Damping valve device of shock absorber

Abstract

The invention relates to a damping valve device (1) for a hydraulic shock absorber (2) of a vehicle, comprising a drive region (19) and a valve region (9), a damping valve housing (3), which encloses the drive region (19) and the valve region (9), the drive region (19) comprising a coil (8), which is configured to generate a magnetic circuit in the damping valve device (1) and to interact with an armature (11), the armature (11) is installed to be capable of moving in the coil (8) in the axial direction so that the armature (11) can move in the axial direction; wherein the armature (11) is arranged in the polar tube (7), and the polar tube (7) forms a guide device of the armature (11); wherein the valve region (9) has a liquid inlet (28) and a liquid outlet (29) for the entry and exit of hydraulic fluid into and out of the valve region (9), and a valve block (27) having a plurality of fluid paths (20) for conducting hydraulic fluid, wherein the valve region (9) comprises a control slide (17) mounted so as to be movable relative to the valve block (27) so as to be movable between a closed position, in which the fluid path (20) is closed by the control slide (17), and an open position, in which the fluid path (20) is released; the pole tube (7) is configured as a one-piece and / or one-piece structure and surrounds the armature (11) and the control slider (17); wherein the magnetic circuit comprises the tube (4) and a polar tube (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a damping valve device for a shock absorber, in particular to a damping valve device for a motor vehicle.

[0002] Shock absorbers, especially shock absorbers, are usually used in motor vehicles and installed between the wheel suspension system, especially the axle and the body, to slow down the impact and reduce vibration during driving. In order to improve driving comfort and road safety, the damping characteristics of the shock absorber are usually adjustable. For example, this adjustment is achieved by a solenoid valve, which promotes or hinders the movement of the shock absorber piston by adjusting the flow of hydraulic fluid inside the shock absorber.

[0003] For example, the solenoid valve is usually arranged outside the shock absorber tube and is therefore a module separate from the shock absorber tube, taking up additional installation space inside the vehicle.

[0004] EP2685145A2 discloses a damping valve device which is mounted outside the shock absorber.

[0005] Starting from this, the object of the present invention is to reduce the production costs, in particular the number and complexity of the components, and the weight of a damping valve arrangement of a shock absorber.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a damping valve arrangement having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous developments can be gathered from the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a damping valve device for a hydraulic shock absorber of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprises a drive region and a valve region. In addition, the damping valve device comprises a damping valve housing having a pipe member surrounding the drive region and the valve region, wherein the drive region has a coil, which is configured to generate a magnetic circuit in the damping valve device and interact with an armature connected in the coil and axially movable, so as to move the armature in the axial direction. The armature is arranged in a pole tube, wherein the pole tube forms a guide device for the armature. The valve region has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for injecting and discharging hydraulic fluid into and out of the valve region, and a valve block with a plurality of flow paths for conducting the hydraulic fluid. The valve region has a control slide, which is mounted to be movable relative to the valve block, so that it can be moved between a closed position and an open position, in which the flow path is closed by the control slide, and in which the flow path is unobstructed. The pole tube is configured as an integral and / or one-piece structure and surrounds the armature and the control slide, in particular in the circumferential direction, wherein the magnetic circuit comprises the pipe member, the armature, the coil and the pole tube, and for example comprises a flux plate. The pole tube preferably has a bottom which closes the pole tube at the end.

[0008] In the following, the axial direction is understood to be a direction parallel to the axial centerline of the damping valve device, in particular to the axial centerline of the damping valve device pipe. The radial direction is understood to be a direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0009] The hydraulic shock absorber preferably comprises an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, which is arranged coaxially with the inner cylinder and, in particular, forms the outer wall of the shock absorber. The piston is preferably mounted axially movably on a piston rod in the inner cylinder and divides the inner cylinder into two working chambers. In particular, the piston has at least two fluid paths, by means of which one working chamber is connected to the other working chamber. An annular space is preferably formed between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein an intermediate pipe separating the annular space is preferably mounted in the annular space and is arranged coaxially between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. The damping valve device is preferably fluidically connected to at least one working chamber of the inner cylinder and is preferably connected to the intermediate pipe and the outer cylinder of the shock absorber. The shock absorber is preferably completely or partially filled with hydraulic fluid.

[0010] The pipe piece is preferably configured to be connectable to the outer cylinder and in particular has a substantially constant circular cross section. The pipe piece preferably forms a housing wall of the damping valve arrangement. In particular, the drive region and the valve region are arranged completely within the pipe piece, so that the pipe piece preferably extends axially beyond the drive region and / or the valve region. The valve region is preferably arranged in the region of the pipe piece facing the outer cylinder of the shock absorber, while the drive region is arranged in the opposite region of the pipe piece facing away from the outer cylinder of the shock absorber. The pipe piece is preferably made of a magnetic or magnetizable material.

[0011] The drive region preferably comprises an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet comprises, for example, a coil with a plurality of windings, which are arranged on a coil base. The coil base is preferably made of plastic, in particular is a substantially hollow cylindrical structure, and is arranged coaxially relative to the pipe. The coil is, for example, made of a plastic material, wherein the windings and the coil base are fixed therein, in particular are molded therein, and are preferably connected in an integral manner to the plastic material. The coil is preferably fixedly connected to the pipe, in particular by an integral connection, a positive locking and / or a non-positive locking manner. For example, a clearance fit is configured between the coil and the pole tube. The coil is preferably configured and arranged to generate a magnetic circuit in the damping valve device. The coil loaded with current preferably generates a magnetic flux running in a closed path in the damping valve device. The magnetic circuit comprises elements of the damping valve device, and the magnetic flux generated by the coil runs in a closed path through these elements.

[0012] The armature is arranged in the coil, preferably coaxially with the coil. The armature is preferably made of a magnetic or magnetizable material, in particular a part of the magnetic circuit. The armature preferably has a first cylindrical region, which is axially connected to a second cylindrical region with a smaller diameter relative to the first region. In particular, a pole tube is arranged between the armature and the coil, the pole tube being at least partially a hollow cylindrical structure and extending coaxially with the coil, the pipe and the armature. The pole tube is preferably made of a magnetic or magnetizable material, and in particular a part of the magnetic circuit. For example, the armature is partially or completely wrapped by a sliding film such as a PTFE film, in which way the axial movement of the armature in the pole tube is facilitated. The pole tube preferably has a hollow cylindrical region that at least abuts against the coil, in particular the coil base, and preferably has a substantially constant cross-section. In particular, the hollow cylindrical region has a substantially constant inner diameter and / or outer diameter, in particular a constant wall thickness.

[0013] The hollow cylindrical region is preferably configured as a guide for the armature, in particular an axial guide, so that the armature can be axially movable in the pole tube. The hollow cylindrical region of the pole tube preferably extends in the axial direction, preferably exceeds the coil in the direction toward the upper part of the housing, and in particular has a bottom at its end, which completely closes the pole tube on the end face. A cylindrical armature space is preferably configured in the hollow cylindrical region, in which the armature and the hydraulic fluid are arranged. The hollow cylindrical region of the pole tube adjoins the valve side region in a manner pointing to the valve region in the axial direction, and the valve side region has at least one or more inner diameter and / or outer diameter expansion parts. The valve side region of the pole tube is preferably configured as a funnel-shaped structure, wherein the funnel-shaped structure expands in the direction of the valve. The pole tube, in particular the valve side region of the pole tube, is preferably fixedly connected to the pipe fitting, in particular connected by positive locking, non-positive locking and / or integral connection. For example, the pole tube extends at least partially or completely along the coil, the valve slide and the valve block in the axial direction.

[0014] The pole tube, in particular the valve side region, preferably surrounds the valve block and / or the control slide, in particular circumferentially. An annular space filled with hydraulic fluid is preferably arranged between the valve block and / or the control slide and the pole tube. In particular, the valve block is preferably designed and arranged independently of the pole tube, preferably as an independent component. The control slide is preferably mounted axially movably relative to the valve block and the pole tube and is arranged coaxially with the pipe and the pole tube. The control slide is preferably operatively connected to the armature, so that the movement of the armature is at least partially or completely coupled to the control slide. The control slide preferably has an axial end face pointing in the direction of the armature and abuts against the armature, so that the movement of the armature is transmitted to the control slide.

[0015] The valve block is preferably arranged coaxially with respect to the pole tube, in particular having a cavity which is fluidically connected to the fluid inlet / fluid outlet so that the hydraulic fluid flows into the valve block. A fluid space is preferably arranged between the valve block and the pole tube, in which the hydraulic fluid can flow. The valve block is configured, for example, as a funnel-shaped structure and, for example, has a cylindrical region facing the drive unit, which is arranged coaxially with the control slide and preferably has a substantially constant cross section. The control slide preferably surrounds the valve block on the periphery and is mounted movably in the axial direction relative to the valve block. The valve block, for example, has a funnel-shaped radial expansion in the region facing away from the drive unit. The valve block is mounted in a fixed manner, in particular relative to the axially movable control slide, for example, fixedly connected to the pole tube. The valve block is preferably at least partially or completely surrounded by the pole tube element in the periphery and in the axial direction, wherein the control slide is arranged between the drive-side region of the valve block and the pole tube element.

[0016] Flow paths are preferably arranged in the valve block, in particular via openings, through which the hydraulic fluid can flow, in particular from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The flow paths are preferably arranged in a cylindrical region of the valve block surrounded by the control slide. The control slide is mounted in an axially movable manner so that it can completely release the flow path in the open position of the damping valve device and completely close the flow path in the closed position of the damping valve device. The control slide is mounted in such a way that it can preferably be moved into a plurality of intermediate positions, in which the flow path is partially closed. The control slide is preferably preloaded into the open position by a spring. The spring is preferably arranged between the control slide and the valve block and preferably loads the control slide with a force in the axial direction towards the drive region.

[0017] The valve block has, for example, a first cylindrical region in which a flow path is arranged. The first region is preferably adjoined in the direction of the fluid outlet by a second substantially cylindrical region which is coaxial with the first region and has a larger diameter than the first region. For example, the second region has an outer peripheral surface which points radially outwards and a shoulder surface which points axially towards the first region. The shoulder surface preferably abuts against the pole tube. The first region of the valve block preferably has a flow path and is in particular arranged coaxially with the control slide. The first region can be completely or partially surrounded by the control slide. The flow path is preferably a circular hole in the wall of the valve block, in particular in the first region. The flow paths are preferably arranged evenly spaced in the peripheral direction of the first region of the valve block. For example, at least two flow paths are arranged at different height levels. Arranging the flow paths at different height levels allows the control slide to open / close the flow paths in a predetermined order. As a result, an optimal distribution of the lateral forces acting on the control slide during the switching operation can be achieved. For example, at least two directly adjacent flow paths are respectively arranged at different height levels. In particular, all flow paths are respectively arranged at different height levels.

[0018] The height level preferably refers to the distance between the center point of each flow path and the defined cross-sectional plane of the damping valve device. In particular, this refers to the axial distance between the center point of each flow path and the shoulder surface of the second area of ​​the valve block.

[0019] For example, at least two flow paths are arranged at the same height level. In particular, flow paths that are opposite to each other on the periphery are arranged at the same height level. For example, adjacent flow paths are arranged offset around the central axis of the valve block at an angle of 90°, 60°, 45° or 36° relative to each other. Flow paths that are opposite to each other are arranged offset at an angle of 180° relative to each other. The simultaneous opening / closing of flow paths that are opposite to each other can optimize the force distribution acting on the control slide during the switching operation of the damping valve. As an alternative, flow paths that are opposite to each other on the periphery of the valve block are arranged at different height levels.

[0020] The flow paths that are located opposite to each other on the periphery of the valve block preferably have a smaller height difference than the height difference between the flow paths that are directly adjacent to each other. This results in the flow paths that are opposite to each other being opened / closed quickly in sequence. For example, at least two or all flow paths have different diameters and / or geometries.

[0021] For example, a plurality of at least partially radially extending flow channels are arranged between the pole tube and the valve block. The flow channels are preferably arranged in the second region of the valve block and are open, in particular in the direction of the pole tube, with the result that each flow channel is arranged between the inner surface of the pole tube and the radially outward surface of the valve block. The flow channels preferably extend from the shoulder surface to the peripheral surface and are in particular cutouts, preferably indentations, on the shoulder surface and the peripheral surface. The extension direction of the flow channels preferably has an axial and a radial component. For example, the flow path extends continuously at an angle of 10° to 80° relative to the axial direction, in particular at an angle of 20° to 60°, preferably at an angle of 30° to 50°. The flow channels are, for example, arranged in the valve block in a half-shell shape and extend in particular in a star-shaped manner from the first region, in particular starting from the flow channels.

[0022] In particular, at least one circulation channel is aligned with an opening in the circulation path. Each circulation path is preferably aligned with a corresponding circulation path. In this way, an optimal flow of the damping liquid can be achieved. The number of circulation paths is preferably consistent with the number of circulation channels. The circulation channels are preferably arranged at the same height level as at least one circulation path. It is also conceivable that more circulation channels are provided than circulation paths. According to a further embodiment, at least one circulation channel is arranged offset relative to the circulation path. It is also conceivable that all circulation channels are arranged offset relative to the circulation paths.

[0023] The pole tube is preferably constructed in one piece. "One piece" preferably means constructed in the form of a single component, especially in a solid block, while "integral" includes fixed connection of multiple components by positive locking, non-positive locking and / or integral connection. The pole tube of one piece or integral construction significantly simplifies the assembly of the damping valve device. The complex assembly of the pole tube is no longer necessary. In addition, the fastening device required for assembling the multi-component pole tube is omitted, which brings about a weight reduction. Since the pipe is part of the magnetic circuit, at least a part of the coil base, especially the housing, can be omitted, thereby further reducing the weight.

[0024] According to a first embodiment, the pole tube is manufactured by a mechanical processing method, in particular turning or milling. For example, the pole tube is manufactured by casting or cold working.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the pole tube has a hollow cylindrical region arranged inside the coil, which has a groove extending in the peripheral direction. The groove is preferably arranged in the pole tube and between the coil and the armature, for example in a circumferential annular configuration. The groove preferably extends completely around the pole tube in the peripheral direction in the form of a closed ring or with interruptions. In particular, the groove extends radially from the outside to the inside of the pole tube. The depth of the groove is preferably less than the wall thickness of the pole tube, so that the groove does not form an opening. The groove is especially completely or partially filled with material, especially magnetic insulating material, such as plastic. For example, the groove is completely or partially filled with ambient air. The groove preferably has a cross-section of the valve side region, which gradually expands from the inside to the outside in the radial direction toward the valve region. In the region of the groove, the pole tube preferably has a conical region for introducing a magnetic flux into the armature. In the direction toward the upper part of the housing, the valve side region of the groove is adjacent to a region with a rectangular, especially square cross-section, for example.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the coil is fixed in the axial direction by a groove. The coil preferably has a housing, in which the winding and the coil base are fixedly connected. In particular, the housing is made of plastic and is preferably injection molded at least partially or completely around the coil. The housing preferably forms the outer shell surface of the coil facing the pipe and, in particular, rests on the pipe. The housing is, for example, integrally or in one piece with the upper part of the housing. The housing is preferably fixedly connected to the pipe, in particular in a non-positive locking, integrally connected and / or positive locking manner. The housing preferably has a radially inwardly directed protrusion, which is coupled to the groove of the pole tube, in particular has a shape consistent with the cross section of the groove, thereby forming a positive locking connection between the housing and the pole tube. The housing of the coil preferably has a valve-side end face, which rests on the pole tube. A sealing element, in particular a sealing ring, is preferably arranged between the pole tube and the housing of the coil.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the pipe is an integral or one-piece structure. The pipe preferably has a one-piece structure, is manufactured, for example, by casting, and is processed, in particular, by a mechanical processing method such as turning, laser processing or milling. For example, the pipe is manufactured by cold working.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the pipe piece extends axially beyond the coil and the valve block. Together with the housing upper part, the pipe piece preferably forms the outer wall of the damping valve arrangement. The damping valve arrangement preferably consists of the housing upper part and the pipe piece. The pipe piece is preferably directly connected to the housing upper part and the outer cylinder of the shock absorber.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the pipe is connected to the pole tube by positive locking, non-positive locking and / or integral connection. In particular in the valve side region, the pole tube preferably has a peripheral groove which interacts with the constriction of the pipe to form a positive locking connection.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the pole tube extends beyond the valve block in the axial direction. The valve block and the control slide are preferably completely surrounded by the pole tube in the circumference and in the axial direction.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the damping valve device has a flux plate made of a magnetic or magnetizable material, wherein the flux plate bears against the coil, the pole tube and / or the tube. The flux plate is preferably attached to the end of the coil facing away from the valve region and in particular extends around the armature.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the magnetic circuit consists of a coil, a pole tube, a pipe, an armature and a flux plate. The elements of the magnetic circuit are preferably made completely or partially of magnetic or magnetizable material. In particular, adjacent elements of the magnetic circuit directly abut against each other to ensure a magnetic flux that is as unimpeded as possible.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the flux plate has a circular disk-shaped structure, for example, with at least one radial cutout. For example, the flux plate has a plurality of cutouts pointing radially from the outside to the inside, and the cutouts are in particular arranged evenly spaced from each other. The cutouts preferably extend radially along the flux plate and occupy approximately one third to one half of its radius.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the damping valve housing has a housing upper part which is mounted on the front side of one end of the pipe and from which the pole tube extends to the valve block. In the housing upper part, preferably plug-in contacts are provided for the electrical connection of the coil, in particular electrical wires, such as conductor rails, sheet metal strips or copper strips, extending from the plug-in contacts to the coil. The housing upper part is preferably configured as a cover for the pipe.

[0035] The pole tube is connected to the valve block by mechanical joining. Mechanical joining is understood, for example, to mean a connection of two components by means of deformation, wherein at least one of the components undergoes a mechanical deformation. The pole tube is connected to the valve block by deformation of the pole tube and / or the valve block, so that the pole tube can be pre-mounted on the valve block in a simple manner so that the pipe can be inserted together with the valve block and connected thereto. As a result, this significantly reduces assembly time and assembly costs.

[0036] The mechanical connection comprises, for example, plastic deformation of the pole tube, such as crimping and / or rolling of the pole tube. The end region of the pole tube is preferably mechanically deformed to form a mechanical connection between the pole tube and the valve block. In particular, a preloading element, such as a disc spring or a bowl spring, is arranged between the pole tube and the valve block. The preloading element is particularly designed to load the pole tube with an axial spring force and is preferably fixed to the valve block. For example, the pole tube has a deformation edge, which is generated by plastic deformation of the pole tube and against which the preloading element rests. The preloading element preferably rests on the valve block, in particular on the comfort valve body.

[0037] The invention also includes a shock absorber for a vehicle, which has a damping valve device as described above, wherein the shock absorber has an outer pipe column and the pipe of the damping valve device is in particular directly connected to the pipe column. The pipe column is preferably connected to the pipe component by positive locking, non-positive locking and / or integral connection. In particular, the pipe column is connected to the pipe component by a fastening device. Preferably, a comfort valve is arranged in the pipe component, which comfort valve is in particular hydraulically connected in series with the damping valve device.

[0038] The damping valve device has, for example, a sealing element, which is arranged in a chamber, wherein the chamber is arranged between the pole tube and the pipe fitting and also includes a coil and / or a support ring. The chamber is preferably closed by the pole tube and the pipe fitting and the additional coil and / or support element. The chamber is preferably configured to receive a sealing element, in particular a sealing ring. The chamber preferably has a circumferential annular structure, in particular with a rectangular cross-section. The chamber is in particular completely closed and is defined by the pole tube, the pipe fitting and the coil and / or the support ring. The sealing element is preferably a sealing ring attached to the chamber. The sealing element preferably rests at least on the pole tube and the pipe fitting and is used in particular for sealing purposes so that hydraulic fluid does not flow from the valve area into the coil. In particular, the sealing element also rests on the shoulder of the pole tube.

[0039] The chamber for receiving the sealing element is arranged between the pole tube and the pipe and the additional coil and / or support ring, so that the sealing element can be easily mounted on the pole tube. In particular, damage to the sealing element configured as a sealing ring can be avoided because the assembly can be carried out in a state that is as stress-free as possible.

[0040] For example, the sealing element is configured as an O-ring. The sealing element is preferably made of a plastic, in particular an elastomer. The sealing element is in particular an annular structure, preferably with a circular, in particular annular, cross section. The cross-sectional diameter of the sealing ring is preferably greater than the cross-sectional width of the chamber, as a result of which the sealing ring preferably rests against at least three inner surfaces of the chamber.

[0041] In particular, the pole tube has a radial shoulder adjacent to the chamber. The radial shoulder is preferably a radial widening of the pole tube relative to the region of the pole tube directly adjacent to the upper part of the housing. The pole tube preferably has a plurality of different outer diameters, wherein the outer diameter of the pole tube decreases in particular from the chamber to the upper region of the housing. The outer diameter of the pole tube in the chamber is preferably greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the portion of the pole tube extending from the chamber to the upper region of the housing. This design facilitates pushing the sealing ring into the pole tube.

[0042] In the axial direction from the drive region to the valve region, the pole tube preferably has a first outer diameter, which is arranged inside the coil. For example, adjacent thereto is a second outer diameter, which is larger than the first outer diameter, so that a shoulder, in particular an axial end face, is formed, which faces the upper region of the housing and against which the coil at least partially rests. The second outer diameter is preferably spaced apart from the inner diameter of the tube, so that a chamber is formed between the pole tube and the tube. The second outer diameter is preferably adjacent to a third outer diameter of the pole tube, which is larger than the first and second outer diameters and preferably substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the tube, so that the pole tube rests against the tube via the third outer diameter. An axial end face is preferably formed between the second and third outer diameters, which faces the upper region of the housing and adjoins the chamber.

[0043] For example, the coil has a protrusion extending in the axial direction and adjacent to the chamber. The coil preferably has a housing, which is fixedly connected to the winding and the coil base. In particular, the housing is made of plastic, preferably at least partially or completely injection molded around the winding and the coil base. The plastic material is preferably molded onto the winding and the coil base. The housing is preferably formed as a shell surface of the coil, which is directed to the pipe and particularly abuts against the pipe. For example, the housing is integrally or in one piece with the upper area of ​​the housing. The housing is preferably connected to the pipe by a clearance fit or fixedly, in particular by a non-positive locking, integral connection and / or positive locking. The coil preferably has a protrusion extending in the axial direction, in particular extending between the pipe and the pole tube along the inner wall of the pipe, and adjacent to the chamber. The protrusion is preferably made of plastic. The protrusion is preferably arranged in the housing or the coil base. The end face of the protrusion pointing in the direction of the valve preferably constitutes the boundary of the chamber. The pole tube and the pipe are preferably connected by a positive locking, in particular by a bayonet connection. The positive locking connection has, for example, at least one axial recess arranged in the pole tube, which is open towards the chamber. The positive locking connection is in particular a bayonet connection. For example, the pole tube has a plurality of cutouts, which are in particular hook-shaped structures. Each cutout comprises, for example, a region extending in particular in the axial direction and a region adjoining thereto and extending in the radial direction. The radially contracted parts of the pipe are preferably respectively embedded in the cutouts. The cutouts are preferably radial depressions, which are arranged on the outer surface of the pole tube, which rests against the pipe. The cutouts preferably extend into the chamber, in particular, forming an interruption of the contact surface of the sealing element. In this case, the sealing element 13 preferably has a depression and a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is embedded in the cutout of the pole tube 7, for example, configured as a positive locking connection.

[0044] The damping valve device has, for example, a support ring, which is arranged separately from the coil. The support ring preferably rests on the coil at least partially through its outer surface. The support ring is preferably a circumferential ring structure, for example with a rectangular cross-section. In particular, the support ring 15 rests on the inner side of the pipe with its outer surface and on the outer surface of the pole tube with its inner surface. The end face of the support ring pointing in the direction of the valve is particularly adjacent to the chamber. The support ring is preferably fixedly connected to the coil, the pole tube and / or the pipe. The support ring preferably forms a bearing surface for the sealing element. For example, the protrusion of the coil is provided as an alternative structure to the support ring or together with the support ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The present invention is described in detail as follows by means of a number of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a shock absorber for a vehicle chassis having a damping valve device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0047] Figure 2A schematic cross-sectional view of a damping valve arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0048] Figure 1 A shock absorber 2 for a vehicle chassis is shown, wherein the shock absorber 2 comprises a damping valve arrangement 1 . Figure 1 The shock absorber 2 in FIG. 2 is shown only in the form of an external view. The shock absorber 2 preferably comprises a cylinder, which stores hydraulic fluid in a sealed manner, a piston, which is axially movable in the cylinder along the cylinder axis, the piston dividing the cylinder into two working spaces, and a piston rod, which is connected to the piston and oriented parallel to the cylinder axis. In particular, the piston has at least two flow paths, through which one working space is connected to another working space. The shock absorber 2 is, for example, a multi-tube shock absorber. In particular, the shock absorber 2 has an inner cylinder, in which the piston is guided. For example, the outer cylinder 21 is coaxially mounted around the inner cylinder, and an annular space is formed between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder 21. The central tube separating the annular space is preferably mounted between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder 21 and coaxially relative to them. In order to damp the piston movement in at least one, preferably two, operating directions, the damping valve device 1 is connected to at least one working space. The damping valve device 1 is preferably attached to the central tube and the outer cylinder 21 of the shock absorber 2.

[0049] Figure 2 A damping valve device 1 is shown, which has a preferably cylindrical damping valve housing 3, including a substantially tubular pipe 4 and a housing upper part 5 mounted on the pipe 4. One end of the pipe 4 is connected to the cylinder 21 ( Figure 2 The housing upper part 5 is mounted on the other end of the pipe 4, opposite the cylinder 21, so that the housing upper part 5 preferably closes the pipe 4 at the end. The housing upper part 5 has, for example, a cylindrical cover part 22, which has a larger diameter than the pipe 4 and protrudes radially from the pipe 4. The cover part 22 is connected to a hollow cylindrical part 23, which has a smaller diameter than the pipe 4, in particular smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe 4, and is arranged coaxially with the pipe 4 in the pipe 4. The housing upper part 5, in particular the hollow cylindrical part 23, preferably abuts against the inner wall of the pipe 4. For example, the cover part has an annular cutout on the side facing the pipe 4, which receives the end of the pipe 4. The pipe 4 is connected to the housing upper part 5, for example, by a positive lock connection 24. The positive lock connection 24 is formed, for example, by a radial cutout in the housing upper part 5, into which the radial constriction of the pipe 4 is embedded. The positive lock connection 24 is preferably arranged at the end of the pipe 4 facing the housing upper part 5. The housing upper part 5 , in particular the cover part 22 , has a connection region 25 with one or more terminal contacts for supplying power to the damping valve device 1 . The terminal contacts for supplying power are preferably connected to the drive unit 19 .

[0050] The damping valve device 1 comprises, for example, a drive region 19 and a valve region 9. The drive region 19 is, for example, arranged in an upper region of the damping valve device 1, which faces the housing upper part 5 and is preferably substantially located above the valve region 9. The drive region 19 preferably comprises a drive device configured as an electromagnet. The electromagnet comprises a coil 8 having a plurality of windings wound by an electrically conductive wire. The coil 8 is preferably arranged in the pipe 4 and arranged coaxially with the pipe 4. The coil 8 is, for example, arranged in a hollow cylindrical portion 23 of the housing upper part 5, in particular against the inner wall of the housing upper part 5. In particular, the coil is cast in the housing upper part 5, wherein the housing upper part 5 is, for example, made of plastic, in particular made of a non-magnetic or only weakly magnetic material, preferably a magnetic insulator or a material with high magnetic resistance. The coil comprises, for example, a coil support, on which the winding of the coil is wound. The coil 8 at least partially or completely surrounds an armature space 26, which extends in the axial center and is coaxial with the pipe 4. The armature 11 is axially movably mounted in the armature space 26. The armature 11 is preferably a cylindrical structure, and its diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the armature space 26, so that the armature 11 is preferably mounted to be able to slide in the axial direction. For example, the armature 11 has an upper first cylindrical area facing the housing upper part 5, and is adjacent to a second cylindrical area on one side of the valve area, and the second cylindrical area is coaxially arranged with the first cylindrical area and has a smaller diameter. The armature space 26 is preferably defined by a hollow cylinder 16, which is coaxially arranged with the pipe 4 and is located in the pipe 4. The hollow cylinder 16 preferably has a bottom and is open in particular in the direction pointing to the cylinder 21. The bottom is preferably facing the housing upper part 5 and, for example, at least partially abuts against the housing upper part 5. The hollow cylinder 16 is preferably made of a magnetized or magnetic material.

[0051] The coil 8 is preferably configured and arranged so that, when energized, it can form a magnetic field, the magnetic field lines of which preferably run approximately along the axial direction of the armature space 26. The armature 11 is preferably made of a magnetized or magnetic material and can move axially according to the polarity of the magnetic field generated by the coil 8. In particular, the pole portion 12 having a hollow cylindrical structure is arranged in the armature space 26 and is arranged coaxially with the pipe 4. The armature 11, in particular its second cylindrical region, passes through the pole portion 12 from the center in the axial direction. The pole portion 12 is preferably made of a magnetized or magnetic material. The pole portion 12 is particularly against the inner wall of the hollow cylinder 16 and is, for example, fixedly connected to the hollow cylinder 16. Preferably, an annular space is formed between the pole portion 12 and the armature 11, in particular allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow through the space.

[0052] The magnetic flux plate 10 is arranged coaxially around the outer circumference of the hollow cylinder 16. The magnetic flux plate 10 is preferably a hollow cylindrical structure, and in particular abuts against the outer wall of the hollow cylinder 16. In addition, the magnetic flux plate 10 at least partially abuts against the pipe 4, and is preferably a magnetic flux connection between the hollow cylinder 16 and the pipe 4. The magnetic flux plate 10 preferably abuts against the coil 8, and in particular a magnetic flux connection between the hollow cylinder 16, the pipe 4 and / or the coil 8. The magnetic flux plate 10, for example, has at least two opposite cutouts, which extend radially from the outside to the inside. Figure 2 A schematic cross-section of the diagram is shown through these cuts.

[0053] The hollow cylinder 16 is coaxially adjacent to the pole tube element 6 in the axial direction. The pole tube element 6 and the hollow cylinder 16 together constitute the pole tube 7, wherein the pole tube 7 is particularly configured as a one-piece or integral structure. The pole tube element 6 preferably forms an integral structure with the hollow cylinder 16, or is fixedly connected to the hollow cylinder 16 by, for example, positive locking, non-positive locking and / or integral bonding. The hollow cylinder 16 extends at least partially or completely along the axial direction of the coil 8. The pole tube element 6 and the hollow cylinder 16 preferably jointly surround at least the armature 11, the armature space 26 and the pole portion 12.

[0054] The pole tube 7 has an upper tubular region with an especially constant inner diameter, preferably comprising a hollow cylinder 16, and extending axially from the upper part of the housing to beyond the position of the armature 11. The upper tubular region adjoins a lower region with an enlarged diameter in the axial direction, wherein the outer surface of the pole tube 7, in particular the outer surface of the pole tube element 6, preferably extends to the pipe 4 and at least partially abuts against it. The inner surface of the lower region of the pole tube element 6 at least partially surrounds the valve region 9, which will be described in detail in the following paragraphs.

[0055] The pole tube element 6 of the pole tube 7 preferably has a plurality of different inner diameters, each forming a cylindrical space of a different diameter. Furthermore, the pole tube 7 has, in particular, a plurality of different outer diameters. In the axial direction from the drive region 19 to the valve region 9, the pole tube 7 preferably has a first outer diameter, which forms a hollow cylinder 16 and preferably extends along the coil 8. A second outer diameter adjoins it, which is larger than the first outer diameter, so that a shoulder, in particular an axial end face, is formed, which faces in the direction of the housing upper part 5 and at least partially abuts against the coil 8. The second outer diameter is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the tube 4 and, in particular, is spaced from the tube 4, so that a chamber 14 is formed between the pole tube 7 and the tube 4. The second outer diameter adjoins the pole tube 7 by, for example, a third outer diameter, which is larger than the first and second outer diameters and preferably substantially equal to the inner diameter of the tube 4, so that the pole tube 7 abuts against the tube 4 by its third outer diameter. A shoulder, in particular an axial end face facing in the direction of the housing upper part 5, is formed between the second and third outer diameters. The pole tube element 6 is preferably made of a magnetizable or magnetic material.

[0056] The chamber 14 is preferably configured to accommodate a sealing element 13, in particular a sealing ring. The chamber 14 is preferably configured in a circumferential annular shape, in particular with a rectangular cross section. The chamber 14 is in particular completely closed and is bounded by the pole tube 7, the pipe 4 and, for example, the coil 8. The coil 8 preferably has an axially extending flange 15, in particular extending along the inner wall of the pipe 4, extending between the pipe 4 and the pole tube 7, and adjoining the chamber 14. The flange 15 is preferably made of plastic and is in particular connected to the pole tube 7 and the pipe 4 in a positive locking manner. The end face of the flange 15 facing the valve direction preferably forms the boundary of the chamber 14.

[0057] A sealing element 13 is mounted in the chamber 14, wherein the sealing element 13 is preferably a sealing ring. The sealing element 13 is, for example, arranged in a circumferential ring, preferably with a circular cross section, in particular a circular ring cross section. The sealing element 13 preferably abuts at least against the pole tube 7 and the pipe 4, for sealing the connection between the valve area 9 and the drive area 19, thereby preventing hydraulic fluid from entering the coil 8 from the valve area 9. In particular, the sealing element 13 also abuts against a shoulder, which is preferably an axial end face between the second and third outer diameters of the pole tube 7.

[0058] The pole tube element 6 is preferably connected to the pipe 4 by a positive lock. This positive lock connection preferably includes a radial cutout in the pole tube element 6, wherein a radially contracted portion of the pipe 4 engages in the cutout and interacts therewith, so that the pole tube element 6 is fixed in the axial and radial directions. The positive lock connection is in particular a bayonet connection. For example, the pole tube 7, in particular the pole tube element 6, has a plurality of cutouts 33, which are in particular designed as hook-shaped structures. Each cutout 33, for example, includes an area extending in particular in the axial direction, and an area extending in the circumferential direction adjacent thereto. At least one or more radially contracted portions 32 of the pipe 4 are preferably embedded in the cutout 33. These cutouts 33 are preferably radial depressions on the outer surface of the pole tube 7 of the pipe 4. The cutout 33 preferably extends into the chamber 14 and in particular forms an interruption of the contact surface of the sealing element 13. Figure 2 Only the region in which the cutout 33 extends in the circumferential direction is partially shown. In this case, the sealing element 13 preferably has a depression and a projection, wherein the projection engages in the cutout of the pole tube 7 and is configured, for example, as a positive-locking connection.

[0059] The valve region 9 is preferably integrated into a hydraulic circuit (not shown) and is fluidically connected to the shock absorber 2, in particular to the working space of the shock absorber 2. The valve region 9 has an inlet flow 28 and an outlet flow 29, the function of which can be reversed depending on the flow direction of the damping fluid.

[0060] The valve region 9 of the damping valve device 1 preferably comprises a control slide 17, which is at least partially or completely surrounded by the pole tube element 6 in the circumferential direction and is arranged in particular coaxially with the pole tube element 6 and the pipe 4. The control slide 17 preferably has an axial end face pointing in the direction of the armature 11, and the armature 11, in particular the lower second region of the armature 11, abuts against this axial end face, so that the movement of the armature 11 is transmitted to the control slide 17. In addition, the valve region 9 also comprises a valve block 27. The control slide 17 preferably surrounds the valve block 27 in the circumferential direction and is axially movable relative to the valve block 27. The valve block 27 is particularly designed as a funnel-shaped structure, for example, with an upper cylindrical region facing the drive unit 19, which is arranged coaxially with the control slide 17. In the lower region facing away from the drive unit 19, the valve block 27 has, for example, a radially enlarged portion. The valve block 27 is particularly connected in a fixed manner relative to the axially movable control slide 17.

[0061] The valve block 27 is preferably at least partially or completely surrounded by the pole tube element 6 in the circumferential and axial directions, wherein the control slide 17 is arranged between the upper region of the valve block 27 and the pole tube element 6. The lower region of the valve block 27 directly adjoins the pole tube element 6 in the radial direction and preferably at least partially abuts against the pole tube element 6. A path opening and / or a flow path 20 (only partially shown) is arranged in the valve block 27, through which the damping fluid can flow from the inlet flow 28 to the outlet flow 29. The control slide 17 is axially displaceably mounted so that it completely releases the flow path 20 in the open position of the damping valve device 1 and completely closes the flow path 20 in the closed position. The control slide 17 can preferably be in a plurality of intermediate positions in which the flow path 20 is partially closed. The control slide 17 is preferably preloaded into the valve opening position by a spring (not shown), so that the damping valve is in the open state when the coil 8 is not energized. The spring is preferably arranged between the control slide 17 and the valve block 27 and preferably applies an axial force to the control slide, which force is directed in the direction of the drive area 19. Preferably, an annular gap 30 for guiding the damping fluid is configured between the valve block 27 and the pole tube element 6. The annular gap 30 preferably extends completely around the upper area of ​​the valve block 27, which can be surrounded by the control slide 17, in particular, the annular gap extends at least partially or completely around the lower area of ​​the valve block 27. The control slide 17 is preferably able to move axially in the annular gap 30.

[0062] The valve area 9 preferably comprises a comfort valve and a solenoid valve, which are hydraulically connected in series. For example, the valve block 27 comprises two valve bodies. The valve body pointing in the direction of the drive area is, for example, a solenoid valve body, which preferably has a flow path 20 and a plurality of flow channels 31 as described above and interacts with a control slide 17, which can be moved by the coil 8. The solenoid valve body is preferably adjacent to the comfort valve body in the direction of the cylinder 21 of the shock absorber 2. For example, the valve block 27 consisting of the solenoid valve body and the comfort valve body can be configured as an integral or one-piece.

[0063] In particular, the fluid outlet 29 is arranged between the valve block 27 and the pole tube 7. A plurality of flow channels 31 are preferably arranged between the pole tube 7 and the valve block 27. The flow channels 31 are at least partially arranged in the valve block 27. The flow channels 31 preferably extend along the pole tube 7, wherein the pole tube 7 preferably does not have any path openings, in particular boreholes, for conducting the damping fluid through the pole tube wall.

[0064] The pole tube 7 extends, for example, at least partially in the axial direction along the valve body of the comfort valve. The end region of the pole tube 7 is preferably mechanically deformed to form a connection between the pole tube 7 and the valve block 27. The pole tube 7 and the valve block 27 are connected to each other, in particular by means of a mechanical connection. The connection is, for example, a crimping connection or a rolling connection. The end region of the pole tube 7 pointing in the direction of the comfort valve is preferably deformed radially inwards, so that in particular a deformed edge of the pole tube 7 pointing radially inwards is formed.

[0065] The damping valve device 1 is used to adjust the damping of the shock absorber 2 (especially stepless adjustment). During the operation of the shock absorber 2, the coil 8 is loaded with current to set the required damping effect. This generates a magnetic field, the magnetic field lines of which run essentially axially inside the coil, especially in the armature space 26. The magnetic flux of the magnetic field runs in a magnetic circuit configured in the damping valve device 1. The magnetic circuit includes components made of low magnetic resistance materials (preferably magnetic or magnetizable materials). The magnetic circuit that conducts the magnetic field, especially the magnetic flux, preferably consists of a flux plate 10, a hollow cylinder 16, a pole tube element 6, an armature 11, a pipe 4 and / or a pole part 12. The armature 11 moves in the axial direction according to the polarity of the magnetic field. The movement of the armature 11 is transmitted to the control slide 17 coupled to the armature 11, so that the control slide closes or at least partially releases the flow path 20 of the valve block 27. Figure 2 The open position of the damping valve arrangement 1 is shown by way of example.

[0066] Reference numerals list

[0067] 1 Damping valve device

[0068] 2 Shock absorbers

[0069] 3 Damping valve housing

[0070] 4 Pipe fittings

[0071] 5 Upper part of the housing

[0072] Hexapolar tube element

[0073] 7-pole tube

[0074] 8 Coil

[0075] 9 Valve Zone

[0076] 10 Flux Plate

[0077] 11 Armature

[0078] 12-pole unit

[0079] 13 Sealing element

[0080] 14 Chamber

[0081] 15 Protrusion / Support Ring

[0082] 16 Hollow Cylinder

[0083] 17 Control Sliders

[0084] 18 concavity

[0085] 19 Drivers

[0086] 20 Circulation Path

[0087] 21 Cylinder

[0088] 22 Cover part

[0089] 23 Hollow cylindrical part / accommodation part

[0090] 24 Positive locking connection

[0091] 25 Connection Area

[0092] 26 Armature Space

[0093] 27 Valve block

[0094] 28 inlet flow / fluid inlet

[0095] 29 outlet flow / fluid outlet

[0096] 30 Annular gap

[0097] 31 Circulation Channel

[0098] 32 Contraction

[0099] 33 The cutout on the tube

Claims

1. A damping valve device (1) for a vehicle hydraulic shock absorber (2), comprising: Actuator area (19) and valve area (9), A damping valve housing (3) with a tubular element (4) enclosing a drive region (19) and a valve region (9), wherein the drive region (19) comprises a coil (8) which is configured to generate a magnetic circuit in the damping valve device (1) and to interact with an armature (11), wherein the armature (11) is mounted to be axially movable in the coil (8) so as to move the armature (11) axially, wherein the armature (11) is arranged in a pole tube (7) which forms a guide for the armature (11), The valve region (9) comprises a fluid inlet (28) and a fluid outlet (29) for allowing hydraulic fluid to enter and exit the valve region (9), and a valve block (27) comprising a plurality of fluid paths (20) for conducting the hydraulic fluid. The valve region (9) comprises a control slide (17) which is mounted so as to be movable relative to the valve block (27) so as to be movable between a closed position, in which the fluid path (20) is closed by the control slide (17), and an open position, in which the fluid path (20) is released. Features: The pole tube (7) is configured as an integral and / or one-piece structure and surrounds the armature (11) and the control slide (17). The magnetic circuit comprises the pipe (4), an armature (11), a coil (8) and a pole tube (7).

2. The damping valve device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pole tube is produced by a mechanical processing method, in particular by turning or milling.

3. The damping valve arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The pole tube (7) has a hollow cylindrical region arranged inside the coil (8), and the hollow cylindrical region has a recess (18) extending in the circumferential direction.

4. The damping valve device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the coil (8) is fixed in the axial direction by the recess (18).

5. The damping valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe element (4) is configured as an integral or one-piece structure.

6. The damping valve arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pipe element (4) extends axially beyond the coil (8) and the valve block (27).

7. The damping valve device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe element (4) is connected to the pole tube (7) in a positive-locking, non-positive-locking and / or integrally connected manner.

8. The damping valve arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pole tube (7) extends axially beyond the valve piece (27).

9. A damping valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping valve device (1) comprises a flux plate (10) made of a magnetic or magnetizable material and the flux plate (10) rests against the coil (8), the pole tube (7) and / or the pipe (4).

10. The damping valve device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the magnetic circuit is composed of a coil (8), an armature (11), a pole tube (7), a pipe (4) and a flux plate (10).

11. Damping valve arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic flux plate (10) is configured as a circumferential annular disk and has at least one radial cutout.

12. A damping valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping valve housing (3) has a housing upper part (5) mounted on the front side of one end of the pipe piece (4), and the pole tube (4) extends from the housing upper part (5) to the valve block (27).

13. Shock absorber (2) for a vehicle, comprising a damping valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims (1), wherein the shock absorber has an outer cylinder (21), and the pipe (4) of the damping valve device (1) is connected to the cylinder (21).

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