Open drain base valve

Abstract

A damper assembly includes a pressure tube defining a first chamber and a piston movable within the first chamber. The damper assembly includes a reservoir tube defining a second chamber. The damper assembly includes a cylinder end attached to the pressure tube, the cylinder end defining a passage in fluid communication with the first and second chambers. The damper assembly includes an orifice disk attached to the cylinder end and defining an opening in fluid communication with the passage. The damper assembly includes a check disk attached to the cylinder end, the check disk movable from a first position spaced apart from the orifice disk to a second position abutting the orifice disk. Movement of the piston within the first chamber causes fluid to flow between the first and second chambers via the passage of the cylinder end. The check disk and the orifice disk limit such fluid flow rate.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority and all benefits to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 175,972, filed February 15, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Dampers are typically used in conjunction with automotive suspension systems or other suspension systems to control the movement of a vehicle's wheels relative to the vehicle body. To control movement, a damper is usually connected between the sprung (body) mass and the unsprung (suspension / drivetrain) mass of the vehicle. Each damper controls the movement of the corresponding wheel by restricting the flow of fluid into, out of, and / or between its working chambers. This fluid movement is caused by the movement of a piston within the damper's pressure tube, for example, when the damper moves toward a compressed or extended position. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a vehicle with multiple damper assemblies.

[0005] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of one of the damper components in the damper assembly.

[0006] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the cylinder end assembly of the damper assembly.

[0007] Figure 4 This is a top perspective view of the cylinder end of the cylinder end assembly.

[0008] Figure 5 This is a bottom perspective view of the cylinder end of the cylinder end assembly.

[0009] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the damper assembly taken from line 6-6.

[0010] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the damper assembly taken from line 7-7.

[0011] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view is shown, illustrating the first fluid flow path as the damper assembly moves toward the compression position.

[0012] Figure 9 This is a diagram of the force response curve of the damper assembly moving toward the compression position, and the diagram identifies the first part of the curve.

[0013] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view is shown, and the first fluid flow path is illustrated when the damper assembly moves toward the compression position and the fluid velocity and / or pressure difference is above a first threshold.

[0014] Figure 11 This is a diagram of the force response curve of the damper assembly moving toward the compression position, and the diagram identifies the second part of the curve.

[0015] Figure 12 yes Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shows the second fluid flow path when the damper assembly moves toward the compression position and the fluid velocity and / or pressure difference is above the second threshold.

[0016] Figure 13 This is a diagram of the force response curve of the damper assembly moving toward the compression position, and the diagram identifies the third part of the curve.

[0017] Figure 14 yes Figure 6 The cross-sectional view shows a third fluid flow path when the damper assembly moves toward the extended position and the fluid velocity and / or pressure difference is above the second threshold. Detailed Implementation

[0018] A damper assembly for controlling the movement of a vehicle's wheels includes a cylinder end assembly that controls fluid flow between fluid chambers of the damper assembly. The damper assembly includes a pressure tube defining a first chamber and a piston movable within the first chamber. The damper assembly includes a reservoir tube defining a second chamber. The cylinder end assembly includes a cylinder end attached to the pressure tube, defining a passage in fluid communication with the first and second chambers. The cylinder end assembly includes an orifice plate attached to the cylinder end and defining an opening in fluid communication with the passage. The cylinder end assembly includes a check plate attached to the cylinder end, movable from a first position spaced apart from the orifice plate to a second position adjacent to the orifice plate.

[0019] The damper assembly provides variable and tunable drag and can be configured to provide a desired responsive force that resists movement of the damper assembly depending on the speed and direction of movement (e.g., toward an extended or compressed position). For example, movement of the piston within the first chamber causes fluid to flow between the first and second chambers via a passage at the cylinder end. A check plate and an orifice plate limit this fluid flow rate by reducing the size of the opening through which fluid can flow. This fluid flow causes the check plate to flex toward the orifice plate, thereby reducing the size of the opening and the amount of fluid that can flow through it.

[0020] refer to Figure 1 The exemplary vehicle 20 includes a plurality of exemplary damper assemblies 30. Vehicle 20 can be any suitable type of wheeled vehicle, such as a passenger or commercial vehicle, including sedans, sports cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers, vans, minivans, taxis, buses, motorcycles, etc. For example, vehicle 20 can be an autonomous vehicle. In other words, vehicle 20 can operate autonomously, allowing it to be driven without continuous driver attention, i.e., vehicle 20 can drive itself without human input.

[0021] Vehicle 20 includes a body 22 and a frame. The body 22 and frame may be a monolithic construction. In a monolithic construction, the body 22 (e.g., door sills) serves as the frame, and the body 22 (including door sills, struts, roof rails, etc.) is an integral, continuous, monolithic unit. As another example, the body 22 and frame may have a body-on-frame construction (also known as a cab-on-frame construction). In other words, the body 22 and frame are separate components, i.e., modular, and the body 22 is supported on and attached to the frame. Alternatively, the body 22 and frame may have any suitable construction. The body 22 and / or frame may be formed from any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, etc. Vehicle 20 includes wheels 24 that control the movement of vehicle 20 relative to the ground supporting vehicle 20 (e.g., acceleration, deceleration, steering, etc.). The vertical movement of wheel 24 relative to body 22 affects the amount of traction between wheel 24 and the ground, as well as the amount of vertical acceleration of body 22 experienced by passengers of vehicle 20 when vehicle 20 is traveling on bumpy or uneven surfaces, such as the riding sensation experienced by occupants.

[0022] The damper assembly 30 is typically used in conjunction with a vehicle suspension system or other suspension system to control the movement of the wheels 24 of the vehicle 20 relative to the body 22 of the vehicle 20. To control the movement, the damper assembly 30 is typically connected between the sprung (e.g., body 22) mass and the unsprung (e.g., suspension / drivetrain components) mass of the vehicle 20.

[0023] refer to Figure 2 The damper assembly 30 can move from a compressed position to an extended position and vice versa. The distance between the ends 32 of the damper assembly 30 in the compressed position is less than the distance between the ends of the damper assembly in the extended position. A spring or the like can push the damper assembly 30 to the extended position. A force applied to the wheels 24 of the vehicle 20 (e.g., from bumps, potholes, etc.) can push the damper assembly 30 to the compressed position.

[0024] The damper assembly 30 defines an axis A1. The axis A1 extends between the ends 32 of the damper assembly 30. The damper assembly 30 may extend along the axis A1. As used herein, the terms “axially,” “radially,” and “circumferentially” are relative to the axis A1 defined by the damper assembly 30.

[0025] The damper assembly 30 includes a pressure tube 34 defining a first chamber 36. For example, the pressure tube 34 may be hollow and tubular, enclosing the first chamber 36 therein. The first chamber 36 is surrounded by the pressure tube 34. Axially spaced ends 38 of the pressure tube 34 may further define the first chamber 36. The first chamber 36 is filled with fluid (e.g., an incompressible hydraulic fluid). Movement of the damper assembly 30 (e.g., to an extended or compressed position) may increase and / or decrease the fluid pressure in the pressure tube 34. The pressure tube 34 may extend along an axis A1 of the damper assembly 30. The pressure tube 34 may define an opening 40 that allows fluid to flow into and / or out of the first chamber 36. The opening 40 may extend radially from an inner surface of the pressure tube 34 to an outer surface of the pressure tube 34. The opening 40 may be axially located between and spaced apart from the ends 38 of the pressure tube 34. The pressure tube 34 may be metallic or any suitable material.

[0026] The damper assembly 30 includes a rod 42 extending away from and movable relative to the pressure tube 34. The rod 42 is elongated along an axis A1 of the damper assembly 30. The rod 42 moves relative to the pressure tube 34 as the damper assembly 30 moves toward a compressed or extended position. The rod 42 extends from within a first chamber 36 of the pressure tube 34 to outside the first chamber 36.

[0027] The damper assembly 30 includes a piston 44 that divides a first chamber 36 of the pressure tube 34 into a compression sub-chamber 46 and a rebound sub-chamber 48, specifically, a compression sub-chamber 46 located on one side of the piston 44 along axis A1 and a rebound sub-chamber 48 located on the opposite side of the piston 44. The piston 44 is movable within the pressure tube 34 along axis A1. The piston 44 may be attached to a rod 42 such that the piston 44 and the rod 42 move simultaneously when the damper assembly 30 moves toward a compressed or extended position. The outer circumferential surface of the piston 44 may seal to the inner surface of the pressure tube 34. The piston 44 may include one or more channels that allow fluid to flow between the compression sub-chamber 46 and the rebound sub-chamber 48. One or more discs may be attached to the piston 44 to control the flow of fluid through such channels.

[0028] The sliding of piston 44 along axis A1 alters the volumes of compression chamber 46 and rebound chamber 48. For example, when damper assembly 30 moves toward the compression position, the volume of compression chamber 46 may decrease, and the volume of rebound chamber 48 may increase. As another example, when damper assembly 30 moves toward the compression position, the volume of rebound chamber 48 may decrease, and the volume of compression chamber 46 may increase. Changing the volumes of compression chamber 46 and rebound chamber 48 causes fluid to flow between the first chamber 36 and the second chamber 52 (as described below), for example, via channels 68, 70, 72 at cylinder end 58 between compression chamber 46 and the second chamber 52, and via opening 40 of pressure tube 34 between rebound chamber 48 and the second chamber 52. Changing the volume of the compression chamber 46 and the rebound chamber 48 can cause fluid to flow between the compression chamber 46 and the rebound chamber 48, for example, through the passage of the piston 44.

[0029] The damper assembly 30 includes a storage tube 50. The storage tube 50 extends around the pressure tube 34, for example, circumferentially around the pressure tube 34. The storage tube 50 may extend along the axis A1 of the damper assembly 30. The storage tube 50 may be metal or any suitable material.

[0030] Storage tube 50 defines a second chamber 52. For example, pressure tube 34 may be hollow and tubular, enclosing the second chamber 52 therein. The second chamber 52 may be located between pressure tube 34 and storage tube 50, for example, pressure tube 34 may separate the first chamber 36 from the second chamber 52. Axially spaced ends 54 of storage tube 50 may further define the second chamber 52. Fluid may flow from the first chamber 36 to the second chamber 52 (and / or vice versa), for example, at one of the ends 38 of pressure tube 34 and / or at the opening 40 of pressure tube 34.

[0031] refer to Figure 3The damper assembly 30 includes a cylinder end assembly 56. The cylinder end assembly 56 controls the flow of fluid between the first chamber 36 and the second chamber 52 at one of the ends 38 of the pressure tube 34.

[0032] The cylinder end assembly 56 includes a cylinder end 58. The cylinder end 58 closes a first chamber 36. The cylinder end 58 separates the first chamber 36 from a second chamber 52. The cylinder end 58 is attached to a pressure tube 34, for example, at one of the ends 38. The cylinder end 58 may be attached to the pressure tube 34 via friction fit, welding, fasteners, etc. For example, the cylinder end 58 may include a generally cylindrical outer surface 60 extending between a top surface 62 and a bottom surface 64 of the cylinder end 58. The outer surface 60 may include a step 66 that mates with the pressure tube 34. The top surface 62 of the cylinder end 58 (e.g., as...) Figure 4 (as shown) and the bottom surface 64 of the cylinder end 58 (e.g., as shown) Figure 5 (As shown) It can extend generally perpendicular to axis A1. Top surface 62 can face the first chamber 36. Bottom surface 64 is opposite to top surface 62, for example, bottom surface 64 can face away from the first chamber 36. Cylinder end 58 can be metal or any suitable material.

[0033] The cylinder end 58 defines one or more channels, such as a first channel 68, a second channel 70, and a third channel 72. Channels 68, 70, and 72 are in fluid communication with the channels of the first chamber 36 and the second chamber 52, so that fluid can flow from the first chamber 36 to the second chamber 52 (and / or vice versa) via channels 68, 70, and 72. For example, channels 68, 70, and 72 may extend from the top surface 62 of the cylinder end 58 to the bottom surface 64 of the cylinder end 58.

[0034] The cylinder end 58 may define a central opening 74. The central opening 74 may extend through the cylinder end 58, for example, from the top surface 62 to the bottom surface 64. Fasteners 76 and the like may be provided in the central opening 74 to attach various other components of the cylinder end assembly 56 to the cylinder end 58.

[0035] The cylinder end 58 may include a first rib 78 extending axially toward the first chamber 36 from a top surface 62 away from the cylinder end 58. The first rib 78 may circumferentially surround the first channel 68 and the second channel 70. For example, the first channel 68 and the second channel 70 may be radially located between the central opening 74 of the cylinder end 58 and the first rib 78.

[0036] The cylinder end 58 may include a second rib 80 extending axially toward the first chamber 36 away from the top surface 62. The second rib 80 may be shorter than the first rib 78, i.e., the first rib 78 may extend axially beyond the second rib 80 from the top surface 62. The second rib 80 may separate the first channel 68 from the second channel 70. For example, the second rib 80 may surround the first channel 68 but not the second channel 70. The second rib 80 may be radially located between the first rib 78 and the first channel 68, for example, where the first channel 68 is located between the second rib 80 and the central opening 74. The second channel 70 may be radially located between the first rib 78 and the second rib 80, for example, where the second rib 80 is radially located between the second channel 70 and the central opening 74.

[0037] The cylinder end 58 may include a third rib 82 extending axially toward the first chamber 36 away from the top surface 62. The third rib 82 may circumferentially surround the first rib 78. A third channel 72 may be radially located between the first rib 78 and the third rib 82. For example, the first rib 78 may be radially inside the third channel 72 (e.g., toward the central opening 74), and the third rib 82 may be radially outside the third channel 72 (e.g., away from the central opening 74). The first rib 78 and the third rib 82 may be of equal height, i.e., the first rib 78 may extend axially from the top surface 62 to the third rib 82.

[0038] The cylinder end 58 may include a fourth rib 84 extending axially away from the bottom surface 64 and away from the first chamber 36. The fourth rib 84 may be radially inside the first channel 68 and radially outside the second channel 70, for example, where the fourth rib 84 is located between the first channel 68 and the central opening 74, and the second channel 70 is located between the fourth rib 84 and the central opening 74.

[0039] The cylinder end 58 may include a plurality of teeth 86 extending axially away from the bottom surface 64 and away from the first chamber 36. The teeth 86 may be radially outward of the fourth rib 84. The teeth 86 may be circumferentially spaced around the outer edge of the bottom surface 64.

[0040] The cylinder end assembly 56 may include a seat plate 88. The seat plate 88 is attached to the cylinder end 58, for example, at a top surface 62. For example, a fastener 76 disposed in a central opening 74 of the cylinder end 58 may also be disposed in a central opening 90 of the seat plate 88. The seat plate 88 may abut the top surface 62 of the cylinder end 58. For example, the seat plate 88 may abut a second rib 80.

[0041] The seat plate 88 defines one or more openings 92. The openings 92 allow fluid to flow axially from one side of the seat plate 88 to the opposite side. The openings 92 of the seat plate 88 are in fluid communication with a first channel 68 of the cylinder end 58, such that fluid can flow from the openings 92 of the seat plate 88 to the first channel 68, and / or vice versa. The openings 92 may be circumferentially elongated and spaced apart from each other about an axis A1. The openings 92 may be substantially aligned with the first channel 68, for example, such that the openings 92 overlap with the first channel 68.

[0042] The cylinder end assembly 56 includes an orifice plate 94. The orifice plate 94 is attached to the cylinder end 58, for example, at a top surface 62. For example, a fastener 76 disposed in a central opening 74 of the cylinder end 58 may also be disposed in the central opening 96 of the orifice plate 94. The orifice plate 94 may abut a seat plate 88, for example, wherein the seat plate 88 is axially sandwiched between the orifice plate 94 and the top surface 62 of the cylinder end 58.

[0043] The orifice plate 94 defines one or more openings 98. The openings 98 allow fluid to flow axially and / or radially relative to the axis A1 of the damper assembly 30. For example, each opening 98 may be radially open and extend radially inward from the outer edge 100 of the orifice plate 94, such that fluid may flow radially into the opening 98 at the outer edge 100. The openings 98 may be T-shaped, for example, with the bottom of the T-shape located at the outer edge 100 and the top of the T-shape spaced apart from and radially inward from the outer edge 100.

[0044] The opening 98 of the orifice plate 94 can be in fluid communication with the opening 92 of the base plate 88, so that fluid can flow from the opening 98 of the orifice plate 94 to the opening 92 of the base plate 88, and / or vice versa. For example, the T-shaped top of the opening 98 of the orifice plate 94 can be substantially aligned with the opening 92 of the base plate 88, for example, such that the openings 92 and 98 overlap each other.

[0045] The opening 98 of the orifice plate 94 is in fluid communication with the first channel 68, so that fluid can flow from the opening 98 of the orifice plate 94 to the first channel 68, and / or vice versa. For example, the opening 98 may extend radially from the outer edge 100 to the first channel 68. The top of the T-shape of the opening 98 may be substantially aligned with the first channel 68, for example, such that the top of the T-shape overlaps with the first channel 68.

[0046] The orifice plate 94 restricts the fluid flow rate through the first channel 68. For example, the opening 98 of the orifice plate 94 may be kept to a minimum size relative to the opening 102 between the seat plate 88 and the check plate 104 of the cylinder end assembly 56. For example, the minimum size of the opening 102 between the seat plate 88 and the check plate 104 may be equal to the radial flow area of ​​the opening 98 of the orifice plate 94 at the outer edge 100.

[0047] The check disc 104 of the cylinder end assembly 56 is attached to the cylinder end 58, for example, at the top surface 62. For example, a fastener 76 disposed in the central opening 74 of the cylinder end 58 may also be disposed in the central opening 106 of the check disc 104. A first rib 78 may circumferentially surround the check disc 104 about axis A1. The first rib 78 and / or the third rib 82 may extend beyond the check disc 104 away from the bottom surface 64 toward the first chamber 36.

[0048] Check disc 104 selectively restricts the fluid velocity through the first channel 68, for example, in a first direction D1 from the first chamber 36 to the second chamber 52. Check disc 104 selectively restricts the fluid velocity depending on the direction and amount of fluid pressure applied to it and / or the velocity of the fluid flow. Check disc 104 may increase movement resistance in response to fluid flow through it and / or the difference in fluid pressure on one side of it relative to the opposite side. Fluid flow and / or fluid pressure difference may cause check disc 104 to translate or flex to reduce the size of the opening 102 between the fluid-flowable check disc 104 and the seat 88, thereby increasing movement resistance.

[0049] The check disc 104 can be moved from a first position to a second position by translating or deflecting it. For example, as... Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the check disc 104 in the first position is spaced apart from the orifice disc 94. The check disc 104 in the second position is adjacent to the orifice disc 94, for example at the outer edge 100 and as shown... Figure 10 As shown. When moving from the first position to the second position, the check plate 104 may flex at the pivot plate 108 of the cylinder end assembly 56. The opening 102 between the check plate 104 and the seat plate 88 may be smaller in the first position than in the second position.

[0050] The amount of deflection and / or translation of the check disc 104 (and the associated reduction in opening size) can be proportional to the fluid velocity and / or pressure difference between the first chamber 36 and the second chamber 52. For example, the greater the fluid velocity and / or pressure difference, the greater the amount of deflection and / or translation of the check disc 104. A threshold fluid velocity and / or pressure difference may be required for the check disc 104 to deflect and / or translate. The check disc 104 may not increase its movement resistance until the threshold fluid velocity and / or pressure difference is reached. The threshold fluid velocity and / or pressure difference can be determined based on the desired response characteristics of the damper assembly 30.

[0051] The check disc 104 can be designed, for example, via geometry such as thickness and material type, to flex under threshold fluid flow rate and / or fluid pressure differential. For example, increasing the thickness of the check disc 104 and / or selecting a stiffer material for the check disc 104 can increase the threshold fluid flow rate and / or fluid pressure differential required to reduce the size of the opening 102 between the check disc 104 and the seat plate 88. Decreasing the thickness of the check disc 104 and / or selecting a more flexible material for the check disc 104 can decrease the threshold fluid flow rate and / or fluid pressure differential required to reduce the size of the opening 102 between the check disc 104 and the seat plate 88.

[0052] A pivot plate 108 of the cylinder end assembly 56 is attached to the cylinder end 58, for example, at a top surface 62. For example, a fastener 76 disposed in a central opening 74 of the cylinder end 58 may also be disposed in a central opening 110 of the pivot plate 108. The pivot plate 108 may be axially positioned between an orifice plate 94 and a check plate 104. The thickness of the pivot plate 108 may define the distance of the gap between the orifice plate 94 and the check plate 104 in a first position. The pivot plate 108 of the cylinder end assembly 56 provides a fulcrum for the check plate 104, which may flex at its outer edge when moving from a first position to a second position.

[0053] The cylinder end assembly 56 may include a first valve disc 112. The first valve disc 112 may be attached to the cylinder end 58. For example, a fastener 76 disposed in a central opening 74 of the cylinder end 58 may also be disposed in a central opening 114 of the first valve disc 112. The first valve disc 112 may be located at the bottom surface 64, for example, the cylinder end 58 may be located between an orifice disc 94 at the top surface 62 and the first valve disc 112 at the bottom surface 64.

[0054] The first valve disc 112 selectively allows fluid to flow through the second channel 70 in a first direction D1. The first valve disc 112 can also inhibit fluid flow through the second channel 70 in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, i.e., from the second chamber 52 to the first chamber 36. For example, the first valve disc 112 can reduce movement resistance in response to fluid flow through the first valve disc 112 and / or the difference in fluid pressure on one side of the first valve disc 112 relative to the opposite side. Fluid flow and / or fluid pressure difference can cause the first valve disc 112 to translate or flex to create an opening 116 between the bottom surface 64 of the cylinder end 58 (e.g., at the fourth rib 84) and the first valve disc 112 through which fluid can flow. Figure 12(as shown in the diagram) and / or increase its size. Increasing the size of the opening 116 reduces movement resistance by allowing a larger amount of fluid to flow from the first chamber 36 to the second chamber 52. The amount of deflection and / or translation of the first valve disc 112, and the resulting increase in the size of the opening 116, can be proportional to the fluid velocity and / or pressure difference between the first chamber 36 and the second chamber 52. For example, the greater the fluid velocity and / or fluid pressure difference, the greater the amount of deflection and / or translation of the bottom surface 64 of the first valve disc 112 away from the cylinder end 58, thus providing a greater increase in the size of the opening 116 between them. A threshold fluid velocity and / or fluid pressure difference may be required for the first valve disc 112 to deflect and / or translate. The first valve disc 112 may not reduce movement resistance until the threshold fluid velocity and / or fluid pressure difference is reached.

[0055] When the damper assembly 30 is in a neutral state, i.e., not moving toward the extended or compressed position, the first valve disc 112 abuts the fourth rib 84 at the bottom surface 64 and covers the second channel 70 to inhibit fluid inflow and outflow from the second channel 70, as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0056] As the damper assembly 30 moves toward the extended position, the first valve disc 112 can be moved away from the fourth rib 84 of the cylinder end 58 by the pressure difference and / or fluid flow generated by this movement. This movement of the first valve disc 112 away from the cylinder end 58 creates an opening 116 between the fourth rib 84 and the first valve disc 112. Fluid can flow through the opening 116 out of the second channel 70 to reach the second chamber 52, such as... Figure 12 As shown.

[0057] When the damper assembly 30 moves toward the compression position, the first valve disc 112 at the bottom surface 64 can be pushed toward the cylinder end 58 without creating or enlarging the opening 116 between the bottom surface 64 and the first valve disc 112.

[0058] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 14 The first valve disc 112 at the bottom surface 64 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface 64 at the first channel 68. The first valve disc 112 is spaced apart from the bottom surface 64 at the first channel 68 to allow fluid to flow freely into and out of the first channel 68 at the bottom surface 64, for example, without being inhibited by the first valve disc 112 at the bottom surface 64.

[0059] The cylinder end assembly 56 may include one or more spring discs 118. The spring discs 118 push the first valve disc 112 against the bottom surface 64 of the cylinder end 58, i.e., the spring discs 118 increase the amount of force required to flex the first valve disc 112 away from the bottom surface 64. The spring discs 118 may be attached to the cylinder end 58 at the bottom surface 64. For example, a fastener 76 disposed in a central opening 74 of the cylinder end 58 may also be disposed in a central opening 120 of the spring disc 118.

[0060] The spring disc 118 is elastically deformable. For example, a force applied to the outer edge of the spring disc 118 can cause the spring disc 118 to flex, causing the outer edge to move axially relative to the central opening 120 of the spring disc 118. The spring disc 118 is made of an elastically deformable material (e.g., spring steel, plastic with suitable elastic properties, etc.).

[0061] The dimensions of the spring disc 118 can gradually decrease with increasing distance from the cylinder end 58 along axis A1. For example, the outer diameter of the spring disc 118 closest to the cylinder end 58 can be larger than the outer diameter of the spring disc 118 adjacent to this spring disc 118 further away from the cylinder end 58. As another example, the spring disc 118 can be configured similarly to a leaf spring. The spring disc 118 closest to the cylinder end 58 can be adjacent to the first valve disc 112.

[0062] The toothed gear 86 may surround the first valve disc 112 and the spring disc 118. The toothed gear 86 may extend beyond the first valve disc 112 and the spring disc 118 away from the bottom surface 64 and the first chamber 36, for example, to protect the first valve disc 112 and the spring disc 118.

[0063] The cylinder end assembly 56 may include a second valve disc 122. The second valve disc 122 may be attached to the cylinder end 58. For example, a fastener 76 disposed in a central opening 74 of the cylinder end 58 may also be disposed in a central opening 124 of the second valve disc 122. The second valve disc 122 may be located at the top surface 62, for example, adjacent to the first rib 78 and the second rib 80. The second valve disc 122 may be axially spaced from the check disc 104, for example, wherein a second pivot disc 126 is sandwiched therebetween.

[0064] The second valve disc 122 may define one or more openings 128. The openings 128 allow fluid to flow axially from one side of the second valve disc 122 to the opposite side of the seat disc 88. The openings 128 may be circumferentially elongated and spaced apart from each other around axis A1. The openings 128 of the second valve disc 122 are in fluid communication with a first passage 68 of the cylinder end 58, such that fluid can flow from the openings 128 of the second valve disc 122 to the first passage 68, and / or vice versa. For example, the openings 128 may be located radially inward of the first rib 78, for example, radially between the first rib 78 and the central opening 74 of the cylinder end 58.

[0065] The second spring disc 122 selectively allows fluid to flow through the third channel 72 in a second direction D2. The second valve disc 122 can inhibit fluid flow through the third channel 72 in a first direction D1. For example, the second valve disc 122 can reduce movement resistance in response to fluid flow through the second valve disc 122 and / or the difference in fluid pressure on one side of the second valve disc 122 relative to the opposite side. Fluid flow and / or fluid pressure difference can cause the second valve disc 122 to translate or flex to create an opening 130 between the top surface 62 of the cylinder end 58 (e.g., at the third rib 82) and the second valve disc 122 through which fluid can flow. Figure 14 (as shown in the diagram) and / or increase its size. Increasing the size of the opening 130 reduces movement resistance by allowing a larger amount of fluid to flow from the second chamber 52 to the first chamber 36. The amount of deflection and / or translation of the second valve disc 122, and the resulting increase in the size of the opening 130, can be proportional to the fluid velocity and / or pressure difference between the first chamber 36 and the second chamber 52. For example, the greater the fluid velocity and / or fluid pressure difference, the greater the amount of deflection and / or translation of the top surface 62 of the second valve disc 122 away from the cylinder end 58, thus providing a greater increase in the size of the opening 130 between them. A threshold fluid velocity and / or fluid pressure difference may be required for the second valve disc 122 to deflect and / or translate. The second valve disc 122 may not reduce movement resistance until the threshold fluid velocity and / or fluid pressure difference is reached.

[0066] The cylinder end assembly 56 may include a spring 129. The spring 129 pushes the second valve disc 122 toward the cylinder end 58. For example, the spring 129 may be a conical compression spring with one end having a smaller diameter and the opposite end having a larger diameter. The spring 129 (e.g., the end with the larger diameter) may be adjacent to the second valve disc 122 opposite to the cylinder end 58.

[0067] When the damper assembly 30 is in a neutral state, i.e., not moving toward the extended or compressed position, the second valve disc 122 abuts against the first rib 78 and the third rib 82 at the top surface 62 and covers the third channel 72 to inhibit fluid inflow and outflow from the third channel 72. When the damper assembly 30 moves toward the extended position, the second valve disc 122 at the top surface 62 can move away from the fourth rib 84 of the cylinder end 58 by the pressure difference and / or fluid flow generated by this movement. Moving the second valve disc 122 away from the cylinder end 58 creates an opening 130 between the third rib 82 and the second valve disc 122. Fluid can flow out of the third channel 72 through the opening 130 to reach the first chamber 36.

[0068] When the damper assembly 30 moves toward the compression position, the second valve disc 122 at the top surface 62 can be pushed toward the cylinder end 58 without creating or enlarging the opening 130 between the top surface 62 and the second valve disc 122.

[0069] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 10 The diagram illustrates a first fluid flow path FF1 defined by cylinder end 58. This first fluid flow path FF1 is defined as the damper assembly 30 moves toward the compression position. The first fluid flow path FF1 extends from the compression sub-chamber 46 of the first chamber 36 through the opening 128 of the second valve disc 122, through the opening 102 between the check disc 104 and the seat disc 88, through the openings 92 and 98 of the seat disc 88 and the orifice disc 94, and through the first channel 68 to reach the second chamber 52.

[0070] A first fluid flow path FF1 defines, for example, a region perpendicular to the corresponding first fluid flow path FF1 through which fluid can flow. The defined region may be located at the narrowest portion of the corresponding first fluid flow path FF1. The defined region may include multiple regions. For example, the first fluid flow path FF1 may be divided into multiple sub-paths, for example, each sub-path extending through one of the first channels 68. Each sub-path may have a sub-region at the narrowest portion of the corresponding sub-path, and the defined region of the corresponding first fluid flow path FF1 may be a combination of the regions of the sub-paths.

[0071] Figure 8 The first fluid flow path FF1 shown illustrates a damper assembly 30 that moves toward a compression position when the movement of piston 44 results in a fluid velocity and / or pressure difference between the compression sub-chamber 46 of the first chamber 36 and the second chamber 52 that is less than a first threshold, wherein the check plate 104 at the first position is spaced apart from the orifice plate 94. When the fluid velocity and / or pressure difference between the compression sub-chamber 46 of the first chamber 36 and the second chamber 52 is less than the first threshold, the area defined by the first fluid flow path FF1 provides resistance to movement by limiting the rate at which fluid can flow through the first channel 68. Figure 9 The portion W of the velocity-response force curve illustrates this resistance.

[0072] Figure 10The first fluid flow path FF1 illustrates a damper assembly 30 that moves toward a compression position when movement of piston 44 results in a fluid velocity and / or pressure difference between the compression sub-chamber 46 of the first chamber 36 and the second chamber 52 that exceeds a first threshold. When the fluid velocity and / or pressure difference exceeds the first threshold, fluid flow along the first fluid flow path FF1 moves check disc 104 to a second position adjacent to orifice disc 94. The check disc 104 in the second position minimizes the size of the opening 102 between check disc 104 and seat disc 88, for example, making it approximately equal to the radial flow area of ​​the opening 98 of orifice disc 94. Reducing and / or minimizing the size of the opening 102 reduces the defined area of ​​the first fluid flow path FF1. The check disc 104 in the second position provides increased resistance to movement by further limiting the rate at which fluid can flow through the first channel 68. Figure 11 The Y-axis portion of the speed-response curve illustrates this resistance. A first threshold causes the amplitude of the speed-response curve to reach a predetermined amount of response force within a predetermined time period. This predetermined amount can be based, for example, on empirical testing, to optimize vehicle performance and / or occupant comfort.

[0073] refer to Figure 12 The diagram illustrates a second fluid flow path FF2 defined by the cylinder end assembly 56. The second fluid flow path FF2 is defined when the damper assembly 30 moves toward the compression position and the movement of the piston 44 results in a fluid velocity and / or pressure difference between the compression sub-chamber 46 of the first chamber 36 and the second chamber 52 that is greater than a second threshold. The second threshold may be greater than the first threshold such that the slope and / or amplitude of the speed-response force curve does not exceed a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount may be based, for example, empirical testing, to optimize vehicle performance and / or occupant comfort.

[0074] When the fluid velocity and / or pressure difference exceeds the second threshold, the first valve disc 112 and spring disc 118 are pushed away from the fourth rib 84 at the bottom surface 64 of the cylinder end 58, forming an opening 116 between them. A second fluid flow path FF2 extends from the compression sub-chamber 46 of the first chamber 36 through the opening 128 of the second valve disc 112, around the check disc 104, orifice disc 94, and seat disc 88, through the second channel 70, and through the opening 116 between the first valve disc 122 and the cylinder end 58 to reach the second chamber 52. The second fluid flow path FF2 defines an area through which fluid can flow. The defined area of ​​the second fluid flow path FF2 may include multiple sub-regions.

[0075] The combined region defined by the first fluid flow path FF1 and the second fluid flow path FF2 reduces the movement resistance of the corresponding damper assembly 30 (relative to the region defined by only the first fluid flow path FF1) by increasing the rate at which fluid can flow from the compression sub-chamber 46 of the first channel to the second chamber 52. Figure 13The Z portion of the velocity-response force curve illustrates this resistance.

[0076] refer to Figure 14 The diagram illustrates a third fluid flow path FF3 defined by the cylinder end assembly 56. The third fluid flow path FF3 is defined when the damper assembly 30 moves toward the extended position and the movement of the piston 44 results in a fluid velocity and / or pressure difference between the compression sub-chamber 46 of the first chamber 36 and the second chamber 52 exceeding a third threshold. The third fluid flow path FF3 extends from the second chamber 52 through an opening 130 between the third channel 72 and the third rib 82 and the second valve disc 122 to the compression sub-chamber 46 of the first chamber 36. The third threshold ensures that the slope and / or amplitude of the speed-response force curve does not exceed a predetermined amount. This predetermined amount may be based, for example, empirical testing, to optimize vehicle performance and / or occupant comfort.

[0077] The adjectives “first,” “second,” etc., are used throughout this document as identifiers and are not intended to indicate importance or order.

[0078] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Furthermore, some or all of these elements may be changed.

[0079] This disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. Based on the above teachings, many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible, and this disclosure can be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

Claims

1. A damper assembly comprising: a pressure tube defining a first chamber; a piston movable within the pressure tube; a reservoir tube defining a second chamber; a cylinder end attached to the pressure tube, the cylinder end defining a first passage in fluid communication with the first and second chambers; an orifice disk attached to the cylinder end and defining an opening in fluid communication with the first passage, the opening of the orifice disk extending radially outward from the first passage to an outer edge of the orifice disk; and a check disk attached to the cylinder end, the check disk movable from a first position spaced apart from the orifice disk to a second position abutting the orifice disk; and wherein movement of the piston within the first chamber causes fluid to flow between the first and second chambers via the first passage of the cylinder end, and wherein the check disk and the orifice disk limit the rate of such fluid flow.

2. The damper assembly of claim 1, further comprising a seat disk between the orifice disk and the cylinder end, the seat disk defining an opening in fluid communication with the first passage of the cylinder end and the opening of the orifice disk.

3. The damper assembly of claim 1, wherein the cylinder end defines a second passage in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, and further comprising a valve disk attached to the cylinder end, the valve disk selectively permitting fluid flow through the second passage in a first direction and inhibiting fluid flow through the second passage in a second direction opposite the first direction.

4. The damper assembly of claim 3, wherein the cylinder end includes a rib extending away from a top surface of the cylinder end and surrounding the first passage, the second passage, and the check disk.

5. The damper assembly of claim 4, wherein the cylinder end includes a second rib extending away from the top surface and surrounding the rib, wherein the cylinder end defines a third passage radially between the rib and the second rib, the third passage in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, and further comprising a second valve disk attached to the cylinder end, the second valve disk selectively permitting fluid flow through the third passage in the second direction and inhibiting fluid flow through the third passage in the first direction.

6. A cylinder end assembly for a damper assembly comprising: a cylinder end having a top surface opposite a bottom surface, the cylinder end defining a passage extending from the top surface to the bottom surface; an orifice disk attached to the cylinder end and defining an opening in fluid communication with the passage, the opening of the orifice disk extending radially outward from the passage to an outer edge of the orifice disk; and a check disk attached to the cylinder end, the check disk movable from a first position spaced apart from the orifice disk to a second position abutting the orifice disk; and wherein the check disk and the orifice disk limit the rate of fluid flow through the passage.

7. The cylinder end assembly of claim 6, further comprising a fulcrum disk between the orifice disk and the non-return disk.

8. The cylinder end assembly of claim 6, further comprising a seat disk between the orifice disk and the cylinder end, the seat disk defining an opening in fluid communication with the passage of the cylinder end and the opening of the orifice disk.

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