Valve core assembly and in-line electronically controlled shock absorber comprising same

Abstract

The present application provides a spool assembly for a built-in electronically controlled shock absorber. The spool assembly includes first and second assembly units for regulating damping force during a rebound stroke and a compression stroke, respectively; a main wiring passage for a power cable for powering the second assembly unit; a main flow passage provided in the second assembly unit for allowing working fluid from the first assembly unit to flow therethrough; and a piston assembly including a rebound passage for allowing working fluid to flow from a first side of the piston assembly facing the second assembly unit to a second side opposite thereto only during the rebound stroke and a compression passage for allowing working fluid to flow from the second side of the piston assembly to the first side thereof only during the compression stroke. The present application enables different solenoid assembly units to be used for regulating damping force provided thereby during a rebound stroke and a compression stroke of the electronically controlled shock absorber, respectively. The present application also provides a built-in electronically controlled shock absorber including the above-described spool assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve core assembly used in a built-in electronically controlled vibration damper, and a built-in electronically controlled vibration damper including the above-mentioned valve core assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In conventional built-in electronically controlled vibration dampers, a single solenoid valve assembly is typically installed in the cylinder. This single solenoid valve assembly is used to regulate the damping force provided by the electronically controlled vibration damper during the two strokes of the piston rod (along with the valve core assembly)—the compression stroke (downward movement) and the recovery stroke (upward movement). However, it is well known that the switching between the compression and recovery strokes is usually rapid, and different control parameters (e.g., the magnitude of the electromagnetic force) are required during these two strokes to more accurately obtain the desired damping force. Because the solenoid valve assembly in the electromagnetic vibration damper inevitably has a response time between receiving the actuation command and the actual actuation of the solenoid valve, there is always a non-negligible lag between the actual actuation time and the ideal actuation time during stroke switching. This inevitably affects the control accuracy and effect of the electromagnetic vibration damper, reduces its actual damping force regulation effect, and further degrades the user's comfort experience.

[0003] Therefore, there is a demand in the industry for a valve core assembly that can use different solenoid valve components to regulate the damping force provided during the compression and recovery strokes, as well as a built-in electronically controlled vibration damper equipped with such a valve core assembly, in order to achieve higher control precision and more ideal control effect, thereby obtaining a better user comfort experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To achieve at least one of the above objectives, the present invention provides an improved valve core assembly for an integrated electronically controlled vibration damper. The valve core assembly defines an axial direction and includes: a valve core sleeve, which is cylindrical and has one side sealed by an end wall having a through-hole for allowing a power supply cable to pass through; a first component unit fixed within the valve core sleeve in contact with the end wall and fluid-sealed to the inner circumferential surface of the valve core sleeve, for regulating the damping force provided by the electronically controlled vibration damper during the recovery stroke of the vibration damper; a second component unit disposed within the valve core sleeve and fixed relative to the valve core sleeve, for regulating the damping force provided by the electronically controlled vibration damper during the compression stroke of the vibration damper; and a main wiring channel disposed within the first component unit and / or... The second component unit may be provided in cooperation with a valve core sleeve, allowing a power cable supplying power to the second component unit to pass through and be isolated relative to the working fluid space flowing through the electronically controlled damper; a main flow passage, disposed within the second component unit or provided in cooperation with the valve core sleeve, allows working fluid from the first component unit to flow through the main flow passage to reach a piston space located on the side of the second component unit away from the first component unit during the recovery stroke; and a piston assembly disposed within the piston space in an axially abutting manner against the second component unit and removably secured relative to the valve core sleeve. The piston assembly includes: a recovery passage allowing working fluid to flow via the recovery passage from a first side of the piston assembly facing the second component unit to a second side of the piston assembly opposite to the first side only during the recovery stroke; and a compression passage allowing working fluid to flow via the compression passage from the second side of the piston assembly to the first side only during the compression stroke.

[0005] In one embodiment, the main wiring channel is constituted by any one or more combinations of the following: a unit channel extending axially through the first component unit along the axial direction; an axial groove extending axially on the outer peripheral surface of the first component unit; an inner wall groove on the inner peripheral surface of the valve core sleeve; and an inner wall channel extending axially within the circumferential wall of the valve core sleeve.

[0006] Furthermore, the unit channel is a single unit channel extending through the axial length of the first component unit, or includes multiple unit channel segments extending at different angles relative to the axial direction.

[0007] Furthermore, the main flow channel is composed of any one or more combinations of the following: a unit channel extending axially through the second component unit; a unit groove extending axially on the outer peripheral surface of the second component unit; a gap channel between the outer peripheral surface of the second component unit and the inner peripheral surface of the valve core sleeve; an inner wall channel extending axially within the inner peripheral surface of the valve core sleeve; and an inner wall groove on the inner peripheral surface of the valve core sleeve.

[0008] In another embodiment, the second component unit directly abuts against the first component unit along the axial direction. Alternatively, the valve core assembly further includes a spacer disposed between the first and second component units, with opposite sides of the spacer abutting against the first and second component units respectively along the axial direction. The spacer is provided with: a spacer wiring channel forming part of a main wiring channel; and a spacer flow passage forming part of the main flow passage, for allowing working fluid from the first component unit to flow through the spacer flow passage to the second component unit during the recovery stroke.

[0009] Furthermore, the valve core sheath includes a first sub-sheath and a second sub-sheath separated from each other. The first sub-sheath is used to engage with a first component unit, and the second sub-sheath is used to engage with a second component unit. A spacer is detachably engaged with the first and second sub-sheaths, respectively, thereby facilitating the positioning of the first and second component units. Optionally or additionally, the spacer is made of a non-magnetic material.

[0010] In another embodiment, the recovery channel and the compression channel are each of a plurality of discrete channels arranged around the center of the piston assembly, and the recovery channel and the compression channel are arranged at a certain radial angle offset relative to each other, wherein the recovery channel is further away from the center than the compression channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the piston assembly includes: a piston body having a recovery passage and a compression passage extending in an axial direction; a first valve assembly for preventing working fluid from flowing through the compression passage during the recovery stroke; and a second valve assembly for preventing working fluid from flowing through the recovery passage during the compression stroke.

[0012] Furthermore, the first valve plate assembly and the second valve plate assembly are each composed of at least one flexible valve plate. Alternatively, one of the first valve plate assembly and the second valve plate assembly is composed of at least one flexible valve plate, while the other of the first valve plate assembly and the second valve plate assembly is composed of a helical spring or a diaphragm spring.

[0013] In another embodiment, the piston assembly includes an inner flange and an outer flange disposed on a first side of the piston assembly facing the second component unit. The inner flange abuts against the second component unit and extends further away from the first side of the piston assembly relative to the outer flange. The outer flange is detachably connected to a valve core sleeve, a recovery channel is disposed between the inner and outer flanges, and a compression channel is disposed inside the inner flange. Alternatively or additionally, the piston assembly includes a shoulder disposed on a second side of the piston assembly opposite to the first side, through which the recovery channel extends such that, on the second side, the port of the recovery channel is further away from the first side than the port of the compression channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first component unit includes: a first support ring for supporting a first electromagnetic coil that enables the first component unit to function, and having a support ring wiring channel extending axially through the first support ring; and a first valve body for abutting against the first support ring in an axial direction, and having a valve body wiring channel extending axially through the first valve body, the valve body wiring channel communicating with the support ring wiring channel and each constituting a part of a main wiring channel. The second component unit includes: a second support ring for supporting a second electromagnetic coil that enables the second component unit to function and being configured to abut against the side of the first valve body away from the first support ring, the second support ring having a support ring flow channel; and a second valve body for abutting against the second support ring in an axial direction, and having a valve body flow channel extending axially through the second valve body, the valve body flow channel communicating with the support ring flow channel and each constituting a part of a main flow channel.

[0015] The present invention also provides a built-in electrically controlled vibration damper. The built-in electrically controlled vibration damper includes: a cylinder; any of the aforementioned valve core assemblies, the valve core assembly being configured such that at least a portion of the outer wall of the piston assembly can be in close contact with the inner wall of the cylinder, thereby enabling the valve core assembly to reciprocate between a compression stroke and a recovery stroke relative to the cylinder; and a hollow piston rod connected to the valve core assembly, wherein a power supply cable is threaded through the hollow rod cavity of the hollow piston rod.

[0016] The valve core assembly of the present invention enables the use of different solenoid valve assemblies to regulate the damping force provided by the electronically controlled vibration damper during the recovery and compression strokes. This avoids the problem of lag in regulation caused by the response time of the electronically controlled vibration damper itself, greatly improves the control accuracy, and thus optimizes the control effect of the damping force, thereby better meeting the user's requirements for comfort during use. Attached Figure Description

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

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the built-in electronically controlled vibration damper of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the valve core assembly used in the built-in electronically controlled vibration damper shown, wherein a first inlet passage of the first valve body and a second outlet passage of the second valve body are shown.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the valve core sleeve used in the valve core assembly.

[0021] Figure 4A and Figure 4B yes Figure 2 Top and bottom perspective views of an embodiment of the first support ring of the first solenoid valve assembly unit used in the valve core assembly shown.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view of the valve core assembly shown illustrates the wiring channels in the first solenoid valve assembly unit and the main flow channel in the second solenoid valve assembly unit.

[0023] Figure 6A and Figure 6B yes Figure 2 Top and bottom perspective views of an embodiment of the first valve body of the first solenoid valve assembly unit used in the valve core assembly shown.

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view of the valve core assembly shown illustrates the outlet passage in the corresponding valve body of each solenoid valve assembly unit.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of one embodiment of the spacer used in the valve core assembly shown.

[0026] Figure 9A and Figure 9B yes Figure 2 Top and bottom perspective views of an embodiment of the second support ring of the second solenoid valve assembly unit used in the valve core assembly shown.

[0027] Figure 10A and Figure 10B yes Figure 2 Top and bottom perspective views of an embodiment of the second valve body of the second solenoid valve assembly unit used in the valve core assembly shown.

[0028] Figure 11A and Figure 11B yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of the piston body in the piston assembly used in the valve core assembly.

[0029] Figure 12 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the valve core assembly, illustrating its wiring.

[0030] Figures 13A-13C Cross-sectional views obtained from different angles show the working fluid during the recovery stroke of the electronically controlled vibration damper. Figure 2 The flow conditions in the valve core assembly shown.

[0031] Figure 14A and Figure 14B Cross-sectional views obtained from different angles show the working fluid during the compression stroke of the electronically controlled vibration damper. Figure 2 The flow conditions in the valve core assembly shown.

[0032] Figure 15 and Figure 16 They are shown respectively Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the valve core assembly shown is illustrated, wherein a second solenoid valve assembly unit with an alternative structure is shown.

[0033] Figure 17 It shows Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the valve core assembly shown is illustrated, wherein a spacer and valve core sleeve with alternative structures are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The built-in electronically controlled vibration damper of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] See Figure 1 The built-in electronically controlled vibration damper 1000 includes a power supply cable 1, a hollow piston rod 2, a cylinder 3, and a valve core assembly 4. The power supply cable 1 passes through the hollow rod cavity of the piston rod 2 and connects to and powers the valve core assembly 4. The valve core assembly 4 can be connected to the piston rod 2 in a manner known to those skilled in the art (such as a detachable method like a threaded connection or a non-detachable method like friction welding), thereby enabling it to move upwards with the piston rod 2 (see reference). Figure 1 The recovery route (as shown in the diagram) and the descent (refer to) Figure 1The valve core assembly 4 reciprocates between compression strokes (as shown in the diagram). The valve core assembly 4 is disposed within the internal space of the cylinder 3, dividing this internal space into space A above the valve core assembly 4 and space B below it. Spaces A and B, as well as the valve core assembly 4, are filled with working fluid (e.g., oil). Although Figure 1 The electronically controlled vibration damper is shown as a twin-cylinder type, but those skilled in the art should understand that it can also be a monotube vibration damper. Therefore, in the following text, cylinder 3 can refer to either a single cylinder or a twin cylinder.

[0036] See Figure 2 It is shown in cross-sectional view Figure 1 The valve core assembly 4 used in the built-in electronically controlled vibration damper shown is illustrated. This valve core assembly 4 mainly includes a valve core sleeve 40, a first solenoid valve assembly unit 41, a second solenoid valve assembly unit 42, and a piston assembly 43. Hereinafter, the solenoid valve assembly unit will be simply referred to as the assembly unit.

[0037] See Figure 3 The valve core sleeve 40 is generally cylindrical, with one end sealed by an end wall 400. The end wall 400 has a through hole to connect the internal space of the valve core sleeve 40 with the hollow rod cavity of the piston rod 2, thereby allowing the power supply cable 1 to pass through the hollow rod cavity to reach the internal space. Although Figure 2 The piston rod 2 and the valve core sleeve 40 are shown as an integral unit, but they can be manufactured separately and subsequently joined together by various methods known to those skilled in the art. The circumferential wall of the valve core sleeve 40 has a plurality of radial through holes 401 and 402 (shown in…) uniformly arranged at two different axial heights. Figure 3 The valve core sleeve 40 is used to achieve fluid communication between its internal and external spaces (i.e., the internal space of the valve core assembly 4 and space A). A first component unit 41 and a second component unit 42 are disposed abutting against each other within a hollow cavity defined by the valve core sleeve 40, wherein the first component unit 41 is adjacent to the end wall 400 of the valve core sleeve 40. A piston assembly 43 is detachably connected to the valve core sleeve 40 in a manner such as a threaded connection, thereby fixing the first component unit 41 and the second component unit 42 relative to the valve core sleeve 40 in the axial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the piston assembly 43 fluid-tightly engages with the inner wall of the cylinder 3, allowing the piston assembly 43 and the valve core assembly 4 to slide freely in the axial direction XX within the cylinder 3. Of course, as is known to those skilled in the art, the outer diameter of the components disposed within the hollow cavity (e.g., the first component unit 41, the second component unit 42) can be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the hollow cavity, such that these components do not undergo substantially radial movement within the hollow cavity.

[0038] It should be noted that although the cross-section of the valve core assembly 4 and its individual components perpendicular to the axial direction XX is depicted as approximately circular in the attached views, it should be understood that other cross-sectional shapes may be used, such as square, rectangular, elliptical, etc. The following description uses only a circular cross-section and is not intended to limit it to this.

[0039] See Figure 2 The first component unit 41 mainly includes a first support ring 411 and a first valve body 412 that abuts against the first support ring 411 along the axial direction XX. The outer diameters of the first support ring 411 and the first valve body 412 are approximately the same as the inner diameter of the valve core sleeve 40, thereby forming a fluid seal between them and the valve core sleeve 40. See also Figure 4A and Figure 4B The first support ring 411 is generally cylindrical. An annular recess 4110 is provided on one axial side of the end wall 400 of the first support ring 411 that abuts against the valve core sleeve 40. The annular recess 4110 divides the first support ring 4111 into a central protrusion 4110T and a peripheral wall 4110P, and is used to house a first solenoid within the annular recess 4110.

[0040] The first support ring 411 may itself have a wiring channel for accommodating the power supply cable 2. The configuration of this wiring channel can include various configurations. In one embodiment, such as... Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5 As shown, the wiring channel includes: a protruding groove C1, which is disposed on the central protrusion 4110T and extends radially; a peripheral groove C2, which is disposed on the peripheral wall 4110P in a straight line with the protruding groove C1; an axial groove C3, which is disposed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 4110P of the first support ring 411, communicates with the peripheral groove C2, and extends axially; and a through groove C4 (see...). Figure 5 It communicates with the axial groove C3 and extends along a direction at a certain angle to the axial direction XX to the space below the first support ring 411.

[0041] although Figure 4A and Figure 4BIn the original text, the peripheral groove C2, axial groove C3, and through groove C4 are depicted as being provided on both sides of the first support ring 411. However, it is understood that these grooves may only be provided on one side of the first support ring 411. Furthermore, although the protrusion groove C1 and peripheral groove C2 are provided along the diametrical direction, they may also be provided along any chordal direction (i.e., offset from the center of the central protrusion 4110T). In an alternative embodiment, instead of being provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 4110P of the first support ring 411, the axial groove C3 may be provided as an internal channel extending along the axial direction XX through the peripheral wall 4110P for a certain thickness. Alternatively, the wiring channel may be replaced by an internal channel extending along the axial direction XX through the first support ring 411 for the axial length of the first support ring 411 instead of the axial groove C3 and through groove C4.

[0042] In another alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the wiring channel is not disposed on the first support ring 411, but may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the valve core sleeve 40. For example, a groove disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the valve core sleeve 40 or an intra-wall channel disposed within the circumferential wall of the valve core sleeve 40. In summary, other arrangements of the wiring channel conceived by those skilled in the art are feasible, and these wiring channels are intended to allow the power supply cable 12 (see [link to original text]) to power the second component unit 42. Figure 12 The piston rod 2 can pass through the first component unit 41 to reach the location of the second component unit 42 in order to supply power to the latter. More importantly, the wiring channel is also designed to isolate the power supply cable passing through it from the working fluid space filled in the valve core assembly 4, that is, to prevent the power supply cable from coming into contact with the working fluid.

[0043] A central recess 4110R is provided on the side of the end wall 400 away from the valve core sleeve 40 of the central protrusion 4110T. The recess 4110R is used to accommodate the armature 413 and allows the armature 413 to move freely in the axial direction XX within the central recess 4110R.

[0044] See Figure 6A and Figure 6B The first valve body 412 is generally disc-shaped, and its upper end face is used to abut against the side of the first support ring 411 away from the end wall 400 of the valve core sleeve 40. Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the illustrated embodiment, the first valve body 412 is provided with a central recess 4120, which is open to the upper end face of the first valve body 412, for cooperating with the central recess 4110R of the first support ring 411 to receive and position the armature 413. A first inlet channel 4121 (also shown in the figure) is provided on the upper end face of the first valve body 412. Figure 2The first inlet channel 4121 is in fluid communication with the radial through hole 401 provided on the valve core sleeve 40 (preferably, the radial outer port of the first inlet channel 4121 is aligned with the radial through hole 401) to connect the central recess 4120 with the external space of the first valve body 412 and even the external space A of the valve core sleeve 40. The first inlet channel 4121 can be a single channel or a plurality of discrete channels spaced at an angle along the radial direction (e.g., ...). Figure 6A and Figure 6B (as shown in the image).

[0045] The first valve body 412 is provided with a first outlet channel 4122, which fluidly communicates the central recess 4120 with the space located below the first valve body 412. This first outlet channel 4122 can also be a single channel, or multiple discrete channels spaced at an angle along the radial direction (e.g., ...). Figure 6A and Figure 6B (As shown in the diagram). Each of the first outlet channels 4122 has an axial cross-section approximately stepped along the axial direction XX and comprises multiple channel segments. See also... Figure 6A and Figure 7 These channel segments include an upper horizontal segment 4122a, which is also disposed on the upper end face of the first valve body 412, extending radially outward from the sidewall of the central recess 4120 but not extending to the outer peripheral surface of the first valve body 412. In the case where the first outlet channel 4122 is a plurality of discrete channels as described above, these upper horizontal segments 4122a and the first inlet channel 4121, which is also a plurality of discrete channels, are alternately arranged radially, and preferably, the number of both is equal. When the first valve body 412 is abutted against the first support ring 411, this abutment allows fluid communication between the horizontal segments 4122a and the first inlet channel 4121 only through the central recess 4120. The first outlet channel 4122 also includes at least one vertical segment 4122b extending along the axial direction XX, each of which is in fluid communication with at least one of the upper horizontal segments 4122a. Preferably, the number of vertical segments 4122b corresponds to the number of upper horizontal segments 4122a. In one embodiment, the first outlet channel 4122 further includes a lower horizontal segment 4122c, which can also be a single channel, or multiple discrete channels spaced at an angle along the radial direction (e.g., Figure 6A and Figure 6B(As shown in the diagram). Each of the lower horizontal segments 4122c is in fluid communication with at least one of the vertical segments 4122b. The lower horizontal segment 4122c may be a groove provided on the lower end face of the first valve body 412. Alternatively, the first inlet channel 4121, the upper horizontal segment 4122a, and the lower horizontal segment 4122c may not be grooves provided on the end face of the first valve body 412, but may instead be, for example, at least one valve body channel extending radially in the first valve body 412. In this case, a corresponding structure (e.g., a cut or slot or...) may be provided on the lower end face of the first valve body 412. Figure 6B (as shown in the diagram, such as the outer undercut section), so that the lower horizontal section 4122c is in fluid communication with the piston space below the first valve body 412.

[0046] The first valve body 412 is also provided with a valve body wiring channel C5. This valve body wiring channel C5 can be at least one through hole extending along the axial direction XX and penetrating the entire axial length of the first valve body 412. The valve body wiring channel C5 is spatially spaced from the fluid channels of the first valve body 412 (i.e., the first inlet channel 4121 and the first outlet channel 4122), so that the power supply cable within the valve body wiring channel C5 does not come into contact with the working fluid flowing through the fluid channels. The valve body wiring channel C5 communicates with the wiring channel in the first support ring 411. Preferably, the number of valve body wiring channels C5 and the number of wiring channels in the first support ring 411 are the same. Alternatively, the extending direction of the valve body wiring channel C5 can be at a certain angle to the axial direction XX, such as... Figure 5 As shown, its purpose is to both communicate with the through groove C4 of the first support ring 411 and guide the power supply cable as close as possible to the second solenoid of the second electromagnetic component unit 412 to which it powers. Of course, other variations of the wiring channel that can be conceived by those skilled in the art are possible; for example, the valve body wiring channel C5 can be a combination of multiple channel segments including vertical and horizontal sections.

[0047] See Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, the armature 413 is hollow, with springs at its two axial ends, such that the armature 413 is spaced apart from the first support ring 411 and the second valve body 412, respectively, to provide a force opposite to the electromagnetic force provided by the first component unit 411. In an alternative embodiment, only one spring can be used to achieve the above function. The armature 413 is provided with a circumferential groove 4130 (shown in...). Figure 2The first valve body 412, after being assembled, allows selective fluid communication between its first inlet channel 4121 and first outlet channel 4122. The circumferential groove 4130 divides the armature 413 into an upper and lower section. The outer diameter of the upper section is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the central recess 4110R of the first support ring 411, and the outer diameter of the lower section is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the central recess 4120 of the first valve body. This ensures a fluid seal between the outer circumferential surface of the armature 413 and the inner circumferential surfaces of the central recesses 4110R and 4120. The up-and-down movement of the armature 413 changes the size of the fluid communication space between the circumferential groove 4130 and the first valve body 412, thereby changing the flow area of ​​the working fluid and achieving control of the damping force.

[0048] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a spacer 44 is provided between the first solenoid valve assembly 41 (specifically, the first valve body 412) and the second solenoid valve assembly 42. Preferably, the spacer 44 is made of a non-magnetic material to avoid mutual magnetic interference between the first solenoid valve assembly 41 and the second assembly unit 42. See also Figure 8 The spacer 44 is disc-shaped, with its outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the valve core sleeve 40, thereby forming a fluid seal between the outer peripheral surface of the spacer 44 and the inner peripheral surface of the valve core sleeve 40. A spacer flow passage 440 is provided in the peripheral region of the spacer 44. This spacer flow passage 440 may be in the form of at least one axial through-hole extending along the axial direction XX through the axial length of the spacer 44, which connects the first outlet passage 4122 of the first valve body 412 to the space located below the spacer 44 in fluid communication. Figure 8 As shown, the spacer flow channel 440 can take the form of a plurality of axial through holes evenly distributed circumferentially in the peripheral region of the spacer 44. The spacer 44 also includes a spacer wiring channel C6, which can also take the form of a through hole extending XX axially through the axial length of the spacer 44, allowing the power supply cable 12 to pass through it. The number of spacer wiring channels C6 can correspond to the valve body wiring channels in the first valve body 412.

[0049] Alternatively, in an alternative embodiment, the spacer 44 can be omitted. In this case, the first valve body 412 can be made of a non-magnetic material.

[0050] The structure of the second component unit 42 is similar to that of the first component unit 41. It also includes a second support ring 421 and a second valve body 422 that abuts against the second support ring 421 along the axial direction XX. The outer diameter of the second support ring 421 and the second valve body 422 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the valve core sleeve 40, thereby forming a fluid seal between them and the valve core sleeve 40.

[0051] The difference between the second support ring 421 and the first support ring 411 is that the second support ring 421 does not have a wiring channel, but instead has an overcurrent channel. For details, see... Figure 9A and Figure 9B The second support ring 421 is generally cylindrical, and an annular recess 4210 is provided on one axial side of the lower end face of the spacer 44 or the first valve body 412. This annular recess 4210 divides the second support ring 421 into a central protrusion 4210T and a peripheral wall 4210P, and is used to house a second solenoid. The flow passage is in the form of a plurality of axial through holes 4211 extending along the axial direction XX and penetrating the axial length of the peripheral wall 4210P of the second support ring 421. These axial through holes 4211 are used for fluid communication with the spacer flow passage 440 of the spacer 44, and subsequently with the first outlet passage 4122 of the first valve body 421. In alternative embodiments, the number of axial through holes 4211 can be one or two. The present invention is not limited in this respect.

[0052] A central recess 4210R is provided on the side of the central protrusion 4210T away from the first component unit 41, which is used to accommodate the armature 423. The structure and assembly of the armature 423 are similar to those of the armature 413, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0053] See Figure 10A and Figure 10B The second valve body 422 is generally disc-shaped, and its upper end face is used to abut against the side of the second support ring 421 away from the first component unit 41. Figure 10A and Figure 10B In the illustrated embodiment, the second valve body 422 is provided with a central recess 4220, which is open to the upper end face of the second valve body 422, for cooperating with the central recess 4210R of the second support ring 421 to receive and position the armature 423. A second outlet channel 4221 (also shown in the figure) is provided on the upper end face of the second valve body 422. Figure 2The second outlet channel 4221 is in fluid communication with the radial through hole 402 provided on the valve core sleeve 40 (preferably, the radial outer port of the second outlet channel 4221 is aligned with the radial through hole 402) to connect the central recess 4220 with the external space of the second valve body 422 and even the external space A of the valve core sleeve 40. The second outlet channel 4221 can be a single channel or multiple channels spaced at an angle along the radial direction (e.g., ...). Figure 10A and Figure 10B (as shown in the image).

[0054] The second valve body 422 is provided with a second inlet channel 4222, which fluidly communicates the central recess 4220 with the piston space located below the second valve body 422. This second inlet channel 4222 can also be a single channel, or multiple channels spaced at an angle along the radial direction (e.g., ...). Figure 10A and Figure 10B (As shown in the diagram). The axial cross section of each of the second inlet channels 4222 along the axial direction XX is approximately L-shaped (see...). Figure 7 It includes a horizontal segment 4222a and a vertical segment 4222b that are fluidly connected to each other. See also Figure 7 and Figure 10A The horizontal segment 4222a is also disposed on the upper end face of the second valve body 422, extending radially outward from the side wall of the central recess 4220 but not reaching the outer peripheral surface of the second valve body 422. When the second inlet channel 4222 is one of the aforementioned multiple channels, these horizontal segments 4222a and the second outlet channel 4221, which is also in the form of multiple channels, are alternately arranged radially. When the second valve body 422 is abutted against the second support ring 421, this abutment allows fluid communication between the horizontal segments 4222a and the second outlet channel 4221 only through the central recess 4220. The vertical segment 4222b extends axially in the XX direction, penetrating the lower end face of the second valve body 422, with its outlet port located near the center of the second valve body 422. Preferably, the number of vertical segments 4222b corresponds to the number of horizontal segments 4222a.

[0055] Despite Figure 10B The lower end face of the second valve body 422 is depicted as having a central protrusion, but the lower end face can also be a flat surface.

[0056] The second valve body 422 also has a flow passage 4223 in its peripheral area (i.e., the area away from its center), see [reference]. Figure 5 and Figure 10AThe flow passage 4223 is in the form of at least one through hole extending along the axial direction XX through the axial length of the second valve body 422. The flow passage 4223 is in fluid communication with the flow passage 4211 of the second support ring, and the number of such passages corresponds to that of the second support ring, for guiding the working fluid from the first component unit 41 to the piston space located below the second component unit 42. It should be noted that the flow passage 4223 of the second valve body 422 does not intersect with its second outlet passage 4221 and second inlet passage 4222.

[0057] See Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The piston assembly 43 includes a piston body 430, an upper valve plate assembly 431, and a lower valve plate assembly 432, which are fixed together by means such as bolts, wherein the piston body 430 is located between the upper valve plate assembly 431 and the lower valve plate assembly 432. See also Figure 11A and Figure 11B The piston body 430 has a first side facing the second component unit 42 and a second side opposite to the first side. The piston body 430 is provided with two sets of channels—a recovery channel 430f for allowing working fluid to flow through during the recovery stroke and a compression channel 430y for allowing working fluid to flow through during the compression stroke. Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the recovery channel 430f and the compression channel 430y can be two sets of discrete channels arranged concentrically around the center of the piston body 430, and the recovery channel 430f is farther away from the center of the piston body 30 than the compression channel 430y. In one embodiment, each of the recovery channels 430f is offset by a certain angle relative to the corresponding one of the compression channels 430y around the center of the piston body 430, such as... Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown in the diagram. However, it is conceivable that the recovery channel 430f and the compression channel 430y could be set at the same angle around this center.

[0058] The piston body 430 has an inner flange 430n and an outer flange 430w on its first side. The inner flange 430n is located between the recovery channel 430f and the compression channel 430y; that is, the compression channel 430y is located inside the inner flange 430n, and the recovery channel 430f is located between the inner flange 430n and the outer flange 430w. Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, the inner flange 430n extends further away from the second side than the outer flange 430w. The inner flange 430n abuts against the lower end face of the second valve body 422. This abutment position is located outside the vertical section 422b of the second inlet channel 4222 of the second valve body 422 (the side away from the center of the second valve body 422), so that the second inlet channel 4222 can only be in fluid communication with the compression channel 430y, and is spatially isolated relative to the recovery channel 430f. The outer peripheral surface 430ws of the outer flange 430w detachably engages with the inner peripheral surface of the valve core sleeve 40 to fix the first component unit 41 and the second component unit 42 in the axial direction XX within the valve core sleeve 40. In one embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 430ws is provided with an external thread, which engages with the internal thread provided on the inner peripheral surface of the valve core sleeve 40 to achieve the above-mentioned positioning. The outer wall (or outer peripheral surface) 430s of the piston body 430 (which is further away from the center of the piston body 430 than the outer peripheral surface 430ws of the outer flange 430w) is in close contact with the inner wall of the cylinder 3, thereby forming a fluid seal therebetween and enabling the piston assembly 43 and thus the valve core assembly 4 to slide freely relative to the cylinder 3, thereby enabling reciprocating switching between the compression stroke and the recovery stroke.

[0059] The upper valve assembly 431 is disposed within the inner flange 430n, covering the compression passage 430y from the first side, which allows working fluid to flow only through the compression passage 430y from the second side to the first side of the piston assembly 43 (i.e., Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown in the diagram (from bottom to top), the flow is suppressed to prevent reverse flow. Viewed from the second side of the piston body 430, the lower port of the recovery channel 430f on the second side (i.e., the outlet port of the working fluid during the recovery stroke) is further away from the first side than the lower port of the compression channel 430y on the second side (i.e., the inlet port of the working fluid during the compression stroke). On the second side, a lower valve assembly 432 is provided, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the upper valve assembly 431, so as to block the lower port of the recovery channel 430f, thereby allowing only the working fluid to flow from the first side of the piston body 430 to the second side (i.e., from bottom to top) via the recovery channel 430f. Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown from top to bottom, the flow of fluid through the compression channel 430y is suppressed. Since the lower port of the recovery channel 430f is positioned further away from the first side than the lower port of the compression channel 430y (in other words, the lower port of the compression channel 430y is recessed relative to the lower port of the recovery channel 430f), a shoulder is formed on the second side of the piston body 430. Therefore, the lower valve plate assembly 432, while abutting the lower port of the recovery channel 430f (i.e., abutting the shoulder), cannot abut the lower port of the compression channel 430y, thus failing to suppress the flow of working fluid through the compression channel 430y.

[0060] The upper valve plate assembly 431 and the lower valve plate assembly 432 can each be composed of at least one flexible valve plate. Alternatively, one of the upper valve plate assembly 431 and the lower valve plate assembly 432 can be composed of at least one flexible valve plate, while the other can be composed of a helical spring or a diaphragm spring. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the valve plate assembly configuration according to actual conditions. Furthermore, parameters such as the number of valve plates and valve plate stiffness can be selected based on the expected operating parameters of the piston assembly.

[0061] Figure 12 It shows Figure 2 The wiring of the valve core assembly is shown. Power cables 11 and 12, supplying power to the first component unit 41 and the second component unit 42 respectively, both pass through the hollow piston rod 2. Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply cable 11 passes through the protrusion groove 11 in the first support ring 411 and connects to the first solenoid to supply power to the latter. The power supply cable 12 successively passes through the protrusion groove 11, the peripheral groove C2, the axial groove C3, the straight groove C4, the valve body wiring channel C5 of the first valve body 412, and the spacer wiring channel C6 of the spacer 44 (if the spacer 44 is provided) in the first support ring 411, and then connects to the second solenoid to supply power to it. Of course, as mentioned above, the wiring channel can also be located inside the valve body sleeve, or other suitable wiring methods can be used. This is only an illustrative example and is not intended to limit the scope.

[0062] Figures 13A-13C Cross-sectional views obtained from different angles show the working fluid during the recovery stroke of the electronically controlled vibration damper. Figure 2 The flow conditions in the valve core assembly shown.

[0063] During the recovery stroke, the working fluid flows sequentially from space A through the radial through-hole 401 of the valve core sleeve 40 and the first inlet channel 4121 of the first valve body 412 (see...). Figure 13A ), the circumferential groove 4130 of the armature 413, and the first outlet channel 4122 of the first valve body 412 (see Figure 13BThe spacer flow channel 440 of the spacer 44, the flow channel 4211 of the second support ring 421, the flow channel 4223 of the second valve body 422, the return channel 430f of the piston assembly 43, and the lower valve plate assembly 432 that pushes open the piston assembly 43 (see...) Figure 13C ) flow to Figure 13C In space B shown. It can be seen that the second component unit 42 does not participate in the regulation of the damping force during the recovery stroke, but only provides the working fluid with the function of passing through the first component unit 41 to the piston assembly 43.

[0064] Figure 14A and 14B Cross-sectional views obtained from different angles show the working fluid during the compression stroke of the electronically controlled vibration damper. Figure 2 The flow conditions in the valve core assembly shown.

[0065] During the compression stroke, the working fluid flows from... Figure 14A The space B shown flows through the gap between the lower valve plate assembly 432 in the piston assembly 43 and the lower port of the compression channel 430y, and the compression channel 430y to... Figure 14A In the space D shown (defined by the inner flange 430n of the piston assembly 43 and the lower end face of the second valve body 422), and then through the second inlet channel 4222 of the second valve body 422 (see... Figure 14A ), the circumferential groove of the armature 423, and the second outlet channel 4221 of the second valve body 422 (see Figure 14B The fluid flows through the radial through-hole 402 of the piston assembly 43 and the valve core sleeve 40, eventually flowing into space A. It is evident that during the compression stroke, the flow of the working fluid does not involve the first component unit 41; the control of the damping force is achieved solely through the cooperation of the piston assembly 43 and the second component unit 42.

[0066] Therefore, the magnitude of the damping force during the recovery and compression strokes can be individually controlled by applying the electromagnetic forces of the first component unit 41 and the second component unit 42 in the valve core assembly 4. The following explanation focuses on the first component unit 41. By controlling the electromagnetic force of the first component unit 41, the armature 413 can be moved reciprocally along the axial direction XX, thereby changing the flow path formed by the circumferential groove 4130 of the armature 413 and the first inlet channel 4221 and the first outlet channel 4222 of the first valve body 422. This changes the size of the flow cross-section at the interface between the armature 413 and the second valve body 422, thus achieving control over the magnitude of the damping force.

[0067] Specifically, when no electromagnetic force is applied (i.e., the first component unit 41 is not energized), the relative position of the armature 413 and the first valve body 422 remains unchanged. When the first component unit 41 is energized to generate an electromagnetic force, the armature 413 is attracted upward / downward along the axial direction by the electromagnetic force, thus moving upward / downward (wherein, the greater the current, the greater the displacement of the armature 413), thereby changing the size of the flow path cross-section at the aforementioned interface. It should be noted that the initial position of the armature 413 relative to the first valve body 422 (i.e., the position when the first component unit 41 is not energized) can be preset, which can be achieved by changing the axial dimension of the armature 413 and the magnitude of the spring preload. For example, the initial position can be the position where the circumferential groove 4130 is completely unobstructed, at which time the aforementioned flow cross-section is at its maximum. After the electromagnetic force is applied, as the armature 413 moves up / down, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow passage gradually decreases because the circumferential groove 4130 is blocked by the wall of the first support ring 411 / first valve body 412. As described above, by adjusting the axial dimension of the armature 413 or the spring preload, the initial position can be set to the extreme case where the circumferential groove 4130 of the armature 413 is completely blocked by the wall of the first valve body 422 / first support ring 421. At this time, the circumferential groove 4130 of the armature 413 is not even connected to any channel of the first valve body 421, so the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow passage obtained at this time is zero. As the armature 413 moves up / down along the axial direction after energization, the flow passage gradually increases, thereby causing the damping force to gradually decrease.

[0068] Figure 15 and Figure 16 It shows Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the valve core assembly shown is illustrated, wherein a second component unit with an alternative structure is shown.

[0069] exist Figure 15 In the illustrated embodiment, the second component unit 42' differs from the second component unit 42 in that its second support ring 421' does not have an axial through hole extending along the axial direction XX on its outer peripheral wall. In contrast, the outer diameter of the second support ring 421' is smaller than the inner diameter of the valve core sleeve 40, thereby forming an annular gap 4211' between them, which serves as a flow passage to guide the working fluid from the first component unit 41 to the flow passage 4223 of the second valve body 422.

[0070] exist Figure 16In the illustrated embodiment, due to the specific outer peripheral shape of the second support ring 421", only a portion of its outer peripheral surface contacts the inner peripheral surface of the valve core sleeve 40, thus forming gaps of varying sizes at different radial positions. These gaps serve as flow channels to guide the working fluid from the first component unit 41 to the flow channel 4223 of the second valve body 422. Alternatively, a structure similar to the axial through-hole 4221 of the second support ring 421 can be provided on the outer wall of the portion of the second support ring 421" that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the valve core sleeve 40 to facilitate the flow of the working fluid.

[0071] Figure 17 It shows Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the valve core assembly shown is illustrated, which depicts a spacer and valve core sleeve with alternative structures.

[0072] exist Figure 17 In the illustrated embodiment, the valve core sleeve 40' differs from the valve core sleeve 40 in the preceding embodiment in that it is divided between two rows of axial through holes into a first sub-sleeve 40a' for accommodating a first component unit and a second sub-sleeve 40b' for accommodating a second component unit. The first sub-sleeve is generally cup-shaped, and the second sub-sleeve is generally cylindrical. Spacers 44' are used to detachably engage the lower end of the first sub-sleeve away from the piston rod and the upper end of the second sub-sleeve, respectively, to fix the first and second sub-sleeves relative to each other and to fix the first blocking unit axially within the first sub-sleeve. For example, the outer peripheral surface of spacer 44' is provided with external threads for engaging with internal threads on the inner peripheral surface of the first and second sub-sleeves, thereby fixing spacer 44', the first sub-sleeve, and the second sub-sleeve relative to each other.

[0073] It should be noted that this invention does not limit the specific structure of the solenoid valve assembly unit (including the mutual positioning and actuation relationships between the armature, support ring, and valve body). Other structures not disclosed herein can also be used, as long as they can regulate the damping force. Furthermore, other methods of positioning relative to each other that can be conceived by those skilled in the art can be used between the two components that form an abutment relationship as described herein (e.g., threaded connection).

[0074] Where applicable, component features in a valve core assembly described with reference to one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment.

[0075] 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 valve core assembly for a built-in electronically controlled vibration damper, wherein, The valve core assembly defines an axial direction and includes: A valve core sleeve, which is cylindrical and has one side sealed by an end wall, the end wall having a through hole to allow a power supply cable to pass through; A first component unit, which is fixed inside the valve core sleeve in a manner abutting against the end wall and fluid-sealed with the inner circumferential surface of the valve core sleeve, is used to regulate the damping force provided by the electronically controlled vibration damper during the recovery stroke of the electronically controlled vibration damper; The second component unit, which is disposed within the valve core sleeve and fixed relative to the valve core sleeve, is used to regulate the damping force provided by the electronically controlled vibration damper during the compression stroke of the electronically controlled vibration damper. A main wiring channel, which is disposed within the first component unit and / or provided by the first component unit in cooperation with the valve core sheath, is used to allow power cables supplying power to the second component unit to pass through and is isolated relative to the working fluid space flowing through the electronically controlled vibration damper; A main flow passage, provided within the second component unit or by the second component unit in cooperation with the valve core sleeve, allows the working fluid from the first component unit to flow through the main flow passage to reach a piston space located on the side of the second component unit away from the first component unit during the return stroke; and A piston assembly, wherein the piston assembly is disposed within the piston space such that it abuts against the second component unit along the axial direction, and is detachably secured relative to the valve core sleeve, wherein the piston assembly includes: A recovery channel, the recovery channel being configured to allow the working fluid to flow via the recovery channel from a first side of the piston assembly facing the second component unit to a second side of the piston assembly opposite to the first side, only during the recovery stroke; and A compression channel is provided for allowing the working fluid to flow from the second side of the piston assembly to the first side only during the compression stroke.

2. The valve core assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The main cabling channel is composed of any one or more of the following combinations: A unit channel extending along the axial direction through the first component unit along its axial length; An axial groove extending along the axial direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first component unit. An inner wall groove is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the valve core sleeve; and An inner wall channel extending along the axial direction is provided within the circumferential wall of the valve core sleeve.

3. The valve core assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The unit channel is a single unit channel extending through the axial length of the first component unit, or includes multiple unit channel segments extending at different angles relative to the axial direction.

4. The valve core assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The main flow channel is composed of any one or more of the following combinations: A unit channel extending through the second component unit along the axial direction; A unit groove extending along the axial direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second component unit; A gap channel is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the second component unit and the inner peripheral surface of the valve core sleeve; An inner wall channel extending along the axial direction is provided within the inner circumferential surface of the valve core sleeve. as well as An inner wall groove is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the valve core sleeve.

5. The valve core assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second component unit directly abuts against the first component unit along the axial direction.

6. The valve core assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The valve core assembly further includes a spacer disposed between the first component unit and the second component unit, wherein opposite sides of the spacer along the axial direction respectively abut against the first component unit and the second component unit, and the spacer is provided with: Spacer wiring channel, wherein the spacer wiring channel constitutes a part of the main wiring channel; as well as A spacer flow channel, which forms part of the main flow channel, is used to allow working fluid from the first component unit to flow through the spacer flow channel to the second component unit during the recovery stroke.

7. The valve core assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The valve core sheath includes a first sub-sheath and a second sub-sheath that are separated from each other. The first sub-sheath is used to engage with the first component unit, and the second sub-sheath is used to engage with the second component unit. The spacer is detachably engaged with the first sub-sheath and the second sub-sheath, respectively, thereby facilitating the positioning of the first component unit and the second component unit, and / or The spacer is made of a non-magnetic material.

8. The valve core assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The recovery channel and the compression channel are each of a plurality of discrete channels arranged around the center of the piston assembly. The recovery channel and the compression channel are arranged at a certain radial angle offset relative to each other, wherein the recovery channel is farther away from the center than the compression channel.

9. The valve core assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The piston assembly includes: The piston body is provided with the recovery channel and the compression channel extending along the axial direction; A first valve plate assembly, the first valve plate assembly being configured to prevent the working fluid from flowing through the compression passage during the recovery stroke; and A second valve assembly is used to prevent the working fluid from flowing through the recovery channel during the compression stroke.

10. The valve core assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The first valve plate assembly and the second valve plate assembly are each composed of at least one flexible valve plate, or One of the first valve plate assembly and the second valve plate assembly is composed of at least one flexible valve plate, while the other of the first valve plate assembly and the second valve plate assembly is composed of a helical spring or a diaphragm spring.

11. The valve core assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The piston assembly includes: An inner flange and an outer flange are disposed on a first side of the piston assembly facing the second component unit. The inner flange abuts against the second component unit and extends further away from the first side of the piston assembly relative to the outer flange. The outer flange is detachably connected to the valve core sleeve. A recovery channel is disposed between the inner flange and the outer flange. A compression channel is disposed inside the inner flange; and / or A shoulder is provided on a second side of the piston assembly opposite to the first side, and the recovery channel extends through the shoulder such that, on the second side, the port of the recovery channel is farther away from the first side than the port of the compression channel.

12. The valve core assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first component unit includes: A first support ring, which supports a first electromagnetic coil that enables the first component unit to function, and is provided with a support ring wiring channel extending axially through the first support ring; and A first valve body, which abuts against the first support ring along the axial direction, and is provided with a valve body wiring channel extending axially through the first valve body, the valve body wiring channel communicating with the support ring wiring channel and each constituting a part of the main wiring channel; and The second component unit includes: A second support ring, which supports a second electromagnetic coil that enables the second component unit to function, and is configured to abut against the side of the first valve body away from the first support ring, the second support ring having a support ring flow channel; and The second valve body is used to abut against the second support ring along the axial direction and is provided with a valve body flow passage extending through the axial dimension of the second valve body. The valve body flow passage and the support ring flow passage are connected and respectively constitute part of the main flow passage.

13. A built-in electronically controlled vibration damper, wherein, The built-in electronically controlled vibration damper includes: Cylinder; According to any one of the preceding claims, the valve core assembly is configured such that at least a portion of the outer wall of the piston assembly can be in close contact with the inner wall of the cylinder, thereby enabling the valve core assembly to reciprocate relative to the cylinder between the compression stroke and the recovery stroke; and A hollow piston rod is connected to the valve core assembly, and the power supply cable passes through the hollow rod cavity of the hollow piston rod.

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