JP4932750B2 - Adjuster structure - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an adjuster structure, and more particularly, to a front fork that is a hydraulic shock absorber that is mounted on the front wheel side of a two-wheeled vehicle and absorbs road surface vibrations that are input to the front wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle, The present invention relates to an improvement of an adjuster structure suitable for realizing a mechanism for adjusting a force level.

  Realized as a mechanism that adjusts the spring force of the suspension spring built in the front fork as a hydraulic shock absorber that is mounted on the front wheel side of the motorcycle and absorbs road vibrations input to the front wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle that is running There have been various proposals for an adjuster structure suitable for the above.

  Among them, for example, in the proposal disclosed in Patent Document 1, the adjuster structure allows the adjuster to appear in and out of the guide portion that is the shaft core portion of the cap member that closes the upper end opening end of the vehicle body side tube in the front fork. A pin is used to prevent the adjuster from coming off from the guide portion.

  Therefore, in the realization of retaining using this pin, it is necessary to drill a pin for driving into the adjuster and a hole for driving the pin into the adjuster, but it is possible to drive the pin into the adjuster. It is indispensable to open a discard hole for making a guide in the cap member.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3 (A), by using the snap ring 1 formed of a split ring instead of a pin, at least the labor of processing the disposal hole for the guide portion 2a in the cap member 2 is not required. It is possible to make a proposal for embodying prevention of the adjuster 3 from coming off from the guide portion 2a.

  In the snap ring 1, one end is bent inward as shown in FIG. 3 (B) in order to prevent the adjuster 3 from coming off from the annular groove 3 b formed in the lower end portion 3 a. The hook portion 1 a is formed, and the hook portion 1 a is inserted into the hole 3 c opened in the adjuster 3.

Further, the snap ring 1 is brought into contact with the lower end on the inner peripheral side of the guide portion 2a, thereby preventing the adjuster 3 from retreating further, that is, coming out of the guide portion 2a.
JP 2007-27897A (paragraphs 0001 to 0003 in the specification, see FIG. 1)

  However, the above-described proposal shown in FIG. 3 has an advantage that it is possible to reduce the labor of parts processing as compared with the proposal disclosed in Patent Document 1, but there is a slight problem in actual use. May be pointed out.

  That is, in the adjuster structure shown in FIG. 3 described above, the other end of the snap ring 1 that is left uncut and bent is extended in the winding direction of the snap ring 1 as shown in FIG. However, it is cut along the cutting line a that is the radial direction of the snap ring 1.

  Therefore, the other end surface of the snap ring 1 is a plane perpendicular to the winding direction of the snap ring 1, and from this, the other end surface is an inner periphery of the guide portion 2 a adjacent to the outer periphery of the snap ring 1. When it comes into contact with the lower edge of the side, a wrinkle phenomenon is expressed.

  3, since one end of the snap ring 1 is fixed to the adjuster 3, the other end exhibiting the above-described wrinkle phenomenon is lifted, and in a severe case, the snap ring 1 is formed into an annular groove. Drop off from 3b, making it impossible to prevent adjuster 3 from coming off.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and the object of the present invention is to provide an outer periphery of an adjuster screwed so as to be able to appear and retract in a guide portion which is a shaft core portion of a cap member. The snap ring is fixed there and does not fall off, effectively preventing the adjuster from coming out of the guide, and is suitable for realizing a mechanism that adjusts the spring force of the suspension spring. It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjuster structure that is optimal for expecting an improvement in versatility of a front fork having an adjusting mechanism.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the adjuster structure according to the present invention is basically configured such that the adjuster is screwed so as to be able to appear and retract in the guide portion that is the shaft core portion of the cap member that closes the upper end opening of the vehicle body side tube. And an adjuster having a snap ring that prevents the adjuster from coming out of the guide portion when fitted to the outer periphery of the lower end portion of the adjuster protruding from the guide portion and coming into contact with the lower end on the inner peripheral side of the guide portion. In the structure, the snap ring has a hook portion formed by bending one end portion inwardly, and the hook portion is inserted into the hole of the adjuster in the radial direction, while the snap ring has the other end in the snap portion. It extends in the winding direction of the ring, and the other end extended in the winding direction is within the guide portion adjacent to the outer peripheral side of the snap ring. And it formed by avoiding process galling to block expression of phenomena galling against the side bottom.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the other end extending in the winding direction of the snap ring constituting the adjuster structure is subjected to a turning avoidance process, so that the other end of the snap ring is screwed so that the adjuster can protrude and retract. The guide member, which is the shaft core portion of the cap member to be driven, is not affected by the lower end on the inner peripheral side.

  Therefore, even if one end of the snap ring is fixed to the outer periphery of the adjuster and is maintained in a fixed state, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a twisting phenomenon with respect to the other part at the other end of the snap ring, and from the cap member constituting the guide portion of the adjuster. Escape can be effectively prevented.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiment. The adjuster structure according to the present invention is embodied in a front fork with a built-in damper, as in the description of the conventional example.

  This front fork functions as a hydraulic shock absorber that absorbs road surface vibrations that are mounted on the front wheels of a motorcycle and mounted on the front wheels of a motorcycle or the like.

  Therefore, the following description will be given by borrowing the above-described configuration shown in FIG. 3A in view of the fact that the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention is often the same as the configuration of the conventional example described above.

  First, the adjuster structure raises and lowers the upper end position of the suspension spring S shown by the phantom diagram in the fork body in which a wheel side tube (not shown) is inserted so as to be able to protrude and retract with respect to the vehicle body side tube T1. enable.

  The suspension spring S urges the fork main body in the extending direction so that the wheel side tube protrudes from the vehicle body side tube T1, and the upper end of the suspension spring S constitutes an adjuster structure as shown in a virtual diagram in the figure. Locked to the receiver S1.

  The spring receiver S1 is in this adjuster structure, and is brought into contact with the lower end of the adjuster 3 so as to be pressed by the urging force of the suspension spring S. When the spring receiver S1 is projected and retracted with respect to the guide portion 2a as the shaft core portion of the cap member 2 of the adjuster 3 At the time of advancing and retreating, the upper end position of the suspension spring S is raised and lowered.

  Although the upper end of the suspension spring S is directly locked to the spring receiver S1, instead of this, a spacer formed in a cylindrical shape is arranged between the upper end of the suspension spring S and the spring receiver S1. It may be present.

  In addition, the fork main body is an inverted type in which the vehicle body side tube T1 is an outer tube having a large diameter and the wheel side tube is an inner tube having a small diameter. However, although not shown, the vehicle body side tube T1 may be an upright type in which the small-diameter inner tube is used and the wheel-side tube is a large-diameter outer tube.

  The damper has a cylindrical shape and is a single rod type. Although not shown, the cylinder body constituting this damper is connected to the shaft core portion of the wheel side tube by integrally connecting the lower end to the bottom portion of the wheel side tube. Standing up.

  In addition, the rod body 4 as a piston rod, which is configured as a damper and is inserted into the cylinder body so that the lower end side which is the distal end side can be projected and retracted, has an upper end portion which is a base end portion and a lock nut 5b on a holder portion 2b in a cap member 2 which will be described later. Are integrally connected to each other and are suspended from the shaft core portion of the vehicle body side tube T1.

  Note that the damping force generated when the rod body 4 moves in and out of the cylinder body with respect to the damper is composed of a known configuration provided in a piston portion in the cylinder body, a base valve portion in the cylinder body, or the like. Depends on the force generator.

  As described above, the adjuster structure is formed by screwing the adjuster 3 into the guide portion 2a, which is the shaft core portion of the cap member 2 that closes the upper end opening of the vehicle body side tube T1, so that the adjuster 3 can protrude and retract.

  In this adjuster structure, the annular groove 3b formed on the outer periphery of the lower end portion 3a of the adjuster 3 protruding from the lower end of the guide portion 2a is fitted into the lower end on the inner peripheral side of the guide portion 2a. The snap ring 1 is provided to prevent the adjuster 3 from coming out of the cap member 2 constituting the guide portion 2a.

  In this adjuster structure, the spring receiver S1 is brought into contact with the lower end of the adjuster 3, and the upper end of the suspension spring S is brought into contact with the spring receiver S1, and the adjuster 3 is rotated by an external rotation operation. Is raised and lowered by the guide portion 2a, and the upper end position of the suspension spring S is raised and lowered to enable adjustment of the spring force.

  By the way, even in this adjuster structure, the snap ring 1 is provided, and the snap ring 1 constitutes a stopper to prevent the adjuster 3 from coming off from the guide portion 2a in the cap member 2.

  However, as described above, in the present invention, it is assumed that the other end extended in the winding direction of the snap ring 1 does not cause a twisting phenomenon between the adjacent guide portion 2a. The other end is subjected to a turning avoidance process.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the other end extending in the winding direction of the snap ring 1 is turned and the avoidance process is performed, and this will be described a little.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1A, the other end of the snap ring 1 is finished with a spherical surface. In this case, the other end surface of the snap ring 1 is a spherical surface, so that the inner peripheral side of the guide portion 2a as the other portion. You don't have to worry about hitting the bottom edge.

  From this, instead of the other end of the snap ring 1 having the spherical finish described above, although not shown, a multi-step tapered surface finish may be used. In the case of a spherical surface, it is advantageous in that the other end can be spherically finished or a multi-step tapered surface can be finished at the stage of the material before the snap ring 1 is bent and formed.

  On the other hand, in the portion shown in FIG. 1B, the cut surface of the other end of the snap ring 1 is spherically finished on the outer peripheral side, and the portion shown in FIG. The cut surface is tapered on the outer peripheral side.

  In each of the embodiments, the outer peripheral side of the other end is finished to a spherical surface or a tapered surface after the snap ring 1 is formed. In particular, as shown in FIG. When doing so, as shown in the phantom diagram in the figure, the taper surface may be finished over almost the other end surface.

  As described above, the hook portion 1a, which is one end portion of the snap ring 1 subjected to the avoidance process, is inserted into the hole 3c opened in the adjuster 3 as described above (see FIG. 3B). ).

  Therefore, in the adjuster structure having the snap ring 1 formed as described above, the snap ring 1 is interposed on the outer periphery of the lower end portion 3a of the adjuster 3 protruding from the lower end of the guide portion 2a of the cap member 2. Therefore, when it comes into contact with the lower end on the inner peripheral side of the guide portion 2a, it functions as a stopper and prevents the adjuster 3 from coming off from the cap member 2 constituting the guide portion 2a.

  By the way, in the illustrated adjuster structure, the cap member 2 has a spring receiver accommodating portion 2c that extends from the guide portion 2a and accommodates the spring receiver S1 so as to be movable up and down. The holder portion 2b is connected to the spring receiving / accommodating portion 2c and allows the rod body 4 to be screwed in and the lock nut 5 to be adjacent to the holder portion 2b.

  Although not shown in detail, the spring receiver housing portion 2c is formed in a bifurcated shape so that the spring receiver S1 is present inside, and the so-called two-piece portion of the spring receiver S1 protrudes outside the spring receiver housing portion 2c. 3A, the upper end of the suspension spring S is locked to the two pieces projecting to the outside as shown by a virtual diagram.

  Therefore, in the adjuster structure of the present invention formed as described above, the upper end of the suspension spring S is moved up and down by the rotation operation of the adjuster 3 so that the height of the spring force in the suspension spring S can be adjusted. As a result, the vehicle height on the front wheel side of the motorcycle can be adjusted at the front fork.

  In the adjuster structure of the present invention, the snap ring 1 is brought into contact with the lower end on the inner peripheral side of the guide portion 2a, so that the adjuster 3 is further retracted, that is, escaped from the guide portion 2a. Stop.

  At this time, even if the hook portion 1a which is one end portion of the snap ring 1 is a fixed end portion, the other end extending in the winding direction is subjected to turning avoidance processing. Even if it is rotated in the direction, the other end does not turn against the guide part 2a of the cap member 2 which is the other part. Therefore, the snap ring 1 caused by the turning phenomenon when the adjuster 3 is turned in the return direction. There is no need to be concerned about the diameter expansion and the escape from the annular groove 3b.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the snap ring 1 is fitted into the annular groove 3b formed in the lower end portion 3a of the adjuster 3 at a predetermined position via the spring receiving housing portion 2c.

  That is, when the snap ring 1 of the present invention is fitted into the annular groove 3b of the lower end portion 3a of the adjuster 3, first, the hook portion 1a which is one end portion of the snap ring 1 is connected to the adjuster 3 via the spring receiving housing portion 2c. In this state, the snap ring 1 is fitted into the annular groove 3b.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the retracting portion A is formed inside the spring receiving housing portion 2c so that the snap ring 1 can be fitted without obstruction, that is, without interfering with other portions.

  On the other hand, once the snap ring 1 fitted in the annular groove 3b expands in diameter and faces the outer periphery of the snap ring 1 so as not to escape from the annular groove 3b. A part of A is reduced in diameter to be a reduced diameter part A1.

  The reduced diameter portion A1 is provided so as to be continuous with the lower end on the inner peripheral side of the guide portion 2a that is the shaft core portion of the cap member 2, so that the snap ring 1 contacts the lower end on the inner peripheral side of the guide portion 2a. When this is done, the outer periphery of the snap ring 1 is exposed to the reduced diameter portion A1.

  Therefore, since the above-described reduced diameter portion A1 is provided at a portion facing the outer periphery of the snap ring 1 in the above-described spring receiver housing portion 2c, an unreasonable diameter increase of the snap ring 1 existing here is prevented. The snap ring 1 is prevented from coming off from the annular groove 3b.

  However, as described above, in the adjuster structure according to the present invention, the snap ring 1 has the other end extending in the winding direction of the snap ring 1 being subjected to the avoidance process. However, the fear of the diameter expansion of the snap ring 1 has been substantially eliminated.

  In addition, as shown in the figure, when the snap ring 1 is brought into contact with the lower end on the inner peripheral side of the guide portion 2a in the cap member 2, the diameter reduction of the snap ring 1 is prevented by the reduced diameter portion A1, Even if the diameter of the snap ring 1 is increased for the reason, the diameter expansion can be effectively prevented.

It is a figure which expands and shows the snap ring which comprises the adjuster structure by this invention, and partially shows the other end. It is the elements on larger scale which show the positional relationship with the snap ring fitted to the adjuster similarly to the cap member which comprises the adjuster structure by this invention. (A) is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the upper end part of the front fork in which an adjuster structure is embodied, (B) is a cross-sectional view which shows the state by which the snap ring was fitted by the outer periphery of the adjuster. .

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Snap ring 1a Hook part 2 Cap member 2a Guide part 2b Holder part 2c Spring receiving accommodation part 3 Adjuster 3a Lower end part 3b Annular groove 3c Hole 4 Rod body 5 Lock nut A Retraction part A1 Reduced diameter part S Suspension spring S1 Spring receiving T1 Body side tube

Claims (3)

An adjuster is screwed in and retracted to a guide portion that is an axial center portion of a cap member that closes the upper end opening of the vehicle body side tube, and is fitted on the outer periphery of the lower end portion of the adjuster protruding from the guide portion. In the adjuster structure having a snap ring that prevents the adjuster from coming out of the guide portion when it comes into contact with the lower end of the circumferential side, the snap ring has a hook portion formed by bending one end portion inward, and this hook The above-mentioned snap ring extends in the winding direction of the snap ring while the other end extended in the winding direction is inserted into the snap. A winding avoidance process that prevents the occurrence of a twisting phenomenon at the lower end on the inner peripheral side of the guide portion adjacent to the outer peripheral side of the ring. Yasuta structure. The other end extending in the winding direction of the snap ring is finished with a spherical surface or a multi-step tapered surface, or the outer peripheral side of the cut surface at the other end is finished with a spherical surface or a tapered surface, and subjected to a curling avoidance process. The adjuster structure according to claim 1. The adjuster structure according to claim 1, wherein an upper end position of a suspension spring to be engaged with the lower end when the adjuster is raised and lowered with respect to the cap member is raised and lowered.

Images