Description

SHOCK ABSORBER APPARATUS FOR REDUCING WEIGHT

AND VIBRATION OF VEHICLE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a shock absorber apparatus for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a shock absorber apparatus for reducing weight and vibration of a vehicle capable of discharging hydraulic pressure to a frame and a power transmission shaft of the vehicle through a plurality of pressure discharge ports branched off from an orifice to reduce the weight of the vehicle transmitted from a body mount, thereby preventing abrupt variation of a vehicle height using the gravity of a vehicle body and reducing the weight transmitted to the power transmission shaft without providing a separate adjustment means. Background Art

[2] Generally, a shock absorber is one of the major elements of a suspension system for a vehicle.

[3] Here, the suspension system for a vehicle is an apparatus for connecting an axle to a vehicle frame and absorbing vibrations and impacts transmitted from a road surface to the axle in order to improve ride comfort and stability of the vehicle.

[4] The shock absorber, as one element of the suspension system, functions to absorb vertical vibrations of a vehicle body.

[5] In addition, the shock absorber functions to absorb vibrations of a spring caused by a road surface, reduce fatigue of the spring, and improve ride comfort, road holding, and so on.

[6] The shock absorber is classified into a telescope type and a lever type.

[7] Here, the telescope type shock absorber is classified into an oil type and a compressed-air type depending on an operation method, structure and oil, and the lever type shock absorber is classified into a rotary blade type, a piston type, or the like.

[8] Therefore, the shock absorber is installed between the axle and the vehicle body of the vehicle to absorb vibrations and impacts generated during running of the vehicle. The shock absorber is filled with filler such as a gas or an oil to increase attenuation power.

[9] FIG. 1 is a view showing a conventional shock absorber apparatus.

[10] As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional shock absorber A for a vehicle includes a cylinder 7 having a sealed part formed at its one end with a connection part and an opening 35 formed at the other end, a dust shield 1, an axle housing, a non- compressive fluid 5 filled in the cylinder 7, a first piston 6 reciprocally inserted in the

cylinder 7 in a longitudinal direction thereof and having adjustment holes 4 through which the fluid 5 can vertically passes, a second piston 6 for filling a separate fluid 5 in the sealed part and reciprocally inserted in the cylinder 7 in a longitudinal direction thereof, and a piston rod 3 having one end connected to the first piston 6 and the other end connected to a body mount 2 to pass through the opening 35.

[11] Meanwhile, a leaf spring in addition to the shock absorber A is installed at a vehicle body. The leaf spring is disposed between the axle and the vehicle body or the frame to support the load of the vehicle, thereby absorbing shock while passing unevenness of the road surface, and maintaining traction and wheel alignment between a tire and the road surface.

[12] The conventional shock absorber A and the leaf spring merely transmit the gravity energy of the vehicle to the frame and the power transmission shaft and partially attenuate the vibration and impact, and it is difficult to appropriately deal with variation of the vehicle's height and weight.

[13] Therefore, the weight of the vehicle body applied to the power transmission shaft of the vehicle generates excessive torque, thereby reducing fuel efficiency. In addition, the excessive load makes the vehicle come closer to the road surface, which may cause damage to various components of the vehicle due to speed bumps or other structures.

[14] In order to solve the problems, while a hydraulic actuator is used instead of the leaf spring and the shock absorber A, the hydraulic actuator merely converts hydraulic energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy to press the tires against the road surface with a uniform power.

[15] In addition, the hydraulic actuator functions to vary magnitude of vertical movement of the tires during running, roll during cornering, or a dive phenomenon of a front end of the vehicle and a squat phenomenon of a rear end of the vehicle during brake or acceleration.

[16] As a result of adding the adjustment means such as the shock absorber A and the actuator to the vehicle, the weight of the vehicle is increased, thereby lowering fuel efficiency. In addition, since the adjustment means are expensive, they may only be adapted to high-end vehicles. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[17] In order to solve the problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a shock absorber apparatus for reducing weight and vibration of a vehicle, and more particularly, a shock absorber apparatus capable of reducing generation of excessive torque applied to a power transmission shaft using load in a gravity direction of the vehicle as a partial reaction through a shock absorber and a leaf spring without separate

external power, and preventing abrupt variation of the vehicle height due to excessive load to thereby prevent damage to vehicle components due to speed bumps or other structures. Technical Solution

[18] The foregoing and/or other objects of the present invention may be achieved by providing a shock absorber apparatus for reducing weight and vibration of a vehicle installed at a vehicle frame between an axle and a vehicle body, thereby reducing vibrations and impacts generated during running of the vehicle, characterized in that the shock absorber apparatus includes a shock absorber apparatus fixture attached to a shock absorber and the vehicle frame, and a gap prevention fixture.

[19] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a shock absorber apparatus for reducing weight and vibration of a vehicle is installed at a vehicle frame between an axle and a vehicle body for reducing vibration and impact generated during running of the vehicle. The shock absorber apparatus includes: a cylinder having upper and lower openings and an upper surface fastened to a spring; a piston reciprocally moving in the cylinder in a longitudinal direction thereof to increase or decrease the pressure of a fluid; an adjustment part disposed between the piston and the lower opening of the cylinder to eject a fluid; a fluid filled between the adjustment part and the piston; a piston rod connected to an upper surface of the piston and passing through the upper opening of the cylinder to reciprocate the piston in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder; a body mount disposed at one side of the piston rod and fixed to the frame of the vehicle body to transmit the load of the vehicle; and hydraulic paths connected to f 1, f2 and f3 hydraulic pressure discharge ports branched off from the lower opening of the cylinder by pressurizing the fluid filled in the adjustment part through reciprocation of the piston rod by the load transmitted to the body mount to discharge hydraulic pressure to a power transmission shaft and a frame.

[20] At this time, in order to fasten the shock absorber to the frame of the vehicle, the apparatus may further include: a convex shock absorber apparatus fixture having a fastening hole formed in a center thereof and in communication with a fastening hole formed in the frame and a threshold formed therein to support the shock absorber inserted into the fastening hole in order to fasten the shock absorber to the frame of the vehicle, and fixed to the frame by a bolt; and a gap prevention fixture fastened to both sides of the frame by a bolt to prevent generation of a lateral gap of the shock absorber apparatus fixture fixed to the frame.

[21] In addition, in order to prevent lowering of the power transmission shaft and the vehicle and to attenuate an increase in weight using hydraulic pressure applied from the cylinder of the shock absorber, an end of a first hydraulic path connected to the f 1

hydraulic pressure discharge port may be fastened to a f 1 hydraulic path supporter formed in the leaf spring disposed under the power transmission shaft, an end of a second hydraulic path connected to the f2 hydraulic pressure discharge port may be disposed at one side of the leaf spring to be fastened to the f2 hydraulic path supporter attached to the frame, a third hydraulic path connected to the f3 hydraulic pressure discharge port may be fastened to the f3 hydraulic path supporter attached to the frame opposite to the f2 hydraulic path supporter to discharge reaction hydraulic pressure generated due to an increase in weight of the vehicle.

[22] Further, the shock absorber apparatus for reducing weight and vibration of a vehicle may include a shock absorber mounted on a fuel cell and hybrid vehicle and inserted between the frame and the fixture of the shock absorber apparatus to attenuate the gravity load by the weight of a battery, wherein the battery is disposed on a hydraulic supporter disposed on the shock absorber, the first and second hydraulic paths are bifurcated from the hydraulic pressure discharge ports under the shock absorber, and a cylinder is integrally formed with ends of the first and second hydraulic paths to support the hydraulic pressure supporter.

[23] Furthermore, the shock absorber apparatus may be provided as a plurality of shock absorber apparatuses corresponding to an increase in weight of a plurality of batteries mounted in the fuel cell and hybrid vehicle.

[24] In addition, the shock absorber apparatus may be installed at a trailer of the vehicle to attenuate an increase in weight.

[25] Therefore, the shock absorber apparatus fixture may include a gap prevention fixture fixed to both sides of an upper surface of the frame to prevent generation of a lateral gap of the shock absorber apparatus fixture attached to the frame of the vehicle.

[26] Further, the shock absorber inserted into the fastening hole formed in the shock absorber apparatus fixture and in communication with the frame may have a plurality of discharge ports for discharging hydraulic pressure from a lower part of the cylinder, and then the hydraulic pressure discharged from the discharge ports may be connected to the hydraulic path to press the power transmission shaft and the frame downward.

[27] According to the embodiment, the shock absorber may receive the gravity energy of the vehicle to discharge the hydraulic pressure through the discharge port such that the reaction hydraulic pressure can be injected to the power transmission shaft and the frame through the hydraulic path, thereby preventing excessive lowering of the vehicle, protecting the power transmission shaft and the frame from the excessive load, or partially attenuating an increase in weight.

Advantageous Effects

[28] According to the present invention, a shock absorber apparatus can adjust a height

of a vehicle, and protect a power transmission shaft and a frame from excessive load, without using a separate power. [29] In addition, the shock absorber apparatus can actively deal with a vehicle weight increase phenomenon since the power of a left side is in proportion to the power and displacement of a right side. Further, it is possible to prevent roll of the vehicle due to shifting of the center of gravity and during cornering. Furthermore, the shock absorber apparatus disposed at a trailer of the vehicle functions to maintain horizontality of the vehicle and to reduce the weight of the vehicle to some degree. [30] Since the shock absorber apparatus is operated using a gravity reaction caused by operation energy, it is possible to maintain uniform ride comfort even though an engine is stopped.

Brief Description of the Drawings [31] The above and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [32] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional shock absorber;

[33] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a shock absorber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [34] FIG. 3 is a view showing the shock absorber installed at a vehicle to support a power transmission shaft and a frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [35] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the shock absorber fastened to the frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [36] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the shock absorber fastened to the frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [37] FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining a weight reduction theory using reaction force of hydraulic pressure when batteries are installed at the shock absorber apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and [38] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a weight reduction theory using reaction force of hydraulic pressure when batteries are installed at the shock absorber apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[39] * Description of Major Reference Numerals *

[40] 1: Dust shield

[41] 2: Body mount

[42] 3: Piston rod

[43] 4: Adjustment hole

[44] 5: Fluid

[45] 6: Piston

[46] 7, T: Cylinder

[47] 8: Threshold

[48] 10: Spring

[49] 12: Adjustment part

[50] 13: f2 hydraulic discharge port

[51] 14: fl hydraulic discharge port

[52] 15: f3 hydraulic discharge port

[53] 16: Rubber bumper

[54] 17: U bolt

[55] 18: Saddle

[56] 19: Second hydraulic path supporter

[57] 20: Second hydraulic path

[58] 21: Power transmission shaft

[59] 22: First hydraulic path

[60] 23: First hydraulic path supporter

[61] 24: Leaf spring

[62] 25: Third hydraulic path

[63] 26: Third hydraulic path supporter

[64] 27: Frame

[65] 28: Shock absorber apparatus fixture

[66] 29: Bolt

[67] 30: Gap prevention fixture

[68] 31: Battery

[69] 32: Hydraulic pressure supporter

[70] 33: Hydraulic pressure detection sensor

[71] 34: Fastening hole

[72] 35: Opening

[73] 36: Threshold

[74] 100: Shock absorber

[75] A: Shock absorber

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[76] (Exemplary Embodiment)

[77] Reference will now be made in detail to a shock absorber apparatus for reducing weight and vibration of a vehicle in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[78] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a shock absorber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[79] The shock absorber 100 installed at a frame 27 between an axle and a vehicle body, thereby reducing vibrations and impacts generated during running of the vehicle, includes: a cylinder 7 having upper and lower openings 35 and an upper surface fastened to a spring 10; a piston 6 reciprocally moving in the cylinder 7 in a longitudinal direction thereof to increase or decrease the pressure of fluid 5; an adjustment part 12 disposed between the piston 6 and the lower opening 35 of the cylinder 7 to eject the fluid 5; fluid 5 filled between the adjustment part 12 and the piston 6; a piston rod 3 connected to an upper surface of the piston 6 and passing through the upper opening 35 of the cylinder 7 to reciprocate the piston 6 in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder 7; a body mount 2 disposed at one side of the piston rod 3 and fixed to the frame of the vehicle body to transmit the load of the vehicle; and hydraulic paths 20, 22 and 25 connected to f 1, f2 and f3 hydraulic pressure discharge ports 14, 13 and 15 branched off from the lower opening 35 of the cylinder 7 by pressurizing the fluid 5 filled in the adjustment part 12 through reciprocation of the piston rod 3 by the load transmitted to the body mount 2 to discharge power to a power transmission shaft 21 and a frame 27. The vehicle may be, for example, a fuel cell vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, or other vehicles that are run by the operation of wheels.

[80] In the shock absorber 100 in accordance with the present invention, the body mount

2 receives the weight of the vehicle from the vehicle body. When the piston rod 3 is reciprocated in the cylinder 7 to press the fluid 5 filled in the adjustment part 12, the vehicle weight is transmitted to the f 1, f2 and f3 hydraulic pressure discharge ports 14, 13 and 15 through the hydraulic pressure.

[81] That is, a basic concept of the present invention employs an energy equation, which is described as follows:

[82] Displacement of the cylinder and F = f lxδX + f2xδX + f3xδX.

[83] Here, F represents the vehicle weight, f 1 represents a force transmitted to a power transmission shaft and a U bolt supporter, f2 and f3 represents forces transmitted to a frame supporter, and δX represents a minor displacement of each component.

[84] Therefore, the specific load of the vehicle body is transmitted to the power transmission shaft 21 and the frame 27 using the energy equation to protect the power transmission shaft to which distortion or vertical load is applied from the weight load.

[85] In addition, the reaction force caused by the hydraulic pressure corresponding to the gravity load of the vehicle body is provided to prevent excessive sagging of the power transmission shaft 21 and to uniformly maintain the vehicle height even when the engine is stopped.

[86] Further, in order to reduce the excessive load against the shock absorber 100,

hydraulic pressure detection sensors 33 installed at the second and third hydraulic paths 20 and 25 of the f2 and f3 hydraulic pressure discharge ports 13 and 14 detect the hydraulic pressure to adjust abrupt displacement of the power transmission shaft 21 and avoid the pressure caused by the excessive load, thereby providing the reaction force to the frame 27.

[87] FIG. 3 is a view showing the shock absorber installed at a vehicle to support a power transmission shaft and a frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[88] The shock absorber 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is inserted into the fastening hole 34 formed in the vehicle frame 27. The fastening hole 34 has a threshold 8 formed therein to support the shock absorber 100.

[89] Therefore, an upper part of the shock absorber 100 inserted into the frame 27 is connected to the first, second and third hydraulic paths 22, 20 and 25 disposed under the body mount 2 and the frame 27 to discharge the pressure transmitted through the body mount 2 to transmit the vehicle weight, thereby discharging the hydraulic pressure through the fl, f2 and f3 hydraulic pressure discharge ports 14, 13 and 15.

[90] In addition, a leaf spring 24 is disposed under the shock absorber 100 and fastened to both sides of the frame 27 by saddles 18, a rubber bumper 16 is disposed between the leaf spring 24 and the frame 27, and an U bolt 17 is fastened to the leaf spring 24 to fix the power transmission shaft 21 to the leaf spring 24.

[91] Further, the hydraulic path fl supporter 23 for supporting the U bolt 17 and the power transmission shaft 21 is attached to a lower part of the leaf spring 24 to which the U bolt 17 is fastened, and the hydraulic path f2 supporter 19 and the hydraulic path f3 supporter 26 are attached to both lower parts to which the frame 27 is fastened.

[92] Therefore, the f 1 hydraulic pressure discharge port 14 branched off from the cylinder 7 of the shock absorber 100 is connected to the first hydraulic path 22 to be fastened to the hydraulic path f 1 supporter 23 at its end, the f2 hydraulic pressure discharge port 13 is connected to the second hydraulic path 20 to be fastened to the hydraulic path f2 supporter 19 at its end, and the f3 hydraulic pressure discharge port 15 is connected to the third hydraulic path 25 to be fastened to the hydraulic path f3 supporter 26, thereby discharging the hydraulic pressure.

[93] Therefore, the vehicle weight transmitted through the body mount 2 is converted into the pressure of the piston 6 to discharge the hydraulic pressure through the fl, f2 and f3 hydraulic pressure discharge ports 14, 13 and 15. When the hydraulic pressure discharged through the f 1 is discharged to the first hydraulic path supporter 23 under the leaf spring 14, in order to prevent excessive increase in torque of the power transmission shaft 21 due to transmission of the excessive force, the hydraulic pressure

detection sensor 33 opens the second and third hydraulic paths 20 and 25 to transmit the reaction force caused by the excessive hydraulic pressure to the frame 27.

[94] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the shock absorber fastened to the frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the shock absorber fastened to the frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[95] In order to fix the shock absorber 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to the frame 27, the shock absorber apparatus fixture 28 having a rectangular block shape has a fastening hole 34 formed at an upper center thereof in communication with the fastening hole 34 formed in the frame 27. A threshold 8 is formed in the fastening hole 34 through a counter boring operation to support the shock absorber 100 and prevent the cylinder 7 of the shock absorber 100 from being separated downward from the frame 27 due to the excessive force, and a bolt hole is formed at an upper edge thereof to fix the frame 27, thereby fixing the shock absorber 100 to the frame 27 by bolts.

[96] In addition, gap prevention fixtures 30 are fixed to both sides of the shock absorber apparatus fixture 28 and the upper surface of the frame 27 to prevent generation of a lateral gap caused by operation of the shock absorber 100.

[97] FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining a weight reduction theory using reaction force of hydraulic pressure when batteries are installed at the shock absorber apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a weight reduction theory using reaction force of hydraulic pressure when batteries are installed at the shock absorber apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[98] In order to deal with the increase in the weight due to freight loaded on a trailer of the vehicle or a plurality of batteries 31 mounted in a fuel cell and hybrid vehicle, a plurality of shock absorber apparatuses 100 are installed, thereby reducing the vehicle weight.

[99] The shock absorber apparatus 100 is inserted into the frame 27 and the shock absorber apparatus fixture 28, and the batteries 31 or the freights are disposed on hydraulic pressure supporters 32. The first and second hydraulic paths branched off from the hydraulic pressure discharge port 14 are formed under the shock absorber 100, and second cylinders 7 are formed at ends of the first and second hydraulic paths to support the hydraulic supporters 32 disposed thereon.

[100] Therefore, the vehicle weight including the batteries 31 or the freight is transmitted through the body mount 2 to press the fluid 5 filled in the piston 6 such that the cylinders 7 support the hydraulic supporters 32 using the force generated through the first and second hydraulic paths 22 and 20 to attenuate the gravity load.

While this invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains that various modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.