Solenoid valve assembly and external electronically controlled vibration damper including it

Abstract

This invention provides a solenoid valve assembly that offers two flow paths for the working fluid: in a first flow path, the working fluid flows from the outside of the solenoid valve assembly along the axial direction of the assembly through a flow-through assembly into the inner shell space of the inner shell, flows through a second flow channel, then into the first flow channel, and finally exits the solenoid valve assembly; and in a second flow path, the working fluid flows from the outside of the solenoid valve assembly through a third flow channel of the flow-through assembly into the inner shell space, then into the first flow channel, and finally exits the solenoid valve assembly. This invention also provides an externally mounted electronically controlled vibration damper incorporating the aforementioned solenoid valve assembly. Using the structure provided by this invention, the overall structure of the externally mounted electronically controlled vibration damper is more compact, the damping force adjustment range is increased, the adjustment capability is enhanced, and the response sensitivity is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a solenoid valve assembly, and also to an external electronically controlled vibration damper including such a solenoid valve assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In conventional external electronically controlled vibration dampers, the solenoid valve assembly is typically fixedly attached to the outer wall of the damper's cylinder. Since the cylinder of an electronically controlled vibration damper is usually circular in cross-section and has a limited diameter, it is necessary to minimize the size of the solenoid valve assembly to facilitate attachment. Furthermore, the requirements for the damping force adjustment range and response sensitivity of the electronically controlled vibration damper are always present.

[0003] Therefore, there is a demand in the industry for an external electronically controlled vibration damper with a wide damping force adjustment range, compact structure, and high response sensitivity.

[0004] Furthermore, considering specific applications (such as in vehicles with specific requirements), there is a need for an external electronically controlled shock absorber that further improves comfort based on the aforementioned electronically controlled shock absorber. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To achieve at least one of the above objectives, the present invention provides a solenoid valve assembly. This solenoid valve assembly is used in an externally mounted electronically controlled vibration damper. The solenoid valve assembly includes: a housing; a solenoid valve unit disposed within the housing; an inner housing disposed inside the housing, at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the inner housing forming a first flow channel with the inner circumferential surface of the housing, and the inner housing being disposed on one side of the solenoid valve unit and forming a second flow channel with the solenoid valve unit, the first flow channel and the second flow channel being in fluid communication with each other; and a flow-through assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed within the inner housing, for introducing working fluid located outside the solenoid valve assembly into the inner housing space of the inner housing, the flow-through assembly providing a third flow channel selectively connecting the internal component space of the flow-through assembly with the inner housing space, wherein the flow-through assembly includes a flow-regulating component for regulating the pressure of the working fluid flowing therethrough. The solenoid valve assembly provides two flow paths for the working fluid: in the first flow path, the working fluid flows from the outside of the solenoid valve assembly along the axial direction of the solenoid valve assembly through the flow passage assembly into the inner shell space, flows through the second flow channel, then flows into the first flow channel, and finally leaves the solenoid valve assembly; and in the second flow path, the working fluid flows from the outside of the solenoid valve assembly through the third flow channel of the flow passage assembly into the inner shell space, then flows into the first flow channel, and finally leaves the solenoid valve assembly.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow-through assembly further includes: a flow-through movable member disposed in a liquid-tight manner with the circumferential inner surface of the inner shell, having a first side away from the solenoid valve unit and a second side opposite to the first side, and a throttling orifice disposed through the flow-through movable member in an axial direction to achieve fluid communication between the space located on the first side and the space located on the second side; and a flow-through support member fixed to the circumferential inner surface of the inner shell and having a plurality of peripheral flow-through holes disposed through the flow-through support member in an axial direction, the flow-through support member and the flow-through movable member abutting against each other to form a third flow channel therebetween; wherein, the flow-through regulating assembly is disposed on the side of the flow-through support member opposite to the flow-through movable member.

[0007] In another embodiment of the invention, the flow-moving member has a central protrusion on the side facing the solenoid valve unit, and the central protrusion has a protrusion flow channel. The protrusion flow channel includes: a central protrusion hole configured to fluidly communicate with a second flow channel; and at least one peripheral protrusion hole that fluidly communicates the space located on the second side of the flow-moving member with the central protrusion hole, wherein the actuating valve core of the solenoid valve unit selectively blocks one end of the central protrusion hole, so that the reciprocating movement of the actuating valve core under the electromagnetic force generated by the solenoid valve unit can selectively achieve fluid communication between the space located on the second side of the flow-moving member and the second flow channel.

[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, an elastic member is provided along the axial direction between the flow-moving member and the inner shell to space the flow-moving member and the inner shell apart.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the flow regulating assembly includes: a flow guide for guiding working fluid from outside the solenoid valve assembly into the flow regulating assembly; a valve plate assembly having a central hole and consisting of at least one flexible valve plate covering each of a plurality of peripheral guide holes, so that the working fluid can selectively flow through the plurality of peripheral guide holes by flexural deformation of the valve plate assembly under the action of the working fluid; and a fastener extending in a liquid-tight manner through the central guide hole and the central hole to secure the valve plate assembly and the flow guide together. The flow guide includes: a central inlet hole located on the side of the flow guide opposite to the flow support; a central guide hole and a plurality of peripheral guide holes located on the side of the flow guide facing the flow support, the plurality of peripheral guide holes being arranged around the central guide hole; and an inclined channel fluidly communicating the central inlet hole, the central guide hole, and the plurality of peripheral guide holes to achieve diffusion flow of the working fluid in the axial direction.

[0010] Alternatively, the flow support has a central through-hole extending through the flow support in the axial direction, and the portion of the fastener located on the side of the valve assembly opposite to the flow guide is accommodated in the central through-hole of the flow support.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner shell is cup-shaped and includes: a circumferential wall, at least a portion of the circumferential outer surface of which forms a first flow channel between the outer circumferential surface of the circumferential wall and the inner circumferential surface of the outer shell, and at least one radial through hole is provided through the circumferential wall to fluidly communicate the first flow channel with the inner shell space; an end wall disposed near the solenoid valve unit and integrally formed at one end of the circumferential wall or detachably or non-detachably connected to one end of the circumferential wall. The end wall includes: at least one recess disposed on the side of the end wall facing the solenoid valve unit, thereby forming a second flow channel between the end wall and the solenoid valve unit; a central through hole for receiving the actuating valve core of the solenoid valve unit, such that the reciprocating movement of the actuating valve core along the axial direction under the action of the electromagnetic force generated by the solenoid valve assembly can selectively fluidly communicate the inner shell space with the second flow channel through the central through hole; and a plurality of peripheral through holes disposed around the central through hole to fluidly communicate the inner shell space with the second flow channel.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one recess is in the form of a groove that fluidly communicates a plurality of peripheral through holes with a central through hole; or at least one recess is in the form of a plurality of grooves, each of the plurality of grooves fluidly communicating the central through hole with a corresponding one of the plurality of peripheral through holes; or at least one recess includes a central portion and a plurality of peripheral portions, the central portion being disposed around the central through hole, and each of the plurality of peripheral portions fluidly communicating the central portion with a corresponding one of the plurality of peripheral through holes.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the circumferential inner surface of the circumferential wall is divided into a first section away from the solenoid valve unit and a second section close to the solenoid valve unit. At least one radial through hole is provided in the first section, and the inner diameter of the second section is smaller than the inner diameter of the first section, thereby forming a shoulder between the first section and the second section. A plurality of peripheral through holes penetrate the shoulder along the axial direction.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an annular flange is provided on the circumferential outer surface of the circumferential wall at a position between a plurality of peripheral through holes and the end wall, and the circumferential outer surface of the annular flange is used to abut against the circumferential inner surface of the housing to define a first flow channel.

[0015] The present invention also provides an external electronically controlled vibration damper. The external electronically controlled vibration damper includes: any one of the aforementioned solenoid valve assemblies; and a cylinder, which includes an inner cylinder, a middle cylinder, and an outer cylinder nested together, wherein the front end of the solenoid valve assembly penetrates the outer cylinder wall and is attached to the middle cylinder wall of the middle cylinder, so that the working fluid in the middle cylinder can flow to the outer cylinder through the solenoid valve assembly.

[0016] By utilizing the solenoid valve assembly and the external electronically controlled vibration damper including the present invention, the overall structure of the external electronically controlled vibration damper can be made more compact, the damping force adjustment range can be increased, the adjustment capability can be enhanced, and the response sensitivity can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0017] In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar parts. The orientations shown in the drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the orientation of the electronically controlled vibration damper. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale but may be partially enlarged to highlight specific parts.

[0018] In the attached diagram:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the externally mounted electronically controlled vibration damper according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve assembly used in the process.

[0021] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It corresponds to Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve assembly circled by circle P, showing alternative embodiments of the structure.

[0022] Figure 3A and Figure 3B yes Figure 2 The image shows a perspective view of two sides of an embodiment of the inner housing used in the solenoid valve assembly.

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the flow passage components used in the solenoid valve assembly.

[0024] Figure 5A and Figure 5B They are Figure 2 The image shows a two-sided perspective view of one embodiment of the flow-moving component in the flow-passing assembly used in the solenoid valve assembly shown.

[0025] Figure 5C It shows Figure 5A and Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the flow-through moving member shown.

[0026] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C They are shown respectively Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C The figures show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the flow-moving component.

[0027] Figure 7A and Figure 7B yes Figure 2 The image shows a perspective view of two sides of an embodiment of the flow support used in the solenoid valve assembly shown.

[0028] Figure 8A yes Figure 2 The partial cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve assembly shown illustrates an embodiment of the flow regulation component used.

[0029] Figure 8B It is similar to Figure 8A A partial cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve assembly, showing... Figure 8A Alternative embodiments of the flow regulation component shown.

[0030] Figure 9A and Figure 9B yes Figure 8A Two perspective views of one embodiment of the flow guide in the flow regulation assembly shown.

[0031] Figure 10 It shows Figure 2 The chamber formation in the solenoid valve assembly shown is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 11A and Figure 11B The working fluid is shown in Figure 2 The flow conditions in different flow paths of the solenoid valve assembly are shown.

[0033] Figure 12 It shows Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shown is of an alternative embodiment of the solenoid valve assembly, which uses a flow-through moving part with an alternative structure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The external electromagnetic vibration damper of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The externally mounted electronically controlled vibration damper 1000 mainly includes a piston rod 1, a cylinder 2, and a solenoid valve assembly 3. The piston rod 1 is inserted into the cylinder 2 and can reciprocate within it along the axial direction of the cylinder 2. The cylinder 2 includes an inner cylinder 21, an intermediate cylinder 22, and an outer cylinder 23 nested together. The inner chamber defined within the inner cylinder 21 is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber of the intermediate cylinder 22 through an opening 210 formed above the piston head 11 of the piston rod 1, penetrating the inner cylinder wall of the inner cylinder 21. An opening 220 (indicated by) is formed in the intermediate cylinder wall of the intermediate cylinder 22 at a position below the piston head 11. Figure 2 The front end of solenoid valve assembly 3 ( Figure 2 The opening 230 (indicated on the left side) extends from the outside of the electronically controlled shock absorber 1000 through the outer cylinder wall of the outer cylinder 23. Figure 2 The valve is attached to the intermediate cylinder wall in a manner aligned with the opening 220. Thus, the working fluid (e.g., oil) filling the electronically controlled damper 1000 can flow from the inner chamber through the opening 210 to the intermediate chamber under the action of the piston rod 1 during the operation of the electronically controlled damper 1000, and then flow through the opening 220 to the internal space of the solenoid valve assembly 3, and then to the outer chamber defined by the outer cylinder 23, thereby realizing the circulation of the working fluid within the electronically controlled damper 1000.

[0036] See Figure 2 The solenoid valve assembly 3 according to the present invention mainly includes a housing 31, a solenoid valve unit 32, an inner housing 33, and a flow-through assembly 34. The housing 31 includes a first housing 311 and a second housing 312. The first housing 311 is generally cylindrical, with one end non-removably attached (e.g., welded) to the outer periphery of the opening 230 from the outside of the electromagnetic damper 1000, and the other end removably attached (e.g., threaded) to the second housing 312. Alternatively, as... Figure 2 As shown, the first outer casing 311 is provided with a flange 3110, thereby dividing the first outer casing 311 into two sections. The first section closer to the cylinder 2 has a first inner diameter, and the second section farther from the cylinder 2 has a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter. The following description is based on the case where the flange 3110 is provided.

[0037] The solenoid valve unit 32 is disposed within the housing 31 and fixed to the second section of the first housing 311 via the second housing 312. The structure of the solenoid valve unit 32 can adopt any applicable structure known in the art, therefore, the structure will not be described in detail herein.

[0038] The inner housing 33 is disposed within the first section of the first outer housing 311 and abuts against the solenoid valve unit 32. The inner housing 33 is generally cup-shaped (best shown in...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The first housing 311 (in the figure) includes a circumferential wall 331 and an end wall 332 disposed near the solenoid valve unit 32 in the assembled state. The end wall 332 can be integrally formed on one end of the circumferential wall 331 (as shown in the figure), or it can be formed separately from the circumferential wall 311 and then fixed to one end of the circumferential wall 331. An annular flow channel L1 (marked in the figure) is formed between the circumferential outer surface of the circumferential wall 331 and the circumferential inner surface of the first housing 311. Figure 2A and Figure 2B(in the middle). Of course, as those skilled in the art will understand, although the cross-sectional shape of the solenoid valve assembly 3 along its axial direction XX is shown as circular in the drawings, it can also take other shapes, such as triangles, squares, rectangles, ellipses, etc. This document will only use a circular cross-section as an example, but it is not intended to limit it.

[0039] The annular flow channel L1 can be formed in various ways. Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the embodiment shown, a flange 330 is provided on the circumferential outer surface of the inner shell 33 to radially space the circumferential outer surface of the inner shell 33 from the circumferential inner surface of the first outer shell 311, thereby forming an annular flow channel L1 therebetween. In this case, the right side of the flange 330 ( Figure 2 The flange 330, located in the orientation shown (i.e., the side facing away from cylinder 2), is adjacent to the annular axial extension 320 of the solenoid valve unit 32 via a sealing structure (e.g., O-ring, gasket). The height of the flange 330 along the direction perpendicular to the axial direction XX of the solenoid valve assembly 3 determines the radial dimension of the annular flow channel L1.

[0040] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It corresponds to Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the structure of the solenoid valve assembly 3 circled by P shows two alternative embodiments of the formation structure of the annular flow channel L1. Figure 2A In this configuration, the solenoid valve unit 32 does not have an annular axial extension; the side of the flange 330 furthest from the cylinder 2 is flush with the end wall 332 of the inner shell 33. Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, the inner shell 33 does not have a flange, and the inner shell 33 is spaced apart from the first outer shell 311 by the annular axial extension 320 of the solenoid valve unit 32. Of course, other applicable variations conceivable to those skilled in the art are possible. In an alternative embodiment, the annular flow channels L1 and L2 are not fluidly connected to each other through the inner shell space of the inner shell 33 (particularly the peripheral through-holes 3314), but rather through the outer space of the inner shell 33. In this embodiment, these peripheral through-holes 3314 can be omitted.

[0041] like Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, a plurality of radial through holes 3310 are provided through the circumferential wall 331, located on the side of the flange 330 away from the end wall 332, to fluidly communicate the internal space of the inner shell 33 (hereinafter referred to as the "inner shell space") with the annular flow channel L1. The circumferential inner surface of the circumferential wall 331 is divided into two sections, a first section 3311 away from the end wall 332 and a second section 3312 close to the end wall 332, thereby forming a shoulder 3313 at the junction of the two sections. The first section 3311 has a larger inner diameter than the second section 3312. A plurality of peripheral through holes 3314 are provided at the shoulder 3313 through the entire axial length of the second section 3312 to fluidly communicate the space on both sides of the end wall 332 of the inner shell 33 along the axial direction (i.e., the inner shell space and the outer space of the inner shell 33).

[0042] In the assembled state, the end wall 332 is placed close to the solenoid valve unit 32. The end wall 332 has a central through-hole 3320, which also fluidly connects the spaces on both sides of the end wall 332. A recess 3321 is provided on the side of the end wall 332 facing the solenoid valve unit 32, so that the central through-hole 3320 and multiple peripheral through-holes 3314 are fluidly connected on the end wall 332. This allows a flow channel L2 (indicated by...) to be formed between the end wall 332 and the solenoid valve unit 32 when they are assembled in contact. Figure 2A and Figure 2B (Middle). The recess 3321 can take various forms. For example, the recess 3321 can be a groove recessed inward relative to the end face of the end wall 332. Alternatively, the recess 3321 can be a plurality of grooves extending from the central through hole 3320 to each of the plurality of peripheral through holes 3314. Preferably, as Figure 3B As shown, the recess 3321 may include a central portion disposed around the central through-hole 3320 and a plurality of peripheral portions that fluidly communicate the central portion with each of the plurality of peripheral through-holes 3314. It is understood that although the central portion and the peripheral portions are shown as annular and linear respectively in the figure, they may also take any other suitable shape.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the inner shell 33 is not provided with a peripheral through hole 3314, and the flow channel L1 and the flow channel L2 are fluidly connected through the external space of the inner shell 33.

[0044] A flow-through assembly 34 is disposed within the inner shell 33. Specifically, the inner shell 22 surrounds at least a portion of the flow-through assembly 34. See also Figure 4 The flow-through component 34 mainly includes a flow-through moving part 341, a flow-through supporting part 342, and a flow-through adjusting part 343.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, the flow-through moving member 341 is disposed within a second section 3312 of the circumferential wall 331 near the end wall 332 of the inner housing 33, and the circumferential outer surface of the flow-through moving member 341 is fluid-sealed with the circumferential inner surface in the second section 3312. The flow-through moving member 341 has a first side facing away from the solenoid valve unit 32 and a second side facing the solenoid valve unit 32. A throttling orifice 3410 is provided through the flow-through moving member 341 along the axial direction XX to achieve fluid communication between its two sides. See also Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5C The orifice 3410 has a first throttling section 3410a with a larger diameter near the first side of the flow-moving member 341 and a second throttling section 3410b with a smaller diameter near the second side. Although the orifice 3410 is shown as a stepped orifice in the figure, it can alternatively be a constant diameter orifice, the diameter of which can be determined according to specific requirements (e.g., flow cross-section, flow rate, pressure, etc.).

[0046] although Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C The first side of the flow-through moving member 341 is shown to have a recess, but in an alternative embodiment, this recess may be omitted. Figures 5A-5C In the illustrated embodiment, a protrusion 3411 is centrally located on the second side of the flow-moving member 341 for insertion into the central through hole 3320 passing through the end wall 332 of the inner shell 33, thereby forming a chamber D between the end wall 332 and the flow-moving member 341 (see [link]). Figure 10 The circumferential outer surface of the protrusion 3411 is fluid-sealed with the central through-hole 3320. A protrusion flow channel is provided within the protrusion 3411 to fluidly communicate the chamber D with the flow channel L2. See also... Figure 5C The protruding flow channel includes a central protruding hole 3411a extending along the axial direction XX. This central protruding hole 3411a is a blind hole, and its end away from the first side of the flow-moving member 341 is open. This open end can be actuated by the valve core 321 of the solenoid valve unit 32 (see...). Figure 2 Selective blocking. Although Figure 2 The central protrusion hole 3411a is shown as a stepped hole, but it can also be presented as... Figure 5C The diagram shows a uniform diameter orifice. As the actuating valve core 321 reciprocates along the axial direction XX under the electromagnetic force generated by the solenoid valve unit 32, selective fluid communication between the central protrusion orifice 3411a and the flow channel L2 can be achieved. The protrusion 3411 also has at least one peripheral protrusion orifice 3411b, which fluidly communicates the chamber D with the central protrusion orifice 3411a. Although... Figure 5CThe peripheral protrusion holes 3411b are shown to be arranged at a certain angle at the base of the protrusion 3411. However, the present invention does not limit the arrangement of these peripheral protrusion holes 3411b (e.g., number, angle, position and cross-sectional shape, etc.), as long as they can achieve the above-mentioned functions.

[0047] See Figures 6A-6C , showed Figures 5A-5C Alternative embodiments of the flow-through moving element shown. Figures 6A-6C The flow-through moving element 341' shown is with Figures 5A-5C The difference in the flow-through moving member shown is that the protrusion 3411 is omitted from the flow-through moving member 341'. Although the flow-through moving member is shown in the view as having a recess on the second side, in an alternative embodiment, this recess may be omitted. The spacing between the second side and the end wall 332 can be achieved by selectively setting the axial length of the protrusion 3411 or by providing an elastic element (described below).

[0048] See Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 7A and Figure 7B The flow support 342 is (e.g., by threaded connection, interference fit, etc.) fixed within a first section of the circumferential wall 331 of the inner shell 33, located on the side of the plurality of radial through holes 3310 away from the end wall 332. The flow support 342 has a first side facing away from the flow moving members 341, 341' and a second side abutting against the first side of the flow moving members 341, 341'. A chamber C is defined between the flow support 342 and the flow moving members 341, 341' (see...). Figure 10 The flow support 342 is provided with a central through hole 3421, and a plurality of peripheral flow holes 3422 are provided around the central through hole 3421. These flow holes are designed to enable fluid communication between the two sides of the flow support 342. On the second side of the flow support 342, a flange 3423 is provided around the periphery of the peripheral flow holes 3422. The flange 3423 is used to abut against the first side of the flow moving parts 341, 341', thereby selectively forming a flow channel L3 (indicated in...) between them. Figure 11B (This will be explained in detail below). To reduce the viscous force between the flange 3423 and the flow-moving components 341, 341' caused by the viscosity of the working fluid, the contact area between the flange 3423 and the flow-moving components 341, 341' should be minimized as much as possible. Although Figure 2 and Figure 7AIn the illustration, the first side of the flow-moving member is shown as having a recess, but as mentioned above, in alternative embodiments the recess can also be omitted. For example, instead, a recess can be provided on the second side of the flow-support 342 (e.g., the area on the second side located inside the flange 3423 is provided as slightly concave) to form a chamber C between the flow-support 342 and the flow-moving member (see [reference]). Figure 10 Similarly, the recess provided on the first side of the flow support 342 shown in the figure (e.g.) Figure 2 and Figure 10 (As shown) can also be omitted.

[0049] Preferably, the flow support 342 has discrete protrusions 3424 on the outer periphery of the flange 3423, see [reference]. Figure 7B It is used to abut against the shoulder 3313 of the inner shell 33 to facilitate the positioning of the flow support 342. During assembly, the space between the discrete protrusions 3424 is used to face the multiple peripheral through holes 3314 of the inner shell 33 to prevent the discrete protrusions 3424 from blocking these peripheral through holes 3314 and thus affecting the flow of working fluid through them.

[0050] See Figure 8A The flow regulating assembly 343 includes a flow guide 3431 and a valve plate assembly 3432. The flow guide 3431 is generally disc-shaped, such as... Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, it has a first side for engaging the intermediate cylinder wall (i.e., the side facing away from the flow support 342) and a second side facing the flow support 342. The flow guide 3431 has a central inlet hole 34310 extending along the axial direction XX on the first side, configured to mate with an opening 220 on the intermediate cylinder wall to introduce working fluid from the intermediate cylinder 22 into the solenoid valve assembly 3 through the central inlet hole 34310. The flow guide 3431 has a central guide hole 34311 and a plurality of peripheral guide holes 34312 surrounding the central guide hole 34311 on the second side, and an inclined channel 34313 (see...). Figure 8A The central inlet port 34310, the central guide port 34311, and multiple peripheral guide ports 34312 are fluidly connected to facilitate the diffusion flow of the working fluid from the central inlet port 34310 through the flow guide 343. Although Figure 9A and Figure 9BThe illustration shows one shape of the hole, but this illustration is merely exemplary and not intended to limit its applicability. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the peripheral guide hole 34312 could also be circular. A groove 34314 can be provided on the periphery of the flow guide 3431 on the second side for engaging, for example, with the end of the circumferential wall 331 of the inner housing 33 away from the end wall 332 via a threaded connection, thereby allowing the remainder of the flow assembly 343, except for the first side, to be accommodated within the inner housing 33. A flange 34315 is provided on the second side of the flow guide 3431 between the peripheral guide hole 34312 and the groove 34314. This flange 34315 is configured to abut against the valve plate assembly 3432 with a contact area as small as possible.

[0051] The valve assembly 3432 is provided with a central hole 34321 and is composed of at least one stacked flexible valve plate. The valve assembly 3432 is fastened to a second side of the flow guide 3431 by fasteners 3433 extending through the central inlet hole 34311 of the flow guide 3431 and the central hole 34321 of the valve assembly 3432, thereby causing the valve assembly 3432 to abut against a flange 34315 to cover each of the plurality of peripheral guide holes 34312. This arrangement allows the valve assembly 3432 to selectively open or block these peripheral guide holes 34312 by the flexural deformation of the valve assembly (each valve plate in it) under the action of working fluid flowing through the flow guide 3431. The insertion of the fasteners 3433 blocks the flow of working fluid from the central inlet hole 34311 and the central hole 34321.

[0052] Although the figure shows a portion of the fastener 3433 on the side of the valve assembly 3432 opposite to the flow guide 3431 as being accommodated in the central through-hole 3421 of the flow support 342, in an alternative embodiment, the central through-hole 3421 may be omitted, and the aforementioned portion of the fastener 3433 may abut against or be spaced apart from the flow support 342.

[0053] The valve assembly 3432 can be configured by selecting and adjusting individual valve plates according to usage requirements. Specifically, the stiffness of the valve assembly 3432 can be adjusted by modifying the thickness and number of valve plates, thereby adjusting the ease with which the working fluid opens the assembly and consequently the pressure difference between its left and right sides. This allows for pressure regulation within the intermediate chamber of the cylinder 2. This adjustment further modifies the damping force of the electromagnetic damper, improving its adjustability.

[0054] exist Figure 8BIn the alternative embodiment shown, instead of providing a flange on the periphery of the second side of the flow regulating assembly, the flow guide 3431' is provided with a flange 34314' on the periphery of its first side. In the assembled state, the open end of the inner shell 33 can be riveted from the first side of the flow guide 3431' to the flange 34314' to fix the flow guide 3431'. Alternatively, the flow guide 3431' differs from the flow guide 3431 in that the flow guide 3431' is modified into a central inlet hole segment 34311' by extending the length of the central inlet hole 34311 along the axial direction XX, which, through engagement with the joint R (shown as a flange in the figure) provided at the opening 220, assembles the flow guide and subsequently the solenoid valve assembly to the intermediate cylinder wall.

[0055] The assembly of the solenoid valve assembly 3 according to the present invention will be described below:

[0056] First, the first outer casing 311 is fixed to the inner and outer cylinder walls around the opening 230 of the outer cylinder 23 by means such as welding.

[0057] Subsequently, the flow-through moving part 341 is assembled into the inner shell 33, so that its protrusion 3411 passes through the central through hole 3320 of the end wall 332 of the inner shell 33.

[0058] Next, the flow support 342 is placed into the inner shell 33 by means of threaded connection or interference fit, and its flange 34315 abuts against the first side of the flow moving member 341.

[0059] The flow guide 3431 and the valve plate assembly 3432 are assembled together using fasteners 3433 to form the flow regulating assembly 343. The assembled flow regulating assembly 343 is then attached to the open end of the inner housing 33 using a method such as a threaded connection. This yields the pre-assembled inner housing.

[0060] After assembling the solenoid valve unit 32, the actuating valve core 321 is placed inside the intermediate shaft of the solenoid valve unit 32, and the conical head of the actuating valve core 321 is set to abut against the central protrusion hole 3411a of the flow-moving member 341, thereby completing the assembly of the inner shell pre-assembly and the solenoid valve unit 32.

[0061] Then, the assembly is inserted into the first housing 311, so that the flow guide 3431 abuts against the central cylinder. Subsequently, the assembly is fixed in place relative to the cylinder 2 by engaging the second housing 312 to the first housing 311, such as by means of a threaded connection, thereby completing the assembly process of the solenoid valve assembly 3 according to the present invention.

[0062] Through the assembly process described above, a series of chambers are formed between the components. To provide a clearer explanation of the flow of the working fluid, the following section combines... Figure 10 This describes the chamber formed within the assembled solenoid valve assembly 3.

[0063] See Figure 10 It shows Figure 2 The diagram shows the chamber formation in the solenoid valve assembly 3. Chamber A is formed between the flow regulating assembly 343, the flow support 342, and the inner shell 33. Chamber B, which is part of the inner shell space, is defined outside the flow moving member 341 by the inner shell 33 and the flow support 342. Chamber C is formed between the flow support 342 and the flow moving member 341. Chamber D, which is part of the inner shell space, is formed between the flow moving member 341 and the end wall 332. Chamber E is defined by the central protrusion 3411a of the flow moving member 341 and the flow channel L2.

[0064] The following is combined with Figure 10 , Figure 11A and Figure 11B The flow of the working fluid within the solenoid valve assembly 3 will be described. The solenoid valve assembly 3 according to the present invention provides the following two flow paths for the working fluid.

[0065] Regarding the first flow path, see [link / reference]. Figure 10 and Figure 11A When the electromagnetic damper 1000 is working, the working fluid passes through the flow regulating component 343 to reach the chamber C, and then flows into the chamber D through the throttling hole 3410 in the flow moving component 341. Subsequently, it flows into the chamber E through the peripheral protrusion hole 3411b and the central protrusion hole 3411a, and then flows into the chamber B through the multiple peripheral through holes 3314 of the inner shell 33. Subsequently, it flows into the flow channel L1 through the multiple radial through holes 3310, flows into the outer chamber formed between the intermediate cylinder 22 and the outer cylinder 23, and finally flows into the intermediate chamber formed between the inner cylinder 21 and the intermediate cylinder 22.

[0066] Regarding the second flow path, see Figure 11B As is well known to those skilled in the art, the pressure within the chamber formed between the inner cylinder 21 and the intermediate cylinder 22 is the highest point of the internal pressure of the electronically controlled damper and the solenoid valve assembly. The working fluid flows through the flow guide 3431, thereby pushing the valve plate assembly 3432 to open, entering chamber A, and then flowing into chamber C. When the solenoid valve assembly 3 according to the present invention is working, the flow moving member 341 will move to the right, and a narrow circumferential flow channel L3 (marked in) will be formed between the flange 3423 of the flow support 342 and the end face of the first side of the flow support 341. Figure 11BIn the middle section, the working fluid flows from chamber C into chamber B through the circumferential flow channel L3, and then through the flow channel L1, finally flowing into the intermediate chamber formed between the inner cylinder 22 and the intermediate cylinder 23.

[0067] By controlling the energizing current of the solenoid valve assembly 3, the pressure within the intermediate chamber formed between the inner cylinder 21 and the intermediate cylinder 22 can be controlled, thereby adjusting the damping force of the electronically controlled shock absorber. The specific adjustment is as follows.

[0068] When the current flowing through the solenoid valve assembly 3 increases, the actuating valve core 321 moves to the left under the action of electromagnetic force (refer to...). Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the flow passage formed between the throttling orifice 3410 in the flow-moving member 341 and the conical head of the actuating valve core 321 narrows, reducing the flow rate of the working fluid exiting chamber D and causing an increase in its internal pressure. At this time, due to the increased pressure within chamber D, the flow-moving member 341 is pushed to the left (see reference). Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the channel originally opened between the flow-through moving member 341 and the flange 3423 of the flow-through support member 342 will decrease. With the flow rate of the working fluid remaining constant, this subsequently leads to an increase in pressure within chambers A and C, subsequently forming a new equilibrium. This results in an increase in pressure within the intermediate chamber formed between the inner cylinder 21 and the intermediate cylinder 22. At this time, the damping force of the electronically controlled vibration damper increases.

[0069] By reducing the current flowing through the solenoid valve assembly, the corresponding effect is reversed, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0070] Figure 12 It shows Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the solenoid valve assembly used in [the embodiment], wherein [the embodiment] employs [the following]. Figure 6C The flow-through moving member 341' shown is an example. Since this flow-through moving member does not have a protrusion, an elastic element such as a spring is required between it and the end wall 332 of the inner housing 33 to ensure that there is no adhesion between the flow-through moving member 341' and the end wall 332 due to the viscosity of the working fluid. Alternatively, instead of the actuating valve core 321 acting directly on the flow-through moving member 341 (the intermediate protrusion hole 3411a), the end wall 332 can be further provided with a recess that faces the flow-through moving member 341' to receive the actuating valve core 321.

[0071] Although several embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, various modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims. The above embodiments are provided merely as examples to illustrate the technical solutions of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. Features or elements described in one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment unless they contradict existing features or elements in the other embodiment.

Claims

1. A solenoid valve assembly, said solenoid valve assembly being used in an externally mounted electronically controlled vibration damper, wherein, The solenoid valve assembly includes: shell; A solenoid valve unit, wherein the solenoid valve unit is disposed within the housing; An inner shell, disposed inside the outer shell, wherein at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the inner shell forms a first flow channel with the inner circumferential surface of the outer shell, the first flow channel being an annular flow channel, and the inner shell being disposed on one side of the solenoid valve unit and forming a second flow channel with the solenoid valve unit, the first flow channel and the second flow channel being in fluid communication with each other; and A flow-through assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed within the inner housing, is provided for introducing working fluid located outside the solenoid valve assembly into the inner housing space. The flow-through assembly provides a third flow channel that selectively connects the internal component space of the flow-through assembly to the inner housing space. The flow-through assembly includes a flow-regulating component for regulating the pressure of the working fluid flowing through it. The solenoid valve assembly provides two flow paths for the working fluid: In the first flow path, the working fluid flows from the outside of the solenoid valve assembly along the axial direction of the solenoid valve assembly through the flow passage assembly into the inner shell space of the inner shell, flows through the second flow channel, then flows into the first flow channel, and finally exits the solenoid valve assembly; and In the second flow path, the working fluid flows from the outside of the solenoid valve assembly through the third flow channel of the flow assembly into the inner shell space, then flows into the first flow channel, and finally leaves the solenoid valve assembly.

2. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The flow-through component further includes: A flow-through movable member, wherein the flow-through movable member is configured to be liquid-tightly sealed to the circumferential inner surface of the inner shell, and has a first side away from the solenoid valve unit and a second side opposite to the first side, and a throttling orifice is provided through the flow-through movable member along the axial direction to achieve fluid communication between the space located on the first side and the space located on the second side; and A flow support member is fixed to the circumferential inner surface of the inner shell and has a plurality of peripheral flow holes that extend through the flow support member along the axial direction. The flow support member and the flow moving member abut against each other to form the third flow channel therebetween. The flow adjustment component is disposed on the side of the flow support opposite to the flow moving component.

3. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The flow-moving component has a central protrusion on the side facing the solenoid valve unit, and the central protrusion has a protrusion flow channel, which includes: A central protrusion orifice is configured to communicate fluidly with the second flow channel; and At least one peripheral protrusion hole, which fluidly communicates the space located on the second side of the flow-moving member with the central protrusion hole. The actuating valve core of the solenoid valve unit selectively blocks one end of the central protrusion hole, so that the reciprocating movement of the actuating valve core under the action of the electromagnetic force generated by the solenoid valve unit can selectively realize fluid communication between the space on the second side of the flow-moving member and the second flow channel.

4. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, An elastic element is provided between the flow-through moving member and the inner shell along the axial direction to separate the flow-through moving member from the inner shell.

5. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The flow regulation component includes: A flow guide, used to guide external working fluid of the solenoid valve assembly into the flow regulating assembly, the flow guide comprising: A central inlet hole located on the side of the flow guide opposite to the flow support; A central guide hole and a plurality of peripheral guide holes are located on the side of the flow guide facing the flow support, the plurality of peripheral guide holes being arranged around the central guide hole; and An inclined channel connects the central inlet hole, the central guide hole, and the plurality of peripheral guide holes in fluid communication to achieve diffusion flow of the working fluid along the axial direction; and A valve assembly having a central aperture and consisting of at least one flexible valve plate covering each of the plurality of peripheral guide apertures, so that, under the action of the working fluid, the working fluid can selectively flow through the plurality of peripheral guide apertures through flexural deformation of the valve assembly; and Fasteners that extend through the central guide hole and the central hole in a liquid-tight manner to secure the valve assembly and the flow guide together.

6. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The flow support has a central through hole extending through the flow support along the axial direction, and the portion of the fastener located on the side of the valve assembly opposite to the flow guide is accommodated in the central through hole of the flow support.

7. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The inner shell is cup-shaped and includes: A circumferential wall, wherein at least a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the circumferential wall forms the first flow channel between the circumferential inner surface of the outer shell, and at least one radial through hole is provided through the circumferential wall to fluidly communicate the first flow channel with the inner shell space. An end wall, wherein the end wall is disposed near the solenoid valve unit and is integrally formed at one end of the circumferential wall or connected to one end of the circumferential wall in a detachable or non-detachable manner, the end wall comprising: At least one recess is provided on the side of the end wall facing the solenoid valve unit, thereby forming a second flow channel between the end wall and the solenoid valve unit; A central through-hole is provided for receiving the actuating valve core of the solenoid valve unit, such that the reciprocating movement of the actuating valve core along the axial direction under the electromagnetic force generated by the solenoid valve assembly allows selective fluid communication between the inner housing space and the second flow channel through the central through-hole; and Multiple peripheral through holes are arranged around the central through hole to fluidly communicate the inner shell space with the second flow channel.

8. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one recess is in the form of a groove, which fluidly connects the plurality of peripheral through holes to the central through hole; or The at least one recess is in the form of multiple grooves, each of the multiple grooves respectively connecting the central through hole to a corresponding one of the multiple peripheral through holes in fluid communication; or The at least one recess includes a central portion and a plurality of peripheral portions, the central portion being disposed around the central through hole, and each of the plurality of peripheral portions being in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of peripheral through holes.

9. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The circumferential inner surface of the circumferential wall is divided into a first section away from the solenoid valve unit and a second section close to the solenoid valve unit. At least one radial through hole is provided in the first section. The inner diameter of the second section is smaller than the inner diameter of the first section, thereby forming a shoulder between the first section and the second section. The plurality of peripheral through holes penetrate the shoulder along the axial direction.

10. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 9, wherein, An annular flange is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the circumferential wall at a position between the plurality of peripheral through holes and the end wall. The outer circumferential surface of the annular flange is used to abut against the inner circumferential surface of the outer shell to define the first flow channel.

11. An externally mounted electronically controlled vibration damper, wherein, The external electronically controlled vibration damper includes: The solenoid valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims; and The cylinder includes an inner cylinder, an intermediate cylinder, and an outer cylinder nested together. The front end of the solenoid valve assembly penetrates the outer cylinder wall and is attached to the intermediate cylinder wall of the intermediate cylinder, so that the working fluid in the intermediate cylinder can flow into the outer cylinder through the solenoid valve assembly.

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