Damper assembly

Abstract

A damper assembly includes a damper, an accumulator, and a tube mount. The damper includes a tube having an outer surface. The tube defines a central axis and a first cavity in the outer surface. The accumulator has an end defining a second cavity. The accumulator defines a longitudinal axis. The tube mount is attached to the outer surface of the tube and surrounds the first cavity. The tube includes a damper fluid. The end of the accumulator is supported by the tube mount to allow the damper fluid to flow from the tube through the first cavity and into the accumulator through the second cavity. The longitudinal axis of the accumulator is transverse to the central axis of the tube. The present application further simplifies installation of the damper assembly by welding the accumulator to the tube of the damper such that the accumulator is fixed to the tube in the same manner as other vehicle components in the rotational direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates generally to dampers. More specifically, the present application relates to a damper assembly including an accumulator, the accumulator being welded to a tube of the damper such that the accumulator is secured to the tube in the same manner as other vehicle components in the rotational direction, thereby simplifying installation of the damper assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] Dampers are commonly used in conjunction with suspension systems of automobiles or other suspension systems to control movement of the wheels of the vehicle relative to the body of the vehicle. To control the movement, the damper is typically connected between sprung (body) and un-sprung (suspension / powertrain) masses of the vehicle.

[0003] A typical damper controls movement of the wheel by restricting the flow of fluid through a piston of the damper. As the damper moves toward a compressed or extended position, fluid flows through the piston, for example, via a passage of the piston. The passage can have a fixed opening size. Resistance to movement is provided by the passage restricting the amount of fluid flowing therethrough. As the speed of movement increases, the resistance to movement can increase exponentially. SUMMARY

[0004] According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided a damper assembly comprising: a damper comprising a tube having an outer surface, the tube defining a central axis and a first cavity in the outer surface; an accumulator having an end defining a second cavity, the accumulator defining a longitudinal axis; and a tube mount attached to the outer surface of the tube and surrounding the first cavity; wherein the tube comprises a damper fluid; wherein the end of the accumulator is supported by the tube mount to allow the damper fluid to flow from the tube through the first cavity and into the accumulator through the second cavity; wherein the longitudinal axis of the accumulator is transverse to the central axis of the tube.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the tube mount comprises a ring, and the accumulator is supported by the ring.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the end of the accumulator is welded to the ring.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the tube mount and the end of the accumulator form a fluid-tight seal.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the tube mount and the end of the accumulator form a substantially circular seal.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the damper fluid is movable from the tube into the accumulator along the longitudinal axis.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present application, the longitudinal axis extends in a vertically downward direction.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the application, wherein the outer surface of the tube has a curvature and the tube mount has substantially the same curvature as the outer surface of the tube.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the application, wherein the accumulator is rotatable within the tube mount to a designated orientation.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the application, wherein in the designated orientation, an angle defined by a longitudinal axis of the accumulator and an axis perpendicular to the outer surface of the tube is greater than ten degrees and less than twenty degrees.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the application, further comprising a valve supported by the outer surface of the tube.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the application, wherein the damper fluid is movable through the valve from the tube.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the application, wherein the damper comprises a rod movable within the tube.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the application, the rod is arranged to move the damper fluid through the tube and into the accumulator.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the application, wherein an angle defined by a longitudinal axis of the accumulator and an axis perpendicular to the outer surface of the tube is greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the application, the above-mentioned angle is greater than ten degrees and less than twenty degrees.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the application, wherein the accumulator comprises a piston and the damper fluid is movable into the accumulator to move the piston.

[0021] In summary, in the present application, welding the accumulator to the tube of the damper allows the accumulator to be fixed to the tube in the same way as other vehicle components in the direction of rotation, thus simplifying the installation of the damper assembly; the tube mount, which allows the accumulator to rotate, facilitates the installation of the accumulator to the tube and forms a liquid-tight seal to prevent leakage of the damper fluid from the tube or the accumulator, the tube mount can be designed to maintain the liquid-tight seal when the accumulator is in different orientations, thus allowing the accumulator to be installed in vehicles with different spatial constraints. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle;

[0023] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a damper assembly;

[0024] Figure 3 is a top view of a damper assembly;

[0025] Figure 4 is a top view of a damper assembly;

[0026] Figure 5 is a side view of a damper assembly;

[0027] Figure 6 is a side view of an accumulator and tube mount. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The damper assembly can include an accumulator to allow for changes in the damper tube filled with damper fluid, such as incompressible oil. As the rod and piston of the damper move within the inner tube of the damper, the volume of damper fluid within the inner tube changes. The volume change causes the damper fluid to move between the inner tube and the outer tube of the damper. To accommodate the volume changes of the oil within the inner and outer tubes, excess damper fluid can accumulate in another portion of the damper. The accumulator allows for the excess damper fluid to accumulate as the rod moves through the inner tube, provides space for the excess damper fluid during the compression stroke, and returns the damper fluid to the tube during the rebound stroke. As the rod and piston move through the damper fluid, the viscous friction between the damper fluid and the piston converts energy from the wheel vibrations into heat energy, thereby absorbing some of the energy from the vibrations. These absorbed vibrations reduce the vibrations transmitted to the vehicle occupants, improving occupant ride stability.

[0029] The accumulator can be externally attached to the damper. Space constraints in the vehicle can limit where the accumulator can be attached to the damper. For example, the accumulator can not be able to be attached vertically to the outer surface of the tube of the damper without interfering with another vehicle component. This space constraint can limit the mounting options for the accumulator.

[0030] Mounting the accumulator transverse to the tube provides additional mounting options to accommodate space constraints. For example, rotating the accumulator eighteen degrees from an axis that is perpendicular to the outer surface of the tube can allow the accumulator to be mounted next to another vehicle component. Rotating the accumulator around other vehicle components eases the installation of the damper assembly into the vehicle. Welding the accumulator to the tube of the damper such that the accumulator is fixed to the tube in the same manner as the other vehicle components in the rotation direction further simplifies the installation of the damper assembly.

[0031] The tube mount that allows for the rotation of the accumulator eases the installation of the accumulator to the tube and forms a liquid-tight seal to prevent damper fluid from leaking from the tube or the accumulator. The tube mount can be designed to maintain the liquid-tight seal when the accumulator is in different orientations, thereby allowing the accumulator to be installed in vehicles with different space constraints.

[0032] The damper assembly 10 in the vehicle 12 includes a damper 14. The damper 14 includes a tube 16, an accumulator 22, and a tube mount 28. The tube has an outer surface 18. The tube 16 defines a central axis A in the outer surface 18 and a first cavity 20. The accumulator 22 has an end 24 that defines a second cavity 26. The accumulator 20 defines a longitudinal axis B. The tube mount 28 is attached to the outer surface 18 of the tube 16 around the first cavity 20. The tube 16 includes a damper fluid 30. The end 24 of the accumulator 22 is supported by the tube mount 28 to allow the damper fluid 30 to flow from the tube 16 through the first cavity 20 and into the accumulator 22 through the second cavity 26. The longitudinal axis B of the accumulator 22 is transverse to the central axis A of the tube 16.

[0033] Because the accumulator 22 can be rotated to a designated orientation, the accumulator 22 can be mounted to the damper 14 to accommodate space constraints in the vehicle 12. That is, when the longitudinal axis B of the accumulator 22 is transverse to the central axis A of the tube 16, the accumulator 22 allows the volume of the damper fluid 30 in the tube 16 to change while also being able to accommodate specific space requirements of the vehicle 12.

[0034] Figure 1 The illustrated vehicle 12 can be any type of passenger car or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle, crossover vehicle, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. The vehicle 12 includes a body 48 and a frame 50. The body 48 and the frame 50 can be a unibody construction. In a unibody construction, the body 48, e.g., rocker panels, acts as the vehicle frame, and the body 48 (including rocker panels, pillars, roof rails, etc.) is integral, i.e., a continuous one-piece unit, with the vehicle frame. As another example, the body 48 and the frame 50 can have a body-on-frame construction (also referred to as a cab-over-frame construction). In other words, the body 48 and the frame 50 are separate components, i.e., modular, and the body is supported on and secured to the frame. Alternatively, the body 48 and the frame 50 can have any suitable construction. The body 48 and / or the frame 50 can be formed from any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, etc.

[0035] The vehicle 12 includes the damper assembly 10, as Figures 1-5 The damper assembly 10 controls the motion of the wheels 56 of the vehicle 12 relative to the body 48 of the vehicle 12. The damper assembly 10 provides a variable force that counteracts the motion of the wheels 56 relative to the body 48 based on the speed and direction of the motion. That is, the damper assembly 10 reduces the vibrations transmitted from the wheels 56 to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0036] As Figures 2-5 The damper assembly 10 includes the damper 14. The damper 14 includes the tube 16. The tube 16 defines the outer surface 18. The tube 16 defines a central axis. That is, the tube 16 is substantially cylindrical, and the central axis extends vertically through the tube 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the central axis of the tube 16 is parallel to the longitudinal axis B of the accumulator 22.Figure 2 In particular, damper 14 is shown as a dual tube assembly including tube 16 and second tube 32. Tube 16 is an outer tube and second tube 32 is an inner tube disposed in tube 16. That is, tube 16 is an outer tube and second tube 32 is an inner tube. Second tube 32 can include intake 34. Intake 34 directs damper fluid 30 between tube 16, second tube 32, and accumulator 22. Alternatively, damper 14 can be a single tube assembly including only tube 16.

[0037] As shown, Figure 2 Damper 14 can include rod 44 and damper piston 46. Rod 44 and damper piston 46 are movable within tube 16. Rod 44 moves damper piston 46 through second tube 32, thereby increasing the pressure in damper fluid 30. As the pressure of damper fluid 30 increases, damper fluid 30 moves through intake 34. Damper piston 46 can be secured to rod 44, for example, by a fastener, a weld, a friction fit, or the like. Rod 44 can be elongated along central axis A. Damper fluid 30 can be, for example, oil having a viscosity designed to absorb vibrations from wheel 56.

[0038] Tube 16 can include one or more valves 42. In Figure 2 and Figure 5 Two valves 42 are shown. Alternatively, tube 16 can include a different number of valves. Valves 42 can be supported by outer surface 18 of tube 16. Damper fluid 30 can move from tube 16 through valves 42. Valves 42 can be actuated by a controller (not shown) to allow damper fluid 30 to exit tube 16 through valves 42 or to enter tube 16 through valves 42. Valves 42 can be secured to outer surface 18 of tube 16, for example, by a weld, such as weld 54 connecting accumulator 22 to tube mount 28.

[0039] One of valves 42 can be a compression valve and the other of valves 42 can be a rebound valve. The compression valve controls the flow of damper fluid 30 during a compression stroke as rod 44 moves toward intake 34. The rebound valve controls the flow of damper fluid 30 during a rebound stroke as rod 44 moves away from intake 34.

[0040] As shown, Figure 2 and Figures 5-6 Tube 16 defines first cavity 20 in outer surface 18. First cavity 20 allows damper fluid 30 to flow into and out of accumulator 22. First cavity 20 is sized to be closed by end 24 of accumulator 22. That is, first cavity 20 can be designed so that damper fluid 30 does not leak from accumulator 22 when attached to tube mount 28. Tube 16 defines axis C that is perpendicular to outer surface 18 through first cavity 20. That is, first cavity 20 defines axis C in a direction that is perpendicular to central axis A out of outer surface 18.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, damper assembly 10 includes accumulator 22. Accumulator 22 receives damper fluid 30 from tube 16 to allow for volume changes in second tube 32 caused by movement of rod 44 and damper piston 46 in the second tube. Accumulator 22 allows excess damper fluid 30 to accumulate, provides space for excess damper fluid 30 during a compression stroke, and returns damper fluid 30 to second tube 32 during a rebound stroke as rod 44 moves through second tube 32. Figures 2-6

[0042] Accumulator 22 includes end 24, damper fluid 30, accumulator piston 52, fluid 58, and second end 60. End 24 defines second chamber 26. Damper fluid 30 is disposed between end 24 and accumulator piston 52. Fluid 58 is disposed between accumulator piston 52 and second end 60. End 24 of accumulator 22 is supported by tube mount 28. Fluid 58 is a compressible gas, such as nitrogen, air, or the like. Fluid 58 pushes against accumulator piston 52 with a pressure.

[0043] When damper assembly 10 receives vibrations from wheel 56, damper piston 46 moves within second tube 32 and increases the pressure of damper fluid 30. During a compression stroke, rod 44 and damper piston 46 move toward intake 34 and increase the pressure in damper fluid 30. Valve 42, such as a compression valve, directs damper fluid 30 into tube 16 to accumulator 22. Damper fluid 30 can move through second chamber 26 to cause accumulator piston 52 to move toward second end 60. As damper fluid 30 enters accumulator 22, accumulator piston 52 moves toward second end 60, increasing the pressure of fluid 58. Damper fluid 30 moves accumulator piston 52 and compresses fluid 58 until the pressure of fluid 58 equals the pressure of damper fluid 30.

[0044] During a rebound stroke, rod 44 and damper piston 46 move away from intake 34. Valve 42, such as a rebound valve, directs damper fluid 30 from accumulator 22 into second tube 32. As the pressure of damper fluid 30 decreases, pressurized fluid 58 pushes against accumulator piston 52 and pushes damper fluid 30 out of accumulator 22. Damper fluid 30 can move from tube 16 into accumulator 22 along longitudinal axis B. Thus, accumulator 22 receives damper fluid 30 during a compression stroke and releases damper fluid 30 during a rebound stroke.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, damper assembly 10 includes accumulator 22. Accumulator 22 receives damper fluid 30 from tube 16 to allow for volume changes in second tube 32 caused by movement of rod 44 and damper piston 46 in the second tube. Accumulator 22 allows excess damper fluid 30 to accumulate, provides space for excess damper fluid 30 during a compression stroke, and returns damper fluid 30 to second tube 32 during a rebound stroke as rod 44 moves through second tube 32. Figures 2-6 ​As shown, accumulator 22 defines a longitudinal axis B. Longitudinal axis B of accumulator 22 is transverse to central axis A of tube 16. Accumulator 22 is movable within tube mount 28 to a designated orientation such that accumulator 22 is perpendicular to tube 16. The designated orientation can be determined to accommodate space constraints in vehicle 12. For example, accumulator 22 can be rotated to avoid contact with another vehicle component. Accumulator 22 can be moved to accommodate space constraints when installing damper assembly 10 in vehicle 12 because accumulator 22 remains in fluid connection with tube 16 in the designated orientation. Accumulator 22 is rotatable within tube mount 28 to the designated orientation. Longitudinal axis B can extend at least partially in a vertically downward direction. That is, accumulator 22 can be rotated such that longitudinal axis B extends away from a horizontal plane and at least partially downward.

[0046] As shown, accumulator 22 defines a longitudinal axis B. Longitudinal axis B of accumulator 22 is transverse to central axis A of tube 16. Accumulator 22 is movable within tube mount 28 to a designated orientation such that accumulator 22 is perpendicular to tube 16. The designated orientation can be determined to accommodate space constraints in vehicle 12. For example, accumulator 22 can be rotated to avoid contact with another vehicle component. Accumulator 22 can be moved to accommodate space constraints when installing damper assembly 10 in vehicle 12 because accumulator 22 remains in fluid connection with tube 16 in the designated orientation. Accumulator 22 is rotatable within tube mount 28 to the designated orientation. Longitudinal axis B can extend at least partially in a vertically downward direction. That is, accumulator 22 can be rotated such that longitudinal axis B extends away from a horizontal plane and at least partially downward. Figures 2-6 As shown, longitudinal axis B of accumulator 22 and an axis C normal to outer surface 18 define an orientation angle Θ therebetween. Orientation angle Θ is a measure of how transverse longitudinal axis B is to axis C. Orientation angle Θ can be an acute angle, that is, an angle between zero and ninety degrees. For example, orientation angle Θ can be between ten and twenty degrees, such as eighteen degrees. Orientation angle Θ can be determined based on space constraints when installing damper assembly 10 in vehicle 12, for example, to avoid contact between accumulator 22 and another vehicle component. That is, orientation angle Θ illustrates the ability of accumulator 22 to be moved relative to outer surface 18 to accommodate space constraints for installation in vehicle 12 while providing the benefits of damping vibrations of accumulator 22. When orientation angle Θ is not zero, longitudinal axis B is transverse to axis C and central axis A. By mounting accumulator 22 transverse to outer surface 18 of tube 16, damper fluid 30 can flow into and out of accumulator 22 while damper assembly 10 can fit around other vehicle components. Thus, the benefits of using accumulator 22 are realized while accommodating space constraints in the vehicle.

[0047] As shown, accumulator 22 defines a longitudinal axis B. Longitudinal axis B of accumulator 22 is transverse to central axis A of tube 16. Accumulator 22 is movable within tube mount 28 to a designated orientation such that accumulator 22 is perpendicular to tube 16. The designated orientation can be determined to accommodate space constraints in vehicle 12. For example, accumulator 22 can be rotated to avoid contact with another vehicle component. Accumulator 22 can be moved to accommodate space constraints when installing damper assembly 10 in vehicle 12 because accumulator 22 remains in fluid connection with tube 16 in the designated orientation. Accumulator 22 is rotatable within tube mount 28 to the designated orientation. Longitudinal axis B can extend at least partially in a vertically downward direction. That is, accumulator 22 can be rotated such that longitudinal axis B extends away from a horizontal plane and at least partially downward. Figures 2-6 As shown, damper assembly 10 includes tube mount 28. Tube mount 28 is attached to outer surface 18 of tube 16 around first chamber 20. That is, tube mount 28 surrounds first chamber 20, thereby preventing damper fluid 30 from exiting first chamber 20 and exiting tube mount 28. Tube mount 28 secures accumulator 22 to tube 16 in a designated orientation. Thus, tube mount 28 ensures that damper fluid 30 travels between tube 16 and accumulator 22 without leaking. Tube mount 28 can include ring 36. Ring 36 is a circular extension that receives accumulator 22. Accumulator 22 can be supported by ring 36.

[0048] As shown, accumulator 22 defines a longitudinal axis B. Longitudinal axis B of accumulator 22 is transverse to central axis A of tube 16. Accumulator 22 is movable within tube mount 28 to a designated orientation such that accumulator 22 is perpendicular to tube 16. The designated orientation can be determined to accommodate space constraints in vehicle 12. For example, accumulator 22 can be rotated to avoid contact with another vehicle component. Accumulator 22 can be moved to accommodate space constraints when installing damper assembly 10 in vehicle 12 because accumulator 22 remains in fluid connection with tube 16 in the designated orientation. Accumulator 22 is rotatable within tube mount 28 to the designated orientation. Longitudinal axis B can extend at least partially in a vertically downward direction. That is, accumulator 22 can be rotated such that longitudinal axis B extends away from a horizontal plane and at least partially downward. Figures 2-6As shown, the end 24 of the accumulator 22 can be connected to the ring 36 by a weld 54. The tube mount 28 can be steel, and the accumulator 22 can also be steel, allowing the weld 54 to connect the accumulator 22 to the tube mount 28. Welds like the weld 54 can be used to connect other components of the damper assembly 10, such as the rod 44 and damper piston 46, the damper 14 and the vehicle body 50, etc. When the accumulator 22 is secured to the ring 36 by the weld 54, the accumulator 22 is secured in an orientation.

[0049] As shown, the tube mount 28 and the end 24 of the accumulator 22 form a seal 38. The seal 38 is a liquid-tight seal, designed to prevent damper fluid 30 from leaking from the tube 16. The tube mount 28 and the end 24 of the accumulator 22 can form a substantially circular seal 38. That is, because the ring 36 is substantially circular, the area of contact between the tube mount 28 and the ring 36 forms a circle. When the accumulator 22 is rotated into the designated orientation, the accumulator 22 holds the circular seal 38 and the tube mount 28 together. Figure 2

[0050] The outer surface 18 of the tube 16 has a curvature. That is, the tube 16 can be generally cylindrical, and define a curvature in the outer surface 18. The tube mount 28 can have substantially the same curvature as the outer surface 18 of the tube 16. When the tube mount 28 has substantially the same curvature as the outer surface 18 of the tube 16, damper fluid 30 can be prevented from leaking between the tube mount 28 and the outer surface 18. That is, the connection between the outer surface 18 and the tube mount 28 can be substantially free of gaps caused by different shapes of the outer surface 18 and the tube mount 28, preventing damper fluid 30 from leaking from the tube 16.

[0051] The application has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present application are possible in light of the above teachings, and the application can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0052] The adjectives "first" and "second" are used as identifiers, not intended to indicate importance or sequence.​

Claims

1. A damper assembly comprising: a damper including a tube having an outer surface, the tube defining a central axis and a first cavity in the outer surface; an accumulator having an end defining a second cavity, the end having a convex outer surface, the accumulator defining a longitudinal axis; and a tube mount attached to the outer surface of the tube and surrounding the first cavity; wherein the tube includes a damper fluid; wherein the end of the accumulator is supported by the tube mount to allow the damper fluid to flow from the tube through the first cavity and into the accumulator through the second cavity; wherein the longitudinal axis of the accumulator intersects the central axis of the tube at a non-right angle, wherein the tube mount includes a ring and the accumulator is supported by the ring at the convex outer surface of the end of the accumulator, and the ring is in fluid communication with the first cavity and the second cavity to allow the damper fluid to flow from the first cavity through the ring to the second cavity. the convex outer surface of the end of the accumulator is welded to the ring.

2. The damper assembly of claim 1, wherein, 3. The damper assembly of claim 1, wherein the tube mount and the end of the accumulator form a liquid tight seal.

4. The damper assembly of claim 1, wherein the ring and the convex outer surface of the end of the accumulator form a circular seal. the accumulator is rotatable within the tube mount to a designated orientation.

5. The damper assembly of claim 1, wherein, in the designated orientation, the longitudinal axis of the accumulator defines an angle with an axis normal to the outer surface of the tube that is greater than ten degrees and less than twenty degrees.

6. The damper assembly of claim 5, wherein, the longitudinal axis of the accumulator defines an angle with an axis normal to the outer surface of the tube that is greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees.

7. The damper assembly of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, 8. The damper assembly of claim 7, wherein the angle is greater than ten degrees and less than twenty degrees. the accumulator includes a piston and the damper fluid is movable into the accumulator to move the piston.

9. The damper assembly of any of claims 1-5, wherein, ​

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