorbers are installed along the height direction of the vehicle, so there is a problem in that it is difficult to achieve a low profile to secure interior space.

[0004] However, in the case of the torsion bar type, the torsion bar is installed along the length of the vehicle. Therefore, the torsion bar is not restricted by the vehicle's height. Accordingly, the need to secure interior space through the use of torsion bars is increasing. The problem to be solved

[0005] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an objective according to one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a stiffness adjustment device that enables securing interior space of a vehicle through a torsion bar, and a vehicle suspension system including the same. means of solving the problem

[0006] A stiffness adjustment device for varying the stiffness of a torsion bar according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a motor; a mounting member coupled to the torsion bar; and a connecting unit that connects the motor and the mounting member and moves the mounting member while being operated by the operation of the motor.

[0007] The above mounting member may be characterized by being able to change its position along the longitudinal direction of the torsion bar on the torsion bar by the operation of the above connecting unit.

[0008] The connecting unit may include: a first module coupled to the motor; and a second module connected to the first module and connected to the mounting member to operate in conjunction with the movement of the first module.

[0009] It may further include a sub-power device coupled to the torsion bar or the mounting member and capable of adjusting the stiffness of the torsion bar.

[0010] In addition, a vehicle suspension system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a torsion bar disposed between a wheel and a chassis; and a stiffness adjustment device for varying the stiffness of the torsion bar, wherein the stiffness adjustment device includes a motor; a mounting member coupled to the torsion bar; and a connecting unit that connects the motor and the mounting member and moves the mounting member while operating by the operation of the motor.

[0011] The above mounting member may be characterized by being able to change its position along the longitudinal direction of the torsion bar on the torsion bar by the operation of the above connecting unit.

[0012] The connecting unit may include: a first module coupled to the motor; and a second module connected to the first module and connected to the mounting member to operate in conjunction with the movement of the first module. Effects of the invention

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mounting member is connected to a torsion bar, and the position of the mounting member connected to the torsion bar can be changed through a stiffness adjustment device. Accordingly, since the torsional stiffness of the torsion bar can be freely adjusted according to the change in the position of the mounting member, the vehicle's ride height can be easily adjusted by the torsion of the torsion bar. As a result, it is easier to secure space inside the vehicle. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle suspension system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2a is a drawing showing a sub-power device coupled to a torsion bar. FIG. 2b is a drawing showing a sub-power device coupled to a mounting member. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle suspension system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle suspension system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle suspension system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0016] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. Such terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the second component may be named the first component, and similarly, the first component may be named the second component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0017] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0018] In the description of the embodiments, where one component is described as being formed "on or under" another component, "on or under" includes both cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other and cases where one or more other components are positioned indirectly between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "on or under," it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to one component.

[0019] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0021] Hereinafter, a stiffness adjustment device and a vehicle suspension system including the same will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or corresponding components are given the same reference number regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle suspension system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle suspension system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a torsion bar (100a) and a stiffness adjustment device (200a). This vehicle suspension system (1) is a system for varying the stiffness of a torsion bar (100a) installed in a vehicle, and more specifically, it may be a system for varying the torsional stiffness of a torsion bar (100a).

[0024] The torsion bar (100a) may be a cylinder having a circular cross-section. The torsion bar (100a) may be placed between the wheel (W) and the chassis (C). The torsion bar (100a) may be made of a material having torsional rigidity.

[0025] Here, a conventional torsion bar (100a) may have one end connected to a control arm (not shown) connected to a wheel (W), and the other end connected to a chassis (C). The other end of the torsion bar (100a) may be fixed to the chassis (C). Accordingly, the control arm moves in conjunction with the movement of the wheel (W), and as the control arm moves, the one end of the torsion bar (100a) connected to the control arm is twisted.

[0026] However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the torsion bar (100a) has one end connected to a control arm connected to a wheel (W), and the other end is a free end and is not fixed to the chassis (C).

[0027] The stiffness adjustment device (200a) is a device connected to the torsion bar (100a) to vary the stiffness of the torsion bar (100a), and the stiffness adjustment device (200a) may include a motor (220), a mounting member (240), and a connecting unit (260).

[0028] The motor (220) is a power device and can generate power by receiving power through an external or internal charging device. The motor (220) can be fixed to the chassis (C) inside the vehicle. Here, the motor (220) may be spaced apart from the torsion bar (100a) along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the torsion bar (100a), but is not limited thereto.

[0029] A mounting member (240) can be coupled to a torsion bar (100a). More specifically, the mounting member (240) can be positioned in the area between one end and the other end of the torsion bar (100a) along the longitudinal direction of the torsion bar (100a). As shown in FIG. 1, the mounting member (240) can be coupled to the torsion bar (100a) so as to penetrate the torsion bar (100a) and wrap around the torsion bar (100a). Additionally, although not shown, the mounting member (240) may have a shape with a portion open so as to clamp the torsion bar (100a). While coupled to the torsion bar (100a), this mounting member (240) can be positioned spaced apart from the motor (220) along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the torsion bar (100a).

[0030] The connecting unit (260) connects the motor (220) and the mounting member (240) and can move the mounting member (240) by operating the motor (220). The connecting unit (260) may include a first module (262) coupled to the motor (220) and a second module (264) connected to the first module (262) and connected to the mounting member (240) and operated in conjunction with the movement of the first module (262). Here, the first module (262) may be a rack gear and the second module (264) may be a pinion gear, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the connecting unit (260) may be composed of two parts, or may be composed of a combination of one or more parts.

[0031] The mounting member (240) may be repositioned along the longitudinal direction of the torsion bar (100a) on the torsion bar (100a) by the operation of the connecting unit (260). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the mounting member (240) may be moved by the connecting unit (260) within a range of movement from the center of the torsion bar (100a) to the end of the torsion bar (100a). Accordingly, the mounting position of the mounting member (240) relative to the torsion bar (100a) is changed, and the torsional rigidity of the torsion bar (100a) can be adjusted.

[0032] A vehicle suspension system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can freely change the mounting position of a torsion bar (100a) by means of a stiffness adjustment device (200a). This means that the vehicle's ride height can be adjusted by controlling the degree of twisting of the torsion bar (100a), thereby making it easier to secure interior space of the vehicle. Accordingly, the user's satisfaction with vehicle convenience can be improved.

[0033] In addition, the vehicle suspension system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can adjust the ride comfort and steering stability of the vehicle by changing the mounting position of the torsion bar (100a). Accordingly, the user's satisfaction with the vehicle can be increased.

[0034] FIG. 2a is a drawing showing a sub-power device coupled to a torsion bar, and FIG. 2b is a drawing showing a sub-power device coupled to a mounting member.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, a vehicle suspension system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a sub-power unit (280). The sub-power unit (280) can perform the same function as the motor (220) of the stiffness adjustment device (200a). As shown in FIG. 2a, the sub-power unit (280) may be coupled to a torsion bar (100a). Also, as shown in FIG. 2b, the sub-power unit (280) may be coupled to a mounting member (240).

[0036] In this way, the sub-power device (280) may be coupled to the torsion bar (100a) or the mounting member (240) to adjust the stiffness of the torsion bar (100a). More specifically, the sub-power device (280) may be coupled to the torsion bar (100a) to generate power to rotate the torsion bar (100a). Additionally, the sub-power device (280) may be coupled to the mounting member (240) to generate power to rotate the mounting member (240) so that the mounting member (240) can rotate. Thus, the stiffness of the torsion bar (100a) can be adjusted according to the twisting of the torsion bar (100a).

[0037] Hereinafter, other embodiments of a vehicle suspension system will be described.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle suspension system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, a vehicle suspension system (2) according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include a torsion bar (100b) and a stiffness adjustment device (200b).

[0040] The torsion bar (100b) can be positioned between the wheel (W) and the chassis (C). The torsion bar (100b) can be connected to a control arm, one end of which is connected to the wheel (W). Here, the other end of the torsion bar (100b) can be positioned apart from the chassis (C).

[0041] The stiffness adjustment device (200b) may be a motor. This stiffness adjustment device (200b) may perform the same function as the motor (220) of FIGS. 1 to 2b. This stiffness adjustment device (200b) may be fixed to the chassis (C) and connected to the other end of the torsion bar (100b) while fixed to the chassis (C). Thus, the stiffness adjustment device (200b) may generate power to rotate the other end of the torsion bar (100b).

[0042] The vehicle suspension system (2) according to the second embodiment of the present invention can adjust the torsional stiffness of the torsion bar (100b) by changing the output of the stiffness adjustment device (200b). Here, although not illustrated, the vehicle suspension system (2) may further include a control unit. The control unit may be connected to the stiffness adjustment device (200b) and may collect the condition of the road surface while driving and transmit a control signal to the stiffness adjustment device (200b) to change the output of the stiffness adjustment device (200b).

[0043] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle suspension system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, a vehicle suspension system (3) according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a torsion bar (100c) and a stiffness adjustment device (200c).

[0045] The torsion bar (100c) can be positioned between the wheel (W) and the chassis (C). The torsion bar (100c) can be connected to a control arm, one end of which is connected to the wheel (W). Here, the other end of the torsion bar (100c) can be positioned apart from the chassis (C).

[0046] The stiffness control device (200c) may be an MR fluid device. The MR fluid device may be a device using an MR (Magnetorheological) fluid that has an MR effect in which the resistance of the fluid flow increases when a magnetic field is loaded. Such an MR fluid device may include a fluid section that accommodates the MR fluid and is connected to a torsion bar (100c), and a resistance section (not shown) disposed on the outside of the fluid section, capable of adjusting the resistance of the MR fluid by applying a magnetic field to the fluid section.

[0047] In the above-described MR fluid device, when a magnetic field is applied from the resistance part, the magnetic particles inside the fluid part align along the direction in which the magnetic field is applied, thereby allowing the viscosity of the MR fluid to be controlled. Accordingly, the degree to which the fluid part holds the torsion bar (100c) is changed, and the torsional rigidity of the torsion bar (100c) can be controlled.

[0048] As such, the vehicle suspension system of the present invention may have various stiffness adjustment devices for adjusting the torsional stiffness of the torsion bar.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle suspension system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, a vehicle suspension system (4) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a torsion bar (100d). The torsion bar (100d) may be positioned between the wheel (W) of the vehicle and the chassis (C). One end of the torsion bar (100d) may be connected to a control arm connected to the wheel (W), and the other end of the torsion bar (100d) may be fixed to the chassis (C).

[0051] Here, the torsion bar (100d) may have a variable cross-section applied in sections. The torsion bar (100d) having such a variable cross-section in sections may have a structure in which torsional stiffness varies in sections. Here, the torsion bar (100d) may have a shape with different cross-sectional sizes in sections while in an integrated state, but is not limited thereto. The torsion bar (100d) may be an assembly connected to each other by combining individual parts with different cross-sectional sizes.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Furthermore, differences related to such modifications and changes should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0053] 1, 2, 3, 4: Vehicle Suspension System 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d: Torsion bar 200a, 200b, 200c: Stiffness adjustment device 220: Motor 240: Mounting member 260: Connecting Unit 262: Module 1 264: Module 2 280: Sub-power unit C: Chassis W: Wheel

Claims

Claim 1 A stiffness adjustment device for varying the stiffness of a torsion bar, wherein the stiffness adjustment device comprises: a motor; a mounting member coupled to the torsion bar; and a connecting unit connecting the motor and the mounting member, and moving the mounting member while being operated by the operation of the motor. Claim 2 A stiffness adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting member is capable of changing its position along the longitudinal direction of the torsion bar on the torsion bar by the operation of the connecting unit. Claim 3 A stiffness adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting unit comprises: a first module coupled to the motor; and a second module connected to the first module and connected to the mounting member to operate in conjunction with the movement of the first module. Claim 4 A stiffness adjustment device according to claim 1, further comprising a sub-power device coupled to the torsion bar or the mounting member and capable of adjusting the stiffness of the torsion bar. Claim 5 A vehicle suspension system comprising: a torsion bar disposed between a wheel and a chassis; and a stiffness adjustment device for varying the stiffness of the torsion bar; wherein the stiffness adjustment device comprises: a motor; a mounting member coupled to the torsion bar; and a connecting unit connecting the motor and the mounting member, and moving the mounting member while being operated by the operation of the motor. Claim 6 A vehicle suspension system according to claim 5, characterized in that the mounting member is capable of changing its position along the longitudinal direction of the torsion bar on the torsion bar by the operation of the connecting unit. Claim 7 In claim 5, the connecting unit comprises: a first module coupled to the motor; and a second module connected to the first module and connected to the mounting member to operate in conjunction with the movement of the first module; a vehicle suspension system.

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