Pilot stage with spherical cone seats

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure regulating valve (1) comprising a pilot stage valve (32) having a ball valve body (33) and preferably a conical seat (341). The invention also relates to a shock absorber (6) having at least one pressure regulating valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pre-controlled pressure regulating valve and a shock absorber. Background Technology

[0002] Valves for regulating hydraulic shock absorbers exist in various construction types. In addition to the direct control proportional valves known from EP 3 591 273, pre-control pressure regulating valves are also used, for example, those known from WO 2009 157 841A1 or WO 2020 182358A1.

[0003] In this type of pre-controlled pressure regulating valve, the oil flow to be regulated is guided through the main stage and throttled therein, either strongly or weakly. The main stage is not actuated directly by magnetic drive, but rather by means of a second valve stage with a pilot valve, the so-called pilot stage. The pilot valve controls the pressure on at least one side of the main stage valve, thereby positioning it to generate the hydrodynamic force to operate the main stage valve. The pilot stage valve itself is readjusted by means of an electromagnetic actuator. The advantage of this multi-stage configuration is that high operating forces can be generated in the main stage using a relatively small electromagnetic actuator. The valve is therefore relatively robust against hydraulic disturbances and has a very compact construction.

[0004] In the field of shock absorber control valves, the development of variations plays a crucial role for technical reasons. The control valve's function is arranged in conjunction with and adjusted according to the shock absorber. Different shock absorber types or applications require different shock absorber adjustments, thus necessitating corresponding variations of the pressure control valve.

[0005] One important factor in damper adjustment is, for example, the opening pressure of the control valve. This determines the maximum damping force and thus the range of the damper. The opening pressure is limited by the configuration of the pilot stage. In pilot-operated valves with a support configuration, as in the case of the literature cited above, the opening pressure can be set via equal magnetic force, and possibly via the actuator spring force and fluid pressure. To implement various opening pressures, the support diameter is typically changed, thereby altering the pressure.

[0006] It is known that the pilot valve of a pressure regulating valve is generally formed from complex components that are sealed to each other through planar areas. Therefore, there are high requirements for the surface and shape tolerances of the valve elements, resulting in a correspondingly large amount of manufacturing work. Furthermore, integrating valve components into the complete structure of the regulating valve in a manner that allows for variations in the opening pressure achieved by means of the support diameter is challenging. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective pressure regulating valve with reduced manufacturing effort. Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a corresponding shock absorber.

[0008] The objective is achieved by an apparatus having the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and research results are set forth in the claims which are dependent on the independent claim.

[0009] The pressure regulating valve according to the invention has a pilot-operated stage valve, which has a ball valve body and preferably a conical support as a valve support for the ball valve body. Compared to a valve with a support having a planar sealing area, the ball-conical support pairing, for example, imposes fewer stringent requirements on the characteristics and / or accuracy of the sealing area or surface forming the valve support. This reduces the manufacturing effort of the pilot-operated valve and makes more cost-effective pilot-operated valves available, while minimizing the parameter variations of the pilot-operated valve and / or the pressure regulating valve. The ball valve body is a perfectly spherical body, preferably conforming to quality class G5 (according to DIN 5401). Dimensional and form tolerances can be a maximum of 0.25 μm. The diameter of the ball valve body is preferably in the range of 1 to 10 mm and can be 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, or 10 mm, for example, each of the mentioned values ​​may also represent the upper or lower limit of the mentioned value range. The opening diameter of the tapered support is preferably in the range of 1.5-4 mm, and can be 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, or 4 mm. For example, each of the values ​​mentioned can also represent the upper or lower limit of the range mentioned. The cone angle (opening angle) of the tapered support is preferably in the range of 100° to 140°, and can be 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, or 140°. For example, each of the values ​​mentioned can also represent the upper or lower limit of the range mentioned.

[0010] The pilot-operated valve preferably also has a guide section for guiding the ball valve body when the body is lifted away from the valve support or conical support and / or the pilot-operated valve is opened. The guide section is correspondingly located downstream of the conical support and / or has a cylindrical inner wall extending coaxially with the valve axis of the pilot-operated valve or the central axis of the pressure regulating valve. This makes it possible for the valve body to be guided without active guidance or by force, such as by the operating parts of an actuator, and avoids components involving several assembly groups or modules, such as those consisting of the operating parts and the valve body. This simplifies the mechanical interaction between the pilot stage and the actuator and opens up greater degrees of freedom relative to the (structural) configuration of the actuator. The operation of the pilot-operated valve by the actuator preferably occurs only through docking or only through contact engagement of the operating parts on the ball valve body.

[0011] The inner diameter of the guide section is correspondingly equal to the diameter of the ball valve body plus the clearance (reference diameter), preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mm, and can be 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.08, or 0.1 mm. For example, each of the mentioned values ​​may also represent the upper or lower limit of the mentioned value range. The length of the guide section above the tapered support is preferably in the range of 3 to 30 mm, and can be 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, or 30 mm. For example, each of the mentioned values ​​may also represent the upper or lower limit of the mentioned value range.

[0012] The pilot-operated valve preferably has a modular body that allows or includes a tapered support and a guide section, and is particularly preferably formed as a single piece. Thus, in its simplest case, the pilot-operated valve consists precisely of a ball valve body and a modular body, i.e., two single-piece components.

[0013] Preferably, the pilot section does not have mechanical protection against removal of the ball valve body from the pilot section (e.g., a raised portion or groove on the inside of the pilot section). This simplifies the installation of the pilot-stage valve. The actuator's operating components preferably provide protection against removal of the ball valve body from the pilot section when the pressure regulating valve is installed.

[0014] The pilot stage valve or its module body preferably has a receiving section upstream of a tapered support for optionally or selectively receiving and attaching a fluid assembly, such as a throttle, in or on the pilot stage valve. The receiving section is preferably formed as a recess and / or a cylindrical recess extending coaxially with the valve axis or central axis. The inner wall of the recess preferably has threads or internal threads for mounting the fluid assembly, which can then be installed in the pilot stage valve with minimal effort. Depending on the application, different throttles may also be provided to facilitate variations. Alternatively, the inner wall of the receiving section formed as a recess may also be formed as a smooth cylindrical region, such that a selected fluid assembly can be pressed into the recess or inserted and subsequently attached to the pilot stage valve or its module body, for example, by welding or brazing. When the pilot stage valve is (fully) open, the throttle restricts the flow through the pilot stage. When a fluid component is formed as a throttle, the cross-sectional area of ​​the throttle is preferably between 0.01 and 1 mm. 2 Within the range of 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, or 1 mm. 2 Each of the values ​​mentioned can also represent the upper or lower limit of the range of values ​​mentioned.

[0015] The pilot-operated valve preferably has a fail-safe function. For this purpose, the pilot-operated valve has a fail-safe valve support located at the end of the pilot section, positioned opposite the conical support, and preferably has a spring member that biases the ball valve body into the fail-safe valve support. When the actuator is not powered, i.e., there is no driving force, for example in the event of a power outage, the ball valve body is thus safely resting in the fail-safe valve support. The fail-safe valve support thus forms a second, additional valve support, which is preferably similarly formed as a conical support. The spring member is here supported within the conical support. The pilot section in this case is not fully open toward the side opposite the conical support, but has an axial opening only on the front side of the pilot stage module or on the valve axis operated by the actuator. In the absence of current, the pilot-operated valve is thus safely opened or partially opened with a defined opening cross-section, which is smaller than the maximum opening cross-section of the pilot-operated valve. The pilot-operated valve preferably has a bypass opening and / or the ball valve body does not completely seal the fail-safe valve support. The fail-safe valve support preferably has a polygon as an axial through-hole or valve opening, especially a regular polygon, such as an (n-equilateral) triangle, quadrilateral, square, hexagon, heptagon or octagon.

[0016] The pilot-stage valve preferably has a fail-safe construction component, which has a fail-safe valve support and is preferably formed as a cap or sleeve for the module body. Furthermore, in this case, no radial outflow openings are provided in the pilot-stage valve or its module body, and / or these radial outflow openings are closed by the fail-safe construction component.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure regulating valve has multiple functional modules, namely at least a pilot stage module and an actuator module, i.e., at least two functional modules.

[0018] A functional module is generally an assembly, more specifically a modular assembly of a pressure regulating valve, which makes the specific functionality provided for this assembly or functional module (fully) available in each case, and includes all or at least all the substantial structural components for this functionality. The functional module is therefore structurally and functionally distinct from or mutually demarcated from the assembly of the pressure regulating valve, which preferably does not have any components in the installed pressure regulating valve that relate to several assemblies or modules. In its simplest case, a given functionality in the pressure regulating valve is thus made available specifically by the functional module in question and / or by exactly one functional module.

[0019] The pilot stage module of a pressure regulating valve accordingly implements (exactly or at least) the functionality of the pilot stage in the pressure regulating valve for fluid dynamics, typically hydraulically pre-controlling the pressure regulating valve or its main stage, and / or contains the components or all components required for the application, such as the pilot stage valve. Therefore, in its simplest case, the functionality of the pilot stage in the pressure regulating valve is made available specifically through the pilot stage module. In its simplest case, the pilot stage module consists precisely of a pilot stage valve.

[0020] The actuator module of a pressure regulating valve implements (specifically or at least) the functionality of an actuator in the pressure regulating valve for operating the pilot stage or pilot stage module or pilot stage valve of the pilot stage module, especially the valve body of the pilot stage valve, and / or contains the components required for this purpose, such as coils and magnetic armatures, and possibly spring components. Therefore, in its simplest case, the functionality of the actuator in the pressure regulating valve is made available specifically through the actuator module.

[0021] Advantageously, the pilot stage module and actuator module, preferably all functional modules of the pressure regulating valve, are each formed as pre-installed or pre-produced modules or assemblies. In other words, preferably all components of the functional modules are integrated in or integrated to form a (pre-installed) assembly. Similarly, in pressure regulating valves, it is advantageous that the tightly and securely interconnected functional modules are securely interconnected via exactly one mechanical interface and / or with exactly one engagement method (e.g., by pressing, welding, brazing, etc.). This simplifies the installation and / or final installation of the pressure regulating valve.

[0022] Preferably, the pilot module and the actuator module are securely interconnected via a press-fit connection, preferably precisely and / or specifically via a press-fit connection, and are configured such that they are closely abutting each other. In addition to the simple and sufficiently secure attachment of the pilot module to or within the actuator module, this press-fit connection allows, for example, adjustment or fine-tuning of the position of the pilot module and the actuator module relative to each other during and / or even after installation. The press-fit connection forms a force-fit / clamp-fit ​​or friction-fit along corresponding press-fit areas.

[0023] The actuator module preferably has an actuator with an actuator axis, i.e., the actuation (of the pilot valve) occurs along a straight section (by reciprocating movement). Accordingly, the actuator is preferably a linear actuator.

[0024] Furthermore, to enable the press-fit connection, or exactly one press-fit connection, with the pilot module, the actuator module has one or exactly one radial, coaxial, collinear, or concentric press-fit region, which is preferably cylindrical and / or points towards the actuator axis. The press-fit region is preferably completely continuous, but may also be subdivided into several partial regions or have interruptions. This press-fit region preferably forms exactly one press-fit connection. This press-fit region preferably forms a recessed (internal or inwardly facing) surface or cover region in the actuator module, wherein the recess includes the actuator axis and is preferably cylindrical or substantially cylindrical and / or coaxial, collinear, or concentrically formed with the actuator axis. The actuator axis is preferably simultaneously the axis of symmetry and / or central axis of the (complete) actuator module or actuator.

[0025] The pilot stage module preferably has a pilot stage valve, which is operable along a valve axis and is preferably a seated valve. In its simplest case, the pilot stage valve has a valve body that, for example, can slide along the valve axis and open and close the pilot stage valve when the valve body is lifted away from or into a corresponding valve seat. In other words, the actuator module causes and / or allows the valve body to undergo normal reciprocating and / or straight movement along the valve axis after operating the pilot stage.

[0026] Furthermore, to form a press-fit connection or exactly one press-fit connection with the actuator module, the pilot stage module has a radial, coaxial, collinear, or concentric press-fit region, which is preferably cylindrical and / or oriented away from the valve axis and corresponds to the press-fit region of the actuator module. The press-fit region is preferably completely continuous, but may also be subdivided into several partial regions or have interruptions, which preferably correspond to the corresponding partial region or interruption of the press-fit region of the actuator module. This press-fit region preferably creates exactly one press-fit connection. Preferably, this press-fit region forms the (external or outward-facing) surface or cover region of the pilot stage module, wherein the complete pilot stage module is preferably formed cylindrically or substantially cylindrically and / or rotationally symmetrically (except for possible radial fluid openings). The valve axis preferably forms the axis of symmetry and / or central axis of the (complete) pilot stage module. The pilot stage module thus forms a cylinder that corresponds to and is partially or completely accommodated in the aforementioned recess in the actuator module, such that the corresponding pressing area forms a pressing connection between the actuator module and the pilot stage module.

[0027] Therefore, in the installed pressure regulating valve, the actuator axis of the subsequent actuator module and the valve axis of the pilot stage module coincide to form one or a common central axis of the pressure regulating valve, such that the actuator module or the actuator of the actuator module can operate the pilot stage valve of the pilot stage module along this central axis. Due to the push-fit connection according to the invention, the above-mentioned adjustments or fine-tuning can then be performed along this central axis, thus adjusting or fine-tuning the axial position of the actuator module and the pilot stage module relative to each other along the central axis. This allows for reducing the variation (e.g., for spring and / or magnetic and / or actuator force and / or opening pressure) in a batch of several pressure regulating valves or in mass production, for example, with reference to the air gap and / or coercive distance of the magnetic armature in the actuator, especially when the actuator closes the pilot stage valve or when the valve body abuts against the valve support in the pilot stage valve. Preferably, the variation in opening pressure in a batch is less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 5%.

[0028] Actuator modules typically have an operating element that operates the pilot stage valve of the pilot stage module. In the simplest case, the operating element is the magnetic armature itself, usually composed entirely of magnetic material, or preferably with a non-magnetic piston, for example, securely connected to the magnetic armature or forming a single-piece construction component, adapted to perform reciprocating and / or linear motion, for example, along the actuator axis or common central axis. Once operated or used to operate the pilot stage valve, the operating element advantageously (only) abuts or docks with the valve body of the pilot stage valve of the pilot stage module. In other words, the operating element advantageously (only or precisely) contacts and engages with the valve body of the pilot stage valve of the pilot stage module, especially when the valve body closes the pilot stage valve or when the valve body docks with a valve support. Therefore, there is no mechanical connection between the operating element and the valve body, i.e., no force guidance of the valve body by the operating element of the actuator module occurs. Thus, components involving several modules (between the actuator module and the pilot stage module) are avoided or not present. The valve body of a pilot-operated valve is advantageously non-magnetic or non-magnetic.

[0029] Preferably, the pilot module and the actuator module are securely interconnected via a press-fit connection according to the invention. This simplifies the installation of the pressure regulating valve and simultaneously allows for adjustment or readjustment during or when the pressure regulating valve is installed.

[0030] Due to the modular construction of the pilot stage and actuator according to the invention, which are in the form of pilot stage modules and actuator modules, the pressure regulating valve not only avoids components involving several assembly groups or modules, but also simplifies the (preferably only) mechanical interface (here, a press-fit connection with corresponding press-fit areas on the pilot stage module and actuator module) used to create a stable mechanical connection between the pilot stage module and the actuator module. Therefore, it is possible, for example, to easily interchange functional modules with their variants. In other words, the pressure regulating valve according to the invention facilitates the formation of variants or various pressure regulating valves with different parameters, because often only a functional adaptation is required, and then only the corresponding, i.e., a single functional module, must be replaced for its variants, while the other components and / or functional modules of the pressure regulating valve remain unchanged and are therefore identical parts. Accordingly, the interface for attaching the functional module is also preferably unchanged in the variants of the functional module. For example, pilot stage modules with different opening cross-sections or valve seat diameters can be used to change the opening pressure of the pressure regulating valve and / or increase or decrease the pressure. Similarly, actuator modules with different operating principles (e.g., NC (normally closed; closed in the absence of current) or NO (normally open; open in the absence of current) or different magnetic forces and / or spring forces and / or force distributions) can be selected. Likewise, pressure regulating valves can be adapted (for different applications) to various external mechanical, hydraulic, and / or electrical interfaces, or also to construction space requirements.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure regulating valve according to the invention includes a master stage module as another functional module, the master stage module containing (exactly or at least) the functionality of the master stage of the pressure regulating valve and including at least one master stage valve for this purpose. The master stage of the pressure regulating valve is also implemented as a functional module accordingly. The master stage module is securely connected to the actuator module (or possibly also a pilot stage module). Preferably, this is also accomplished via a press-fit connection and / or exactly a mechanical interface or exactly a engagement method. In the simplest case, the master stage module is specifically securely connected to the actuator module or pilot stage module via a press-fit connection. For this purpose, the master stage module and the actuator module or pilot stage module each have a corresponding preferably cylindrical press-fit area, which is arranged radially, coaxially, collinearly, or concentrically with the common valve axis of the pressure regulating valve. Furthermore, the master stage module or its master stage valve preferably has a central axis or axis of symmetry that coincides with the central axis of the pressure regulating valve (particularly preferably in an installed pressure regulating valve). The master stage module or its master stage valve is correspondingly coaxially arranged with the pilot stage module and / or the actuator module. Advantageously, the main stage module, or at least its main stage valve, is also formed cylindrically or substantially cylindrically and / or rotationally symmetrically (except for possible radial fluid openings). In other respects, the statements made above in conjunction with the pilot stage module also apply similarly to the main stage module. The main stage module advantageously comprises or consists of a main stage valve and a main stage housing, said main stage valve being formed as a passively seated valve or a piston spool valve. If the main stage valve is formed as a seated valve, the advantage is dynamic operation, as seated valves have a faster response. Compared to piston spool valves, seated valves respond more quickly to sudden changes in volumetric flow rate because, unlike piston spool valves, seated valves do not require positive overlap to implement small leaks. Therefore, overshoot with respect to pressure, for example, after a sudden change in volumetric flow rate, can be reduced or avoided in the main stage valve.

[0032] By providing a master stage module as an additional functional module, the pressure regulating valve accordingly includes at least three functional modules. However, the pressure regulating valve preferably includes (only) these three functional modules (actuator module, pilot stage module, and master stage module) and is composed of these three functional modules. In the simplest case, the pressure regulating valve consists exactly of an actuator module, a pilot stage module, and a master stage module. In the latter case, the pressure regulating valve is fully modular and can be mounted, for example, by providing (only) a precise and secure mechanical connection, preferably two push-button connections. Advantageously, all functional modules of the pressure regulating valve are securely interconnected (specifically) via push-button connections.

[0033] Furthermore, additional mechanical, hydraulic, and / or magnetic interactions can be provided between the functional modules. For example, the spring components of the main stage can be tightly supported on the actuator module or pilot stage module. Similarly, the aforementioned operation of the pilot stage valve in the pilot stage module occurs via the actuator module or its operating components. Additionally, for example, the main stage module, the pilot stage module, and possibly the actuator module together form a pilot space.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator module itself is also modularly constructed or subdivided into sub-modules, and for this purpose includes a coil module, a magnetic drive module, and a coil cover module, or (specifically) consists of these three modules. To form the actuator module, the magnetic drive module is preferably securely connected to the coil cover module, and subsequently the coil module is securely connected to the coil cover module, thereby particularly preferably closing the magnetic circuit, wherein, particularly preferably, the magnetic drive module is entirely housed within the internal space formed by the coil module and the coil cover module. Preferably, the coil module and the coil cover module together form the housing of the actuator module, which particularly preferably has (only) an opening for the operation of the components on the actuator axis, and / or is otherwise completely closed and preferably has a completely closed outer surface layer for this purpose. The coil module includes at least a magnetic coil and an electrical connector for powering the magnetic coil, and preferably includes, on the front side of the coil module or coil (the back side opposite to the pilot stage module or main stage module or located on the back side of the pilot stage module or main stage module) and particularly preferably also on the radially outer side of the coil module or coil, a magnetically conductive material for (partially) forming the magnetic circuit. The magnetic drive module includes an operating component (in its simplest form consisting only of a magnetic armature, or possibly including a non-magnetic piston securely connected thereto) carried in a linearly movable manner (along the actuator axis of the actuator module or the central axis of a pressure regulating valve), and one or more magnetically conductive structural components stationary (when properly configured) within the actuator module or coil module. At least one stationary magnetic pole core magnetically attracts the magnetic armature upon coil energization, or the magnetic armature moves toward the pole core after sufficient energization. The pole core is typically positioned on the actuator axis and, depending on the configuration of the magnetic drive module, may act as a mating element for the magnetic armature. The magnetic drive module preferably also includes pole tubes, spring components, and / or additional stationary magnetically conductive assemblies for forming the magnetic circuit of the actuator module. Depending on the configuration of the magnetic drive module, the magnetic armature or operating component is displaced to the back side or opposite front side of the coil module or magnetic coil after coil energization. In other words, in the first case, the operating component enters the actuator module after being powered, resulting in the NC (normally closed) functionality of the pilot stage; in the latter case, the operating component leaves the actuator module after being powered, resulting in the NO (normally open) functionality of the pilot stage. Similarly, the coil cover module contains magnetically conductive material at least on the front side (and possibly also radially outward) of the coil module or coil, thus closing the magnetic circuit around the magnetic coil. The coil cover module may also be referred to as a housing plate. The coil cover module preferably also has a through-hole for the operating component (e.g., a magnetic armature or a piston (securely) connected thereto). Furthermore, the through-hole preferably has a pressing area of ​​the actuator module or coil cover module for forming a pressing connection with the pilot stage module.

[0035] The three modules of the actuator module are preferably pre-assembled as a single unit, with the coil cover module particularly preferably formed as a single piece and thus entirely composed of magnetically conductive material. Furthermore, the coil module and the magnetic drive module are preferably securely connected to the coil cover module via a (precisely) press-fit connection. These press-fit connections are preferably formed by corresponding cylindrical press-fit areas, which are particularly preferably coaxial with the central axis. This does not merely allow for simple installation of the actuator module. The advantageous subdivision of the actuator module's components into these three modules or sub-modules, as explained above, further avoids components involving several modules, such that, in order to form variations of the actuator module, one of its modules can be replaced with its variation without replacing the remaining modules. The aforementioned selection of components for the magnetic drive module particularly allows for the use of magnetic drive modules with opposite or different functionalities (NO or NC functionalities), while doing so while keeping all interfaces (geometry, magnetism, etc.) of the remaining modules of the actuator module unchanged. The connection between the magnetic drive module and the coil cover module is preferably additionally welded to ensure stability and tightness towards the outside under pressure.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the pressure regulating valve, the coil cover module is positioned centrally within the pressure regulating valve and / or preferably forms the central structure or only central structure of the pressure regulating valve, with all remaining functional modules and modules or sub-modules preferably securely connected thereto. Accordingly, the coil cover module is preferably securely connected to the pilot stage module, main stage module, coil module, and magnetic drive module via one or exactly one press-fit connection, respectively. The press-fit connection between the coil cover module and the pilot stage module is particularly preferably a secure connection only between the coil cover module and the pilot stage module. Particularly preferably, the press-fit connection between the coil cover module and the main stage module is a secure connection only between the coil cover module and the main stage module. Particularly preferably, the press-fit connection between the coil cover module and the coil module is a secure connection only between the coil cover module and the coil module. Particularly preferably, in addition to the press-fit connection between the coil cover module and the magnetic drive module, a welded connection, particularly a laser welded connection, is provided between the coil cover module and the magnetic drive module. Accordingly, in order to form exactly four press-fit connections to the pilot stage module, main stage module, coil module, and magnetic drive module, the coil cover module preferably has exactly four press-fit areas, particularly preferably each press-fit area is cylindrically formed and / or coaxially arranged with respect to the central axis. Furthermore, the pilot stage module, main stage module, coil module, and magnetic drive module do not have secure connections to each other, especially not press-fit connections, screw connections, and / or welded connections. This facilitates the modularization of the pressure regulating valve and, in its simplest case, limits variations in the pressure regulating valve to the corresponding adaptation of the coil cover module, which results from changes to any of the functional modules or sub-modules and involves the corresponding attachment to the coil cover module.

[0037] The invention also includes a shock absorber having one, two, or more of the aforementioned pressure regulating valves. In its simplest form, the shock absorber includes a pressure cylinder, wherein an axially displaceable piston divides the space / volume of the pressure cylinder into two pressure chambers. In an advantageous embodiment, the shock absorber includes two of the aforementioned pressure regulating valves, wherein a pressure regulating valve is provided for each of the two possible flow directions between the pressure chambers, and a check valve may also be provided. In an alternative embodiment, the shock absorber includes exactly one pressure regulating valve in conjunction with fluid rectification. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The invention will now be described by way of example and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely illustrative, and the invention is not limited to the specific exemplary embodiments shown.

[0039] Figure 1A , 1B 1C shows different perspective cross-sectional views of a pressure regulating valve with a NO (normally open) magnetic drive module;

[0040] Figure 2 A perspective cross-sectional view of a pressure regulating valve with an NC (normally closed) magnetic drive module is shown.

[0041] Figure 3A , 3B 3C shows a cross-sectional view through the pilot stage module;

[0042] Figure 4A , 4B Different pQ characteristic lines are shown;

[0043] Figure 5A A cross-sectional view through the pilot stage module of the second example embodiment is shown;

[0044] Figure 5B A perspective view of the fail-safe construction components is shown;

[0045] Figure 6 The pQ characteristic lines of the leader according to the second example embodiment are shown; and

[0046] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a shock absorber with two pressure regulating valves is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] exist Figure 1A In the diagram, pressure regulating valve 1 is shown in a perspective cross-section. The pressure regulating valve consists of exactly three functional modules: actuator module 2, pilot stage module 3, and main stage module 4. Figure 1BSee the exploded perspective view of these three functional modules 2, 3, and 4. The pilot module 3 has a radially outwardly positioned cylindrical pressing area 31, which forms a pressing connection between the actuator module 2 and the pilot module 3 with a corresponding pressing area 211 in the actuator module 2 or its coil cover module 21. Similarly, the main module 4 also has a radially inwardly positioned cylindrical pressing area 41 in the illustrated example embodiment, which forms a pressing connection between the main module 4 and the actuator module 2 with a corresponding pressing area 212 in the actuator module 2 or its coil cover module 21.

[0048] The illustrated master stage module has an axial connector for controlling fluid or hydraulic fluid, a radial outflow opening 42, and a master stage valve 43 having a valve body 431 that is axially movable along the central axis of the pressure regulating valve 1. In the illustrated example embodiment, the master stage valve 43 is a piston spool valve. The valve body 431 is biased onto the mating member 433 by a spring member 432, and in doing so, closes the master stage valve 43 in a pressureless state. The control edge of the valve body 431 is located on its outer diameter and interacts with the radial outflow opening 42.

[0049] In embodiments not explicitly shown, the main stage valve 43 is a seated valve. Figure 1A and 1B The mating member 433 shown forms a valve support 433 in its simplest case, such that the control edge of the valve body 431 is located on its axial side facing the valve support 433, and the edge subsequently interacts with the valve support 433.

[0050] Furthermore, the valve body 431 of the main stage valve 43 (in the two embodiment variants described above) includes a throttle 434 in a manner known per se, thereby forming a pilot space 5 that interacts with the pilot stage module 3 and the current actuator module 2. Thus, the main stage valve 43 opens when a sufficiently low pressure exists in the pilot space 5, or when a force overcomes the spring force of the spring member 432 is generated due to a decrease in pressure at the throttle in the valve body 431.

[0051] exist Figure 1CThe diagram also shows an exploded view of the modularly constructed actuator module 2, referring to its assembly or modules (coil cover module 21, magnetic drive module 22, and coil module 23). Coil module 23 includes a magnetic coil 231, a magnetically conductive material 232 forming a portion of the magnetic circuit, and an electrical connector 233 for powering the magnetic coil 231. Magnetic drive module 22 has an operating component in the form of a magnetic armature 221, which is linearly movable along an actuator axis that also coincides with the central axis 11 of the pressure regulating valve 1 in the diagram, and in this embodiment directly operates the valve body 33 of the pilot stage valve 32 of the pilot stage module 3. Coil cover module 21 in this embodiment is constructed as a single piece of magnetically conductive material, closing the magnetic circuit, and together with the coil module forms the housing of actuator module 2. In the example embodiment shown, coil cover module 21 and coil module 23 are securely interconnected specifically via a press-fit connection. Furthermore, coil cover module 21 and magnetic drive module 22 are securely interconnected via a press-fit connection and additionally via a welded connection. Each module of actuator module 2 has a corresponding pressing area for this purpose. In contrast, magnetic drive module 22 and coil module 23 are not securely interconnected.

[0052] Figure 1A , 1B The magnetic drive module 22 shown in 1C has a magnetic pole core 223, which is disposed at one end of the magnetic drive module facing the pilot stage module 3. When the magnetic coil 231 is powered, the magnetic armature 221 shifts in the direction of the magnetic pole core 223 and therefore in the direction of the pilot stage module 3. Accordingly, the pilot stage valve 32 closes after power supply, causing... Figure 1A-1C The magnetic drive module 22 shown forms a normally open valve (NO valve).

[0053] exist Figure 2 In, it is shown Figure 1A-1C A variant of the pressure regulating valve 1, differing only in the construction of the magnetic drive module 22. Here, the magnetic pole core 223 is positioned at one end of the magnetic drive module 22 away from the pilot stage module 3, so that the magnetic armature 221 moves away from the pilot stage module 3 once powered. Furthermore, a spring component 224 is provided, which, when not powered, biases the magnetic armature 221 away from the magnetic pole core 223 and along the direction of the pilot stage module 3, causing the pilot stage module 32 to close when not powered. Figure 2 The magnetic drive module 22 shown thus forms a normally closed valve (NCvalve).

[0054] exist Figure 3AThe diagram shows a cross-section through the pilot stage module 3. This includes the module body 34 and the valve body 33, which in this embodiment is formed as a ball valve body. The module body 34 includes a valve support 341, which in this embodiment is formed as a tapered support on its inner side, and is located downstream of it. Figure 3A The top of the module body 34 includes a guide section 342 having a cylindrical inner guide for the ball valve body when the ball valve body 33 is lifted away from the valve support 341. Furthermore, the module body 34 includes a radial outflow opening 343 for fluid when the pilot stage valve 32 is open, said radial outflow opening being axially positioned between the valve support 341 and the guide section 342 in the illustrated example embodiment. On its radially outer side, the module body also includes a pressing region 31 as described above.

[0055] exist Figure 3A In the diagram, pilot stage module 3 or its pilot stage valve 32 is shown in the closed state; ball valve body 33 closes cone valve support 341. Figure 3B In the diagram, the pilot valve is shown in the open state; the ball valve body 33 is lifted away from the cone valve support 341, and fluid flows out of the pilot space 5 through the interior of the module body 34, through the valve support 341 and the valve body 33, and out of the pilot module 3 via the radial outflow opening 343.

[0056] Furthermore, the module body 34 includes a recess 344 upstream of the valve support 341 for receiving a fluid assembly 35. In this embodiment, the assembly is formed as a throttle 35, such as... Figure 3C As shown in the diagram. The throttle 35, for example, allows adjustment or change of the slope in the pQ diagram, i.e., increasing the fluid flow rate in reference to an increase in existing pressure. Additionally, the damping of the main stage can be affected by the cover or the throttle 35, thereby influencing the dynamic behavior of the valve.

[0057] exist Figure 4A and 4B The diagram shows different pQ diagrams for pressure regulating valve 1. Generally, initially no fluid flows through pressure regulating valve 1 as the pressure increases from zero because the main stage valve 42 and pilot stage valve 32 are closed. Once the so-called opening pressure is reached, pilot stage valve 32 opens, causing a pressure decrease in the pilot space 5, which in turn opens the main stage valve 42. After reaching the opening pressure, the fluid flow rate through pressure regulating valve 1 increases at a small slope and then increases approximately linearly with further pressure increases.

[0058] exist Figure 4AThe diagram illustrates different characteristic curves for different support diameters of the cone valve support 341. Generally, at a given pressure present at the pressure regulating valve 1, a smaller hydraulic pressure is applied to the valve body 33 with a smaller support diameter compared to the case with a larger support diameter. Correspondingly, with a smaller support diameter, the pilot stage valve opens only at a relatively high opening pressure. Figure 4A In the diagram, characteristic line 4A1, with the highest opening pressure, corresponds to the minimum support diameter of the cone valve support 341; characteristic line 4A2, with a medium opening pressure, corresponds to a medium support diameter; and characteristic line 4A3, with a low opening pressure, corresponds to the maximum support diameter. Other parameters, such as the power supply to pressure valve 1, remain constant and are currently set to the maximum current.

[0059] exist Figure 4B The pQ characteristic line is also shown here, for different sizes of the air gap 223 between the magnetic armature 221 and the pole core 222. This gap (air gap) is currently implemented by axial sliding of the pilot stage module 3 within the actuator module 2 or its coil cover module 21, wherein the pilot stage module 3 and the actuator module 2 are connected via a press-fit connection. It is currently assumed that the valve is a normally open valve (NO valve). The upper characteristic line 4B1 at the top of the figure, with the highest opening pressure, is implemented only with a small air gap 223 when there is a relatively small air gap 223 to the pole core 222, i.e., when the pilot stage module 3 is not inserted very deeply into the actuator module 2 and the magnetic armature 221 is correspondingly abutted against the valve body 33 of the pilot stage valve 32. In contrast, the lower characteristic line 4B3 in the figure corresponds to the case where the magnetic armature 221 is already abutted against the valve body 33 of the pilot stage valve 32 when there is a relatively large air gap 223, which can be achieved by inserting the pilot stage module 3 deeper into the actuator module 2. The intermediate characteristic line 4B2 corresponds to a medium-sized air gap 223.

[0060] exist Figure 5A The image shows a cross-section through the pilot stage module 3 of the second example embodiment, which has a throttle 35. Besides... Figure 3C In addition to the configurations presented, for example, the second example embodiment shown in FIG5 further includes a fail-safe valve support 36 as a second valve support, which is positioned relative to the cone valve 341 as a first valve support and is similarly formed as a cone support itself. Furthermore, the pilot stage module 3 of the second example embodiment includes a spring member 37 that, when not powered, biases and holds the ball valve body 33 into the fail-safe valve support 36. The fail-safe valve support 36 in the illustrated example embodiment is made available via an additional component (the so-called fail-safe construction component 38).

[0061] exist Figure 5BThe image shows a perspective internal view of the fail-safe construction component 38. In this second example embodiment, the guide section 342 for the ball valve body 33 is not formed by the module body 34, but by the fail-safe construction component 38, which is configured as a cap located axially on the downstream side of the conical valve support 341 on the module body 34. Similarly, there is no radial outflow opening in the pilot stage module 3 or the module body 34; instead, according to the second example embodiment, the axial opening of the fail-safe valve support 36 is the only fluid flow opening in the pilot stage module 3.

[0062] When the ball valve body 33 is located in the fail-safe valve support 36, the support is not fully closed. In this embodiment, this is ensured by a lateral bypass opening 381 in the guide section 342 of the fail-safe valve support 36 and / or by the non-circular profile of the fail-safe valve support 36 or its fluid flow through the opening. In the example embodiment shown, the fail-safe valve support is a polygon in the form of a regular octagon. However, other polygons may be used, preferably regular polygons.

[0063] In the unpowered state, when the magnetic armature 221 does not exert force on the pilot stage valve 32 (normally open valve or actuator module whose magnetic armature extends once powered), the ball valve body 33 is held in the downstream fail-safe valve support 36 by a spring component. This support does not completely close the fluid path through the pilot stage valve 32, but ensures a specific (moderate, not zero, non-maximum) free fluid cross-section in the unpowered state through the bypass opening 381 or, for example, the polygonal shape of the fail-safe valve support 36. In this operating state, the pilot valve acts as an additional constant throttle in the pilot stage valve 32. Because the fail-safe valve support 36, with its throttling effect, is located downstream of the pilot space 5 (where the pressure for controlling the main valve is formed), fluid additionally accumulates in the pilot space 5. As a result, a higher pressure is necessarily present at the main stage valve to create a pressure drop at the valve body 431 of the main stage valve 43 or its throttle, which is required to open the main stage valve 43. (See pQ diagram) Figure 6 The opening pressure of the fail-safe characteristic line 6A2 in the test valve is therefore higher than the opening pressure of the so-called minimum power supply characteristic line 6A3, in which the pilot valve 32 is opened to the maximum extent or has the maximum fluid passage cross section.

[0064] Under minimum power supply from the coil, the ball valve body 32 is lifted away from the fail-safe valve support 36 by the magnetic armature 221 (the operating component of the general actuator module 2) against the spring force of the spring component 27, and moves to an intermediate position between the fail-safe valve support 36 and the cone valve support 341. Once minimum power is supplied, the pQ characteristic line is implemented, which (similar to a normally open valve) has only a low opening pressure and extends approximately linearly with a small slope above the opening pressure. The opening pressure is not zero in this case because a minimum pressure must initially accumulate at the main stage to generate a sufficient pressure drop via the throttle of the valve body 43 of the main stage valve 42 to overcome the spring force of the spring component 432 of the main stage valve 43.

[0065] Once maximum power is supplied, the ball valve body 33 is pressed against the cone valve support 341 of the pilot valve 32 without pressure drop, causing the pilot valve 32 to open only after overcoming the magnetic force, i.e., only under relatively high opening pressure. Figure 6 The characteristic line 6A1 in the diagram opens. As the pressure increases further, the fluid flow subsequently increases in the same manner as after minimum power supply.

[0066] In contrast, in the unpowered condition, when the valve body 32 is located in the fail-safe valve support 36, a greater increase in pressure at the main stage is required to generate the desired pressure differential. As a result, in the unpowered condition (fail-safe condition), the volumetric flow rate increases significantly and more slowly after increasing the pressure at the main stage compared to after minimum or maximum power supply.

[0067] exist Figure 7 The image schematically illustrates a shock absorber 6 with two pressure regulating valves 1. The shock absorber 6 includes a pressure cylinder 61, wherein an axially movable piston 62 divides the volume / space of the pressure cylinder into two pressure chambers, each connected via a pressure regulating valve 1 (and a check valve) for each flow direction. Alternative Figure 7 The two pressure regulating valves 1 shown may also be a single pressure regulating valve 1 with fluid rectification (not shown). List of reference numerals 1. Pressure regulating valve 11. Central Axis 2 Actuator Module 21 Coil Cover Module 211 Pressing Area 212 Pressing Area 22 Magnetic Drive Module 221 Magnetic armature, operating component 222 Magnetic Pole Core 223 Air gap 224 Spring Components 23 Coil Module 231 Magnetic Coil 232 Magnetic materials 233 Electrical Connector 3. Pilot Module 31 Pressing Area 32 Pilot-operated valve 33 Valve body, ball valve body 34 Main Module 341 Valve support, cone valve support 342 Guide Section 343 Radial outflow opening 344 is used for the recess of 35. 35. Throttling device, cover, fluid assembly 36 Fail-safe valve support 37. Spring components, coil springs 38 Fail-safe structural components 381 Bypass opening 4. Main Module 41 Pressing Area 42 Radial outflow opening 43 Main stage valve 431 Valve Body 432 Spring component, coil spring 433 Connecting parts / valve supports 434 Throttling device 5. Pioneer Space 6 Shock absorbers 61 Pressure Cylinder 62 Piston

Claims

1. A pressure regulating valve, the pressure regulating valve comprising a pilot stage valve having a ball valve body and preferably having a tapered support.

2. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pilot valve has a guide section for the ball valve body, and preferably has a modular body, particularly preferably a one-piece modular body, which has a tapered support and a guide section.

3. The pressure regulating valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - The pilot stage valve has a receiving section for accommodating a fluid assembly, particularly a throttle, the receiving section preferably having threads, and / or - The pilot valve has a fail-safe valve support, preferably located at the end of a pilot section positioned relative to a conical support, and preferably has a spring component that biases the ball valve body into the fail-safe valve support.

4. The pressure regulating valve according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of functional modules, preferably pre-installed functional modules, including an actuator module and a pilot stage module, the pilot stage module comprising or consisting of a pilot stage valve, wherein preferably the pilot stage module and the actuator module are securely interconnected via a press-fit connection, particularly securely interconnected specifically via a press-fit connection, and preferably having a central axis.

5. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 4 further includes a main stage module as another functional module, the main stage module being preferably securely connected to the actuator module or pilot stage module via a press connection, and / or the main stage module having a main stage valve, the main stage valve being configured as a piston slide valve or a support valve.

6. The pressure regulating valve according to any one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that: The pressure regulating valve is composed of or constructed specifically of functional modules, and / or is composed of or constructed at least of an actuator module, a pilot stage module and a main stage module, or is precisely composed of or constructed of an actuator module, a pilot stage module and a main stage module.

7. The pressure regulating valve according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The actuator module has an actuator with an actuator axis, wherein the actuator is preferably formed as a linear actuator and / or the actuator module has a cylindrical pressing area, which is particularly preferably arranged to be coaxial with the actuator axis.

8. The pressure regulating valve according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: Preamble module -Has a pilot-stage valve capable of preferably operating along the valve axis, and / or - It has a cylindrical pressing area that is preferably set coaxial with the valve axis.

9. The pressure regulating valve according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that: The actuator axis and the pilot valve axis form the common central axis of the pressure regulating valve.

10. The pressure regulating valve according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that: The actuator module's operating components are docked to the valve body of the pilot stage module for operating the pilot stage valve.

11. The pressure regulating valve according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that: The pressing connection between the main stage module and the actuator module or the pilot stage module is formed through a corresponding cylindrical pressing area, which is preferably set to be coaxial with the central axis.

12. The pressure regulating valve according to any one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that: The actuator module includes a coil module, a magnetic drive module, and a coil cover module, wherein preferably the coil module and the magnetic drive module are securely connected to the coil cover module via a press connection in each case, wherein each of the press connections is preferably formed by two corresponding cylindrical press areas, the two corresponding cylindrical press areas being particularly preferably arranged to be coaxial with the central axis, and / or wherein preferably no secure connection is provided between the coil module and the magnetic drive module, particularly preferably no press connection is provided.

13. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 12, characterized in that: The coil cover module is positioned centrally within the pressure regulating valve, and / or the coil cover module is securely connected to the pilot stage module, the main stage module, the coil module, and the magnetic drive module via a press-fit connection, and preferably the pilot stage module, the main stage module, the coil module, and the magnetic drive module do not have a secure connection to each other, preferably no press-fit connection.

14. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The magnetic drive module has a movable operating component or a movable magnetic armature and preferably has a magnetic pole core.

15. A shock absorber comprising one, two, or several pressure regulating valves according to any one of the preceding claims.

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