Valves and their manufacturing methods

Abstract

This application relates to valves and methods of manufacturing thereof, and particularly proposes a valve for an air spring, comprising a housing through which a central longitudinal axis passes and includes a channel, wherein the housing includes a first element and a second element connected by means of material joining in a first region and disposed abutting or adjacent to each other in a second region, wherein a sealing mechanism is provided in the channel to close the channel or reduce the effective opening cross-section of the channel, wherein the valve includes a channel element that at least partially guides or forms the channel, wherein the channel element is fixed within the housing in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and the channel element holds the sealing mechanism in a third region between itself and the second element, or the channel element is fixed in or above the first element in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and the channel element holds the sealing mechanism in a third region between itself and the first element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to valves and methods for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] Valves for filling volumetric spaces are known in practice. For example, such valves can be associated with the volumetric space of an air spring and allow or prevent airflow into the air spring volumetric space.

[0003] Air springs keep a vehicle at a constant level, regardless of its load. They allow the vehicle to be lowered at high speeds to improve aerodynamics and, consequently, driving range. Air springs also optimize airflow under the vehicle for cooling the passive batteries in electric vehicles. They protect the battery in poor road conditions and always ensure minimum ground clearance. As a suspension system for truck cabs, air springs keep the cab at a constant level, regardless of its weight or load. Because brakes in trucks are pneumatic, the air compressors used for the compressed air supply in trucks are much more powerful than those used in passenger cars. If the air compressor designated for braking is also used for the compressed air supply of the air springs, the system will be robust and durable, but not necessarily low-pressure-fluctuation, despite having sufficient compressed air.

[0004] Valves are used in air springs, for example, as disclosed in DE 102011114570B4. Valves are used here to supply air from an air supply device into the air spring volume space and to discharge air from the air spring volume space to the environment.

[0005] A valve for an air spring is also known in practice, comprising a housing with a passage, wherein the housing includes a first element and a second element. These two elements are connected in a first region by a weld and abut against each other in a second region. A resilient sealing mechanism is disposed within the passage, capable of closing the passage. In the case of this valve, the sealing mechanism is clamped between the first and second elements by a clamping force, wherein the clamping force is generated by an installation clamping force applied to the two objects when they are welded together in the first region. The installation clamping force determines the clamping force, and the weld fixes the clamping force. However, this structure has problems.

[0006] In other words, the weld must not only provide a system seal but also withstand clamping forces. This necessitates continuous weld cooling until the clamping forces can be maintained by the weld. Therefore, post-weld cooling time must be considered before the external clamping forces on the two housing components can be released. Furthermore, the weld is permanently subjected to the clamping forces of the sealing mechanism during operation, which increases the risk of leakage if the weld is not perfectly sealed.

[0007] Furthermore, this structure requires costly undercut dies when manufacturing individual housing components because the laterally extending flow openings cannot be produced using simple "opening dies." Therefore, flow openings optimized for flow technology can only be achieved to a limited extent, as this geometry must be manufactured through undercut die drawing. Side recesses, which could be conceived for example by rounding the opening inside to avoid flow noise or arrow noise, cannot be manufactured using such tooling concepts. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a valve that can be manufactured in a less costly and robust manner, wherein an improved and fixed sealing mechanism is also provided.

[0009] According to the present invention, a valve for an air spring is provided, comprising a housing through which a central longitudinal axis passes and includes a channel, wherein the housing includes a first element and a second element joined by means of material in a first region and disposed abutting or adjacent to each other in a second region, wherein a sealing mechanism is provided in the channel for closing the channel or reducing the effective opening cross-section of the channel, wherein the valve includes a channel element that at least partially guides or forms the channel, wherein...

[0010] - Either the channel element is fixed within the housing in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner, and the channel element retains the sealing mechanism within a third region between itself and the second element.

[0011] - Either the channel element is fixed in or on the first element in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and the channel element holds the sealing mechanism in a third area between itself and the first element.

[0012] According to the invention, a channel element is provided for retaining the sealing mechanism, and the channel element is also fixed by form-fit and / or force-fit in a manner consistent with the invention. This fixation involves no material contact; that is, the sealing mechanism is at least partially, preferably entirely, held by it through form-fit and / or material-fit fixation. Therefore, the fixation determines the holding force and clamping force thereby holding and clamping the sealing mechanism in place.

[0013] The channel element simultaneously overcomes several existing technical problems.

[0014] The channel element is a separate component, particularly relative to the first and second elements of the housing. Thus, the channel element supporting the sealing mechanism can be easily manufactured, for example using an open mold, to produce relatively complex channel geometries, especially those with lateral recesses about the central longitudinal axis. This provides greater design flexibility regarding the flow orifice or its design to prevent potential flow noise. "Open mold" should refer, for example, to an injection mold used for plastic injection molding, which may not have separate inserts, sliders, corrugated cores, etc.

[0015] Furthermore, material bonding or welding on the channel elements can be eliminated, thus eliminating the disadvantages associated with such material bonding.

[0016] Furthermore, the channel element maintains the sealing mechanism, and the first element's fixation to the second element does not affect the clamping force used for the sealing mechanism. Therefore, the first and second elements can be inexpensively and permanently joined together, for example, by welding or bonding. This also results in a seal. Conversely, the clamping force does not affect the material-joint connection. Because a clamping force does not need to be applied simultaneously, the processes used to create material-joint connections, especially welding, are designed to be faster and more durable. A material-joint connection can be a weld because it is easy to install, durable, and provides good sealing performance. A material-joint connection can also be an adhesive because it is easy to manufacture, durable, and provides good sealing performance.

[0017] Two alternative solutions are proposed here, both of which produce the same advantages.

[0018] It is conceivable that a first element forms or has an inlet, and / or a second or third element forms or has an outlet. Thus, this portion can result in a valve with optimized structural space due to functional integration. A channel can be arranged between the inlet and the outlet. The channel can guide the fluid path. The area can be different areas. The valve can be a pressure regulating valve, as the advantages of the invention are particularly evident in this case. The valve includes a sealing mechanism. This sealing mechanism can be a residual pressure resistant sealing mechanism, preferably a diaphragm. The sealing mechanism can be designed as a disc or annular plate. The first element, second element, third element, sealing mechanism, and / or channel element can be separately manufactured components. The first element and / or the second element and / or the third element can be housing components.

[0019] It is conceivable that the channel element is made of plastic material, preferably thermoplastic material, and preferably injection molded. This allows for the simple and inexpensive manufacture of channel elements with complementary shapes. Furthermore, plastic materials, due to their inherent elasticity, are well-suited for fixation through elastic deformation via shape-fitting and / or force-transferring mechanisms. The channel element can therefore be easily locked or secured, for example.

[0020] According to an improved embodiment of the valve, the channel element may have a channel portion on at least one of its outer surfaces, which guides or forms a channel, and / or the channel element has at least one lateral recess about a central longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the channel element may be an end side or a circumferential side. The channel element allows for simple manufacturing and complex geometries without the need for expensive manufacturing tools. It is conceivable that the channel portion on the circumferential side is defined by the channel element and a first and / or second element, preferably within a cross-sectional plane or longitudinal plane about the channel portion or the fluid path it guides. Thus, the channel portion is not necessarily formed over the entire circumference of the channel element. The portion adjacent to the channel element can also be formed together with the channel portion, thereby saving structural space.

[0021] According to an improvement of the valve according to the invention, the channel element is designed as a disc or annular shape. Here, the height of the channel element can be significantly smaller than its outer diameter. Thus, the channel element can also be designed in a structurally space-optimized manner and can also be placed in a generally circular orifice, for example, within a second element.

[0022] According to an improvement of the valve according to the invention, the channel element may have a locking groove or locking protrusion on at least one of its outer surfaces, and the retaining element for the channel element may have the other of the locking groove and locking protrusion, wherein the locking groove and locking protrusion are so securely fitted that the sealing mechanism is thus held in the third region. Preferably, the locking groove or locking protrusion is preferably arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the channel element. Preferably, the locking groove or locking protrusion is preferably arranged around the inner peripheral surface of the first element and / or the second element. With the aid of the groove-protrusion connection or locking connection, the channel element can be locked in a simple manner without requiring complex methods. It has been shown that such a fixation is sufficient to conveniently hold the sealing mechanism while simultaneously simplifying installation as much as possible. The retaining element may, for example, be the first element or the second element.

[0023] According to a conceivable improvement of the valve of the present invention, the locking protrusion can be designed to be integrally formed with the channel element or the fixing element, i.e., constructed from a single piece and / or a uniform material. This reduces manufacturing costs. However, it is also conceivable that the locking protrusion is made of a different material from that associated with the channel element or the fixing element, for example, an elastomeric material. Thus, the locking protrusion can serve not only a fixing function but also a sealing function.

[0024] According to a conceivable improvement of the valve of the invention, the channel element may have a channel portion whose cross-section is designed as a fan-shaped, arc-shaped, or annular segment. In the case of an annular segment or annular segment shape, the outer limiting annulus may be the outer periphery of the channel element, and / or the inner limiting annulus may be the inner periphery of the channel element, the through portion, and / or the central space, or the annular segment may be completely surrounded by the material of the channel element, or the wall of the channel portion may be entirely constructed of the material of the channel element. The fan-shaped, arc-shaped, or annular segment shape may extend about the central longitudinal axis through an angle range of 180°, preferably 90°. Preferably, the channel portion extends parallel to the outer periphery of the channel element. This channel portion is designed to produce structural elasticity in the channel element. Therefore, the channel element can be further improved to be fixed by its own elastic deformation in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. The channel element can therefore be locked in a simple manner, for example.

[0025] According to an improvement of the valve according to the invention, the locking groove can be a fan-shaped groove, a V-shaped groove, or a triangular groove in longitudinal section, and / or the locking protrusion can be a fan-shaped locking protrusion, a V-shaped locking protrusion, or a hook in longitudinal section. Advantageously, the corresponding groove and the corresponding locking protrusion form a locking pair. This geometry can be produced in a simple manner, yet is suitable for ensuring the retention of the sealing mechanism and the limitation of the clamping force for a long period.

[0026] According to an improvement of the valve according to the invention, the channel element may have a through portion through which an annular flange may protrude or be inserted, wherein, in particular, the annular flange may have a sealing surface that can abut against a sealing mechanism. The annular flange is surrounded by the valve, and preferably, the first element has the annular flange. The through portion may extend through the channel element along the central longitudinal axis, preferably parallel to or concentric with the central longitudinal axis. Thus, a sealing mechanism that can be disposed on one side of the channel element can abut against the annular flange, and the annular flange can be disposed on the opposite side of the channel element. It is conceivable that the sealing mechanism is normally closed, i.e., sealing against the annular flange without external force.

[0027] According to an improved embodiment of the valve, the second element may have a first segment with a first diameter on its inner circumferential side, in which the first element is disposed, preferably against a first surface, and / or the second element has a second segment with a second diameter on its inner circumferential side, in which the channel element is disposed, preferably against a second surface. It is also conceivable that the second element has an inner circumferential segment with a second diameter, in which a pre-installed assembly, preferably consisting of a sealing mechanism, a channel element, and the first element, is disposed, preferably against a surface. Thus, the second element can be designed in a stepped shape, wherein the respective shoulders and surfaces can serve as installation aids and / or positioning aids to define the final position during installation. This significantly simplifies the installation and eliminates the need for other position indication mechanisms that are certainly mandatory in the prior art. In particular, it is not necessary to apply axial force to the housing when the first element is against the first surface to ensure a material bonding connection between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The two diameters are therefore preferably different. For the purpose of forming a valve with optimized structural space, it is conceivable that the two segments are axially connected to each other. The segments also have another advantage. Because they define the installation depth of the first element, they prevent, in any case, from being inserted too deeply into the corresponding section, which would cause force to be applied to the channel element, thus undesirably altering the clamping force used for the sealing mechanism.

[0028] According to an improvement of the valve according to the invention, the channel element may be retracted relative to or at most flush with the first surface in the direction of the central longitudinal axis and / or the two elements may preferably abut against each other without pressure in the second region, and / or the first element and the channel element abut against each other without pressure. It is also conceivable that the channel element abuts against the second element without pressure, which is particularly advantageous when designing assemblies having a channel element and a first element. Here, the respective advantages of each design also focus on the constant clamping force for the sealing mechanism, and that the material-joint connection does not have to be subjected to axial loads due to clamping force during its occurrence, for example, during adhesive hardening or weld solidification. Instead, the material-joint connection can remain smooth outside any device or mounting equipment, independent of axial force. Therefore, shorter cycle times can be achieved within the mounting equipment. Furthermore, the quality of the material-joint connection is significantly independent of cycle time.

[0029] According to an improved embodiment of the valve, the channel element may have a central space, wherein the central space at least partially guides or forms a channel, wherein the central space is preferably open toward the first element and / or the second element and / or optionally to be open, wherein the central space is preferably arranged coaxially with respect to a central longitudinal axis. This central space has the advantage that the channel element and the first element do not necessarily have a predetermined relative orientation. The channel portion from the first element can easily enter the central space, completely independent of the relative angular position of the channel element and the first element with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The channel portion may preferably protrude from the central space at an angle to the central longitudinal axis. The penetrating portion may at least partially form the central space.

[0030] According to a conceivable improvement of the valve of the present invention, the first element, the third element, the sealing mechanism, and / or the channel element can be designed to be rotationally symmetric about an axis, preferably a central longitudinal axis, and more preferably mathematically rotationally symmetric. Rotation at any angle self-determines the first / third element, the sealing mechanism, and / or the channel element. This allows for the low-cost manufacture of geometrically simple components, whose installation and final position after installation are independent.

[0031] In a contemplated improvement to the valve according to the invention, the channel element and / or the first element may have a groove for the sealing mechanism. This allows the position of the sealing mechanism during pre-installation or installation to be determined and prevents slippage.

[0032] In a contemplated improvement of the valve according to the invention, the first element may have a support ring against which a channel element can abut. Thus, the channel element can be finely configured because it can be supported by the support ring. The support ring may have a groove for a sealing mechanism. The support ring may be positioned on the circumferential side of an annular flange. An annular space may be formed between the annular flange and the support ring, which at least partially guides or forms a channel.

[0033] According to a conceivable improvement of the valve of the invention, a first element, a channel element, and a sealing mechanism held therebetween in a third region form a single assembly. The assembly and its independent pre-installation outside the second element demonstrate the advantages of a modular construction, as one assembly can be used for multiple second elements of different designs without modification.

[0034] According to the present invention, a method for manufacturing a valve according to the present invention is provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0035] - Provides a first element, a second element, a sealing mechanism, and a channel element.

[0036] - The channel element is connected to one of the two elements by a form fit and / or a force-transmitting fit, such that the sealing mechanism is held in a third region between the channel element and the corresponding element of the two elements.

[0037] - In the first region, the other of the two elements is connected to the element connected to the channel element by means of a material bonding connection.

[0038] - In this case, the two components are placed close to or adjacent to each other in the second region.

[0039] The advantages of this method, which have been described above regarding the valve, are also obtained similarly and are referred to herein.

[0040] It is conceivable that, according to the first alternative, the sealing mechanism can be installed separately from the channel element into the housing or the second element during installation, wherein the channel element can then be installed separately from or within the sealing mechanism. The channel element is then secured in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner to hold the sealing mechanism in the third region. Here, a stacked installation of the two parts occurs. It is also conceivable that the sealing mechanism is first placed on or within the channel element during pre-installation to form an assembly. The sealing mechanism-channel element-assembly can then be secured in the housing or the second element in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner to hold the sealing mechanism in the third region. The first element can then be placed in or on the housing or the second element and connected by a material joining method, such as by means of a weld.

[0041] It is conceivable that, according to the second alternative, pre-installation for forming the assembly can be performed such that the sealing mechanism, by form-fitting and / or force-fitting, holds the channel element within or at the first element in a third region between the channel element and the first element. Thus, an assembly can first be formed from the sealing mechanism, the channel element, and the first element. This assembly can then be placed within or on the housing or the second element and connected to the housing or the second element, for example, by means of a weld. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention are derived from the wording of the claims and the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0043] Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention of the first embodiment is shown;

[0044] Figure 2 The manufacturing steps of the valve according to the first embodiment are shown;

[0045] Figure 3 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention in the second embodiment is shown;

[0046] Figure 4 The manufacturing steps of the valve according to the invention according to the third embodiment are shown; and

[0047] Figure 5 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention in the third embodiment is shown.

[0048] In the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals and therefore will not be repeated unless it is inappropriate. Features already described will not be repeated to avoid duplication and may be applied to all components with the same or corresponding reference numerals unless explicitly excluded. All disclosures contained in the description are applicable, in their meaning, to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names. Locational descriptions chosen in the description, such as above, below, or side, also relate to the drawings just described and shown and are applied, in their meaning, to new locations as the location changes. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described may also be independent, inventive, or solutions according to the invention.

[0049] List of reference numerals

[0050] 2 Valve 90 weld

[0051] 4. Shell 91 weld

[0052] 7 First Element 92 First Region

[0053] 9 Second Element 94 Second Region

[0054] Channel 10, Area 96, Third Zone

[0055] 14 First valve port 98 Locking groove

[0056] 16 Second valve port 100 locking protrusion

[0057] 18 Third valve port 102 Penetration section

[0058] 20. Environmental Section 104

[0059] 28 Sealing mechanism 106 Surface

[0060] 28a Working surface 108 section

[0061] 28b Working surface 109 section

[0062] 32 Adjustment mechanism 110 Surface

[0063] 32a Hollow cylindrical part 111 Surface

[0064] 32b Bottom 112 Third Component

[0065] 36 Spring 114 Center Space

[0066] 38 Annular Flange 116 Component

[0067] 40 air spring volume space 118 sealing ring

[0068] 42 Back pressure chamber 120 Container

[0069] 44 Sub-channel 122 Support ring

[0070] 68 Sealing surface 126 Annular space

[0071] 72 Channel Element A Inlet

[0072] 72b Channel Section B Flow Outlet

[0073] 72c Channel section Z-center longitudinal axis Detailed Implementation

[0074] Figure 1 A longitudinal section view of the valve 2 according to the invention, as a first embodiment of a pressure regulating valve, is shown.

[0075] Valve 2 includes a housing 4 through which a central longitudinal axis Z passes. The housing 4 includes a first element 7, a second element 9, and a third element 112 (housing component). The first element 7 is connected to the second element 9 by a weld 90 formed in a first region 92. This weld 90 seals the valve 2. In the second region 94, the two elements 7 and 9 may be arranged abutting or adjacent to each other. The third element 112 is connected to the second element 9 by a weld 91. This weld 91 seals the valve 2. The first element 7 forms an inlet A or has an inlet, and the third element 112 forms an outlet B or has an outlet. The inlet A and outlet B may be interchanged depending on the direction of fluid flow or the direction of the fluid path. Additionally, the first element 7 has a second valve port 16, and the third element 112 has a first valve port 14. Between valve ports 14 and 16, a passage 10 passes through the housing 4, guiding the fluid path. The first valve port 14 is fluidly connected to the air spring volume space 40. The first element 7 has an annular flange 38 projecting at its end. On the end side, the annular flange 38 has a sealing surface 68. The second element 9 has a back pressure chamber 42, which is connected to the third valve port 18 via a secondary channel 44. Therefore, the back pressure chamber 42 is in fluid communication with the environment 20 of the valve 2.

[0076] Furthermore, valve 2 includes a disc-shaped sealing mechanism 28 disposed within the passage 10. This sealing mechanism 28 can selectively close the passage 10 or reduce the effective opening cross-section of the passage 10. The sealing mechanism 28 is a diaphragm-like, pressure-resistant sealing mechanism. The sealing mechanism 28 has a first working surface 28a and a second working surface 28b. When no external force is applied, the sealing mechanism 28 tightly abuts against the sealing surface 68 of the annular flange 38, and the passage 10 is closed.

[0077] Valve 2 also includes a disc-shaped channel element 72 designed as an injection-molded part. On its outer periphery, channel element 72 has a fan-shaped surrounding locking protrusion 100 in longitudinal section, designed to be integral with channel element 72 and form-fitted into a fan-shaped surrounding locking groove 98 on the inner periphery of the second element 9, so as to secure channel element 72 by locking connection. The second element 9 is a fixed fitting member here. Channel element 72 has a through portion 102 into which an annular flange 38 protrudes. The through portion 102 extends through channel element 72 along and concentrically with the central longitudinal axis Z. Channel element 72 also includes a central space 114 defined on its outer periphery by the through portion 102, on its inner periphery by the annular flange 38, and axially defined at one end by a sealing mechanism 28 and at the other end by the first element 7. The central space 114 is arranged coaxially with respect to the central longitudinal axis Z. The central space 114 is partially guided by the channel 10 and is open towards the first element 7 or is to be opened by the sealing mechanism 28. The channel portion 72c protrudes perpendicularly from the central space 114 about the central longitudinal axis Z. The channel portion 72c at least partially guides or forms the channel 10 and is disposed on the outer side of the end face of the channel element 72. It can be seen that the channel portion 72c is defined by the channel element 72 and the first element 7 on the circumferential side. In addition to the channel portion 72c, the channel element 72 also has another channel portion 72b in fluid communication with the channel portion 72c. The cross-section of the channel portion 72b is designed as a fan-shaped, arc-shaped, or annular partial shape, so that the outer periphery of the channel element 72 can be elastically radially pressed inward to obtain a form fit. The wall of the channel portion 72b is entirely made of the same material as the channel element 72.

[0078] The sealing mechanism 28 is held within the third region 96 by a locking connection between the channel element 72 and the second element 9. The locking connection determines the clamping force of the sealing mechanism 28. For the sealing mechanism 28, the channel element 72 has a receiving groove 120.

[0079] The second element 9 has a first segment 104 with a first diameter on its inner circumferential side, in which the first element 7 is disposed. The first element 7 abuts against the first surface 106. Additionally, the second element 9 has a second segment 108 with a second diameter on its inner circumferential side, in which a channel element 72 is disposed. The channel element 72 can abut against the second surface 110.

[0080] The channel element 72 is arranged flush with the first surface 106 at most in the direction of the central longitudinal axis Z. The first element 7 and the channel element 72 are in contact with each other without pressure, just like the first element 7 and the second element 9.

[0081] An adjusting mechanism 32 is provided within the back pressure chamber 42, which is movable along the central longitudinal axis Z. It is guided by the second element 9 for this purpose. The adjusting mechanism 32 has a hollow cylindrical portion 32a for its guidance and placement within the back pressure chamber 42. Furthermore, the adjusting mechanism 32 has a bottom 32b. The adjusting mechanism 32 can therefore be designed in a canister shape. The bottom 32b abuts against the working surface 28a of the sealing mechanism 28. A spring 36 is also provided within the back pressure chamber 42 as a force storage mechanism. The spring 36 is of the helical compression spring type. One end of the spring 36 is supported on the adjusting mechanism 32 or its bottom 32b, and the other end is supported on the second element 9. The sealing mechanism 28 is thus pre-tightened to the annular flange 38 until it reaches the closed position, opposite to the spring force of the spring 36. The protrusion of the sealing surface 68 on the annular flange 38 is achieved by pressure acting on the working surface 28b, opposite to the spring force and perhaps also opposite to the pressure present in the back pressure chamber 42.

[0082] Valve 2 is installed into component 116, which is not further specified, with a sealing ring 118 provided between them. Component 116 may be, for example, an air spring.

[0083] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 One manufacturing step in the manufacturing method of valve 2.

[0084] The "sealing mechanism 28 - channel element 72 - assembly" is pre-installed outside the second element 9 and then installed inside the second element 9 via a locking connection. The channel element 72 is then secured in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner and holds the sealing mechanism 28 in the third region 96. At this point, a holding force is applied and the clamping force of the sealing mechanism 28 is finally secured. It is now shown that the first element 7 is then inserted into the second element 9 along the arrow and welded to the second element 9 after positioning to surface 106 is completed. This forms weld 90.

[0085] Figure 3 The central longitudinal section of valve 2 according to the invention, as a second embodiment of a pressure regulating valve, is shown.

[0086] To avoid repetition, the following will only describe... Figure 3 and Figure 1 The difference lies in the fact that undescribed features should be considered as already disclosed and described.

[0087] It can be seen that the second element 9 is no longer designed as a stepped shape on the inner circumference side, but only has a section 109 with a diameter for the channel element 72 and the first element 7. Here, the first element 7 and the channel element 72 are pressed against each other without pressure so as not to change the clamping force fixed by the sealing mechanism 28.

[0088] Figure 4 A manufacturing step of the manufacturing method of the valve 2 according to the present invention, as a third embodiment of a pressure regulating valve, is shown.

[0089] To avoid repetition, the following will only describe... Figure 4 and Figure 1 The difference lies in the fact that features not described should be considered as already disclosed and described.

[0090] Now, the channel element 72 is no longer fixed to the second element 9 by means of a locking connection, but is fixed to the first element 7. The first element 7 is a fixed fit here. In addition, the sealing mechanism 28 is now held within the third region 96 between the channel element 72 and the first element 7. For this purpose, the "sealing mechanism 28-channel element 72-first element 7-assembly" is pre-installed outside the second element 9. Figure 4 The image shows the component being installed into section 109 along the arrow.

[0091] It can also be seen that the second element 9 is no longer designed as a stepped shape on the inner circumference side, but only has a segment 109 with a diameter for the component.

[0092] The first element 7 has a support ring 122 on the circumferential side of the annular flange 38, and the channel element 72 abuts against the support ring and extends beyond it on its end side. The support ring 122 now has a groove 120 for the sealing mechanism 28. The sealing mechanism 28 is held between the first element 7 and the channel element 72. The support ring 122 is arranged on the circumferential side of the annular flange 38 and is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis Z. An annular space 124 is formed between the annular flange 38 and the support ring 122, which at least partially guides or forms the channel 10. Furthermore, the annular space 124 is defined by the sealing mechanism 28.

[0093] The channel element 72 also includes a central space 114, which is defined on the outer peripheral side by a through portion 102 or a support ring 122, on the inner peripheral side by an annular flange 38, and is axially defined at one end by a sealing mechanism 28 and at the other end by a first element 7.

[0094] Figure 5 The third embodiment of valve 2, in the form of a pressure regulating valve, is shown in its final manufactured or installed form.

[0095] The component can then be positioned or moved into section 109 of the second element 9. Once the first element 7 abuts against surface 111 of the second element 9, the component can be in its final position. In this final position, the channel element 72 and the second element 9 can abut against each other without pressure. This does not change the clamping force of the sealing mechanism 28 that was previously fixed during the pre-installation of the component.

[0096] The first element 7 is now shown being welded to the second element 9 after positioning to surface 111 is completed. This forms a weld 90.

[0097] Pre-installation refers to the process by which this component is manufactured. After pre-installation, the component may be complete. Installation refers to the process by which a part or assembly is determined at its operational destination or target location to form valve 2.

[0098] This invention is not limited to one of the described embodiments, but can be modified in a wide variety of ways. All features and advantages derived from the claims, description, and drawings, including structural details, spatial arrangements, and method steps, are important to the invention not only individually but also in various different combinations.

[0099] All combinations of at least two features disclosed in the specification, claims and / or drawings fall within the scope of this invention.

[0100] To avoid duplication, features disclosed in relation to the apparatus should also be considered as disclosed in relation to the method and are therefore claimable. Similarly, features disclosed in relation to the method should be considered as disclosed in relation to the apparatus and are therefore claimable.

Claims

1. A valve for an air spring, the valve comprising a housing (4) through which a central longitudinal axis (Z) passes and includes a channel (10), wherein, The housing (4) includes a first element (7) and a second element (9), which are connected by material bonding in a first region (92) and placed close to each other or adjacent to each other in a second region (94). A sealing mechanism (28) capable of closing the channel (10) or reducing the effective opening cross-section of the channel (10) is provided in the channel (10). The valve (2) includes a channel element (72) that at least partially guides or forms the channel (10), wherein the channel element (72) is fixed within the housing (4) by form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, and the channel element (72) holds the sealing mechanism (28) within the housing (4). The channel element (72) is fixed in or on the first element (7) in a third region (96) between itself and the second element (9), or the channel element (72) is fixed in or on the first element (7) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, and the channel element (72) holds the sealing mechanism (28) in the third region (96) between itself and the first element (7), wherein the channel element (72) has at least one of its outer surfaces a locking groove (98) or a locking protrusion (100), and the fixing fitting for the channel element (72) has another element in the locking groove (98) and the locking protrusion (100), wherein the locking groove (98) and the locking protrusion (100) are fixedly embedded in each other.

2. The valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel element (72) has at least one channel portion (72c) on one of its outer surfaces that guides or forms the channel (10), and / or the channel element (72) has at least one lateral recess about the central longitudinal axis (Z).

3. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The channel element (72) is designed to be disc-shaped or ring-shaped.

4. The valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking groove (98) and the locking protrusion (100) are fixedly embedded in each other, that is, the sealing mechanism (28) is thus held in the third region (96).

5. The valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking groove (98) is a fan-shaped groove, a V-shaped groove or a triangular groove in longitudinal section, and / or the locking protrusion (100) is a fan-shaped locking protrusion, a V-shaped locking protrusion or a locking hook in longitudinal section.

6. The valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel element (72) has a penetrating portion (102) through which an annular flange (38) passes or protrudes, wherein the annular flange (38) has a sealing surface (68) that can abut against the sealing mechanism (28).

7. The valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second element (9) has a first segment (104) with a first diameter on its inner circumferential side, the first element (7) being disposed in the first segment, and / or, the second element (9) has a second segment (108) with a second diameter on its inner circumferential side, the channel element (72) being disposed in the second segment.

8. The valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first element (7) is disposed against the first surface (106), and / or the channel element (72) is disposed against the second surface (110).

9. The valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The channel element (72) is retracted relative to the first surface (106) or flush with the first surface (106) in the direction of the central longitudinal axis (Z), and / or the first element (7) and the second element (9) are in contact with each other without pressure, and / or the first element (7) and the channel element (72) are in contact with each other without pressure.

10. The valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel element (72) has at least a central space (114) that partially guides or forms the channel (10), the central space (114) being open and / or optionally to be open relative to the first element (7) and / or the second element (9) arranged coaxially to the central longitudinal axis (Z).

11. A method for manufacturing a valve (2), the method comprising the following steps: a. Provides a first element (7), a second element (9), a sealing mechanism (28), and a channel element (72), b. The channel element (72) is connected to one of the first element (7) and the second element (9) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, such that the sealing mechanism (28) is held in the third region (96) between the channel element (72) and the corresponding element of the first element (7) and the second element (9). c. By means of material bonding, another element of the first element (7) and the second element (9) is connected in the first region (92) to the element connected to the channel element (72). d. Among them, The first element (7) and the second element (9) are placed close to or adjacent to each other within the second region (94). The channel element (72) has at least one locking groove (98) or locking protrusion (100) on one of its outer surfaces, and the fixing fitting for the channel element (72) has another element in the locking groove (98) and locking protrusion (100), wherein the locking groove (98) and locking protrusion (100) are fixedly embedded in each other.

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