Shock absorber for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a shock absorber (10) for a vehicle, comprising an outer tube (12) and an inner tube (14) arranged coaxially with respect thereto, wherein a compensation chamber (16) for receiving hydraulic fluid is formed between the outer tube (12) and the inner tube (14), and a working piston (18) connected to a piston rod (20) and arranged so as to be able to move reciprocatingly within the inner tube (14), wherein the inner space of the inner tube (14) is divided by the working piston (18) into a first working chamber (22) and a second working chamber (24), a center tube (26) arranged within the compensation chamber (16) and attached to the inner tube (14), wherein the center tube (26) has a tubular element (28) and a helical element (30) connected to the tubular element (28).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shock absorber for a vehicle having a helical element. Background Technology

[0002] Especially in the form of multi-tube dampers, the use of helical elements is known. Multi-tube dampers typically do not have any separate gas chambers, so that the hydraulic oil and gas are not sealed apart from each other. The piston rod movement or acceleration of the hydraulic fluid within the damper causes relatively strong fluctuations in the hydraulic oil level.

[0003] This often leads to the "bursting" of the hydraulic column, causing the hydraulic oil and gas to mix through bubbling, resulting in the gas reaching one of the working chambers. In this situation, the damper's function is very limited, and it no longer achieves the required damping characteristics.

[0004] The use of helical elements to stabilize hydraulic oil is known in the prior art. For example, a shock absorber with a helical element is known from DE 11 2019 006 471T5. However, the problem lies in the assembly of the helical element within the shock absorber. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide a vibration damper having a helical element that can be installed cost-effectively and preferably fixed without clearance and has a long service life.

[0006] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the vibration damper of the invention. Further advantageous developments can be understood from the description.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a shock absorber for a vehicle includes: an outer tube and an inner tube coaxially arranged therewith, wherein a compensation chamber for receiving hydraulic fluid is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube; and a working piston connected to a piston rod and arranged to reciprocate within the inner tube, wherein the internal space of the inner tube is divided by the working piston into a first working chamber and a second working chamber. The shock absorber also has a central tube arranged within the compensation chamber and fixed to the inner tube. The central tube has a tubular element and a helical element connected to the tubular element.

[0008] The vibration damper is preferably a multi-tube vibration damper, wherein the compensation chamber is partially filled with gas, particularly at the upper end. The outer tube preferably forms at least partially the housing of the vibration damper. The inner surface of the inner tube is preferably in the form of a guide for the working piston. The working piston preferably has a valve device through which the first working chamber and the second working chamber are connected to each other.

[0009] An annular space is preferably formed between the central tube and the inner tube. The inner tube particularly has at least one through opening that connects the first working chamber on the piston rod side to the annular space in a technical fluid sense, wherein the through opening is formed in the first working chamber.

[0010] The shock absorber specifically features a sealing assembly constructed and arranged to seal the internal space of the outer tube in a technical fluid sense on the piston rod side. The end of the inner tube on the piston rod side is preferably fixed to the sealing assembly. The internal space of the outer tube is preferably sealed in a technical fluid sense by a base member opposite the sealing assembly at the end remote from the piston rod. A foot valve is specifically arranged on the base member, which is particularly attached to the end of the inner tube remote from the piston rod. The second working chamber is preferably connected in a technical fluid sense to the compensation chamber via a main valve. The foot valve is preferably a check valve, which can flow in two directions or only in one direction. For example, the foot valve is in the form of a check valve in the pulling direction during piston movement in the direction of pulling out the inner tube, and in the form of a marking-generating valve in the compression direction during piston movement into the inner tube.

[0011] A single central tube is preferably arranged coaxially with respect to the inner and outer tubes between the inner and outer tubes. The central tube preferably comprises a tubular element and a helical element, wherein the tubular element and the helical element are independent components connected to each other, preferably securely connected without any clearance. The central tube has a length, for example, approximately 40% to 90%, particularly 50% to 80%, of the length of the inner tube. The helical element is preferably arranged radially outward on the tubular element between the tubular element and the outer tube. The inner diameter of the helical element preferably corresponds to the outer diameter of the tubular element, allowing the helical element to be pushed onto the tubular element from the outside. Preferably, the helical element has a tubular base member arranged coaxially with respect to the tubular element and abutting against the outer surface of the tubular element through its inner surface.

[0012] The central tube constructed in this way can be produced cost-effectively and allows for simple assembly that is optimized in terms of time.

[0013] According to the first embodiment, the tubular element and the helical element are connected to each other by a locking device. The locking device is preferably a fixed connection that prevents the tubular element and the helical element from moving relative to each other, at least in the axial and / or radial directions and / or in the circumferential direction. The locking device is preferably located at the end of the central tube on the piston rod side.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the locking device is in the form of a shape-locking connection. Preferably, the locking device is a snap-fit ​​connection. Shape-locking connections, especially snap-fit ​​connections, provide a particularly simple way to secure a spiral element to a tubular element, wherein, in particular, no tools are required.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the locking device is constructed in a helical element. The helical element preferably has all or at least a portion of the locking device. In particular, at least one end region of the helical element is in the form of a locking device. Preferably, the end region of the helical element pointing towards the closing assembly is in the form of a locking device, wherein the helical element particularly has exactly one locking device.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the locking device is configured to secure the helical element to the tubular element in the axial direction. Preferably, the locking device is configured to additionally secure the helical element to the tubular element in the circumferential direction.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the locking device includes a plurality of clamping arms arranged side-by-side in the circumferential direction and forming the end of a helical element. The clamping arms are configured, for example, such that they can deform in the radial direction, such that the cross-section of the helical element preferably increases or decreases due to the deformation of the clamping arms. This deformation is preferably a reversible elastic deformation.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the clamping arms extend in the axial direction and are spaced apart from adjacent clamping arms in the circumferential direction by slots. The clamping arms preferably extend parallel to each other. The helical element preferably has a plurality of axial slots extending in the axial direction from the end of the helical element pointing towards the closing assembly. The slots preferably each lead into a corresponding hole, wherein the holes are preferably arranged at the same height. In particular, the slots extend only in the axial direction and not in the circumferential direction. For example, at least two or more clamping arms are constructed identically.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the locking device has a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm, the first clamping arm having a first clamping arm geometry and the second clamping arm having a second clamping arm geometry. Specifically, the clamping arms opposite each other at 180° are constructed identically. The locking device preferably includes a plurality of first and second clamping arms. The clamping arms are particularly in the form of the circumferential tube end of a helical element. The first clamping arm is, for example, in the form of a hook, and preferably extends axially over the second clamping arm in the direction of the end of the closed assembly side of the helical element. The first clamping arm particularly has a radially inwardly pointing first protrusion, which is particularly in the form of a partial loop. The protrusion extends circumferentially over the entire width of the first clamping arm and particularly forms the axial end of the first clamping arm. The second clamping arm particularly has a radially inwardly pointing second protrusion, which is preferably in the form of a partial loop and particularly extends circumferentially over the entire width of the second clamping arm. The protrusion is particularly arranged to be axially offset relative to the end of the second clamping arm. The first and second protrusions are specifically arranged at different heights on the helical element. The first and second protrusions are used to position and axially fix the helical element to the tubular element.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the central tube is attached to the inner tube via a central tube attachment. The central tube is preferably attached to the inner tube via at least one, particularly via first and second central tube attachments. At least one central tube attachment is arranged at the end of the central tube remote from the piston rod, wherein additional central tube attachments are arranged, for example, at the end of the central tube on the piston rod side. Preferably, the central tube attachment is constructed within the tubular element of the central tube. The central tube attachment preferably includes two radially inwardly extending circumferentially constricted portions, wherein in the region of the constricted portions, the diameter of the central tube, particularly the diameter of the tubular element, decreases, such that the central tube, particularly the tubular element, abuts against the inner tube. An annular expansion portion of the tubular element is formed between the two constricted portions, wherein in the region of the expansion portion, the diameter of the tubular element expands to a previous diameter outside the constricted portions. The expansion portion is preferably constructed such that it forms a closed annular space between the central tube and the inner tube. Within the annular space, a sealing element, particularly a sealing ring, is arranged abutting against the inner tube and the tubular element and forming a fluid seal therebetween. The central tube attachment preferably constitutes a seal for the central tube, particularly the tubular element, relative to the inner tube. The central tube attachment is specifically configured to prevent radial movement of the tubular element relative to the inner tube. In the axial direction, the central tube attachment preferably does not secure the tubular element to the inner tube. Specifically, the central tube is secured in both the axial and circumferential directions by mounting a valve on the flange region of the central tube.

[0021] According to another embodiment, a locking device is attached to the central tube attachment. The locking device is preferably disposed on the central tube attachment on the piston rod side and is specifically form a form-locking connection thereto. Preferably, the locking device is configured to lock onto the central tube attachment, and preferably the helical element is fixed axially to the tubular element. Preferably, the first clamping arm of the locking device is configured to engage with the expansion portion of the central tube attachment forming an annular space and is specifically form a form-locking connection.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the central tube attachment includes two radially inwardly pointing, circumferentially extending constricted portions in the tubular element.

[0023] According to another embodiment, a first clamping arm engages with a contraction portion, and a second clamping arm engages with an additional contraction portion of the central tube attachment. Specifically, a protrusion of the first clamping arm abuts against an axially external contraction portion of the tubular element. Preferably, the second clamping arm is configured such that it engages with the additional contraction portion of the central tube attachment and, in particular, forms a form-locking connection. Specifically, a protrusion of the second clamping arm abuts against an axially internal contraction portion of the central tube attachment.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the locking device is configured to lock onto the central tube attachment. The term "locking" should be understood as a radially reversible deformation of at least one clamping arm outward in the radial direction, followed by a radially reversible deformation of at least one clamping arm in the radial direction in the radial direction, wherein the helical element is fixed in the axial direction. During assembly of the helical element, it is preferably pushed from the end of the tubular element located on the closure assembly side onto the tubular element until it locks onto the central tube attachment.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the shock absorber has a damping valve device, and the tubular element has a flange region for attaching the damping valve device to the central tube. The flange region forms a receiving member for the damping valve device, and in particular, the flange region forms a fluid inlet and / or fluid outlet for the damping valve device. Specifically, the flange region connects the annular space to the damping valve device. The outer tube of the shock absorber preferably has an opening aligned with the flange region to receive the damping valve device, such that the damping valve device is connected to the compensation chamber in a technical fluid sense. The flange region is, for example, integrally constructed with the tubular element and preferably has a circular cross-section. Preferably, the tubular flange region extends radially outward from the central tube, and in particular from the direction of the tubular element in the outer tube. The helical element preferably extends from the locking device to the flange region on the piston rod side of the tubular element. Preferably, the helical element is spaced apart from the flange region in the axial direction, and in particular, does not extend beyond the flange region in the axial direction. It is also conceivable that the helical element extends from the locking device on the piston rod side of the tubular element to a position beyond the flange region, wherein the end region of the helical element preferably has a groove extending in the axial direction, and the flange region is arranged in the groove.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the helical element of the central tube is made of plastic material, and / or the tubular element of the central tube is made of metal.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the helical element has one or more circumferential helical windings extending outward in the radial direction. The helical windings can be selected, for example, from the group consisting of helical windings, helical coils, helical teeth, cylindrical helices, or combinations thereof. For example, the one or more circumferential helical windings have a helix angle (Steigungswinkel) in the range of 0.1° to 89.9°, preferably in the range of 20.0° to 45.0°, and particularly preferably in the range of 25.0° to 35.0°. In the context of this invention, the term "helix angle" is intended to be understood as an angle obtained by calculating the arctangent of the pitch (Steigung) mm / (tooth diameter (Flankendurchmesser) mm × pi).

[0028] For example, one or more circumferential helical windings have a consistent, particularly single, or different pitch angle. For example, one or more circumferential helical windings have a number of turns, particularly greater than 1, preferably in the range of 2 to 6, and particularly preferably 3. In the context of this invention, the term "number of turns" is intended to be understood as the number of helical windings that are located at a height and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0029] For example, one or more circumferential helical windings extend continuously, particularly operating continuously and / or having one or more interruptions.

[0030] For example, the opposite ends of one or more circumferential helical windings are arranged to be radially different from each other. In the context of this invention, for example, the term "different from each other" can be understood to mean different from each other, diverging from each other, such as the opposite ends of one or more circumferential helical windings terminating at another location in the radial direction, and in particular, the ends of one or more circumferential helical windings are not arranged directly opposite each other.

[0031] For example, one or more circumferential helical windings have a cross-sectional profile selected from the group consisting of: circular profile, flat profile, sharp profile, trapezoidal profile, or combinations thereof. For example, the helical valleys are arranged such that the helical elements have fluid connection, particularly a flow channel, between their opposite ends, especially the front ends. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to several exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a shock absorber according to an exemplary embodiment is provided in cross-sectional view. Figure 2 A schematic diagram as a perspective view of a spiral element according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figures 3a-3c A schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the end region of a central tube according to several exemplary embodiments is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 A vibration damper 10 is shown, wherein the vibration damper 10 is a multi-tube vibration damper, such as a dual-tube vibration damper. The vibration damper 10 has an outer tube 12, which forms the outer surface of the vibration damper 10, particularly the housing. Inside the outer tube 12, an inner tube 14 is arranged coaxially with respect to it. A compensation cavity 16 is formed between the outer tube 12 and the inner tube 14, and the compensation cavity 16 is preferably at least partially filled with hydraulic fluid. Preferably, the compensation cavity 16 is partially filled with gas.

[0034] A working piston 18, connected to piston rod 20, is arranged within inner tube 14 such that it is movable within inner tube 14, wherein the inner tube preferably serves as a guide for the working piston 18. The working piston 18 preferably has a valve device. The working piston 18 divides the internal space of inner tube 14 into a first working chamber 22 arranged on the piston rod side and a second working chamber 24 arranged away from the piston rod. A central tube 26 is coaxial with respect to inner tube 14 and outer tube 12 and is arranged within a compensation chamber 16 between inner tube 14 and outer tube 12.

[0035] The internal space of the outer tube 12 is sealed in a technical fluid sense at the piston rod side by a sealing assembly 34. Opposite to the sealing assembly 34, at the end away from the piston rod, the internal space of the outer tube 12 is sealed in a technical fluid sense by a base member 36. For example, a bottom valve 38 is arranged on the base member 36, which is specifically attached to the end of the inner tube 14 away from the piston rod. The bottom valve 38 is preferably a check valve, which allows flow in two directions or only in one direction. The second working chamber 24 is preferably connected to the compensation chamber 16 in a technical fluid sense via the bottom valve 38. The end of the inner tube 14 at the piston rod side is preferably fixed to the sealing assembly 34.

[0036] The central tube 26 preferably comprises a tubular element 28 and a helical element 30. The tubular element 28 and the helical element 30 are, for example, separate components connected to each other. The central tube 26 has a length, for example, approximately 50% to 80% of the length of the inner tube 14. The central tube 26 is attached to the inner tube 14, specifically via a first central tube attachment 40 and a second central tube attachment 42. The first central tube attachment 40 is located at the end of the central tube 26 away from the piston rod, and the second central tube attachment 42 is located at the end of the central tube 26 on the piston rod side. Preferably, the tubular element 28 of the central tube 28 is directly attached to the inner tube 14, wherein the helical element 30 of the central tube 26 is not, for example, directly fixed to the inner tube 14. The central tube attachments 40 and 42 preferably include two radially inward, circumferentially extending contractions 44a and 44b, wherein in the regions of the contractions 44a and 44b, the diameter of the central tube 26, particularly the tubular element 28, decreases, such that the central tube 28, particularly the tubular element 28, abuts against the inner tube 14. The first axially inward contraction 44a is abutted by a particularly annular expansion 46 of the inner tube 14, wherein in the region of the expansion 46, the diameter of the central tube 26, particularly the tubular element 28, increases to the previous diameter outside the contraction 44. The second contraction 44b abuts the expansion 46 axially outward, and the expansion 46 forms the end of the tubular element 28. Apart from the central tube attachments 40 and 42, the central tube 26 preferably has a constant diameter and cross-section. The expansion 46 is preferably configured such that it forms a closed annular space 48 between the central tube 26 and the inner tube 14. For example, a sealing element, particularly a sealing ring 50, is arranged within the annular space 48, which abuts against the inner tube 14 and the central tube 26 and forms a fluid seal therebetween. Preferably, the first central tube attachment 40 and the second central tube attachment 42 each have an annular space 48 with the sealing ring 50. The expansion portion 46 and the contraction portions 44a, 44b are preferably formed in the tubular element 28 of the central tube 26.

[0037] An annular space 13 is formed between the central tube and the inner tube 14. At least one through opening 17 is formed in the inner tube 14, the through opening 17 connecting the first working chamber 22 to the annular space 13 in a technical fluid sense. The through opening 17 is formed in the first working chamber 22.

[0038] The tubular element 28 of the central tube 26 is preferably made of metal. For example, the tubular element 28 has a flange region 52 for attaching the damping valve device 54 to the central tube 26. The flange region 52 is integrally constructed with the tubular element 28 and preferably has a circular cross-section. The preferably tubular flange region 52 extends radially outward from the central tube 26, and in particular from the tubular element 28, in the direction of the outer tube 12. The flange region 52 forms a receiving member for the damping valve device 54, and in particular, forms a fluid inlet and / or fluid outlet for the damping valve device 54. The flange region 52 connects the annular space 13 to the damping valve device 54. The outer tube 12 preferably has an opening aligned with the flange region 52 to receive the damping valve device 54, such that the damping valve device 54 is connected to the compensation chamber 16 in a technical fluid sense.

[0039] The helical element 30 of the central tube 26 is preferably made of plastic material. Preferably, the helical element has a tubular base member arranged coaxially with respect to the tubular element 28 and abutting the outer surface of the tubular element 28 via its inner surface. At least one radially outwardly pointing protrusion is formed on the tubular base member of the helical element 30. Preferably, the protrusion is configured to extend circumferentially around the tubular base member, and particularly extends around the tubular base member in the form of one or more helical windings. For example, the helical protrusion extends from the tubular base member to the inner surface of the outer tube 12. It is also conceivable that the helical protrusion is spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer tube 12.

[0040] The helical element 30 is connected, for example, to the tubular element 28 of the central tube 26 via a locking device 32. The locking device 32 is preferably configured to prevent relative movement between the tubular element 28 and the helical element 30 in the axial and / or circumferential directions. The locking device 32 is preferably located at the piston rod side end of the central tube 26, particularly at the central tube attachment 42 located on the piston rod side. The locking device 32 is preferably referenced... Figures 3a to 3c The shape-locking connection is explained. Preferably, the locking device 32 is a snap-fit ​​closure. The helical element 30 preferably extends from the locking device 32 to the flange region 52. Preferably, the helical element 30 is spaced apart from the flange region 52 in the axial direction, and in particular does not extend beyond the flange region 52 in the axial direction.

[0041] Figure 2A helical element 30 for attachment to the tubular element 28 is shown. The helical element, for example, has a locking device 32. Preferably, the end region of the helical element 30 pointing towards the closure assembly 34 is in the form of the locking device 32. The locking device 32 is preferably configured to form a form-locking connection with the second central tube attachment 42. Preferably, the locking device 32 is configured to lock onto the second central tube attachment 42 and preferably to secure the helical element 30 to the tubular element 28 in the axial direction.

[0042] The locking device 32 preferably includes a plurality of clamping arms 56a-56h arranged circumferentially side by side and forming the end of the helical element 30 pointing toward the closing assembly 34. The clamping arms 56a-56h extend parallel to each other in the axial direction and are preferably separated from their circumferentially adjacent clamping arms 56a-56h via grooves 58 extending in the axial direction. The helical element 30 preferably has a plurality of axial grooves 58 extending axially from the end of the helical element pointing toward the closing assembly 34. For example, the grooves 58 extend only in the axial direction and not in the circumferential direction. The grooves 58, for example, lead to corresponding holes 60. The holes 60 preferably abut against reinforcing protrusions 62 in the axial direction. The holes 60 are, for example, arranged at the same height.

[0043] For example, the spiral element 30 has eight clamping arms 56a-56h. In particular, the clamping arms 56a-56h that are opposite each other at 180° have the same construction.

[0044] Preferably, the locking device 32 has at least two different clamping arm geometries. The locking device 32 preferably has first clamping arms 56a, 56e and second clamping arms 56b, 56c, 56d, 56f, 56g, 56h, where the first clamping arms 56a, 56e have a first clamping arm geometry, and the second clamping arms 56b, 56c, 56d, 56f, 56g, 56h have a second clamping arm geometry. For example, the locking device 32 includes two first clamping arm portions 56a, 56e with the first clamping arm geometry and six second clamping arm portions 56b, 56c, 56d, 56f, 56g, 56h with the second clamping arm geometry. The clamping arms 56a-56h are particularly the circumferential tubular ends of the helical element 30.

[0045] The first clamping arms 56a and 56e preferably extend axially over the second clamping arms 56b, 56c, 56d, 56f, 56g, and 56h along the end of the closed assembly side of the helical element 30. The first clamping arms 56a and 56e particularly have a radially inwardly pointing first protrusion 64, which is preferably in the form of a partial ring and extends circumferentially over the entire width of the first clamping arms 56a and 56c. The protrusion 64 forms the axial end of the first clamping arms 56a and 56e. Preferably, the first clamping arms 56a and 56h are configured to engage with the expansion portion 46 of the annular space 48 of the second central tube attachment portion 42 and particularly form a shape-locking connection. In particular, the protrusion 64 abuts against the second contraction portion 44b.

[0046] The first clamping arms 56a, 56e preferably have a reinforcing portion 66 in the form of a radially protruding portion and extending in the axial direction. The reinforcing portion 66 extends centrally along the entire axial length of the first clamping arms 44a, 44e, for example.

[0047] The second clamping arms 56b, 56c, 56d, 56f, 56g, and 56h particularly have a radially inwardly pointing second protrusion 68, which is preferably in the form of a partial ring and extends circumferentially over the entire width of the second clamping arms 56b, 56c, 56d, 56f, 56g, and 56h. The protrusion 68 is specifically arranged to be axially offset relative to the ends of the second clamping arms 56b, 56c, 56d, 56f, 56g, and 56h. Preferably, the second clamping arms 56b, 56c, 56d, 56f, 56g, and 56h are configured such that they engage with the first contraction portion 44a of the second central tube attachment portion 42 and particularly form a shape-locking connection. Specifically, the protrusion 68 abuts against the first contraction portion 44a.

[0048] At the end of the helical element 30 opposite to the locking device 32, for example, at least one axial recess 72 is provided. The axial recess 72 has a groove-like shape and extends from the end of the helical element in the axial direction. For example, the recess 72 extends over approximately 10% to 20%, particularly 15% to 25%, of the length of the helical element 30. For example, the helical element 30 has a plurality of parallel recesses arranged at the end of the helical element 30 opposite to the locking device 32 and, for example, evenly spaced from each other.

[0049] Figures 3a-3c Three cross-sectional views of the central tube 26 in the region of the locking device 32 are shown. Figure 3a and Figure 3b Show each Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of the spiral element 30 at the tubular element 28. Figure 3cAnother embodiment of the spiral element 30, and in particular the locking device 32, is shown, wherein the first clamping arm 56a and the second clamping arm 56b are opposite each other at 180°.

[0050] Appendix Label Table 10 shock absorbers 12 outer tubes 13 Ring Space 14 Inner Tube 16 Compensation Chambers 17 through openings 18 working pistons 20 piston rod 22 First working chamber on the piston rod side 24. Second working chamber away from the piston rod 26 central tubes 28 central tube tubular element 30-center tube spiral element 32 locking devices 34 Enclosed Components 36 base components 38 bottom valve 40 First central tube attachment 42 Second central tube attachment 44a First contraction section 44b Second contraction section 46 Expansion Department 48-ring space 50 sealing ring 52 Flange Area 54 Damping Valve Device 56a-56h clamping arm 58 slots 60 holes 62 Reinforced protrusions 64 First protrusion 66th Reinforced Department 68 Second protrusion 70 spiral winding 72 concavity

Claims

1. A shock absorber (10) for a vehicle, comprising: - An outer tube (12) and an inner tube (14) arranged coaxially therewith, wherein a compensation chamber (16) for receiving hydraulic fluid is formed between the outer tube (12) and the inner tube (14), and - A working piston (18), which is connected to a piston rod (20) and arranged to reciprocate within the inner tube (14), wherein the internal space of the inner tube (14) is divided by the working piston (18) into a first working chamber (22) and a second working chamber (24). - A central tube (26), which is arranged in the compensation cavity (16) and attached to the inner tube (14). - It is characterized by, - The central tube (26) has a tubular element (28) and a spiral element (30) connected to the tubular element (28); The tubular element (28) and the spiral element (30) are independent components connected to each other, and the tubular element (28) and the spiral element (30) are connected to each other by a locking device (32).

2. The vibration damper (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The locking device (32) is a shape-locking connection.

3. The vibration damper (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The locking device (32) is constructed in the spiral element (30).

4. The vibration damper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The locking device (32) is configured to fix the helical element (30) to the tubular element (28) in the axial direction.

5. The vibration damper (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The locking device (32) includes a plurality of clamping arms (56a-56h) arranged side by side in the circumferential direction and forming the ends of the helical element (30).

6. The vibration damper (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The clamping arms (56a-56h) extend in the axial direction and are spaced apart by slots (58) from the clamping arms (56a-56h) adjacent in the circumferential direction.

7. The vibration damper (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The locking device (32) has a first clamping arm (56a, 56e) and a second clamping arm (56b, 56c, 56d, 56f, 56g, 56h), the first clamping arm (56a, 56e) having a first clamping arm geometry, and the second clamping arm (56b, 56c, 56d, 56f, 56g, 56h) having a second clamping arm geometry.

8. The vibration damper (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The central tube (26) is attached to the inner tube (14) via a first central tube attachment (40) and a second central tube attachment (42).

9. The vibration damper (10) according to claim 8, wherein, The locking device (32) is attached to the second central tube attachment (42).

10. The vibration damper (10) according to claim 8, wherein, The locking device (32) is configured to lock onto the second central tube attachment (42).

11. The vibration damper (10) according to claim 8, wherein, The second central tube attachment (42) includes a radially inwardly pointing, circumferentially extending first contraction (44a) and a second contraction (44b) in the tubular element (28).

12. The vibration damper (10) according to claim 11, wherein, The locking device (32) has a first clamping arm (56a, 56e) and a second clamping arm (56b, 56c, 56d, 56f, 56g, 56h), the first clamping arm (56a, 56e) cooperating with the second retractable part (44b), and the second clamping arm (56b, 56c, 56d, 56f, 56g, 56h) cooperating with the first retractable part (44a) of the second central tube attachment part (42).

13. The vibration damper (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The damper (10) has a damping valve device (54), and the tubular element (28) has a flange region (52) for attaching the damping valve device (54) to the central tube (26).

14. The vibration damper (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The spiral element (30) of the central tube (26) is made of plastic material, and / or the tubular element (28) of the central tube (26) is made of metal.

15. The vibration damper (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The helical element (30) has one or more circumferential helical windings (70) extending outward in the radial direction.

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