Damping control valve with initial opening

Abstract

The application discloses a damping control valve with an initial opening and relates to the technical field of valves.The damping control valve comprises a valve shell, a damping control element, an elastic element and a driving assembly.The first port is arranged on the end of the valve shell.The damping control element can adjust the oil passing amount of the damping control valve through axial movement.The elastic element is arranged between the damping control element and the end and can separate the damping control element from the end.The driving assembly is in transmission connection with the valve seat and is used for driving the valve seat to move towards the end when being electrified.In the free state of the damping control valve without electricity and hydraulic pressure, the first fluid medium flow channel exists between the end and the damping control element.When the fluid medium flows into the space on the side of the damping control element away from the end from the first port, the damping control element is driven by the fluid medium to move towards the end against the elastic restoring force of the elastic element.The damping control valve has low energy consumption and good reliability, and the damping characteristics of the damper can be flexibly changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of valve technology, and more specifically to a damping control valve with an initial opening. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive shock absorbers are installed between the vehicle frame and axle, primarily used to suppress the oscillations caused by the rebound after the springs absorb shocks and to mitigate impacts from the road surface, allowing the vehicle to quickly return to normal driving conditions, thus achieving shock absorption and vibration damping. Automotive shock absorbers are equipped with damping valves. When a vehicle experiences vibrations transmitted through the wheels under different road conditions and speeds, over 90% of the energy is damped by the shock absorber, making it a key component in the automotive suspension system for shock absorption and vibration damping. Existing damping valves have a spindle inside the valve body with orifices for fluid to pass through. The fluid generates damping force as it passes through the orifices, achieving the damping effect. However, to improve vehicle performance, most use adjustable damping control valves.

[0003] However, in existing damping control valves, the actuators that adjust the damping are sealed against each other at their ends before the adjustment begins. This results in a relatively large initial damping of the damping valve, leading to a high overall power consumption. Furthermore, some existing damping control valves cannot achieve low-damping adjustment, thus failing to meet practical operational requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problem of high initial damping in existing damping control valves, this invention provides a damping control valve with an initial opening, resulting in lower initial damping and thus reducing the overall power consumption of the damping control valve, exhibiting low energy consumption. Furthermore, the damping control valve of this invention can improve the stability and reliability of control.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention provides a damping control valve with an initial opening, comprising: a valve body including an end portion located at one end, wherein a first port is provided on the end portion; a damping control element located within the valve body and capable of adjusting the oil flow rate of the damping control valve by its own axial movement; an elastic element located between the damping control element and the end portion, capable of pushing the damping control element away from the end portion; a valve seat movably disposed within the valve body; and a drive assembly drivenly connected to the valve seat for driving the valve seat to move toward the end portion when energized; wherein, in a free state where the damping control valve is not energized and has no hydraulic pressure, a first fluid medium flow channel exists between the end portion and the damping control element, wherein the damping control element is configured such that when the fluid medium flows from the first port into the space on the side of the damping control element opposite to the end portion, the damping control element can be driven by the fluid medium to overcome the elastic restoring force of the elastic element and move toward the end portion.

[0007] The damping control valve with an initial opening provided by this invention uses an elastic element between the end and the damping control element. This elastic element simultaneously compresses both the end and the damping control element, ensuring that in the initial state, a fluid medium flow channel exists between the end and the damping control element. In other words, the damping control valve has an initial opening in the static state, at which point it has minimum damping force. Therefore, this invention results in a smaller initial damping of the damping control valve, thereby reducing the overall power consumption of the damping control valve and exhibiting low energy consumption.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the damping control element has a first pressure-bearing surface facing the end and a second pressure-bearing surface facing away from the end. The projected area of ​​the second pressure-bearing surface in a plane perpendicular to the movement direction of the damping control element is larger than the projected area of ​​the first pressure-bearing surface in the same plane. This allows the damping control element to be driven by the fluid medium to overcome the elastic restoring force of the elastic element and move towards the end when the fluid medium acts on both the first and second pressure-bearing surfaces simultaneously. By making the projected area of ​​the second pressure-bearing surface higher than that of the first pressure-bearing surface, the force exerted by the fluid medium on the damping control element can be directed towards the end, achieving the desired movement direction of the damping control element. Since the first and second pressure-bearing surfaces are located on the same damping control element, different area ratios of the first and second pressure-bearing surfaces can be adapted by simply replacing a single damping control element, thereby providing damping control valves of different specifications.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the damping control element is configured to contact the valve seat under the elastic restoring force of the elastic element to form a pressure chamber between the damping control element and the valve seat, and the second pressure-bearing surface is located within the pressure chamber. When the fluid medium is located within the pressure chamber, hydraulic pressure can be applied to the damping control element through the second pressure-bearing surface.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the damping control element includes an insertion section and a sealing section connected in sequence. A guide hole is provided at the end of the insertion section facing the damping control element. The insertion section is adapted to the guide hole and is axially movable within the guide hole. The sealing section is configured to contact the valve seat under the elastic restoring force of the elastic element, thereby providing guidance for the movement of the damping control element through the guide hole. By making the insertion section move more smoothly relative to the guide hole, the reliability of the damping control valve under high-pressure operating conditions can be improved, avoiding movement jamming and the resulting whistling phenomenon.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, a guide rod is provided in the middle of the guide hole, and the guide rod extends axially along the guide hole; a plug hole is provided in the middle of the insertion section, and one end of the guide rod away from the end is movably inserted into the plug hole, so as to simultaneously provide guidance for the damping control element through the guide rod.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the first pressure-bearing surface is located on the insertion section, and the second pressure-bearing surface is located on the sealing section.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the insertion segment has an opening that connects the first port to the pressure chamber. This creates a fluid flow channel between the first port and the pressure chamber.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the insertion section and the sealing section are integrally formed.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the damping control valve further includes: a second port disposed on the side of the valve housing; wherein a gap is provided between the end and the damping control element to form a first fluid medium flow channel, the first fluid medium flow channel connecting the second port and the first port.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the damping control element is configured such that when the fluid medium flows into the pressure chamber from the first port through the opening, the damping control element can be driven by the fluid medium to move toward the end to disengage from the valve seat, thereby forming a second fluid medium flow channel from the first port through the opening to the second port.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the damping control element is further configured such that when the fluid medium flows into the pressure chamber from the first port via the opening, the damping control element can be driven by the fluid medium to move toward the end such that the first pressure-bearing surface abuts against a first portion of the end to close the first fluid medium flow channel.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the sealing section includes an outer surface facing away from the pressure chamber, and the damping control element is further configured to be driven by the fluid medium to move toward the end so that the outer surface of the sealing section abuts against a second portion of the end to close the first fluid medium flow passage when the fluid medium flows into the pressure chamber from the first port through the opening.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the elastic element is movably sleeved outside the guide rod to simultaneously provide guidance and limitation for the elastic element through the damping control element and the end, ensuring the reliability of the elastic element's operation.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the sidewall of the guide hole is provided with a plurality of oil passage grooves that extend axially along the guide hole to form the gap between the end and the damping control element, thereby ensuring that the fluid medium can flow between the end and the damping control element in the initial state.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of the oil grooves are arranged circumferentially along the guide hole.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, the elastic element is a compression spring with a through hole in the middle, and the elastic element is movably sleeved outside the insertion section; or the elastic element is a leaf spring, which is disposed between the end and the damping control element to directly guide and limit the elastic element through the damping control element, thereby simplifying the structure of the damping control valve.

[0023] In an optional embodiment, the drive assembly is located at one end of the valve housing away from the end portion; the drive assembly includes a push rod, a driver, and a reset elastic element, one end of the push rod being movably inserted into the inner bore of the driver and the other end abutting against the end of the valve seat away from the damping control element, and the reset elastic element being used to drive the push rod to reset.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the damping control valve is configured such that: when the fluid medium flows from the second port to the first port at a first flow rate, after the drive assembly is energized, the drive assembly drives the damping control element toward the end via the valve seat to narrow the first fluid medium flow channel; and when the fluid medium flows from the second port to the first port at a second flow rate higher than the first flow rate, the fluid medium pushes the damping control element and the valve seat together to overcome the driving force of the drive assembly and move away from the end to widen the first fluid medium flow channel.

[0025] In an optional embodiment, the damping control valve is configured such that: when the fluid medium flows from the first port to the second port, the damping control element moves toward the end to close the first fluid medium flow passage, the fluid medium enters the pressure chamber and pushes the valve seat away from the end to widen the second fluid medium flow passage from the first port to the second port, and after the drive assembly is energized, the drive assembly drives the valve seat to move toward the damping control element to narrow the second fluid medium flow passage.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, the end of the valve housing is formed as a separate end cap, and the first port is located on the separate end cap.

[0027] In an optional embodiment, the valve seat or the sealing section of the damping control element is provided with an orifice that communicates with the pressure chamber. This provides a convenient channel for fluid medium depressurization when pressure is built up in the pressure chamber, thus improving the safety of the damping control valve.

[0028] The damping control valve with an initial opening provided by this invention has an elastic element between the end and the damping control element. This elastic element simultaneously compresses both the end and the damping control element, creating a fluid medium flow channel between the end and the damping control element in the initial state. In other words, the damping control valve has an initial opening in the static state, exhibiting minimum damping force. The driving force requirement of the control valve is provided according to actual needs, thereby reducing overall power consumption. Therefore, this invention results in a smaller initial damping of the damping control valve, thus reducing its overall power consumption and exhibiting low energy consumption. Furthermore, the damping control element of this invention has higher stability and reliability, is less prone to jamming, and is less likely to deviate or tip over, thereby avoiding uncertain damping force performance and improving overall vehicle comfort. Even under high fluid medium pressure, the damping control element of this invention is less prone to sealing problems caused by minor deformation. Under extremely high fluid medium flow, it avoids abnormal noises such as whistling, which is beneficial for evaluating the performance of the shock absorber assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] In the attached diagram:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a damping control valve with an initial opening, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a valve system assembly of a damping control valve with an initial opening, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of a damping control valve with an initial opening, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a damping control valve with an initial opening, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a damping control valve with an initial opening, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a damping control valve with an initial opening, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figures 7A-7C This is a front view of a leaf spring of a damped control valve with an initial opening, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The attached diagram shows the markings and corresponding component names:

[0039] 10-Valve housing, 20-Damping control element, 201-First pressure bearing surface, 202-Second pressure bearing surface, 21-Insertion section, 21a-Insertion hole, 22-Sealing section, 24-Opening, 30-End, A-First port, B-Second port, C-Pressure chamber, D-Height difference, G-Gap, 31-Guide hole, 31a-Oil groove, 32-Guide rod, 33-Support arm, 34-Guide surface, 35-Connecting arm, 40-Elastic element, 402-Sheet spring, 404-Port, 50-Valve seat, 60-Drive assembly, 61-Push rod, 62-Actuator, 63-Reset elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0041] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the indicated orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of this application is usually placed in when in use, or the orientation or positional relationship that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art. It is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0042] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "have," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] This embodiment provides a damping control valve with an initial opening. The damping control valve of this embodiment can be used in conjunction with a damper in an automotive vibration damping structure. By changing the flow rate of the fluid medium flowing through the damping control valve, the pressure of the fluid medium in the damper can be adjusted, thereby changing the damping characteristics of the damper. It should be noted that the damping control valve disclosed in this invention can also be used in other components or fluid control systems that require adjustable damping.

[0044] Combination Figure 1 The damping control valve includes a valve body 10, a damping control element 20, an elastic element 40, a valve seat 50, and a drive assembly 60. The damping control element 20 is located within the valve body 10 and can adjust the damping magnitude of the damping control valve through its axial movement, thereby controlling the oil flow rate. The elastic element 40 is located between the damping control element 20 and an end portion 30, and can push the damping control element 20 away from the end portion 30. The valve seat 50 is movably disposed within the valve body 10 and can abut against the damping control element 20 to form a pressure chamber C. The drive assembly 60, drivenly connected to the valve seat 50, is used to drive the valve seat 50 to move towards the end portion 30 when the damping control valve is energized. Figure 1 As shown, the valve housing 10 includes an end portion 30 located at one end, wherein a first port A is provided on the end portion 30. The first port A is in fluid communication with the chamber (such as an oil reservoir) of a damper used in conjunction with a damping control valve.

[0045] In some embodiments, the end 30 of the valve housing 10 may be formed as a separate end, wherein the first port A is located on the end. In other embodiments, the end 30 may be integrally formed with the valve housing 10.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the damping control valve further includes a second port B disposed on the side of the valve housing 10. The second port B is in fluid communication with the chamber (e.g., the working chamber) of a damper used in conjunction with the damping control valve. Depending on the different operating processes of the damper and the damping control valve, the fluid medium can flow from the first port A to the second port B, or from the second port B to the first port A. This will be described in detail below.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the damping control element 20 may include an adjacent insertion section 21 and a sealing section 22. The insertion section 21 may be in the form of a cylinder, for example, and the sealing section 22 may be in the form of a frustum extending outward from the insertion section 21.

[0048] like Figure 2As shown, the end portion 30 may include a guide surface 34. This guide surface 34 may be the inner side of an annulus on the end portion 30, used to mate with the insertion section 21 of the damping control element 20. Thus, when the insertion section 21 moves relative to the guide surface 34 along the axial direction of the damping control valve, the surface contact between the guide surface 34 and the insertion section 21 makes the movement of the insertion section 21 smoother. This avoids the risk of movement jamming in the damping control element 20, thereby preventing uncertain damping force performance of the damping control valve and improving the overall vehicle comfort of vehicles using this damping control valve.

[0049] Furthermore, the damping control element 20 according to this embodiment has a large axial length due to its guide surface 34 and insertion section 21. Therefore, the damping control element 20 is less prone to deformation when subjected to high fluid medium pressure, and consequently, it is less likely to form a small flow throttling path between the deformation point of the damping control element 20 and the valve body due to poor sealing. This also makes it less likely to generate abnormal fluid noise such as whistling at the small flow throttling path under extremely high fluid medium flow. This is beneficial for evaluating the performance of the damper assembly using this damping control valve.

[0050] To further enhance the smoothness of motion of the damping control element 20, such as Figure 2 As shown, a guide hole 31 can also be provided at the end of end 30 facing the damping control element 20. The insertion section 21 can be adapted to the guide hole 31 and can be inserted into the guide hole 31 along its own axial direction. In this way, the guide hole 31 provides guidance for the movement of the damping control element 20, which can improve the reliability of the damping control valve in high-pressure operating environments.

[0051] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, a guide rod 32 is provided in the middle of the guide hole 31, and the guide rod 32 extends axially along the guide hole 31. A insertion hole 21a is provided in the middle of the insertion section 21, and the end of the guide rod 32 away from the end portion 30 is movably inserted into the insertion hole 21a to simultaneously provide guidance for the damping control element 20 via the guide rod 32. Thus, the contact between the damping control element 20 and the end portion 30 near the radial center further increases the smoothness of the movement of the damping control element 20 relative to the end portion 30. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the guide rod 32 may be part of the end portion 30; in other embodiments, the guide rod 32 may be separate from the end portion 30.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the end portion 30 may include multiple support arms 33 for providing support for the guide rod 32. The support arms 33 may be part of the end portion 30 or separate components independent of it. Although Figure 2Three support arms 33 are shown, generally spaced at 120° intervals. It should be understood that other numbers of support arms 33 are also feasible. In other embodiments, support arms 33 may not be provided at the end 30, so that the movement path of the damping control element 20 is not obstructed by the support arms 33, thereby increasing the movement stroke of the damping control element 20.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, an elastic element 40 can be fitted onto the guide rod 32. The elastic element 40 can be a compression spring as shown in the figure, with one end abutting against the end of the guide rod 32 and the other end compressed by the connecting arm 35 on the end 30. When the damping control element 20 moves toward the end 30 due to the push of the valve seat 50, the elastic element 40 can be compressed to provide an elastic restoring force. When the valve seat 50 no longer pushes the damping control element 20, the elastic restoring force of the elastic element 40 causes the damping control element 20 to abut against the valve seat 50, thereby enabling the damping control element 20 to move together with the valve seat 50 in a direction away from the end 30. The elastic restoring force of the elastic element 40 can also cause the damping control element 20 to contact the valve seat 50 to form a pressure chamber C between the damping control element 20 and the valve seat 50. It is understandable that the force of the elastic element 40 is applied directly or indirectly between the damping control element 20 and the end 30. That is, the elastic element 40 can directly abut against the side wall of the corresponding damping control element 20 and the end 30, or it can transmit the force through the intermediate component.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the sidewall of the guide hole 31 is provided with multiple oil passage grooves 31a, which extend axially along the guide hole 31 to form a gap G between the end 30 and the damping control element 20. In this way, a first fluid medium flow channel is formed between the first port A and the second port B, ensuring that the fluid medium can establish fluid flow between the first port A and the second port B in the initial state, so as to form a damping control valve with an initial opening.

[0055] like Figure 3As shown, the damping control element 20 has a first pressure-bearing surface 201 facing the end 30 and a second pressure-bearing surface 202 facing away from the end 30. When the fluid medium flows into the damping control valve through the first port A, the fluid medium can exert a force on the damping control element 20 through the first pressure-bearing surface 201 and the second pressure-bearing surface 202. The areas of the first pressure-bearing surface 201 and the second pressure-bearing surface 202 are designed such that the projected area of ​​the second pressure-bearing surface 202 in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the damping control element 20 is greater than the projected area of ​​the first pressure-bearing surface 201 in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the damping control element 20. Therefore, when the fluid medium acts on the first pressure-bearing surface 201 and the second pressure-bearing surface 202 simultaneously, the force exerted by the fluid medium on the damping control element 20 through the second pressure-bearing surface 202 will be greater than the force exerted by the fluid medium on the damping control element 20 through the first pressure-bearing surface 201, thereby enabling the damping control element 20 to be driven by the fluid medium to overcome the elastic restoring force of the elastic element 40 and move towards the end 30. By making the projected area of ​​the second pressure-bearing surface 202 higher than the projected area of ​​the first pressure-bearing surface 201, the resultant force of the fluid medium acting on the damping control element 20 can be directed toward the end 30, so as to achieve the desired motion direction of the damping control element 20.

[0056] Furthermore, by changing the area of ​​the first pressure-bearing surface 201, the area of ​​the second pressure-bearing surface 202, or the angle of the second pressure-bearing surface 202 relative to the axial direction of the damping control valve, the ratio between the projected areas of the first pressure-bearing surface 201 and the second pressure-bearing surface 202 can be adjusted, thereby correspondingly changing the force exerted by the fluid medium on the damping control element 20. For example, by increasing the ratio between the projected areas of the first pressure-bearing surface 201 and the second pressure-bearing surface 202, the ratio of the pressure-bearing areas on both sides of the damping control element 20 can be reduced. Therefore, the fluid medium in the pressure chamber C needs to gradually accumulate greater pressure for the force exerted by the fluid medium on the second pressure-bearing surface 202 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element 40. Since the first pressure-bearing surface 201 and the second pressure-bearing surface 202 are simultaneously set on the same damping control element 20, if it is desired to change the force of the fluid medium acting on the damping control element 20 by changing the ratio between the projected areas of the first pressure-bearing surface 201 and the second pressure-bearing surface 202, only a single component of the damping control element 20 needs to be replaced. This allows for easy adjustment of the damping characteristics of the damping control valve, thereby facilitating the provision of damping control valves of different specifications.

[0057] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3As shown, the first pressure-bearing surface 201 can be located on the insertion section 21, and the second pressure-bearing surface 202 can be located on the sealing section 22 and within the pressure chamber C. When the fluid medium is located within the pressure chamber C, the hydraulic pressure of the accumulated fluid medium will gradually increase. When the hydraulic pressure of the fluid medium is sufficiently high, a force can be applied to the damping control element 20 through the second pressure-bearing surface 202, pushing the damping control element 20 toward the end 30.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the fluid medium flows into the pressure chamber C from the first port A through the opening 24, the damping control element 20 can be driven by the fluid medium to move toward the end 30 and cause the first pressure bearing surface 201 to abut against the first part 311 of the end 30. Therefore, the fluid medium flowing from the first port A to the second port B cannot flow through the oil groove 31a on the end 30, causing the gap G between the end 30 formed by the oil groove 31a and the damping control element 20 to be closed, thereby closing the first fluid medium flow channel between the first port A and the second port B.

[0059] In other embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, other methods can be used to close the first fluid medium flow channel. For example, the sealing section 22 can be appropriately sized so that when the damping control element 20 is pushed towards the end 30 by the fluid medium, the sealing section 22 abuts against the second portion 312 of the end 30 earlier than the first pressure-bearing surface 201 of the insertion section 21, thereby closing the first fluid medium flow channel. Specifically, in one feasible embodiment, the sealing section 22 can be designed to include an outer surface 220 facing away from the pressure chamber C, which can be an inclined surface, so that when the fluid medium flows into the pressure chamber C from the first port A through the opening 24, the damping control element 20 can be driven by the fluid medium to move towards the end 30 so that the outer surface 220 of the sealing section 22 abuts against the second portion 312 of the end 30, thereby closing the first fluid medium flow channel.

[0060] When the damping control element 20 is pushed towards the end 30 by the fluid medium in the pressure chamber C, the damping control element 20, which was originally pressed against the valve seat 50 under the restoring force of the elastic element 40, will disengage from the valve seat 50. As a result, the fluid medium in the pressure chamber C can flow to the second port B through the gap between the damping control element 20 and the valve seat 50. Thus, a second fluid medium flow channel is established from the first port A through the opening 24 to the second port B.

[0061] Return to reference Figure 1The specific structure of the drive assembly 60 is described below. Generally, the drive assembly 60 is located outside the end of the valve housing 10 furthest from end 30. The drive assembly 60 includes a push rod 61, an actuator 62, and a reset elastic element 63. One end of the push rod 61 is movably inserted into the inner hole of the actuator 62, and the other end abuts against the end of the valve seat 50 furthest from the damping control element 20. The reset elastic element 63 is used to drive the push rod 61 to reset. Specifically, a shoulder or other component with a cross-sectional dimension larger than the push rod 61 is fixedly connected to the end of the push rod 61 furthest from the valve seat 50. The reset elastic element 63 is movably sleeved outside the push rod 61, with one end abutting against the valve housing 10 and the other end abutting against the shoulder or an equivalent element. The actuator 62 can be, for example, an electromagnetic actuator. When energized, the push rod 61 of the drive assembly 60 can move along the direction pointing towards the end 30 of the damping control valve under the action of electromagnetic force.

[0062] It should be noted that when the damping control valve needs to be adjusted, the actuator 62 is supplied with a corresponding current to drive the push rod 61 to push the valve seat 50 towards the damping control element 20. The valve seat 50 pushes the damping control element 20, which in turn compresses the elastic element 40, thereby simultaneously changing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow opening formed by the end 30, the damping control element 20, the valve body 40, and the valve shell 10, so as to adjust the damping of the damping control valve.

[0063] The following uses a damping control valve for an automotive damper as an example to describe the working process of the damping control valve according to this disclosure. Generally speaking, the automotive damper has a compression phase and a recovery phase. During the compression phase, the piston rod of the automotive damper applies a force to the oil reservoir of the automotive damper. During the recovery phase, the piston rod moves away from the oil reservoir.

[0064] For example, when the sensors of a car's damper detect a change in the smoothness of the road surface, it is necessary to adjust the damping characteristics of the damper to achieve a better ride experience. In this case, the damper's controller can send a signal to energize the drive assembly 60, thereby altering the characteristics of the damping control valve by changing the flow rate of the fluid medium passing through it. It is understood that the above scenario is merely one possible case, and other applications are possible without departing from the embodiments of the present invention.

[0065] When the damper is in the compression phase, the fluid medium flows into the pressure chamber C from the first port A. At this time, due to the elastic force of the elastic element 40, the damping control element 20 abuts against the valve seat 50, so the gradually flowing fluid medium can accumulate in the pressure chamber C. It should be noted that in this case, the fluid medium can also pass through the gap G between the end 30 and the damping control element 20, in which case the first fluid medium flow channel is open. Since the areas of the first pressure-bearing surface 201 and the second pressure-bearing surface 202 of the damping control element 20 are designed such that the projected area of ​​the second pressure-bearing surface 202 in the plane perpendicular to the movement direction of the damping control element 20 is greater than the projected area of ​​the first pressure-bearing surface 201 in the plane perpendicular to the movement direction of the damping control element 20, when the pressure of the fluid medium accumulated in the pressure chamber C is large enough, the fluid medium will drive the damping control element 20 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element 40 and move towards the end 30, thereby disengaging from the valve seat 50 and opening the second fluid medium flow channel. The movement of the damping control element 20 toward the end 30 causes the gap G between the end 30 formed by the oil groove 31a and the damping control element 20 to be closed, thereby closing the first fluid medium flow channel between the first port A and the second port B. As the fluid medium flows in, the gap between the damping control element 20 and the valve seat 50 increases, thereby widening the second fluid medium flow channel.

[0066] When it is necessary to increase the damping force of the automotive damper, the damper controller can send a signal to energize the drive assembly 60. After the drive assembly 60 is energized, the valve seat 50 moves toward the damping control element 20, reducing the gap between the valve seat 50 and the damping control element 20, thus narrowing the second fluid medium flow channel. In this way, the flow channel of the second fluid medium can be adjusted.

[0067] During the damper's reset phase, the fluid medium flows from the second port B to the first port A. When the fluid medium flows from the second port B to the first port A at a smaller flow rate (first flow rate), after the drive assembly 60 receives a signal from the controller and is energized, the push rod 61 of the drive assembly 60 will move towards the end 30, thereby generating a driving force on the valve seat 50. This driving force will drive the damping control element 20 towards the end 30 through the valve seat 50. As a result, the gap G between the end 30 and the damping control element 20 will decrease, thereby narrowing the first fluid medium flow channel. When the fluid medium flows from the second port B to the first port A at a larger flow rate (a second flow rate higher than the first flow rate), due to the increased flow rate of the fluid medium, the force exerted by the fluid medium on the damping control element 20 through the outer surface 220 of the sealing section 22 is sufficient to overcome the driving force generated by the drive assembly 60. Thus, the fluid medium pushes the damping control element 20 and the valve seat 50 together to overcome the driving force of the drive assembly 60 and move away from the end 30, thereby widening the first fluid medium flow channel. In this way, the flow channel of the first fluid medium can be adjusted.

[0068] Combination Figure 3 The end portion 30 is provided with a guide ring 36 and a support portion 37 for supporting the guide ring 36. The guide ring 36 can be a complete ring, the size of which matches the insertion section 21 of the damping control element 20. When the insertion section 21 moves relative to the end portion 30, the guide ring 36 can guide the movement of the damping control element 20. At this time, since the guide ring 36 can contact the insertion section 21 of the damping control element 20 on a 360° circumference, the smoothness of the movement of the damping control element 20 can be improved, thereby further improving the reliability of the damping control valve in high-pressure operating environments.

[0069] Continue to refer to Figure 3 To extend the flow path of the fluid medium from the first port A to the second port B via the first fluid medium flow channel, an annular oil passage 31b, fluidly communicating with the axial oil passage 31a, can be provided on the end 30. The annular oil passage 31b communicates with the first port A. Thus, when the fluid medium flows from the first port A into the first fluid medium flow channel, it first flows through the annular oil passage 31b, then to the axial oil passage 31a communicating with the annular oil passage 31b, and finally to the second port B. In this way, due to the expanded flow path of the fluid medium, the oil passage area of ​​the fluid medium in the first fluid medium flow channel increases, which can lower the overall pressure exhibited by the damping control valve, thereby increasing the adjustable pressure range of the damping control valve.

[0070] Combination Figure 5This embodiment provides a damping control valve with an initial opening. Unlike the embodiments described above, the elastic element 40 is movably sleeved outside the insertion section 21 so that the damping control element 20 can directly guide and limit the elastic element 40, without the need to set a guide rod 32, thus simplifying the structure of the damping control valve.

[0071] The elastic element 40 can be a support mechanism composed of multiple elements, or it can be a single elastic element, such as elastic parts or combinations of parts that are tensile, compressive, or rotary. In this embodiment, the elastic element 40 is an elastic element with a through hole in the middle, such as a cylindrical spring or an elastic corrugated gasket. In this case, the elastic element 40 is movably sleeved outside the guide rod 32, so that the damping control element 20 and the end 30 can simultaneously provide guidance and limit for the elastic element 40, ensuring the reliability of the operation of the elastic element 40.

[0072] Although Figures 1 to 5 The elastic element 40 shown is in the form of a compression spring, but it is understood that the elastic element 40 may take other forms.

[0073] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic element 40 may be a leaf spring 402 disposed between the end 30 and the damping control element 20. As shown, a height difference D may be provided between the steps of different portions of the end 30, wherein the middle step 301 is closer to the leaf spring 402 than the outer step 302. Thus, when the leaf spring 402 is subjected to an axial force from the damping control element 20, its middle portion abuts against the step 301 of the end 30, and due to the height difference D, the outer portion of the leaf spring 402 can be pushed axially, thereby abutting against the step 302 and generating elastic deformation, thereby forming an elastic restoring force in the leaf spring 402. When the valve seat 50 no longer pushes against the damping control element 20, the elastic restoring force of the leaf spring 402 causes the damping control element 20 to move away from the end 30 and abut against the valve seat 50, thereby opening the first fluid medium flow channel.

[0074] Figures 7A-7C Several possible forms of the leaf spring 402 are shown. It should be noted that this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art can conceive of other forms of leaf springs without departing from the spirit of the invention; these forms also fall within the scope of the invention. For example... Figures 7A-7C As shown, the leaf spring 402 has a port 404, which ensures that when the leaf spring 402 is installed between the end 30 and the damping control element 20, the fluid medium flowing into the valve body from the first port A can enter the side of the damping control element 20 opposite to the end 30 through the port 404, thereby not obstructing the second fluid medium flow channel.

[0075] Return to reference Figure 6 In one embodiment, the valve seat 50 is further provided with an orifice 51, which communicates with the pressure chamber C. This arrangement allows a small amount of fluid to drain from the valve seat 50 to the second port B while the damping control element 20 abuts against the valve seat 50 to form a substantially closed pressure chamber C, thus meeting safety requirements. In other embodiments, the orifice 51 may also be located on the sealing section 22 of the damping control element 20. Although the orifice 51 shown in the figure is circular, it is understood that other shapes of orifices 51 are also feasible, as long as they provide a passage for fluid to exit.

[0076] In summary, the damping control valve with an initial opening provided in this embodiment uses the elastic element 40 to simultaneously compress the end 30 and the damping control element 20, so that in the initial state, there is a channel for fluid medium to flow between the end 30 and the damping control element 20. This allows the damping control valve to have an initial opening in the static state, at which point it has the minimum damping force. The driving force required by the control valve is provided according to actual needs, thereby reducing the overall power consumption.

[0077] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above using an automotive damper as an example, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention can also be used in other components or fluid control systems that require adjustable damping.

[0078] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A damping control valve having an initial opening, characterized in that, include: The valve housing (10) includes an end portion (30) located at one end thereof, wherein a first port (A) is provided on the end portion (30); The damping control element (20) is located inside the valve housing (10) and can adjust the amount of oil passing through the damping control valve by its own axial movement; An elastic element (40) is located between the damping control element (20) and the end (30) and is capable of pushing the damping control element (20) away from the end (30). The valve seat (50) is movably disposed within the valve housing (10); A drive assembly (60) is connected to the valve seat (50) for driving the valve seat (50) to move toward the end (30) when energized; In the free state where the damping control valve is not energized and has no hydraulic pressure, a first fluid medium flow channel exists between the end (30) and the damping control element (20). The damping control element (20) is configured such that when a fluid medium flows from the first port (A) into the space on the side of the damping control element (20) opposite to the end (30), the damping control element (20) can be driven by the fluid medium to move toward the end (30) against the elastic restoring force of the elastic element (40).

2. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping control element (20) has a first pressure-bearing surface (201) facing the end (30) and a second pressure-bearing surface (202) facing away from the end (30). The projected area of ​​the second pressure-bearing surface (202) in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the damping control element (20) is greater than the projected area of ​​the first pressure-bearing surface (201) in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the damping control element (20). This allows the damping control element (20) to be driven by the fluid medium to overcome the elastic restoring force of the elastic element (40) and move toward the end (30) when the fluid medium acts on both the first pressure-bearing surface (201) and the second pressure-bearing surface (202).

3. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 2, characterized in that, The damping control element (20) is configured to contact the valve seat (50) under the elastic restoring force of the elastic element (40) to form a pressure chamber (C) between the damping control element (20) and the valve seat (50), and the second pressure bearing surface (202) is located in the pressure chamber (C).

4. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 3, characterized in that, The damping control element (20) includes an insertion section (21) and a sealing section (22) connected in sequence. The end (30) facing the damping control element (20) is provided with a guide hole (31). The insertion section (21) is adapted to the guide hole (31) and the insertion section (21) is inserted into the guide hole (31) and can move along its own axis. The sealing section (22) is configured to contact the valve seat (50) under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic element (40).

5. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 4, characterized in that, A guide rod (32) is provided in the middle of the guide hole (31), and the guide rod (32) extends axially along the guide hole (31); The insertion section (21) is provided with a insertion hole (21a) in the middle, and the end of the guide rod (32) away from the end (30) is movably inserted into the insertion hole (21a).

6. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first pressure-bearing surface (201) is located on the insertion section (21), and the second pressure-bearing surface (202) is located on the sealing section (22).

7. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The insertion section (21) has an opening (24) that connects the first port (A) to the pressure chamber (C).

8. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The insertion section (21) and the sealing section (22) are integrally formed.

9. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: The second port (B) is located on the side of the valve body (10); There is a gap between the end (30) and the damping control element (20) to form the first fluid medium flow channel, which connects the second port (B) and the first port (A).

10. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 9, characterized in that, The damping control element (20) is configured such that when the fluid medium flows into the pressure chamber (C) from the first port (A) via the opening (24), the damping control element (20) can be driven by the fluid medium to move toward the end (30) to disengage from the valve seat (50), thereby forming a second fluid medium flow channel from the first port (A) via the opening (24) to the second port (B).

11. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 10, characterized in that, The damping control element (20) is also configured to be driven by the fluid medium to move toward the end (30) so that the first pressure-bearing surface (201) abuts against a first portion (311) of the end (30) when the fluid medium flows from the first port (A) through the opening (24) into the pressure chamber (C), thereby closing the first fluid medium flow channel.

12. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sealing section (22) includes an outer surface (220) facing away from the pressure chamber (C), and the damping control element (20) is further configured to be driven by the fluid medium to move toward the end (30) when the fluid medium flows into the pressure chamber (C) from the first port (A) via the opening (24) so ​​that the outer surface (220) of the sealing section (22) abuts against the second portion (312) of the end (30) to close the first fluid medium flow channel.

13. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to any one of claims 4, 5, 10-11, characterized in that, A guide rod (32) is provided in the middle of the guide hole (31), and the guide rod (32) extends axially along the guide hole (31); and the elastic element (40) is movably sleeved on the guide rod (32).

14. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 9, characterized in that, The guide hole (31) has a plurality of oil grooves (31a) on its sidewall. The oil grooves (31a) extend axially along the guide hole (31) to form the gap between the end (30) and the damping control element (20).

15. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 14, characterized in that, Multiple oil grooves (31a) are arranged circumferentially along the guide hole (31).

16. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic element (40) is a compression spring with a through hole in the middle, and the elastic element (40) is movably sleeved outside the insertion section (21).

17. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to any one of claims 4, 5, 10-11, characterized in that, The elastic element (40) is a leaf spring, which is disposed between the end (30) and the damping control element (20).

18. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to claim 16, characterized in that, The drive assembly (60) is located at one end of the valve housing (10) away from the end (30); The drive assembly (60) includes a push rod (61), a driver (62), and a reset elastic element (63). One end of the push rod (61) is movably inserted into the inner hole of the driver (62), and the other end abuts against the end of the valve seat (50) away from the damping control element (20). The reset elastic element (63) is used to drive the push rod (61) to reset.

19. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to any one of claims 9-10, characterized in that, The damping control valve is configured such that when the fluid medium flows from the second port (B) to the first port (A) at a first flow rate, after the drive assembly (60) is energized, the drive assembly (60) drives the damping control element (20) to move toward the end (30) via the valve seat (50) to narrow the first fluid medium flow channel, and when the fluid medium flows from the second port (B) to the first port (A) at a second flow rate higher than the first flow rate, the fluid medium pushes the damping control element (20) and the valve seat (50) together to overcome the driving force of the drive assembly (60) and move away from the end (30) to widen the first fluid medium flow channel.

20. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to any one of claims 9-10, characterized in that, The damping control valve is configured such that when the fluid medium flows from the first port (A) to the second port (B), the damping control element (20) moves toward the end (30) to close the first fluid medium flow channel, the fluid medium enters the pressure chamber (C) and pushes the valve seat (50) away from the end (30) to expand the second fluid medium flow channel from the first port (A) to the second port (B), and after the drive assembly (60) is energized, the drive assembly (60) drives the valve seat (50) to move toward the damping control element (20) to narrow the second fluid medium flow channel.

21. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to any one of claims 1-5, 10-12, 14-16, and 18, characterized in that, The end (30) of the valve housing (10) is formed as a separate end cap, and the first port (A) is located on the separate end cap.

22. The damping control valve with an initial opening according to any one of claims 4, 10-11, 14-16, and 18, characterized in that, The valve seat (50) or the sealing section (22) of the damping control element (20) is provided with an orifice (51), which is connected to the pressure chamber (C).

Images