JPH1030671A - Rotary damper using electrorheological fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] Even if bubbles and the like are generated in an electrorheological fluid by a damping force generating mechanism, the influence of the bubbles can be suppressed.
The reliability and durability of the device can be improved. SOLUTION: An electrorheological fluid 4 is accommodated in a casing 1 and an electrode tube 7 is rotatably provided. In addition, each electrode tube 1 is placed in the electrode tube 7 via partition walls 13, 14, 15 and the like.
6 and 19 are provided, and the respective electrode tubes 16 and 19 are individually connected to the control unit 32. In the electrode cylinder 7 integrated with the rotating shaft 6, a throttle passage 18 and a flow chamber C are provided.
2 and B2, etc.
A second flow path means comprising a throttle passage 21 and flow chambers C1, B1, etc. is provided, and the respective liquid chambers A1, A2 communicate with each other via these flow path means. Then, the damping valves 25 and 27 are arranged in the middle of each flow path means at a position upstream of the damping valves 25 and 27.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rotary damper using an electrorheological fluid which is suitably used for, for example, damping a vibration acting on a vehicle or the like, and more particularly, to an electric damper which can appropriately adjust a damping force. The present invention relates to a rotary damper using a viscous fluid.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, vehicles and the like are equipped with a damper for damping external vibrations and shocks. As such a damper, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 64-1
2. Description of the Related Art A rotary damper described in Japanese Patent No. 2152 (hereinafter, referred to as a prior art) is known.

A conventional rotary damper of this type is provided with a fixed vane, a cylindrical casing containing an oil liquid therein, and a rotatably provided inside the casing. Both ends in the axial direction are outside the casing. A rotating shaft consisting of a hollow shaft protruding from the casing, and provided between the rotating shaft and the casing on an outer peripheral side of the rotating shaft, between the first and second fixed vanes. A movable vane defining an oil chamber, a communication passage provided in the rotation shaft so as to communicate between the first and second oil chambers, and a communication passage provided in the middle of the communication passage;
And a damping force generating mechanism for generating a damping force in the oil liquid flowing through the communication passage.

When a conventional rotary damper is mounted on, for example, a motorcycle, a casing is fixedly provided on a vehicle body side, and a swing arm for swingably supporting the wheel side has a rotating shaft. Attach the projecting end of
The swing arm is raised with respect to the vehicle
By rotating the rotation shaft with respect to the casing when swinging downward, the oil liquid flows between the first and second oil chambers. On the other hand, a predetermined damping force is generated by giving a flow path resistance by a damping force generating mechanism.

Further, as another prior art, a rotary damper using an electrorheological fluid is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-12700.
No. 5 publication.

In another conventional damper, an electrorheological fluid is contained in a casing, and a first vane and a second vane are disposed adjacent to each other between a fixed vane on the casing side and a movable vane on the rotating shaft side. An oil chamber is defined, and a throttle passage as a control gap is provided in the rotation shaft so as to communicate the liquid chambers with each other. And, in the middle of the throttle passage, a damping force generating mechanism including a damping valve or the like is provided, and a pair of electrode plates is arranged downstream of the damping force generating mechanism so as to face each other, Electric current is applied to each of the electrode plates from the outside.

When the rotating shaft is rotated with respect to the casing, a damping force is applied to the electrorheological fluid flowing through the throttle passage by a damping valve (damping force generating mechanism) to generate a damping force. At the same time, an electric field is applied to the electrorheological fluid between the electrode plates to increase or decrease the viscosity of the electrorheological fluid, thereby changing the flow resistance of the electrorheological fluid in the throttle passage. Thereby, the damping force can be easily controlled from the outside.

[0008]

By the way, in the above-mentioned prior art, a damping force generating mechanism is provided in the middle of a communication passage communicating between the first and second oil chambers. The damping force is only generated by the throttle resistance when the oil liquid flows through. Therefore, unless the damping valve of the damping force generating mechanism is replaced or the area of the throttle passage is not changed, the damping force characteristics cannot be changed, and the damping force cannot be adjusted by remote control from the outside. There is a problem that is difficult.

On the other hand, in the case of another conventional technique, an electrorheological fluid is used in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technique. However, such other conventional techniques have the following problems.

That is, the damping valve is disposed upstream of each electrode plate in the throttle passage, and when the electrorheological fluid flows through the throttle passage, a damping force is first generated by the damping valve. Since the damping force is controlled by the electric field between the electrode plates, a high-pressure electrorheological fluid from the upstream liquid chamber is supplied to the downstream liquid chamber (each electrode plate) in the damping valve. This causes a rapid pressure drop in the electrorheological fluid before and after the electrorheological fluid passes through the damping valve.

As a result, cavitation, bubbles and the like may be generated in the electrorheological fluid due to the pressure drop. When cavitation or the like occurs in the electrorheological fluid in this way, when the electrorheological fluid flows between the electrode plates, a discharge is easily generated between the electrode plates, and should be generated between the electrode plates. There is a problem that it is difficult to control the electric field with high accuracy, and the reliability of the device is reduced. Further, when the discharge occurs between the electrode plates, the life of the electrode plates and the like is shortened, and there is a problem that the durability and the like of the device are reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and the present invention sufficiently suppresses the effects of bubbles and cavitation generated in an electrorheological fluid by a damping force generating mechanism. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a rotary damper using an electrorheological fluid that can control the damping force of the electrorheological fluid with high accuracy and can greatly improve the reliability and durability of the device. I have.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotary damper using an electrorheological fluid, wherein the rotary damper contains an electrorheological fluid, and a fixed vane is provided. A cylindrical casing, a rotating shaft provided in the casing so as to be rotatable relative to the casing, and extending in the casing in the axial direction; and a rotating shaft positioned between the rotating shaft and the casing. A movable vane provided on the driving shaft side and defining first and second liquid chambers adjacent to each other between the fixed vane and the movable vane; Flow path means for flowing an electrorheological fluid between the first and second liquid chambers, and a damping force generating mechanism provided in the middle of the flow path means for generating a damping force by the electrorheological fluid flowing through the flow path means And the damping force with respect to the flow direction of the electrorheological fluid. Than raw mechanism located upstream side provided in the middle of the flow path unit, and composed of the electrode portion energized from outside.

With such a configuration, when the rotating shaft is rotated with respect to the casing, the electrorheological fluid contained in the casing by the flow path means flows between the first and second liquid chambers. Become like Since the electrode section is provided in the middle of the flow path means, by applying an electric current to the electrode section from the outside to generate an electric field in the flow path means, the viscosity of the electrorheological fluid is increased. As a result, the flow resistance of the electrorheological fluid in the flow path means can be increased to generate a damping force. The magnitude of the damping force can be easily controlled from the outside by appropriately adjusting the magnitude of the electric field of the electrode portion to increase or decrease the amount of the clay of the electrorheological fluid. In addition, since the damping force generating mechanism is provided in the middle of the flow passage, the damping force can be generated by the damping force generating mechanism even when no electric field is applied to the electrode section.

Here, since the electrode portion is disposed on the upstream side of the damping force generating mechanism, even if cavitation due to a pressure drop occurs before and after the damping force generating mechanism, the influence of the cavitation is caused by the upstream. Therefore, the damping force can be surely adjusted by energizing the electrode portion.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a cylindrical casing containing an electrorheological fluid therein and having a fixed vane is provided, and is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the casing. A first and a second rotating shaft, which are provided between the rotating shaft and the casing and provided on the rotating shaft side, and which are adjacent to each other between the fixed vanes. A movable vane defining a second liquid chamber, and the electrorheological fluid flowing from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber when the rotating shaft is relatively rotated in one direction with respect to the casing. A first flow path means for preventing the flow in the opposite direction, and the second liquid chamber is directed from the second liquid chamber to the first liquid chamber when the rotation shaft is relatively rotated in the other direction with respect to the casing. The second that circulates the electrorheological fluid and blocks the reverse flow
Flow path means, provided in the middle of the first flow path means,
A first damping force generating mechanism for generating a damping force by an electrorheological fluid flowing in the first flow passage means, and a first damping force generation mechanism provided in the middle of the second flow passage means; A second damping force generating mechanism for generating a damping force by the flowing electrorheological fluid, and a second damping force generating mechanism provided upstream of the first damping force generating mechanism and provided in the middle of the first flow path means, A first electrode section to be energized; and a second electrode located at an upstream side of the second damping force generating mechanism and provided in the middle of the second flow path means and energized from the outside. And a department.

With this configuration, when the rotating shaft is rotated in one direction with respect to the casing, the first shaft is rotated.
The electro-rheological fluid accommodated in the casing flows only in one direction from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber by the flow path means. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode section and the first damping force generating mechanism are provided in the middle of the first flow path means, respectively. In the same manner as described above, a damping force can be generated, and this damping force can be easily controlled from the outside.

Further, when the rotating shaft is rotated in the other direction with respect to the casing, the electrorheological fluid flows from the second liquid chamber to the first liquid chamber only in the other direction by the second flow path means. Become like Here, in the middle of the second channel means,
Since the second electrode portion and the second damping force generating mechanism are provided respectively in the same manner as the first flow path means, the second electrode portion and the damping force generating mechanism are provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment. , And the damping force can be easily controlled from the outside.

As described above, the electric field generated in each of the flow means can be appropriately and separately adjusted by each of the electrode portions. Thus, the magnitude of the damping force generated by the damper can be independently controlled. Here, since each of the electrode portions is disposed on the upstream side of each of the damping force generating mechanisms, cavitation and air bubbles generated in each of the damping force generating mechanisms are generated in the same manner as in the invention of claim 1. The influence can be prevented from affecting the first and second electrode portions.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a case where the rotary damper according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used for a motorcycle.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a casing. The casing 1 has a cylindrical casing body 2 having both open ends 2A and 2A, and each open end 2A, Disc-shaped cover plates 3 and 3 are integrally attached to 2A, and bearing portions 3A and 3A protrude outward in the axial direction at the center of each cover plate 3.

Here, the casing 1 is integrally attached to, for example, a vehicle body side of the vehicle, and the casing 1 is filled (contained) with an electrorheological fluid 4. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of fixed vanes 5, 5,... Are arranged on the inner peripheral side of the casing 1 at substantially equal intervals.
Each of the fixed vanes 5 extends in the shape of an elongated plate in the axial direction along the inner peripheral side of the casing 1, and projects radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the casing 1. Is almost in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the main body.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a rotating shaft provided rotatably with respect to the casing 1. The rotating shaft 6 extends in the casing 1 along the axial direction, and both ends are respectively rotated by bearings 3A of the casing 1. Supported as possible. The two ends of the rotating shaft 6 protruding from the bearings 3A are integrally attached to, for example, a swing arm (not shown) provided on the axle side of the vehicle, and when vibration or the like acts on the vehicle body. The casing 1 is rotated relative to the casing 1 in directions indicated by arrows R1 and R2 in FIG.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a large-diameter electrode tube as an electrode portion rotatably provided in the casing 1 so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the rotating shaft 6. The electrode tube 7 is shown in FIGS. As shown, it extends cylindrically between the casing 1 and the rotating shaft 6 in the axial direction. The electrode tube 7 is connected to the earth side, and generates an electric field between the electrode tube 7 and the electrode tubes 16 and 19 described later. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of movable vanes 8, 8,... Are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral side of the electrode tube 7. The movable vanes 8 are connected to the electrode tubes 7 in the same manner as the fixed vanes 5.
Is formed in an elongated plate shape along the axial direction and is formed so as to protrude outward in the radial direction, and the protruding end side is substantially in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the casing body 2.

The movable vanes 8 define first and second liquid chambers A1 and A2, each having a sector shape in cross section with the fixed vanes 5, respectively. Room A1, A2
Are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction between the casing 1 and the electrode tube 7 so as to be adjacent to each other with the vanes 5 and 8 interposed therebetween. When each movable vane 8 is rotated relative to each fixed vane 5 about the rotary shaft 6 in the direction of arrow R1, the first and second liquid chambers A1 and A2 have reduced volumes, respectively. When the movable vanes 8 are relatively rotated in the direction of arrow R2, the first and second liquid chambers A1 and A2 increase or decrease in volume. I have.

Reference numerals 9, 9,... Denote outlet holes provided in the respective liquid chambers A1 at intervals in the circumferential direction of the electrode cylinder 7, and the outlet holes 9 communicate the respective liquid chambers A1 with a throttle passage 18 described later. Let me. 1
Reference numerals 0, 10,... Denote inflow holes (only one is shown) provided in the liquid chamber A1 side in the circumferential direction of the electrode tube 7, similarly to the outflow holes 9. Numeral 10 designates each of the liquid chambers A1 communicating with a flow chamber B1 which will be described later.

.. Are electrode tubes 7 on the side of each liquid chamber A2.
Each of the outflow holes 11 communicates with each of the liquid chambers A2 to a throttle passage 21 which will be described later. Reference numerals 12, 12,... Denote other inflow holes (only one is shown) provided in the liquid chamber A2 side in the circumferential direction of the electrode tube 7, similarly to the outflow holes 11. Numeral 12 designates each of the liquid chambers A2 communicating with a flow chamber B2 to be described later.

Reference numerals 13 and 14 denote annular partition walls provided on both axial sides (left and right sides in FIG. 1) between the rotating shaft 6 and the electrode tube 7, respectively. The rotating shaft 6 is fixedly fitted to the side, and the outer peripheral side is fixed to the inner peripheral side of the electrode tube 7. The partition walls 13 and 14 are prevented from rotating with respect to the rotating shaft 6 and the electrode tube 7, and rotate the electrode tube 7 integrally with the rotating shaft 6.
Here, the partition walls 13 and 14 define annular circulation chambers B 1 and B 2 in the electrode tube 7 with the respective lid plates 3.

Reference numeral 15 denotes another annular partition wall provided at an intermediate portion in the axial direction between the rotating shaft 6 and the electrode tube 7.
Is fixed to the inner peripheral side thereof with the rotating shaft 6 inserted therein, and the outer peripheral side is fixed to the inner peripheral side of the electrode tube 7. In the partition 15, a part of each of flow passages 24 and 26 described later is formed independently of each other.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a small-diameter electrode tube provided between the partition walls 13 and 15. The electrode tube 16 is disposed concentrically on the inner peripheral side of the electrode tube 7 as shown in FIGS. And
Both ends of the partition wall 13,
15 is held on the outer peripheral side.

Here, the electrode tube 16 forms a cylindrical throttle passage 18 having a small gap in the radial direction between the electrode tube 16 and the electrode tube 7. It is in direct communication with the first liquid chamber A1. The electrode tube 16 is connected to a control unit 32 and a power supply 34 via a lead wire 35 described later. The electrode tube 16 and the electrode tube 7 constitute a first electrode portion, and an electric field is generated between the electrode tube 7 and the electrode tube 7 in the throttle passage 18.

Reference numeral 19 denotes another electrode tube having a small diameter provided between the partition walls 13 and 15, and the electrode tube 19 is, as shown in FIG.
Like the electrode tube 16, the electrode tube 7 is disposed concentrically on the inner peripheral side of the electrode tube 7, and both ends thereof are held on the outer peripheral side of the partition walls 13 and 15 via insulating members 20 and 20, respectively.

Here, the electrode tube 19 forms a cylindrical throttle passage 21 having a small gap in the radial direction between the electrode tube 7 and the electrode tube 7. The second liquid chamber A2 is directly connected to the second liquid chamber A2. The electrode cylinder 19 is connected to a control unit 32 and a power supply 34 via a lead wire 36 described later. The electrode tube 19 constitutes a second electrode portion together with the electrode tube 7, and is configured to generate an electric field between the electrode tube 7 and the electrode tube 7 in the throttle passage 21.

Reference numerals 22 and 23 denote valve seat members provided on both sides of the partition wall 15 so as to hold the electrode tubes 16 and 19 between the electrode tube 7 and the valve seat members 22 and 23, respectively. The rotating shaft 6 is inserted, and insulating members 17 and 20 are fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral side, respectively. The valve seat member 22,
At 23, damping valves 27 and 25 described later are respectively attached.

Reference numerals 24, 24,... Denote first flow passages (only two are shown) provided in the partition wall 15 and the valve seat members 22, 23 in the circumferential direction, and each of the flow passages 24 has one end. The other side communicates with the inside of the throttle passage 18, and the other end side can communicate with the inside of the circulation chamber C2 via a first damping valve 25 as a damping force generating mechanism. Here, the damping valve 25 allows the electrorheological fluid 4 to flow through each flow passage 24 from the throttle passage 18 to the flow chamber C2, and
Are prevented from flowing in the opposite direction. The damping valve 25 generates a damping force by giving a constant flow resistance to the electrorheological fluid 4 when the electrorheological fluid 4 flows inside the damping valve 25.

Reference numerals 26, 26,... Denote second flow passages (only two shown) provided in the partition wall 15 and the valve seat members 22, 23 in the same manner as the respective flow passages 24 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. One end of each flow passage 26 communicates with the throttle passage 21 and the other end thereof can communicate with the flow chamber C1 via a second damping valve 27 as a damping force generating mechanism. Here, the damping valve 27 allows the electrorheological fluid 4 to flow through each flow passage 26 from the throttle passage 21 toward the flow chamber C1, and prevents the electrorheological fluid 4 from flowing in the opposite direction. It has a configuration. The damping valve 27 generates a damping force by giving a constant flow resistance to the electrorheological fluid 4 when the electrorheological fluid 4 flows therein.

Reference numerals 28, 28,... Denote first liquid holes (only two are shown) provided at a distance in the circumferential direction of the partition wall 14. Each of the liquid holes 28 is connected to a flow chamber via a check valve 29. B2
, And C2 are communicated with each other and cut off. Here, the check valve 29 is connected between the flow chamber C2 and the flow chamber B.
The configuration is such that the electrorheological fluid 4 is allowed to flow through each liquid hole 28 toward 2 and the electrorheological fluid 4 is prevented from flowing in the opposite direction.

Each of the liquid holes 28, together with each of the outflow holes 9, the throttle passages 18, each of the flow passages 24, the flow chamber C2, the flow chamber B2 and each of the inflow holes 12, constitutes a first flow path means. In the first flow path means, a throttle passage 18 between the electrode cylinders 7 and 16 is provided in the middle thereof, and the throttle passage 18 is located upstream of the damping valve 25. And the first
Is a damping valve 25 and a check valve 2
9 allows the electrorheological fluid 4 to flow from the first liquid chamber A1 to the second liquid chamber A2 and prevents the flow in the opposite direction.

Reference numerals 30, 30,... Denote second liquid holes (only two are shown) provided at a distance in the circumferential direction of the partition 13. Each of the liquid holes 30 is connected to the flow chamber through a check valve 31. B1
, C1 are communicated with each other and cut off. Here, the check valve 31 is connected between the flow chamber C1 and the flow chamber B.
The configuration is such that the electrorheological fluid 4 is allowed to flow through each liquid hole 30 toward 1 and the electrorheological fluid 4 is prevented from flowing in the opposite direction.

The liquid holes 30 together with the outflow holes 11, the throttle passages 21, the flow passages 26, the flow chambers C1, the flow chambers B1, and the inflow holes 10 constitute second flow path means. In the second flow path means, a throttle passage 21 between the electrode cylinders 7 and 19 is provided in the middle thereof, and the throttle passage 21 is located upstream of the damping valve 27. The second flow path means includes a damping valve 27 and a check valve 31.
To allow the electrorheological fluid 4 to flow from the second liquid chamber A2 to the first liquid chamber A1 and prevent the reverse flow.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a control unit. The control unit 32 is connected to a power source 34 via a lead wire 33 and individually connected to the electrode tubes 16 and 19 via lead wires 35, 36 and the like. . The control unit 32 can appropriately adjust the applied voltage output from the power supply 34 to the electrode cylinders 16 and 19 in accordance with the vibration state of the damper.

Reference numeral 37 denotes a temperature compensation chamber provided in the circulation chamber C1 and provided on the rotating shaft 6 side. The temperature compensation chamber 37 is formed by a bag 37A made of a flexible material such as synthetic resin. The inside is a bag body 37A filled with, for example, compressed air or the like. The temperature compensating chamber 37 compensates for a change in the volume of the electrorheological fluid 4 by expanding and contracting the bag 37A when the volume of the electrorheological fluid 4 changes due to a temperature change or the like. .

The rotary damper according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, and its operation will be described next.

First, external vibrations act on the rotary damper, and as shown in FIG.
, The liquid chambers A1,.
Since the volume of A2 decreases and increases, the electrorheological fluid 4 in each liquid chamber A1 flows through each outlet hole 9 through the throttle passage 18 toward each flow passage 24, and from each flow passage 24, It flows into the flow chamber C2 via the damping valve 25. And
The electrorheological fluid 4 from the flow chamber C2 passes through each liquid hole 28 and the check valve 29 and flows through the flow chamber B2.
The liquid flows into the second liquid chamber A2 through the respective inlet holes 12.

As described above, when the rotating shaft 6 is relatively rotated in the direction of arrow R1, the electrorheological fluid 4 is supplied to each of the outflow holes 9, the throttle passages 18, the respective flow passages 24, the flow chamber C2, and the respective liquids. The damping valve 25 and the check valve 2 are inserted into the first flow passage means including the hole 28, the flow chamber B2, and each of the inflow holes 12.
The flow can be made only from the liquid chambers A1 to the liquid chambers A2 via the flow path 9, and the flow in the reverse direction can be prevented.

Further, as shown in FIG.
When rotated relatively in two directions, the electrorheological fluid 4 is conveyed to each outlet hole 11
1, each flow passage 26, flow chamber C1, each liquid hole 30, flow chamber B
1 and into the second channel means consisting of each inflow hole 10,
The fluid can be circulated only from the respective liquid chambers A2 to the respective liquid chambers A1 via the damping valve 27 and the check valve 31, and the flow in the reverse direction can be prevented.

As described above, in the rotary damper according to the present embodiment, the electrorheological effect is obtained when the rotary shaft 6 is relatively rotated in the direction of arrow R1 and when the rotary shaft 6 is relatively rotated in the direction of arrow R2. The fluid 4 is supplied to the first and second throttle passages 18,
The viscosity of the electrorheological fluid 4 can be independently controlled by the electrode tubes 7, 16, 18 in the respective throttle passages 18, 21.

For example, when the rotating shaft 6 is relatively rotated in the direction of arrow R1, a predetermined damping force can be generated by the damping valve 25. When adjusting the damping force, the control unit 32 energizes the electrode tube 16 to generate an electric field between the electrode tubes 7 and 16, thereby reducing the viscosity of the electrorheological fluid 4 flowing through the throttle passage 18. The damping force can be easily controlled from the outside by increasing or decreasing the throttle resistance generated in the electrorheological fluid 4.

Further, the throttle passage 18 (electrode tube 16)
Is disposed on the upstream side of the damping valve 25, even if cavitation or bubbles are generated in the electrorheological fluid 4 due to a pressure drop generated when the electrorheological fluid 4 flows through the damping valve 25. However, this influence does not reach the upstream throttle passage 18 side, and the damping force characteristic can be stably variably controlled according to the voltage applied to the electrode tube 16.

On the other hand, when the rotating shaft 6 is relatively rotated in the direction of the arrow R2, a predetermined damping force can be generated by the damping valve 27. Then, by supplying electricity to the electrode tube 19 from the control unit 32, the damping force can be easily controlled from the outside similarly to the case described above.

Further, the throttle passage 21 (electrode tube 19)
Is disposed on the upstream side of the damping valve 27, so that, similarly to the case of the damping valve 25 described above,
Even if cavitation or bubbles are generated in the electrorheological fluid 4 when the electrorheological fluid 4 flows through the damping valve 25, the influence does not reach the throttle passage 21 on the upstream side and is applied to the electrode tube 19. The damping force characteristics can be stabilized and variably controlled according to the applied voltage.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotating shaft 6 is indicated by the arrow R.
When turning in one direction or turning in the direction of arrow R2, the damping valve 25,
Due to cavitation and the like generated in the electrorheological fluid 4 on the 27 side, the space between the electrode tubes 7 and 16 and the electrode tubes 7 and 19
An electric field to be generated between the electrode tubes 7 and 16 and between the electrode tubes 7 and 19 can be controlled with high precision by reliably preventing discharge or the like from occurring between them.
The reliability and the like of the device can be greatly improved. Further, the life of the electrode tubes 7, 16, 19 and the like can be extended, and the durability and the like of the entire device can be greatly improved.

Next, FIGS. 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of the present invention. The feature of this embodiment is that a second embodiment for flowing an electrorheological fluid between the first and second liquid chambers is shown. An electrode tube as a coaxial cylindrical electrode portion is provided at a position upstream of the damping force generating mechanism in the middle of the first and second flow passage means, provided in the casing. Along with
The first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are also used by the electrode tube, and a throttle passage between the electrode tubes is also used as a part of the first and second channel means.

In the drawing, reference numeral 41 denotes a casing main body constituting the casing 1. The casing main body 41 is formed substantially in the same manner as the casing main body 2 described in the first embodiment, and has an opening end portion 41A and each fixed vane. , Each fixed vane 42 is provided in the casing body 41.
The annular partition plates 43A and 43B are integrally formed so as to sandwich the partition plate 43 from both the left and right sides in FIG.
The inner peripheral sides of A and 43B rotatably support the rotating shaft 6 together with partition walls 55A and 55B described later.

Here, the partition plates 43A and 43B have
Inflow holes 44, 44,...
Are formed in the respective liquid chambers D2 to be described later, and are formed in the circumferential direction so as to be separated from each other.
Reference numeral 45 communicates flow chambers G1 and G2, which will be described later, with the liquid chambers D1 and D2.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a rotating cylinder.
Although each movable vane 47 is provided in substantially the same manner as the electrode cylinder 7 described in the embodiment, annular lid plates 48A and 48B are integrally attached to both axial ends of the rotating cylinder 46. Have been. The cover plate 48 is stopped from rotating with respect to the rotating shaft 6, and the rotating cylinder 46 is rotated integrally with the rotating shaft 6. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the movable vanes 47 is connected to each of the fixed vanes 42 via partition plates 43A and 43B, as in the first and second embodiments. , D2.

Are check valves provided on the rotary cylinder 46 on the first liquid chamber D1 side, and the check valves 49 are provided in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the rotary cylinder 46 is disposed at a position on the left side in FIG. Here, when the capacity of each liquid chamber D1 is reduced, each check valve 49 allows the electrorheological fluid 4 to flow out of each liquid chamber D1 toward the throttle passage 54, which will be described later. 4 is prevented from flowing in the opposite direction.

Are check valves (only two are shown) provided on the rotary cylinder 46 on the side of each second liquid chamber D2, and the check valves 50 are shown in FIGS. As shown in the figure, the rotary cylinder 46 is disposed at a position on the right side in FIG. Here, when the capacity of each liquid chamber D2 decreases, each check valve 50 allows the electrorheological fluid 4 to flow out of each liquid chamber D2 toward the throttle passage 54 described later, 4 is prevented from flowing in the opposite direction.

Reference numeral 51 denotes a large-diameter electrode cylinder provided as an electrode part provided in the rotating cylinder 46, and 52 denotes a small-diameter electrode cylinder provided as a concentric electrode part in the electrode cylinder 51. Both ends of the electrode tube 51 of the electrode tubes 51 and 52 are directly attached to the rotating tube 46 and the cover plates 48A and 48B, and are connected to the ground side.

The electrode cylinder 52 is attached to the cover plate 48 via insulating members 53, 53 at both ends, and is connected to a control unit 65 via a lead wire 64 described later. The electrode tube 52 defines a cylindrical flow chamber E between the electrode tube 52 and the rotating shaft 6 via each cover plate 48.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a throttle passage 54 substantially similar to the throttle passages 18 and 21 described in the first embodiment is formed between the electrode cylinders 51 and 52. The electrode cylinders 51 and 52 are formed with respective communication holes 51A and 52A (only two of them are shown) that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The throttle passage 54 communicates with each of the check valves 49 and 50 through each communication hole 51A, and communicates with the inside of the circulation chamber E through each communication hole 52A.

Numerals 55A and 55B are provided between the partition plate 43A and the cover plate 3 and between the partition plate 43B and the cover plate 3 and are provided in the casing main body 41. 55B, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, its axially inner end surface is integrated with the partition plates 43A and 43B.
The inner peripheral side is configured to rotatably support the rotating shaft 6. The partition walls 55A and 55B define annular circulation chambers F1 and F2 between the partition plates 43 and the cover plate 3, respectively.
A and 43B define annular circulation chambers G1 and G2.

.. Are the cover plate 48B and the partition plate 43.
B and the first partition wall 55B which is provided in the circumferential direction so as to be separated from each other.
4 and 6, each of the flow passages 56 penetrates through the cover plate 48B, the partition plate 43B, and the partition wall 55B from the flow chamber E to the flow chamber F2, as shown in FIGS. The flow chambers E and F2 communicate with each other and are shut off via a first damping valve 57 as a damping force generating mechanism.

Here, the damping valve 57 has the same construction as the damping valves 25 and 27 described in the first embodiment, and is mounted on the partition wall 55B side in the flow chamber F2. The damping valve 57 allows the electrorheological fluid 4 to flow through the flow passages 56 from the flow chamber E to the flow chamber F2, and prevents the electrorheological fluid 4 from flowing in the opposite direction. doing.

, 58, 58 are lid plate 48A, partition plate 43
A and a second partition provided in the partition 55A in the circumferential direction.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, each of the flow passages 58 penetrates the cover plate 48A, the partition plate 43A, and the partition wall 55A from the flow chamber E side to the flow chamber F1 side. The flow chambers E and F2 communicate with each other and are shut off via a second damping valve 59 as a damping force generating mechanism.

Here, the damping valve 59 has the same construction as the damping valves 25 and 27 described in the first embodiment, and is mounted on the partition wall 55A side in the flow chamber F1. The damping valve 59 allows the electrorheological fluid 4 to flow through the flow passages 56 from the flow chamber E to the flow chamber F1 and prevents the electrorheological fluid 4 from flowing in the opposite direction. doing.

Reference numerals 60, 60,... Denote first liquid holes (only two are shown) provided in the partition wall 55B so as to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The flow chambers F2, G are formed through the outer periphery of the partition wall 55B from the chamber F2 side to the flow chamber G2 side, and through a check valve 61.
The two are communicated with each other and cut off.

Here, the check valve 61 has the same construction as the check valves 29 and 31 described in the first embodiment, and is mounted on the partition wall 55B side in the flow chamber G2. Then, the check valve 61 allows the liquid viscous fluid 4 to flow from the flow chamber F2 side to the flow chamber G2 side.
While allowing the electrorheological fluid 4 to flow in the opposite direction.

The liquid holes 60 together with the throttle passage 54, the flow chamber E, the flow paths 56, the flow chamber F2, the flow chamber G2, and the inflow holes 44 constitute first flow path means. In the flow path means, a throttle passage 54 between the electrode cylinders 51 and 52 is provided in the middle thereof, and the throttle passage 18 is located upstream of the damping valve 57. The first flow path means is configured such that the electrorheological fluid 4 is supplied to the first liquid chamber A1 through the check valve 49, the damping valve 57 and the check valve 61.
To the second liquid chamber A2 while preventing the reverse flow.

Are second liquid holes (only two are shown) provided in the partition wall 55A so as to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and each of the liquid holes 62 has a flow path as shown in FIGS. The flow chambers F1, G are formed through the outer periphery of the partition wall 55A from the chamber F1 side to the flow chamber G1 side, and through a check valve 63.
1 are communicated with each other and cut off.

Here, the check valve 63 is constructed in the same manner as the check valve 61, and the partition wall 5 is provided in the flow chamber G1.
It is attached to the 5A side. The check valve 63 allows the electrorheological fluid 4 to move from the flow chamber F1 side to the flow chamber G1.
This allows the fluid to flow in each liquid hole 62 toward the side, and prevents the electrorheological fluid 4 from flowing in the opposite direction.

The liquid holes 62 together with the throttle passage 54, the flow chamber E, the flow paths 58, the flow chamber F1, the flow chamber G1 and the check valves 50 constitute second flow path means. Also in the flow passage means, a throttle passage 54 is provided in the middle thereof similarly to the first flow passage means, and the throttle passage 54 is located upstream of the damping valve 59. And the second
The flow passage means allows the electrorheological fluid 4 to flow from the second liquid chamber A2 to the first liquid chamber A1 via the check valve 50, the damping valve 59, and the check valve 63, and in the opposite direction. The flow is stopped.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a lead wire for connecting the control unit 65 to the electrode tube 52. The lead wire 64 applies a voltage from the control unit 65 to the electrode tube 52. In addition, the control unit 65
The configuration is almost the same as the control unit 32 described in the embodiment.

Further, reference numeral 66 denotes a shaft hole formed so as to extend in a cylindrical shape from one end side in the axial direction to an intermediate portion in the rotating shaft 6, and a free piston 67 is slidably provided in the shaft hole 66. The free piston 67 communicates with the temperature compensating chamber 68 in which high-pressure gas such as compressed air is sealed in the shaft hole 66, and one end of the free piston 67 communicates with the flow chamber F1 via the communication passage 69, and the electrorheological fluid 4 flows in and out. A liquid chamber 70 is defined. The temperature compensating chamber 68 expands and contracts in accordance with the sliding displacement of the free piston 67, so that the volume change of the electrorheological fluid 4 is the same as that of the temperature compensating chamber 37 described in the first embodiment. Is compensated.

Thus, in this embodiment constructed as described above, when the rotary shaft 6 is relatively rotated in the direction of arrow R1, the electrorheological fluid 4 is supplied to the throttle passage 54, the flow chamber E, and the respective flow passages 56. Each check valve 4 is inserted into the first flow path means including the flow chamber F2, each liquid hole 60, the flow chamber G2 and each inflow hole 45.
9. It is possible to flow from each of the liquid chambers A1 to each of the liquid chambers A2 via the damping valve 57 and the check valve 61, thereby preventing the flow in the reverse direction.

When the rotating shaft 6 is relatively rotated in the direction of arrow R2, the electrorheological fluid 4 is supplied to the throttle passage 54, the flow chamber E, each flow path 58, the flow chamber F1, the liquid holes 62, It is possible to circulate from the respective liquid chambers A2 to the respective liquid chambers A1 through the respective check valves 50, the damping valves 59 and the check valves 63 into the second flow path means including the chamber G1 and the respective inlet holes 44. And the flow in the reverse direction can be prevented.

When the rotating shaft 6 is relatively rotated, the electrode cylinders 51 and 52 and the damping valve 5 are rotated.
7, 59, the damping force can be generated in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and this damping force can be easily controlled by an external operation.

Therefore, also in this embodiment, each of the electrode cylinders 51, 52
Since the throttle passage 54 between them is disposed upstream of the damping valves 57 and 59, the electrorheological fluid 4 is
Even if cavitation or bubbles are generated due to the pressure drop generated when flowing through the inside of the nozzle 9, the influence does not reach the throttle passage 54 side, and substantially the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. it can. The electrode tube 51,
52, the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are also used. Therefore, as described in the first embodiment, the electrode tubes 16, 19 are used.
Are separately formed, and the electrode tubes 16 and 19 are connected to the lead wires 3.
There is no need to separately connect the control unit 32 to the control unit 32 via the switches 5 and 36. This makes it possible to simplify the entire structure and reduce the size of the entire device as compared with the case of the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, each liquid hole 28
It is stated that the check valve 29 is provided on the side,
The check valve 29 may be eliminated. Even in this case, when the capacity of each liquid chamber A2 is reduced, the electro-rheological fluid 4
Can be prevented from flowing out of the liquid chamber A2 to the respective flow passages 24 via the circulation chamber C2 by the damping valve 25.

In the first embodiment, each flow passage 2
The damping valves 25 and 27 are provided on the sides 4 and 26, and the liquid holes 28 and
Although it has been described that the check valves 29 and 31 are provided on the 30 side, the check valves 29 and 31 are provided on the respective flow passages 24 and 26 side, and the damping valves 25 and 27 are provided on the liquid holes 28 and 30 side. It may be provided.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the communication path 61
It is described that the check valve 61 is provided on the side,
The check valve 61 may be eliminated, and even in this case, when the capacity of each liquid chamber A2 decreases, the electrorheological fluid 4
From the liquid chamber A2 through the flow chambers G2 and F2,
It can be prevented from flowing out to the side by the damping valve 57.

In the second embodiment, each flow passage 5
6 and 58 are provided with damping valves 57 and 59,
Although the check valves 61 and 63 are provided on the 0 and 62 sides, the check valves 61 and 63 are provided on the respective flow passages 56 and 58 side, and the damping valve 57 is provided on the respective liquid holes 60 and 62 side. , 59 may be provided.

Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the damper is applied to a motorcycle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a vehicle such as a four-wheeled vehicle.
The present invention may be applied to industrial machines and precision equipment.

[0085]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, when the rotation shaft is relatively rotated with respect to the casing, the rotation between the first and second liquid chambers is performed. A flow path means for flowing the electrorheological fluid is provided, a damping force generating mechanism for generating a damping force by the electrorheological fluid flowing through the flow path means in the middle of the flow path means, and a flow direction of the electrorheological fluid. Since the electrode section is located upstream of the damping force generating mechanism and provided with an electric current from the outside, the pressure drop when the electrorheological fluid flows through the damping force generating mechanism temporarily causes the electrorheological fluid to flow into the electrorheological fluid. Even when cavitation, bubbles, or the like are generated, it is possible to effectively prevent the influence from affecting the upstream electrode portion. Therefore, when the electrorheological fluid flows through the electrode portion, it is possible to reliably prevent discharge or the like from occurring on the electrode portion side due to the cavitation or the like as described in other related arts. Accordingly, the electric field to be generated in each electrode section can be controlled with high accuracy, and the reliability and the like of the device can be greatly improved. In addition, the life of the electrodes and the like can be extended, and the durability and the like of the entire device can be greatly improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the rotation shaft is relatively rotated in one direction with respect to the casing, the first flow passage means electrically connects the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber. When the viscous fluid is allowed to flow and the rotating shaft is relatively rotated in the other direction with respect to the casing, the second flow path means allows the electro-rheological fluid to flow from the second liquid chamber toward the first liquid chamber. A configuration in which first and second electrode units are provided in the middle of the first and second flow path means, respectively, at positions upstream of the first and second damping force generating mechanisms. Therefore, the electric field generated in each of the first and second flow path means can be individually adjusted by each of the electrode portions, and when the rotating shaft is rotated in one direction and in the other direction. At times, the damping force of the damper can be independently controlled. Further, when vibration or the like is applied from the outside, a desired damping force characteristic with respect to the vibration is generated independently when the rotation shaft rotates in one direction and when the rotation shaft rotates in the other direction. For example, it is not necessary to use a sensor or the like to detect the rotation direction of the rotation shaft, so that the structure can be simplified and the overall size can be reduced. In addition, since each of the electrode portions is disposed upstream of each of the damping force generating mechanisms, the above-mentioned configuration is also applicable to the above-described first embodiment.
Almost the same effects as those of the invention can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a rotary damper according to a first embodiment of the present invention, taken along line II in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken in the direction of arrows II-II in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a rotary damper according to a second embodiment of the present invention, taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken in the direction of arrows VV in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part in FIG. 4;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Casing 4 Electro-rheological fluid 5,42 Fixed vane 6 Rotating shaft 7,51,52 Electrode tube 8,47 Movable vane 9,11 Outflow hole 10,12,44,45 Inflow hole 16 Electrode tube (1st electrode part) ) 18, 21, 54 Throttle passage 19 Electrode tube (second electrode section) 24, 56 Flow passage (first flow passage means) 25, 57 Damping valve (first damping force generating mechanism) 26, 58 Flow passage (Second passage means) 27, 59 Damping valve (second damping force generating mechanism) 29, 31, 61, 63 Check valve 32, 65 Control unit 49, 50 Check valve A1, D1 First liquid chamber A2, D2 Second liquid chamber B1, B2, C1, C2, E, F1, F2, G1, G2
Distribution room

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A cylindrical casing containing an electrorheological fluid therein and provided with fixed vanes, and a rotating shaft provided rotatably relative to the casing and extending in the casing in the axial direction. A movable liquid chamber disposed between the rotating shaft and the casing and provided on the rotating shaft side and defining first and second liquid chambers adjacent to each other with the fixed vane; A vane, flow path means for flowing an electrorheological fluid between the first and second liquid chambers when the rotation shaft is relatively rotated with respect to the casing, and provided in the middle of the flow path means; A damping force generating mechanism for generating a damping force by the electrorheological fluid flowing through the flow path means, and a damping force generating mechanism provided upstream of the damping force generating mechanism with respect to the flow direction of the electrorheological fluid, and provided in the flow path means. And an electrode section that is externally energized. Rotary damper using viscous fluid. 2. A cylindrical casing containing an electrorheological fluid therein and provided with a fixed vane, and a rotating shaft provided rotatably relative to the casing and extending in the casing in the axial direction. A movable liquid chamber disposed between the rotating shaft and the casing and provided on the rotating shaft side and defining first and second liquid chambers adjacent to each other with the fixed vane; When the rotation shaft rotates relative to the casing in one direction with respect to the vane, the electrorheological fluid flows from the first liquid chamber toward the second liquid chamber, and prevents the flow in the opposite direction. A first flow path means, and a first liquid passage from the second liquid chamber when the rotation shaft rotates relative to the casing in another direction;
A second flow path means for circulating the electrorheological fluid toward the liquid chamber of the first flow path means, and a second flow path means for preventing flow in the opposite direction; A first damping force generating mechanism for generating a damping force by an electrorheological fluid flowing through the second flow path means, and a damping force generated by an electrorheological fluid flowing in the second flow path means. A second damping force generating mechanism to be generated, and a first electrode located upstream of the first damping force generating mechanism and provided in the middle of the first flow path means and supplied with electricity from outside. And the second damper located upstream of the second damping force generating mechanism.
A rotary damper using an electrorheological fluid, which is provided in the middle of the flow path means, and comprises a second electrode portion to which electricity is supplied from the outside.