Vibration damper with hydraulic joint

Abstract

A vibration damper with a hydraulic joint includes a shut-off valve and an exhaust valve, wherein the shut-off valve and the exhaust valve are individually actuable and the hydraulic connection between the vibration damper and the joint opening of the hydraulic joint can be switched by means of the shut-off valve, wherein the exhaust valve and the shut-off valve are connected in parallel hydraulically, and the hydraulic joint has a filling joint equipped with an exhaust valve, wherein the filling joint is opened independently of the attitude of the shut-off valve and closed independently of the exhaust valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration damper having a hydraulic joint, the hydraulic joint including a shut-off valve and a vent valve, wherein the shut-off valve and the vent valve are individually actuable, and the hydraulic connection between the vibration damper and the joint opening of the hydraulic joint can be switched by means of the shut-off valve. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2016 213 957 A1 describes a vibration damper with two working chambers, each with a hydraulic joint. Each hydraulic joint includes a shut-off valve and a vent valve. The precise structure of the vent valve is not disclosed, but it has a screw-in body that abuts against the carrier element of the hydraulic joint in its final position. The shut-off valve is a ball valve, implemented as a spool valve. The carrier element has a receiving opening for the ball valve. The shut-off valve and the vent valve are completely independent single valves, which are also spatially separated. In the embodiment according to DE 10 2016 213 957 A1, all components (i.e., the vibration damper, as well as the fluid lines, reservoir, and pump) are pre-filled with the working medium. After all components are connected, only a minimal amount of residual air needs to be vented from the system.

[0003] The vent valve is functionally located between the shut-off valve and the connection opening on the vibration damper. Venting of the hydraulic system connected to the hydraulic connection (i.e., in this case, at least one reservoir and pump) is only possible when the shut-off valve is open, thus venting both the vibration damper and the hydraulic system simultaneously. Individual venting of the hydraulic system is not possible because the vent valve, the connection opening of the vibration damper, and the shut-off valve are hydraulically connected in series.

[0004] The fundamental problem with this type of hydraulic joint is that it requires a relatively large structural space. Some vehicles cannot use such vibration dampers due to insufficient structural space. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to design a vibration damper with a hydraulic joint, which requires less structural space compared to existing technologies.

[0006] This objective is achieved by hydraulically connecting the vent valve and the shut-off valve in parallel, and the hydraulic joint having a filling joint equipped with a vent valve, wherein the filling joint is opened independently of the shut-off valve and closed by the vent valve.

[0007] The advantage lies in the fact that pre-filled connecting lines are not required in hydraulic systems connected to hydraulic fittings. Furthermore, the hydraulic system can be bleed without affecting the vibration damper. Therefore, a significant time advantage is achieved during the bleeding process. Structural space advantages can also be realized by combining the filling fitting with the bleed valve.

[0008] Preferably, the filling joint has a filling channel in which an vent valve is disposed. Thus, the filling channel also functions as an vent channel, thereby guiding the flow within the hydraulic joint.

[0009] Because the filling fitting is implemented in the valve body of the gate valve, further structural space advantages can be obtained.

[0010] To minimize leakage within the hydraulic joint, the shut-off valve is implemented as a seated valve.

[0011] In another advantageous design, the valve body is implemented as an axially movable locking bolt. Such a valve body provides favorable preconditions for guiding the passage within the hydraulic joint.

[0012] Preferably, the hydraulic connector includes a connector housing in which the valve body is axially movably supported, wherein the connector housing has a stop for limiting the stroke of the valve body. The valve body can be placed in its most open position without detaching from the connector housing. This design also simplifies one-handed operation of the hydraulic connector.

[0013] According to a favorable design, the stop element consists of a separate stop ring. The connector housing itself can be implemented very simply by designing the stop ring, for example, as a fixed ring.

[0014] As another measure to facilitate the operation of the hydraulic connector, the valve body has a sealing flange that, together with the wall of the hydraulic connector, seals the connection space. Even when the shut-off valve is opened to its maximum extent, no working medium will leak from the hydraulic connector.

[0015] To enable the filling process of the hydraulic system to be performed in the simplest possible way via a hydraulic connector, the valve body of the shut-off valve has a connection profile for the filling valve. Simply place the filling hose on the connection profile and then remove it. Thus, no components that are not normally used are left on the hydraulic connector.

[0016] In addition to the vent valve that seals the filling passage, the filling passage is also sealed by a sealing screw. The sealing screw serves to prevent accidental operation and acts as a second barrier to prevent the loss of pressure medium.

[0017] Another measure to simplify the operation of the hydraulic connection is that the sealing screw is connected to the valve body of the shut-off valve via a thread, the starting torque of which is less than the actuating torque used for the shut-off valve. Therefore, there is no need to use an additional handle to hold the valve body of the shut-off valve open to open the vent valve.

[0018] A particularly space-saving feature of the actuated locking valve is that the valve body has a tool face for adjusting the operating position. Therefore, there is no need for a handle or similar component that must be retained on the locking valve.

[0019] In particular, to protect the connection profile used for the filling valve, the valve body of the shut-off valve is partially covered by a protective sleeve, which is connected to the valve body of the shut-off valve in a force-transmitting manner, and the protective sleeve has a tool face for adjusting the operating position of the shut-off valve. Thus, the shut-off valve can be actuated even when the sealing screw of the filling channel is closed. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The invention will be described in detail with the aid of the following accompanying drawings.

[0021] In the attached diagram:

[0022] Figures 1A to 1C A vibration damper with a hydraulic joint is shown in longitudinal section.

[0023] Figure 2 The cross-section of the vibration damper in the area of ​​the hydraulic joint is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 The cross-section of the vibration damper is shown in the area where the hydraulic joint is fastened to the vibration damper.

[0025] Figure 4 A perspective view of a hydraulic connector as a single component.

[0026] Figure 5 Showing the longitudinal section of the hydraulic joint

[0027] Figure 6 Showing the longitudinal section of the hydraulic joint

[0028] Figure 7 Detailed illustrations of the valve body and protective sleeve are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figures 1A to 1CA vibration damper 1 with a hydraulic connector 3 is shown. In an inner cylinder 5, a piston 7 is guided axially on a piston rod 9. The piston 7 divides the inner cylinder 5 into a working chamber 11; 13 on the piston rod side and a working chamber 11; 13 away from the piston rod. Both working chambers 11; 13 are completely filled with hydraulic damping medium. Furthermore, the two working chambers 11; 13 are hydraulically connected to individually adjustable damping valves 21; 23 via an intermediate pipe 15 constituting a fluid conduit 17 and a conduit block 19, respectively. The specific design of the adjustable damping valves 21; 23 is irrelevant to this invention. Regarding the structure of the conduit block 19, refer exemplarily to DE10 2019 206 455 A1, the contents of which form part of this description. In principle, the vibration damper can also be implemented without the adjustable damping valves 21; 23 or the conduit block 19.

[0030] The hydraulic joint 3 is located outside the vibration damper 1, preferably outside the pipe block 19. Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the vibration damper 1 has an outer connecting surface as a plane 25, which allows the connection opening 27 of the hydraulic connector 3 to be easily connected to the pipe block 19 and thus to the working chamber 11; 13 of the vibration damper 1. Figure 3 The mechanical connection between hydraulic joint 3 and vibration damper 1 is shown. See also... Figure 4 Two through openings 31 are exemplary implemented in the connector housing 29, into which fasteners 33 (e.g., fastening screws) engage, and these fasteners are screwed into the threaded blind holes 35 of the pipe block.

[0031] The connector housing 29 has at least one connector opening 37 for connection to a hydraulic system 39 (e.g., a pump or reservoir). The design of the hydraulic system 39 is shown in the drawings only by means of piping sections.

[0032] like Figure 5 As shown, the hydraulic connector 3 may also have multiple connector openings 37A and 37B, preferably connector openings connected to the working chamber 11 on the piston rod side and connector openings connected to the working chamber 13 opposite to the piston rod.

[0033] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Hydraulic connector 3 is shown in longitudinal section. Hydraulic connector 3 includes a shut-off valve 41, an air vent valve 43, and a filling connector 45. From Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen from the overview, the connection opening 27 and the associated connector opening 37 can be interconnected via the angle channel 47. A valve seat surface 49 is provided within the angle channel 47, which is used for a shut-off valve 41 implemented as a seat valve.

[0034] exist Figure 5In the middle, the shut-off valve 41B for the connector opening 37B is in the locked position. The valve body 51B of the shut-off valve 41B rests on the mating surface 49B of the connector housing 29 with its conical valve face. On the other hand, the parallel valve body 51A for the other connector opening 37A is in the through position, which can be seen by observing the connection opening 27B without obstruction.

[0035] The valve body 51 of the shut-off valve 41 has an axially extending, open-on-both-side filling channel 53. An exhaust valve 43 is arranged within the filling channel 53, the closing body 55 of which is continuously pre-tensioned in the closing direction by a spring 57. The valve body 51 has a connection profile 59 for the filling valve on its outer surface. The connection profile 59 includes a beveled surface with an undercut for the filling valve. This allows for switchable closing or opening of the connection between the valve body 51 and the filling channel 53, as well as the filling valve (not shown). To protect the connection profile 59, the hydraulic connector 3 correspondingly has a protective sleeve 61 extending from the sealing flange 63 to the sealing screw 65.

[0036] The valve body 51 of the shut-off valve 41 is implemented as a locking bolt with a surrounding sealing flange 63, in which an annular seal 67 is accommodated. The annular seal 67, together with the wall 69 of the hydraulic connector, seals the connection space 71 of the adjacent angle channel 47. The connection space 71 extends from the connector opening 27 to the maximum open position of the shut-off valve 41, in which the valve body 51 abuts against the stop 73 of the connector housing 29, which limits the stroke of the valve body 51. The stop 73 is preferably constructed of a simple retaining ring, which is held in an annular groove by its inherent stress.

[0037] In addition, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the filling channel 53 is isolated from the external environment or atmosphere by a sealing screw 65. The sealing screw 65 has a mating surface 75 that, in the closed state, abuts against the mating surface surrounding the inlet opening of the filling channel 53. If the vent valve 43 leaks, the sealing screw prevents the damping medium from escaping from the vibration damper 1 and / or the connected hydraulic system 39.

[0038] In order to move the valve body 51 from one operating position to another, the valve body 51 must rotate within the connector housing 29 by means of the thread 77, and thus move axially. For this purpose, the valve body 51 has at least one tool face 79, such as an external hexagonal surface, as... Figure 5As shown. A tool face 79 is axially formed between the connection profile 59 for the filling valve and the sealing flange 63, allowing the valve body 51 to be actuated even when the filling valve is connected. The sealing screw 65 is also secured within the filling passage 53 by means of threads 81. When the sealing screw 65 is opened, the starting torque of the threads 81 of the sealing screw 65 is less than the actuating torque for the shut-off valve 41 to prevent adjustment movement of the shut-off valve 41.

[0039] For the assembly of the vibration damper 1, it is fully assembled together with the hydraulic connector 3 and filled with damping medium. In this case, the two shut-off valves 41A and 41B are in a locked position, so that even in the compensation chamber 83 of the vibration damper (e.g., as... Figures 1A to 1C As shown, the compressed gas cushioning pad is implemented by the airbag 85, and no damping medium will escape. In addition, an exhaust valve 43 and a sealing screw 65 are installed.

[0040] During the assembly of the vibration damper 1 at its intended application, the hydraulic system 39 is connected to the hydraulic connector 3. Subsequently, the protective sleeve 61 and the sealing screw 65 are removed from the valve body 51. In a further working step, the filling valve is pressed against the filling connector 45, thereby opening the vent valve 43. The required amount of damping medium is supplied via the filling passage 53 in the valve body 51. After removing the filling valve, the vent valve 43 returns to its closed position in the filling passage 53. Subsequently, for inspection, the vent valve 43 can be actuated again, with the resistance spring 57 actuating the closing body again in the lifting direction. After the venting process, the shut-off valve 41 can be placed in the through position, see shut-off valve 41A. At this time, the vibration damper 1 is connected to the hydraulic system 39 via the hydraulic connector 3.

[0041] Then, the protective sleeve 61 is pushed onto the valve body 51, and the sealing screw 65 is installed. Thus, the vibration damper 1 is ready for operation.

[0042] Figure 7 A variation of the assembly consisting of valve body 51, protective sleeve 61, and sealing screw 65 is shown. In this embodiment, protective sleeve 61 has an inner contour 87 that engages with the tool face 79 of valve body 51 in a torque-transmitting manner. Protective sleeve 61 preferably has a tool face 80 of the same type, such that the shut-off valve 41 can be actuated by rotating protective sleeve 61 without having to remove it.

[0043] However, when the sealing screw 65 is unscrewed from the valve body 51, the protective sleeve 61 is subsequently removed from the valve body 51 because the protective sleeve 61 has a radially inwardly pointing circumferential connecting portion 89 that engages in the groove 91 of the sealing screw 65. This form-fit connection can be closed by engaging the connecting portion 89 into the circumferential groove 91. Due to the small load, the protective sleeve 61 can be very easily made of plastic and has sufficient elasticity to meet the requirements of the assembly process.

[0044] During the assembly of the protective sleeve 61, the inner contour 87 of the protective sleeve 61 is aligned with the tool face 79 of the valve body. Subsequently, the sealing screw 65 can be screwed into the filling channel 53, wherein the protective sleeve 61 performs axial movement but not rotational movement.

[0045] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0046] 1. Vibration damper

[0047] 3 Hydraulic joints

[0048] 5 inner cylinders

[0049] 7 Pistons

[0050] 9 Piston rod

[0051] 11 Working chamber on the piston rod side

[0052] 13 Working chamber away from piston rod

[0053] 15 Intermediate Pipe

[0054] 17. Fluid Piping

[0055] 19 Pipe Blocks

[0056] 21 Adjustable damping valve

[0057] 23 Adjustable damping valve

[0058] 25 Connecting surfaces

[0059] 27 Connection opening

[0060] 27A Connection Opening

[0061] 27B Connection opening

[0062] 29 Connector housing

[0063] 31. Through opening

[0064] 33 Fasteners

[0065] 35 threaded blind hole

[0066] 37 Connector opening

[0067] 37A Connector Opening

[0068] 37B Connector Opening

[0069] 39 Hydraulic System

[0070] 41. Stop valve

[0071] 41A Stop Valve

[0072] 41B Stop Valve

[0073] 43. Exhaust valve

[0074] 45 Filler Connector

[0075] 47 Angle Channel

[0076] 49 Valve seat face

[0077] 51 Valve body

[0078] 53 Fill Channel

[0079] 55 Closed Body

[0080] 57 Springs

[0081] 59 Connecting contours

[0082] 61 Protective Sleeve

[0083] 63 Sealing flange

[0084] 65 sealing screws

[0085] 67 Annular seal

[0086] 69 Wall section

[0087] 71 Connecting Space

[0088] 73 Stop components

[0089] 75 mating surfaces

[0090] 77. Valve body threads

[0091] 79 Tool Faces

[0092] 80 Tool face

[0093] 81. Threads of the sealing screw

[0094] 83 Compensation cavity

[0095] 85 airbags

[0096] 87 Inner Contour

[0097] 89 Connecting part

[0098] 91. Groove.

Claims

1. A vibration damper (1) having a hydraulic connection (3), which hydraulic connection comprises a shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) and a vent valve (43), wherein the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) and the vent valve (43) are individually actuatable and a hydraulic connection between the vibration damper (1) and a connection opening (37) of the hydraulic connection (3) is switchable by means of the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B), characterized in that The vent valve (43) is connected in parallel to the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) in a hydraulic manner, and the hydraulic connection (3) has a filling connection (45) which is equipped with the vent valve (43), which is arranged in a filling channel (53) of the filling connection (45), the valve body (51) of the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) having a through channel which is connected hydraulically to the filling channel (53), wherein the filling connection (45) is opened independently of the position of the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) and is closed by the vent valve (43).

2. The vibration damper of claim 1, wherein, The filling connection (45) is embodied in the valve body (51) of the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B).

3. The vibration damper of any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) is embodied as a seat valve.

4. The vibration damper of claim 3, wherein, The valve body (51) of the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) is embodied as an axially movable locking bolt.

5. The vibration damper of claim 4, wherein, The hydraulic connection (3) comprises a connection housing (29) in which the valve body (51) is supported axially movably, wherein the connection housing (29) has a stop (73) for limiting the travel of the valve body (51).

6. The vibration damper of claim 5, wherein, The stop (73) consists of a separate stop ring.

7. The vibration damper of any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, wherein, The valve body (51) of the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) has a sealing flange (63) which seals a connection space (71) together with a wall portion (69) of the hydraulic connection (3).

8. The vibration damper of any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, wherein, The valve body (51) of the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) has a connection profile (59) for a filling valve.

9. The vibration damper of claim 1, wherein, The filling channel is closed by a closure screw (65).

10. The vibration damper of claim 9, wherein, The closure screw (65) is connected to the valve body (51) of the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) by means of a thread (81), the starting torque of which is smaller than the actuating torque for the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B).

11. The vibration damper of any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, wherein, The valve body (51) of the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) has a tool face (79) for adjusting the operating position.

12. The vibration damper of claim 11, wherein, The valve body (51) of the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) is partially covered by a protective sleeve (61) which is connected to the valve body (51) of the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B) in a force-transmitting manner and which has a tool face (80) for adjusting the operating position of the shut-off valve (41; 41A; 41B).

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