Double rolling lobes crimp-free guide tube

Abstract

An air spring assembly includes a guide tube having a plurality of fixed openings circumferentially spaced apart from each other and a bellows including a plurality of protrusions. The bellows is disposed in the guide tube, and the plurality of protrusions are received in corresponding openings in the fixed openings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air spring assembly for a vehicle that includes an air bellows having rolling lobes secured to a guide tube. Background Art

[0002] An air spring assembly for a motor vehicle includes an air-filled bellows that supports the vehicle and absorbs road irregularities. The bellows are typically surrounded by a guide tube for protection and orientation. A clamping ring is sometimes inserted into the bellows to facilitate attachment to the guide tube. The clamping ring is a metal part inserted into the bellows to allow attachment to the guide tube. Inserting the clamping ring into the bellows complicates assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the air spring assembly mainly includes: a guide tube, which includes a first end, a second end and a plurality of fixed openings circumferentially spaced apart from each other; and a bellows, which includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the outer surface of the bellows, wherein the bellows is disposed in the guide tube, and the plurality of protrusions are received in corresponding openings in the fixed openings.

[0004] In another disclosed embodiment of the foregoing air spring assembly, the protrusion includes a retaining portion spaced apart from an outer surface of the bellows by the stem portion, wherein the retaining portion is larger than the fixing opening.

[0005] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing air spring assemblies, the retaining portion includes a rounded surface to facilitate insertion through a corresponding opening of the plurality of securing openings.

[0006] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing air spring assemblies, the plurality of protrusions are formed from the same material as the bellows.

[0007] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing air spring assemblies, the plurality of protrusions are an integral part of the bellows.

[0008] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing air spring assemblies, the plurality of securing openings are spaced a common distance from one of the first end and the second end.

[0009] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing air spring assemblies, the plurality of securing openings are spaced apart from a midpoint between the first end and the second end.

[0010] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing air spring assemblies, the guide tube includes at least one retention groove extending circumferentially around the inner surface and aligned with the plurality of retaining openings.

[0011] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing air spring assemblies, the plurality of securing openings includes two securing openings spaced 180 degrees apart, and the plurality of protrusions includes two protrusions spaced 180 degrees apart.

[0012] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing air spring assemblies, the plurality of securing openings includes three securing openings spaced 120 degrees apart, and the plurality of protrusions includes three protrusions spaced 120 degrees apart.

[0013] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing air spring assemblies, the plurality of securing openings includes four securing openings spaced 90 degrees apart, and the plurality of protrusions includes four protrusions spaced 90 degrees apart.

[0014] According to another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for assembling an air spring assembly generally includes: forming a bellows to include a plurality of protrusions extending from an outer surface; forming a guide tube to include a plurality of fixing openings circumferentially spaced apart from each other and arranged in a common plane; placing the bellows in the guide tube; and assembling the plurality of protrusions through corresponding openings in the plurality of fixing openings to hold the bellows in a desired orientation relative to the guide tube.

[0015] In another disclosed embodiment of the foregoing method, the bellows and the plurality of projections are formed as a single, integral part.

[0016] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, forming the protrusion includes forming a retaining portion spaced apart from an outer surface of the bellows by the stem portion, wherein the retaining portion is larger than the securing opening.

[0017] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the retaining portion is formed to include a rounded surface to facilitate insertion through a corresponding opening of the plurality of fixation openings.

[0018] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the plurality of fixation openings are formed spaced a common distance from the first end of the guide tube.

[0019] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, a plurality of fixation openings are formed spaced apart from an intermediate point between the first end and the second end of the guide tube.

[0020] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the guide tube is formed to include at least one retaining groove extending circumferentially around the inner surface and aligned with the plurality of securing openings.

[0021] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, forming the plurality of fixation openings includes forming three fixation openings spaced 120 degrees apart, and forming the plurality of protrusions includes forming three protrusions spaced 120 degrees apart.

[0022] In another disclosed embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, forming the plurality of fixation openings includes forming four fixation openings spaced 90 degrees apart, and forming the plurality of protrusions includes forming four protrusions spaced 90 degrees apart.

[0023] Although different examples have specific components shown in the drawings, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these specific combinations. Some components or features in one example can be used in combination with features or components in another example.

[0024] These and other features disclosed herein can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description of the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an air spring assembly for a vehicle.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example interface between a guide tube and a bellows of an example air spring assembly.

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an example guide tube embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an example bellows embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a portion of another example bellows embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a portion of another example bellows embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an example guide tube and bellows assembly.

[0032] Figure 8A is a side cross-sectional view of an example bellows embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8B is a top cross-sectional view of an example bellows.

[0034] Figure 9A is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary guide tube embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9B is a top cross-sectional view of an example guide tube.

[0036] Figure 10 is a top cross-sectional view of another example bellows embodiment.

[0037] Figure 11 is a top cross-sectional view of another example guide tube embodiment.

[0038] Figure 12 is a top cross-sectional view of yet another example bellows embodiment.

[0039] Figure 13 is a top cross-sectional view of yet another example guide tube embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] refer to Figure 1 , an example air spring assembly 10 is shown schematically and includes a bellows 14 attached to a guide tube 12. The bellows 14 is attached to the guide tube 12 at several points at the interface between the protrusions 22 and the fixed openings 20. The protrusions 22 are an integral part of the bellows 14 and eliminate the need for additional structure and processes to attach the bellows to the guide tube 12. The disclosed air spring 10 orients the bellows 14 in a dual rolling lobe configuration having two lobes indicated at 35. In the dual rolling lobe configuration, little or no force is applied to the interface between the guide tube 12 and the bellows 14. In operation, once the bellows 14 is inflated, the two lobes 35 apply equal force to hold the guide tube 12 in place.

[0041] A plurality of fixed openings 20 are equally spaced around the circumference of the guide tube 12. A corresponding plurality of protrusions 22 are equally spaced around the circumference of the bellows 14. The protrusions 22 are structures that are integral with the bellows 14. The protrusions 22 extend from the outer surface 44 of the bellows 14 and fit through the corresponding mating openings 20 to hold a portion of the bellows 14 against the inner surface 42 of the guide tube 12. Prior to inflation, the protrusions 22 hold the bellows 14 in a desired orientation within the guide tube 12. Once the bellows 14 is filled with air, the air pressure within the bellows 14 holds the bellows 14 in the proper position. In addition, the interface between the protrusions 22 of the bellows 14 and the guide tube 12 provides the double rolling bellows construction required for the example air spring assembly 10.

[0042] refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4, one of the protrusions 22 and one of the fixed openings 20 are shown in an enlarged view. The protrusion 22 includes a retaining portion 26 and a rod portion 24. The rod portion 24 includes a width 30 that fits within the fixed opening 20. The retaining portion 26 includes a width 32 that is larger than the width 28 of the fixed opening 20 and includes a hemispherical surface 46. It should be understood that the widths 32 and 28 can reflect the diameters of the protrusion 22 and the fixed opening 20, both of which are circular. In addition, in the contemplation of the present disclosure, the protrusion 22 and the fixed opening 20 can be different shapes, including polygonal shapes. In addition, the width 24 can be slightly interference fit with the opening 20 to help keep the protrusion 22 in place.

[0043] The protrusion 22 is formed from the same material as the bellows 14. The bellows 14 is formed from a rubber material that is sufficiently compliant to deform in response to applied air pressure and vehicle loads. The protrusion 22 can be formed and / or attached during the vulcanization process used to process the bellows 14. The protrusion 22 is further sufficiently compliant to enable the retaining portion 26 to be pulled through the relatively small fixing opening 20. Once through the fixing opening 20, the retaining portion 26 expands and holds the bellows 14 against the inner surface 42 of the guide tube 12.

[0044] The inner surface 42 of the guide tube 12 includes a groove 40 at the fixed opening 20 to inhibit movement of the bellows 14. Once air pressure is applied to the bellows 14, the bellows 14 will press against the inner surface 42 and the groove 40. The pressure against the groove 40 helps to hold the bellows 14 in place relative to the guide tube 12. The groove 40 creates resistance to movement of the bellows 14 relative to the guide tube 12.

[0045] refer to Figure 5 Another exemplary protrusion embodiment is shown and indicated at 22'. Protrusion 22' includes an elongated portion 45 extending from a flange portion 47. Elongated portion 45 can extend through opening 20 in guide tube 12 and can facilitate assembly. Flange portion 47 has a sufficient width 26' to prevent protrusion 22' from being pulled backward through opening 20. Width 30' of rod 24 corresponds to the size of opening 20.

[0046] refer to Figure 6 Yet another example tab embodiment is shown and indicated at 22". Tab 22" includes an extended radiused portion 43 extending from flange portion 41. Extended radiused portion 43 may facilitate assembly, while flange portion 41 includes a width 26", which prevents it from being pulled backward through opening 20. Width 30" of stem portion 24 corresponds to the size of opening 20.

[0047] In the disclosed example protrusions 22, 22', and 22", each of the retaining portions includes a rounded surface that facilitates pulling the protrusion through the opening and a flange portion that prevents the protrusion from being pulled back through the opening. It should be understood that while several protrusion shapes and configurations are disclosed by way of example, other protrusion shapes may be used. Thus, any protrusion shape that allows the protrusion to be pulled through for assembly and prevents the protrusion from being pulled back through the opening may be used within the scope and contemplation of the present disclosure.

[0048] refer to Figure 7 , and continue to refer to Figure 1 , shows an example bellows 14 assembled to a guide tube 12 in an uninflated state. The guide tube 12 includes an open first end 16 and a second end 18. The bellows 14 includes an outer diameter 56 in the uninflated state that is smaller than the inner diameter 54 of the guide tube 12. During assembly, projections 22 formed on the outer surface 44 of the bellows 14 are pulled outward and inserted into corresponding openings in the fixing openings 20. The projections 22 maintain a localized portion 55 of the bellows 14 in contact with the inner surface 42 of the guide tube 12.

[0049] The fixing openings 20 are disposed in a common plane indicated at 48. The midpoint 34 is spaced an equal distance 36 from each of the ends 16, 18. The common plane 48 is spaced a distance 38 from the midpoint 34. The spacing from the midpoint 34 causes the plane 48 to be offset between the first end 16 and the second end 18. In the disclosed example, the plane 48, and therefore the fixing openings 20, are disposed closer to the second end 18 than to the first end 16. The uneven spacing is provided to position the lobes 35 of the bellows 14 in a desired location.

[0050] refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B , the example bellows 14 is shown in an uninflated state. The protrusion 22 is spaced a distance 64 from the first end 58 and a distance 62 from the second end 60. The distance 64 and the distance 62 are different to orient the protrusion 22 in a desired position relative to the guide tube 12.

[0051] The protrusions 22 are equally spaced around the circumference of the outer surface 44. In one disclosed example, there are four protrusions 22, as indicated by arrows 50, that are equally spaced 90 degrees from each other.

[0052] refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9B, an example guide tube 12 is shown without the bellows 14. The guide tube 12 includes four fixed openings 20 spaced 90 degrees apart around the circumference of the guide tube 12. The openings 20 are spaced a distance 68 from the first end 16 and a distance 66 from the second end 18. In the disclosed embodiment, the distance 68 is greater than the distance 66. It should be understood that different distances 66, 68 are provided to provide a desired relative orientation between the bellows 14 and the guide tube 12. Other orientations may be used within the scope and contemplation of the present disclosure.

[0053] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , shows another example bellows 15 and guide tube 25. The example bellows 15 includes three protrusions 22 evenly spaced 120 degrees apart around the circumference of the outer surface 44, as indicated by arrows 52. The example guide tube 25 includes three corresponding fixing openings 20, as indicated at 52, that are spaced 120 degrees apart to correspond to the number and position of the protrusions 22.

[0054] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 In another disclosed example embodiment, the plurality of fixed openings 20 includes two fixed openings on the guide tube 25 that are spaced 180 degrees apart, as indicated by arrows 53. The plurality of protrusions 22 formed in the bellows 15 includes two protrusions that are also spaced 180 degrees apart, as indicated by arrows 53. It should be understood that any number of protrusions 22, openings 20, and spacings may be used and are within the scope and contemplation of the present disclosure.

[0055] The disclosed air spring assembly includes openings 20 in the guide tube 12 and corresponding protrusions 22 on the bellows 14 to facilitate assembly and maintain a desired relative orientation.

[0056] Although example embodiments have been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure.For this reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An air spring assembly comprising: a guide tube comprising a first end, a second end, and a plurality of fixed openings circumferentially spaced apart from one another; and a bellows comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from an outer surface of the bellows, wherein the bellows is disposed within the guide tube and the plurality of protrusions are received within corresponding ones of the fixed openings, Wherein, the plurality of protrusions are an integral part of the bellows.

2. The air spring assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion includes a retaining portion spaced apart from the outer surface of the bellows by a rod portion, wherein the retaining portion is larger than the fixing opening.

3. The air spring assembly of claim 2, wherein: The retaining portion includes a rounded surface to facilitate insertion through a corresponding opening of the plurality of fixing openings.

4. The air spring assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The plurality of protrusions are formed of the same material as the bellows.

5. The air spring assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The plurality of fixing openings are all spaced a common distance from one of the first end and the second end.

6. The air spring assembly of claim 5, wherein: The plurality of securing openings are spaced apart from a midpoint between the first end and the second end.

7. The air spring assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The guide tube includes at least one retaining groove extending circumferentially around an inner surface and aligned with the plurality of fixing openings.

8. The air spring assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The plurality of fixing openings include two fixing openings spaced 180 degrees apart, and the plurality of protrusions include two protrusions spaced 180 degrees apart.

9. The air spring assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The plurality of fixing openings includes three fixing openings spaced 120 degrees apart, and the plurality of protrusions includes three protrusions spaced 120 degrees apart.

10. The air spring assembly of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of fixing openings includes four fixing openings spaced 90 degrees apart, and the plurality of protrusions includes four protrusions spaced 90 degrees apart.

11. A method of assembling an air spring assembly, comprising: forming the bellows to include a plurality of projections extending from an outer surface; forming the guide tube to include a plurality of fixing openings disposed in a common plane circumferentially spaced from one another; placing the bellows in the guide tube; and assembling the plurality of protrusions through corresponding ones of the plurality of fixing openings to retain the bellows in a desired orientation relative to the guide tube, The bellows and the plurality of projections are formed as a single integral part.

12. The method of claim 11, comprising forming the protrusion to include a retaining portion spaced apart from the outer surface of the bellows by a stem portion, wherein The holding portion is larger than the fixing opening.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising forming the retaining portion to include a hemispherical surface to facilitate insertion through corresponding openings of the plurality of fixing openings.

14. The method of claim 11, comprising forming the plurality of fixing openings to be spaced a common distance from the first end of the guide tube.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising forming the plurality of fixing openings to be spaced apart from an intermediate point between the first and second ends of the guide tube.

16. The method of claim 11, comprising forming the guide tube to include at least one retaining groove extending circumferentially around an inner surface and aligned with the plurality of securing openings.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein Forming the plurality of fixing openings includes forming three fixing openings spaced 120 degrees apart, and forming the plurality of protrusions includes forming three protrusions spaced 120 degrees apart.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein Forming the plurality of fixing openings includes forming four fixing openings spaced 90 degrees apart, and forming the plurality of protrusions includes forming four protrusions spaced 90 degrees apart.

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