Solenoid valve for shock absorber with hydraulic load regulation

Abstract

The invention relates to a solenoid valve (1) which can be fitted axially and in a gas-tight manner to a first end of a body (2) of a shock absorber (9) in order to be able to adjust the hydraulic load of the shock absorber (9) and to guide the movement of a rod (3) in the longitudinal direction. The solenoid valve comprises: a movable part (13) movable between an open fluid flow position and a closed fluid flow position (8); a regulating chamber (14) that generates pressure to move the movable member (13) toward the opening; and an elastic element (15) which generates a closing force. Likewise, the solenoid valve (1) further comprises electronic means for applying a force to the movable part (13) in order to move the movable part in the direction of movement, preferably by means of a magnetic load. The invention also comprises a shock absorber (9) with hydraulic load adjustment, comprising a solenoid valve (1) similar to the mentioned solenoid valve, fitted in a gas-tight manner to a first end of the body (2) of said shock absorber (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The object of the present invention comprises a solenoid valve for a shock absorber, which is particularly configured to adjust the damping load of a hydraulic device so that said load is determined by the control current supplied to the solenoid valve and the extension speed and / or compression speed of the suspension.

[0002] The present invention belongs to the industrial field comprising hydraulic devices with variable damping loads, and in particular to the field of variable load shock absorbers designed specifically for vehicles. Background Art

[0003] Shock absorbers are devices intended to dampen oscillations of a suspension, such as those of a car when it moves over a rough or steep surface, until the suspension regains its equilibrium position by dissipating kinetic energy.

[0004] Shock absorbers have a decisive influence on both the stability and the comfort of a vehicle. In fact, the adjustment of the hydraulic load generated by the shock absorbers represents a compromise between stability and comfort.

[0005] - Stability: The vehicle is controlled dynamically at low extension and / or compression velocities of the suspension. In this operating regime, a high level of damping, ie a high hydraulic load, is required.

[0006] - Comfort: This is mainly related to medium and high extension and / or compression speeds of the suspension. Therefore, a higher degree of comfort in the vehicle is influenced by a reduced level of damping (i.e. low hydraulic load), which allows the movement of the wheels to be decoupled from the oscillations of the chassis.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable for a shock absorber to be able to adapt its load level according to the different characteristics of the oscillations it has to absorb:

[0008] Adjusting the damping according to the suspension's oscillation speed: Shock absorbers on the market generally have an internal configuration designed to produce a higher damping coefficient at low speeds compared to medium and high speeds. The function that relates the shock absorber's load to its oscillation speed is its main characteristic and also defines the curve of its action, in order to optimize the compromise between stability and comfort.

[0009] Damping adjustment based on control current: Commercially available shock absorbers are capable of adjusting the hydraulic load applied by the shock absorber in both extension and compression, depending on the control current supplied by a control device such as a switchboard. This control determines the optimal hydraulic load on the shock absorber at all times based on a series of parameters and sends the appropriate setpoint current to the shock absorber. This significantly improves the compromise between vehicle comfort and stability, enabling both comfortable handling and high hydraulic loads when the vehicle's stability demands it.

[0010] Electronically controlled shock absorbers currently available on the market typically include a solenoid valve actuated by a solenoid or coil. The valve is typically located on one side of the shock absorber. However, this arrangement complicates the manufacturing of the shock absorber housing and the internal components that circulate oil to the valve.

[0011] To simplify the shock absorber's structure, some designs attempt to incorporate the solenoid valve within the shock absorber's body, eliminating the need for a lateral connection. Consequently, designs have emerged in which the actuator is incorporated into the shock absorber's piston. This typically requires running a power cable through a rod, which in turn requires the rod to be hollow (reducing its structural capacity). Furthermore, the wired connection of the solenoid valve through the rod often makes it difficult to install the shock absorber within other components of the machine in which it may be installed.

[0012] Other designs, such as the one developed in the present invention, attempt to solve the same problem by including the solenoid valve in the area of ​​the shock absorber's guide, thereby eliminating the need to run cables through the rod, thereby making more space available for including the necessary structural elements.

[0013] In order to have a complete shock absorber operation, it is desirable to be able to adjust the load of the shock absorber in both extension and compression. Therefore, if only one solenoid valve can be used for this purpose, the shock absorber can include valve adjustments located in both the piston and the valve support so that oil is forced to flow through the solenoid valve when the shock absorber performs both extension and compression movements.

[0014] The solenoid valve can hinder the flow to a greater or lesser extent, thereby successfully regulating the hydraulic load in the extension and compression strokes described above.

[0015] Fluid (usually oil) from the shock absorber enters the reservoir chamber after passing through a solenoid valve, similar to the operation of any "twin-tube" shock absorber, whether or not it is electronically controlled.

[0016] The structure of the solenoid valve can be different in each design and determines the characteristics of the hydraulic force that the shock absorber can apply.

[0017] Likewise, the structure determines the manufacturing of the product, so that it has a strong influence on the final cost of the shock absorber.

[0018] The shock absorber described in JPH0626546A is configured to produce two damping characteristics: high load and low load. A solenoid controls a hydraulic passage in the area of ​​the guide, through which the damping fluid flows. The passage is large enough to keep the hydraulic load low. However, when the passage is closed by the action of the solenoid, oil cannot pass through it, which means that the oil must pass through the piston during the extension movement or through the valve support during the compression movement. Both components have a series of adjustment valves to provide the required high hydraulic loads. The shock absorber thus provides two operating modes: one for comfort under low loads and the other for stability under high loads. However, it is impossible to achieve any desired intermediate damping characteristics at a given time.

[0019] An improvement on this device can be seen in document US2014262654A1, which discloses small solenoid valves arranged around a rod in the area of ​​a guide. Each of these solenoids can open or close a hydraulic path for the fluid. The more open paths there are, the larger the total area for the fluid to pass through will be, and therefore the smaller the shock absorber force will be. However, a disadvantage of this design is that each hydraulic path can only be adjusted once: open and / or closed. The shock absorber will therefore have as many damping characteristics as there are solenoid valves, or the total path can be obtained by combining the areas. If the optimal damping characteristic does not correspond to any of the available characteristics, it cannot be obtained.

[0020] Likewise, the introduction of more of these small solenoids necessitates physical space limitations within the body of the shock absorber, so the number of features that can be achieved is limited by the available space. The fact that they are smaller solenoids also limits the force they can exert in opposition to the pressure trying to open or close them.

[0021] This limitation forces the use of a smaller pressure application area and oil passage area, which limits the range or minimum damping load that can be achieved at a given speed, resulting in a design that is less than optimal damping. It also results in a design that is more likely to spread the hydraulic load and has higher manufacturing complexity due to the small passages that must be manufactured.

[0022] There are other designs, such as that described in ES2046898T3, which utilizes a rotary electromagnetic actuator that opens or closes multiple hydraulic paths arranged concentrically around a rod. However, this design suffers from the same problem as the previous designs: by opening or closing a series of "N" discrete paths, it can provide "N" damping characteristics.

[0023] Other designs on the market involve shock absorbers that provide continuous adjustment of the hydraulic load. The device described in US20220128115A1 exemplifies this approach, as it provides infinite damping characteristics between a maximum and minimum value. The device comprises a solenoid valve laterally connected to the shock absorber. The solenoid valve regulates the hydraulic mechanism. However, this configuration presents several challenges:

[0024] The lateral placement of the solenoid valve compromises the compactness of the system, a drawback of integrating the shock absorber into the suspension assembly. This limits the size of the solenoid that can be used.

[0025] The size limitations of the solenoid valve's solenoid limit its force, necessitating a hydraulic amplification mechanism to adjust the shock absorber's load. This mechanism counteracts the solenoid's force with the pressure force within a very small area, reducing the pressure-generated force and allowing it to be controlled by the solenoid. This pressure adjustment is then transferred to a larger area, amplifying the shock absorber's load.

[0026] - The amplification mechanism requires high-precision components that are difficult to manufacture and install. Summary of the Invention

[0027] The solenoid valve for a shock absorber according to the present invention is intended to offer significant advantages in terms of the compactness of the components it comprises, but at a lower cost than the systems described in the prior art. The solenoid valve provides continuous control with an infinite damping characteristic between a maximum and a minimum value; in other words, it is not limited to a specific number of operating curves, similar to the shock absorbers described above.

[0028] The space utilization of the system described in this application makes it possible to have an electromagnetic system capable of providing greater forces than systems incorporating side valves, such as those mentioned in the background art. Consequently, the hydraulic load amplification stage, also mentioned in existing shock absorbers in this field, can be omitted. This results in a simple, compact, and easy-to-manufacture system. The fact that no load amplification stage is required differs from existing systems that provide infinite damping characteristics. Other systems exist that provide a limited number of damping characteristics and do not require such a stage.

[0029] The present invention relates to a solenoid valve specially designed for use in a shock absorber with hydraulic load adjustment.

[0030] Thus, the solenoid valve is configured to be positioned axially and in an airtight or sealed manner to the first end of the body of the shock absorber and to regulate the hydraulic load of the fluid flowing through the interior of the shock absorber.

[0031] The term "body of the shock absorber" must be understood as its central tubular part, which may comprise one or more tubes through which a damping fluid flows and is subjected to pressure, said fluid being preferably oil, since oil is an incompressible fluid which is suitable for the described purpose.

[0032] The solenoid valve includes a longitudinal bore configured to guide and seal a rod included in the shock absorber during longitudinal movement, with the rod and the bore being adjustable. In other words, the rod can move longitudinally within the longitudinal bore of the solenoid valve because the cross-section of the rod is smaller than that of the longitudinal bore, thereby enabling a specific clearance between the two parts.

[0033] The solenoid valve thus performs both of the functions mentioned above, namely regulating the passage of the fluid through the interior of the shock absorber and guiding and maintaining the movement of the rod in a compact manner, thereby limiting the lateral movement of the rod and allowing only axial movement, thereby avoiding the inclusion of elements in a lateral arrangement, which would make it difficult to install the shock absorber in a machine or device to be damped, such as a vehicle.

[0034] To achieve this, the solenoid valve includes:

[0035] a movable part which is movable between a closed end position and an open end position, preferably in the longitudinal direction;

[0036] a regulating chamber configured to receive and release fluid from the body of the shock absorber; and

[0037] - an elastic element configured to move the movable part in the direction of movement of the movable part in the direction from the open end position of the movable part towards the closed end position;

[0038] The regulating chamber is configured to increase its internal pressure upon receiving fluid from the body of the shock absorber and transmit the pressure to the movable member. The movable member is configured to move from a closed end position to an open end position upon receiving a specific pressure from the regulating chamber while the regulating chamber increases its internal pressure. Therefore, the regulating chamber is configured to release the fluid upon the movable member moving from the closed end position to the open end position.

[0039] As indicated, the movable member preferably moves in a longitudinal direction, i.e., in the same direction as the rod, to allow fluid to pass through the solenoid valve, thereby acting as a gate for fluid passage through the solenoid valve. However, the various components of the solenoid valve can be arranged such that the movement is not longitudinal, but rather transverse, rotational, or a combination thereof, depending on the characteristics of the components comprising the device. In other words, the direction of movement of the movable member does not necessarily have to be the same as the direction of movement of the rod.

[0040] In addition to the aforementioned components, the solenoid valve also includes electronics configured to apply a force to the movable member in the same direction as the force generated by the elastic element, thereby causing the movable member to move in the direction of motion. In other words, in addition to the load applied by the elastic element, the electronics also generate a motion load on the movable member. Preferably, the load is magnetic and activated upon receiving a control current. The load can be adjusted to generate a greater or lesser thrust on the movable member, depending on the hydraulic load requirements of the shock absorber.

[0041] This would be the most basic configuration of a solenoid valve, where the movable part directly closes the regulating chamber by means of a resilient element pushing said movable part towards the closed position and the electronics also generating a load to move the movable part.

[0042] The stiffness of the elastic element can be configured as a function of its deformation state, so that the elastic element can provide a specific and defined hydraulic behavior for the shock absorber based on the configuration of its characteristics.

[0043] The use of such an elastic element makes it possible to compensate for the reduction in the force generated by the electronic device, preferably the magnetic force, since the attractive force generated by the electronic device can be reduced as the movable part slides. The total force experienced by the movable part is thus the sum of the force experienced by the electronic device plus the force of the elastic element, while the desired characteristics of both devices, such as stiffness and preload, are obtained to achieve proper hydraulic operation of the shock absorber.

[0044] The continuous control of the hydraulic load is achieved by means of electronics, which differs from the step-by-step control mentioned in the previous section. Furthermore, since the means are located in the solenoid valve and since the valve can be positioned axially and in a gas-tight or sealed manner to the first end of the body of the shock absorber, the space available in the solenoid valve can be advantageously utilized, which in turn makes it possible to obtain a load, preferably a magnetic force, by means of the electronics that is sufficiently large to obviate the need for an amplifier stage.

[0045] Hydraulic pressure from the shock absorber's body, arriving at the regulating chamber (when a solenoid valve is connected to the body and movement of the compression or extension rod occurs), is applied to the controlled portion of the movable member. This pressure generates a force that tends to move the movable member, causing oil to leave the regulating chamber, releasing the hydraulic pressure. In other words, the movement of the movable member opens the solenoid valve, allowing fluid to leave the regulating chamber, thereby changing the load on the shock absorber.

[0046] The opening pressure of the solenoid valve is controlled by adjusting the force generated by the electronics on a movable part which restricts and closes the passage of oil from the regulating chamber. Said force, preferably a magnetic force, can be varied based on the control current supplied to the electronics.

[0047] In one embodiment, the movable member includes one or more hydraulic conduits or passages configured to allow fluid released from the regulating chamber to flow through the expansion chamber toward the reservoir chamber of the body of the shock absorber. These conduits or passages allow the fluid reaching the regulating chamber to be directed back to the fluid circuit contained in the body of the shock absorber.

[0048] Furthermore, the solenoid valve may also have a controlled leakage connecting the regulating chamber with a low pressure area of ​​the body (expansion chamber), which may be desired to obtain a specific hydraulic behavior at a specific movement speed of the rod. Preferably, the controlled leakage is included in the main valve of the solenoid valve.

[0049] In one embodiment, the solenoid valve includes a low-friction bushing disposed within the solenoid valve, the low-friction bushing being positionable with clearance to the rod of the shock absorber, the low-friction bushing being configured to guide longitudinal movement of the rod. The bushing is positioned relative to the other components of the solenoid valve such that it preferably does not move in any direction, as its purpose is to support the rod when subjected to lateral forces.

[0050] Typically, a controlled lubrication channel may also be provided to ensure correct lubrication of the movable elements included in the solenoid valve and exhaustion of gases that may flow into this area towards the expansion chamber of the body of the shock absorber.

[0051] In one embodiment, the solenoid valve includes a hydraulic seal disposed within the solenoid valve and capable of being positioned relative to a shock absorber rod. The hydraulic seal is configured to seal the shock absorber in an airtight manner and prevent the shock absorber from leaking or losing oil to the outside. The hydraulic sealing function of the shock absorber rod is typically performed by a retainer in commercially available shock absorbers.

[0052] In one embodiment, the solenoid valve includes a connecting bushing configured to be assembled to a longitudinal inner tube of the damping body, the connecting bushing being positioned with clearance to a rod of the shock absorber, wherein the positioning with clearance between the connecting bushing and the rod includes a conduit for fluid to flow from the inner tube to a regulating chamber of the solenoid valve, thereby allowing the fluid to be delivered to the regulating chamber. From this description, it is understood that the rod moves in the longitudinal direction of the inner tube, and the tube contains fluid of the shock absorber therein, such that when the rod moves in the longitudinal direction, a portion of the fluid in the inner tube is delivered to the regulating chamber of the solenoid valve.

[0053] In one embodiment, the solenoid valve includes a sealing element between the movable part and the connecting bushing, the sealing element being configured to prevent leakage of fluid from the regulating chamber. The sealing element may be a circular gasket positioned to a groove in the bushing and / or the movable part.

[0054] In one embodiment, the solenoid valve comprises a disk that can be positioned with clearance on the rod of the shock absorber, wherein the disk is assembled to a connecting bushing and wherein the disk serves as a stop for the movable part in the closed end position. In other words, the disk prevents the movable part from moving beyond the closed end position despite the loads applied by the electronics and the elastic element.

[0055] In one embodiment, the regulating chamber comprises an annular geometry concentric with a shock absorber rod to which the solenoid valve can be connected. Preferably, the annular geometry of the regulating chamber is bounded by the movable member, the connecting bushing, and the disk. In other embodiments, the regulating chamber may have a different geometry. For example, a suitable geometry may be the geometry of a hole or window included in the disk member in addition to or in lieu of an annular geometry.

[0056] Through this regulating chamber, the movable part is subjected to a pressure difference, since in the area adjacent to the regulating chamber, the movable part is at a higher pressure than in other areas of its surroundings adjacent to the low-pressure zone. This is due to the fact that, in one embodiment, when the solenoid valve is connected to the body of the shock absorber, the movable part is positioned so as to block the expansion chamber of the shock absorber in the area or zone opposite to the area contacted by the regulating chamber.

[0057] In one embodiment, the solenoid valve includes a main valve positioned adjacent to a regulating chamber, the main valve being configured to transmit a force generated by pressure in the regulating chamber to the movable component, wherein the main valve includes a portion subjected to pressure in the regulating chamber and capable of being adjusted.

[0058] The main valve can be configured in terms of diameter, thickness, pressure-applied area, and support points. The main valve can also be configured to prevent the oil flow from directly pushing the movable component to avoid sudden opening and vibration of the system, with the diameter of the main valve covering the entire movable component subjected to the pressure of the regulating chamber.

[0059] Adding a main valve to the solenoid valve changes the system's force balance, making it an advantageous configuration. The electronically generated magnetic force exerted on the movable element by the main valve is applied at a controlled diameter, creating a lever arm that opposes the pressure-generated force. This lever arm allows for a wider range of shock absorber loads for a given magnetic force compared to systems that apply hydraulic pressure from a regulating chamber directly to the movable element.

[0060] Thus, the main valve may be arranged to have the purpose of maximizing the force of the movable member by utilizing its lever arm, or to have the purpose of preventing the fluid flow from pushing the movable member further than intended, or to have both functions.

[0061] Likewise, for reasons of minimum load or closing quality, the main valve can be configured with a controlled pre-deformation if required.

[0062] In one embodiment, the electronic device comprises a coil configured to generate a magnetomotive force, which generates a magnetic flux when the coil receives a control current, the flux being configured to generate a load or force that allows the movable part to move in a direction from an open end position to a closed end position, preferably in a longitudinal direction; and wherein the movable part comprises a ferromagnetic material. In this way, the degree of opening of the solenoid valve and, therefore, the load on the shock absorber connected thereto, can be precisely controlled.

[0063] In a more specific embodiment, the solenoid valve includes a rod guide including a bore having a cross-section slightly larger than that of a rod of a shock absorber to which the solenoid valve can be connected (possibly including a second, larger cross-section in an end portion of the bore), wherein the bore is arranged concentrically with the longitudinal path of the rod when the solenoid valve is connected to the body of the shock absorber. Significantly, the positioning between the rod and the bore is one of play or clearance between the rod and the bore to allow longitudinal movement. Preferably, both the rod and the bore in the rod guide are cylindrical.

[0064] The rod guiding function is performed jointly by a rod guide and a low-friction bushing which are arranged in an adjusted manner in the solenoid valve so that these two elements guide and support the rod when it is subjected to lateral forces.

[0065] In one embodiment, the rod guide, the movable part and the disk each comprise a ferromagnetic material, and wherein the solenoid valve comprises a functional magnetic circuit comprising an assembly formed by the coil, the rod guide, the movable part and the disk, said functional magnetic circuit being configured to exert a force on the movable part and to control the movement of the movable part between a closed end position and an open end position, preferably in a longitudinal direction from the bottom to the top. Obviously, the magnetic circuit may comprise other construction elements of the system comprised in the solenoid valve. This embodiment is not mutually exclusive with any of the above-described embodiments. The magnetic flux between the disk and the movable part generates a magnetic force between the two components, such that the magnetic force closes and / or restricts the oil passage of the regulating chamber.

[0066] If the main valve is arranged in the aforementioned embodiment, assuming that the main valve is the upper support of the movable part, the magnetic force generated on the movable part is applied to the main valve. This force can be applied to the outer diameter of the valve, depending on how the valve is constructed, but can also be applied to any other diameter.

[0067] When the force generated by the functional magnetic circuit, together with the force generated by the elastic element, is greater than the opening force of the solenoid valve generated by the pressure of the regulating chamber applied to the corresponding surface, the solenoid valve closes. Consequently, the fluid (oil) will not flow through the solenoid valve, which would be forced to pass through a controlled leak already built into the piston of the rod, the solenoid valve, or both, if the rod moves longitudinally.

[0068] In this way, the solenoid valve can be configured so that, at low longitudinal velocities of the rod during extension or compression, the pressure generated in the regulating chamber is lower than the opening pressure of the solenoid valve. This type of control at low rod velocities is often found in automotive suspensions, as it allows for excellent control of the vehicle's dynamic characteristics.

[0069] For faster rod movement speeds, the pressure in the regulating chamber will be higher, enough to reach the opening pressure of the solenoid valve. In other words, the pressure present in the regulating chamber is high enough to overcome the force that closes the movable part on the regulating chamber.

[0070] Because the opening pressure of the solenoid valve can be adjusted by the magnetic force generated on the movable part, the pressure level allowed to flow through the open solenoid valve is controlled, thereby controlling the pressure in the inner tube of the shock absorber body. The pressure applied to the corresponding surface of the rod piston generates the damping force.

[0071] In one embodiment, the elastic element comprises two or more different elastic levels, namely a first low-rigidity elastic level and a second high-rigidity elastic level. Thus, for small openings of the movable part, the rigidity may be low, but for larger openings, the rigidity increases, so that when the system has a large opening, there is a greater force tending to close the solenoid valve. This may be useful for preventing vibrations generated by certain operating speeds of the shock absorber from causing a large opening of the solenoid valve.

[0072] In one embodiment, the elastic element comprises an element selected from the group consisting of a disc valve, a plurality of stacked disc valves, a coil spring, a wave spring, a coil spring, combinations thereof, or any other element capable of performing the function of an elastic element. These embodiments provide for variable stiffness compatible with the aforementioned embodiments. Variable stiffness can also be achieved by including an additional valve to limit the opening of the disc valve, the additional valve abutting the disc valve when the system is open.

[0073] In one embodiment, the solenoid valve comprises a modular element comprising a cover coupled to electronics, such as a coil, wherein the modular element can be assembled to the remaining assembled components included in the solenoid valve by means of removable mechanical connections. This modular embodiment allows the shock absorber to be manufactured in a traditional manner by maintaining a closed and sealed state and then inserting the cover with the coil (or solenoid).

[0074] In one embodiment, the modular components include a wired connection to the electronics, wherein the wired connection is configured to electrically connect to the solenoid valve's control components. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the solenoid valve, eliminating the need to process the connecting cables required for control on the production line. Furthermore, this configuration eliminates the need for coil (or solenoid) sealing requirements by preventing it from being exposed to high-pressure, high-temperature fluids, making it simpler and less expensive.

[0075] The present invention also includes a shock absorber with hydraulic load adjustment, which includes a solenoid valve as described in any of the preceding embodiments, which is positioned in an airtight manner to the first end of a body included in the shock absorber, wherein the shock absorber includes a rod that can move longitudinally inside the body, and the rod passes through a longitudinal hole in the solenoid valve.

[0076] In one embodiment of the shock absorber, the rod includes a piston subassembly connected to the lower end portion of the rod and located inside the body, sharing longitudinal movement with the rod, wherein the piston subassembly includes one or more assembled piston valves having a configurable rigidity and pre-deformation.

[0077] The piston subassembly can be similar to those used in the shock absorbers of the prior art described. The subassembly can include a series of piston valves that define its characteristic operation, and these piston valves have configurable rigidity and pre-deformation. Through these piston valves, a controlled permanent leak part can be included, or a controlled permanent leak part can be excluded. The configuration will be oriented so that during the extension movement of the rod, a fluid (preferably oil) is forced through the solenoid valve.

[0078] In one embodiment of the shock absorber, the body of the shock absorber comprises:

[0079] an inner tube assembled to the solenoid valve by its upper end portion, said inner tube being configured to accommodate the rod during its longitudinal movement; and

[0080] An outer tube, the outer tube being assembled to the solenoid valve via its upper end portion, the inner tube being located inside the outer tube.

[0081] Preferably, both tubes comprise a cylindrical shape and are concentrically arranged.

[0082] The inner tube includes a lower chamber located between a lower end portion of the inner tube and the piston subassembly of the rod, and an upper chamber located between the piston subassembly of the rod and the solenoid valve.

[0083] In the same way, the shock absorber includes a reservoir chamber and an expansion chamber located between an inner tube and an outer tube, the two chambers being in contact, with the difference being that the expansion chamber contains air inside, while the reservoir chamber contains fluid. In this way, it can be indicated that the solenoid valve is configured to restrict the passage of fluid in the shock absorber between the chambers of the inner tube and the chambers of the outer tube.

[0084] In one embodiment, the shock absorber includes an intermediate tube located between the inner tube and the outer tube, the intermediate tube being configured to direct fluid of the shock absorber from the solenoid valve to a lower portion of the reservoir chamber.

[0085] The use of this third tube is suitable for preventing any unnecessary mixing or foaming of gas and oil that may occur in the storage chamber when said chamber receives fluid from the solenoid valve, in particular when the rod moves at high speeds.

[0086] In one embodiment, the shock absorber includes a valve support subassembly that is positioned in an airtight manner to a second end of the shock absorber body (opposite the end to which the solenoid valve is positioned), wherein the valve support subassembly includes one or more assembled valves that include a configurable rigidity and pre-deformation.

[0087] Similar to the piston subassembly, the valve support subassembly can be similar to those described in the prior art. In this manner, the valve support subassembly can include a series of support valves that define its characteristic operation. These support valves may or may not include a controlled permanent leak due to the configurable stiffness and pre-deformation of the support valves. Similar to the piston, the configuration can be oriented such that, during compression of the rod, fluid (oil) is forced through the solenoid valve.

[0088] In one embodiment, the shock absorber comprises a complementary solenoid valve positioned in an airtight manner to the second end of a body comprised in said shock absorber.

[0089] The operation and components of the complementary solenoid valve will be the same as the solenoid valve described in the previous embodiment.

[0090] By means of this embodiment, the shock absorber loads in extension and compression can be controlled independently, thereby achieving a better compromise between comfort and dynamic behavior of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] To supplement the following description and for the purpose of helping to better understand the characteristics of the invention, this specification is accompanied by a set of drawings in which more characteristic details of the invention are represented by way of illustration and not limitation.

[0092] Figure 1AA half-sectioned front view of a shock absorber is shown which, in its simplest configuration, comprises a solenoid valve connected to a first end of the body of the shock absorber, with the piston subassembly of the rod in a longitudinally intermediate position inside an inner tube, and a valve support subassembly connected to a second end of the body via the inner tube and the lower end portion of the outer tube.

[0093] Figure 1B Shown with Figure 1A A view similar to the view shown in FIG, wherein the shock absorber comprises two solenoid valves, wherein the complementary solenoid valves replace Figure 1A A valve support subassembly is connected to the second end of the body.

[0094] Figure 1C Shown Figure 1A Detailed view of the solenoid valve in FIG, which clearly shows each of the components of the solenoid valve and their arrangement.

[0095] Figure 2A Shown Figure 1A The same view of the shock absorber shown in , wherein the flow of the shock absorber fluid can be observed during the extension movement of the rod relative to the body of the shock absorber, wherein the solenoid valve is in the open state, ie the movable part is longitudinally moved from the closed end position.

[0096] Figure 2B Shown Figure 1A The same view of the shock absorber shown in , wherein the flow of the shock absorber fluid can be observed during the compression movement of the rod relative to the body of the shock absorber, wherein the solenoid valve is in the open state, ie the movable part is longitudinally moved from the closed end position.

[0097] Figure 3 Shown as Figure 1C Detailed view of a solenoid valve including a sealing element between a movable component and a connecting bushing is shown.

[0098] Figure 4A Shown as Figure 1C Detailed view of a solenoid valve comprising a main valve between a movable part and a regulating chamber, wherein the solenoid valve is closed, ie the movable part is in the closed end position.

[0099] Figure 4B Shown as Figure 1C Detailed view of a solenoid valve comprising a main valve, wherein the solenoid valve opens, ie the movable part moves from the closed end position to the open end position, and the main valve exerts a lever action due to the pressure load generated in the regulating chamber.

[0100] Figure 4C Shown as Figure 4AThe main valve shown, ie a detailed view of the solenoid valve when it is closed, comprises an increase in the outer diameter and prevents direct contact of the movable part with oil leaving the regulating chamber when the movable part moves from the closed end position.

[0101] Figure 5 Shown as Figure 1C Detailed view of a solenoid valve shown, wherein the elastic element has a variable stiffness because the elastic element comprises a set of valves with an opening limit valve.

[0102] Figure 6 Shown Figure 1A The same view of the shock absorber shown in , which comprises an intermediate tube located between the inner tube and the outer tube, which intermediate tube allows the fluid of the shock absorber to be guided from the regulating chamber of the solenoid valve to the lower part of the reservoir chamber.

[0103] Figure 7 A view of a shock absorber is shown in which a modular element comprising a cover with electronics, which in turn includes a coil, is partially assembled with the remaining components of the solenoid valve, illustrating the modular nature of the shock absorber.

[0104] Figure 8 Shown with Figure 7 A view of a shock absorber similar to the one shown in , where the modular element is fully inserted into the rest of the solenoid valve, but includes a connector fixed to the cover instead of a wired connection that connects to the coil of the electronics.

[0105] Figure 9A The hydraulic load (C H ) and the speed of the rod on the X axis (V DV ) related diagram. Hydraulic load (C H ) shows different damping loads under extension (E) of the rod, and the negative part shows the load under compression (C), due to the influence of the coil of the electronic component, which can have infinite load or damping characteristics due to the infinite different levels of force that can be exerted on the movable part in the movement that the movable part can experience.

[0106] Figure 9B A diagram showing the movement of a movable part in the longitudinal direction (D) on the X-axis and the force (F) exerted on said movable part on the Y-axis is shown, three lines are shown. The curve shows the magnetic force (F M ) decreases as the movable part moves away from the electronic component. The straight line shows how the elastic element (F EE ) increases linearly as the movable part moves away from the closed end position, and a line shows the total force (FT ), which is the sum of the first two lines.

[0107] Figure 9C Shown with Figure 9B A diagram similar to the diagram shown in , wherein the elastic element includes two different elastic levels, a first low-rigidity elastic level and a second high-rigidity elastic level.

[0108] List of reference numerals shown in the figures:

[0109] 1. Solenoid valve

[0110] 2.Ontology

[0111] 3. Rod

[0112] 4. Wired connector

[0113] 5. Piston subassembly

[0114] 51.Piston valve

[0115] 6. Valve support subassembly

[0116] 61.Support valve

[0117] 7. Connectors

[0118] 8. Fluid

[0119] 9. Shock absorber

[0120] 10. Plate

[0121] 11. Cover

[0122] 12. Coil

[0123] 13. Movable parts

[0124] 131. Hydraulic pipelines

[0125] 14. Conditioning Room

[0126] 15. Elastic element

[0127] 16. Low friction bushing

[0128] 17. Main valve

[0129] 18. Hydraulic seals

[0130] 19. Rod guide

[0131] 20. Inner tube

[0132] 21. Foreign Trade

[0133] 22.Lower room

[0134] 23. Upper Room

[0135] 24. Storage room

[0136] 25. Expansion Chamber

[0137] 26.Intermediate pipe

[0138] 27. Sealing element

[0139] 28. Connecting bushing 29. Complementary solenoid valve (C H ) Hydraulic load

[0140] (V DV ) The speed of the rod in the longitudinal direction (E) The rod extends

[0141] (C) Rod compression

[0142] (D) Movement of movable parts

[0143] (F) The force exerted on the movable part (F M )Magnetic force exerted by electronic devices

[0144] (F EE ) Elastic element force (F T )(F M ) and (F EE The sum of the forces (C ME ) Maximum load when extended (C mE )Minimum load when extended

[0145] (C mC ) Minimum load during compression

[0146] (C MC ) Maximum load during compression DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0147] Figure 1A The object of the invention, namely a shock absorber (9), is shown, comprising a body (2), a rod (3) and a solenoid valve (1), also the object of the invention, which is adjusted or assembled in an airtight manner to a first end of the body (2).

[0148] described Figure 1A It is also shown that the body (2) of the shock absorber (9) comprises two tubes: an outer tube (21) and an inner tube (20) located in the inner cavity of the outer tube (21), both of which are cylindrical and concentrically arranged.

[0149] The shock absorber (9) comprises a conventional shock absorber arrangement, such as those currently available on the market, comprising a rod (3) which is movable in the longitudinal direction inside a body (2), in particular inside an inner tube (20), the rod (3) and the inner tube (20) being positioned concentrically, the rod (3) comprising a cylindrical rod shape with two ends. The lower end portion of the rod (3) is connected to a piston subassembly (5) which is always located inside the inner tube (20), while the opposite end portion, i.e. the upper end portion, is located outside and is configured to be connected to an element to be damped, such as the structure of a vehicle.

[0150] The piston subassembly (5) of the rod (3) divides the inner cavity of the inner tube (20) into two parts. The lower chamber (22) and the upper chamber (23) are such that when the rod (3) moves longitudinally relative to the body (2), the fluid (8), preferably oil, contained inside the chambers (22, 23) can pass from one to the other in a regulated manner through a piston valve (51) located in the piston subassembly (5), thereby generating a pressure difference between the two faces of the piston, which results in a specific load. In other words, the hydraulic load of the shock absorber will be determined in part based on the permitted flow conditions of the fluid (8) passing through the piston valve (51).

[0151] The piston subassembly (5) is similar to those existing in the prior art, wherein a series of piston valves (51) define the characteristic operation of the piston subassembly (5). The piston valves may or may not be combined with controlled permanent leakage, and the assembled valves have configurable rigidity and pre-deformation.

[0152] Between the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (21) is a reservoir (24), which contains a fluid (8) and is connected to the lower chamber (22) of the inner tube (20). In one embodiment, the reservoir (24) is connected to the lower chamber (22) of the inner tube (20) by means of a valve support subassembly (6), which in turn includes a support valve (61). The valve support subassembly (6) is assembled or positioned in an airtight manner to the second end of the body (2) and to the two tubes (20, 21).

[0153] When the rod (3) moves longitudinally relative to the body (2), such as when extended, the fluid (8) contained in the storage chamber (24) can pass through the support valve (61) toward the interior of the lower chamber (22) in a regulated state.

[0154] The valve support subassembly (6) is also similar to those existing in the prior art, as is the support valve (61) that defines its operation. Likewise, the support valve may or may not incorporate a controlled permanent leak, and the assembled support valve (61) has a configurable rigidity and pre-deformation.

[0155] The configuration of the piston and the valve support will be oriented so that during the extension and / or compression movement of the rod (3), oil is forced through the solenoid valve (1), which allows the hydraulic load (C) of the shock absorber (9) to be adjusted at each moment. H ).

[0156] Since the storage chamber (24) is not completely filled with fluid (8), the upper part of the cavity comprised between the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (21) is occupied by the expansion chamber (25), which is configured to accommodate gas from inside the shock absorber (9).

[0157] In order to obtain an adjustable hydraulic load (C H ) - This is the object of the present invention, the shock absorber (9) comprises at least one solenoid valve (1), such as Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B As shown in Figure 1C As shown in detail.

[0158] These figures show how the solenoid valve (1) comprises a wired connection (4) which makes it possible to transmit a control current from the outside to the solenoid valve (1) in order to determine the desired flow of the fluid (8) between the upper chamber (23) and the reservoir chamber (24) through the expansion chamber (25), which allows to determine the exact hydraulic load (C) at each moment, taking into account the configuration of the remaining elements of the shock absorber (9), such as the support valve (61) and the piston valve (51). H ).

[0159] In addition to allowing the flow of the regulating fluid (8), the solenoid valve (1) connected axially and in an airtight manner to the first end of the body (2) of the shock absorber (9) also performs the function of guiding and sealing the rod (3) during the longitudinal movement of the rod (3) relative to the body (2), a feature not present in a side-connected solenoid valve. Similarly, the axial connection of the solenoid valve on the body (2) makes it possible to advantageously utilize the available space and thereby achieve a greater magnetic force, thereby eliminating the need for a hydraulic amplification mechanism in the solenoid valve (1) to provide different hydraulic loads to the shock absorber (9), as is the case with side-connected solenoid valves.

[0160] Figure 1CIt is shown that a low-friction bushing (16) is present inside the solenoid valve (1) and performs a guiding function for the rod (3) and also serves as a support when the rod is subjected to lateral forces.

[0161] In addition to the low-friction bushing (16), the solenoid valve (1) also includes a rod guide (19) having a hole with a constant cross-section slightly larger than the cross-section of the rod (3). The hole is arranged concentrically with the longitudinal path of the rod (3) and allows the rod guide (19) to define the path of the rod (3). In the same way, the low-friction bushing (16) fitted into the rod guide (19) defines the path of the rod (3) together with the rod guide (19) or independently.

[0162] The hydraulic sealing function of the rod (3) relative to the body (2) of the shock absorber (9), usually performed by a gasket, is performed by a hydraulic seal (18) included inside the solenoid valve (1).

[0163] In order to adjust the hydraulic load of the shock absorber (9), the solenoid valve (1) mainly comprises a movable part (13) which, according to the embodiment shown in the figure, can be moved in the longitudinal direction and which acts as a passage gate for the fluid (8) inside the solenoid valve (2). The movable part (13) can be moved between a closed end position and an open end position and can be arranged in an infinite number of intermediate positions between these two end positions. For example, in Figure 1C In the embodiment, the movable part (13) is in the closed end position and Figure 4B In the embodiment of the present invention, the movable part (13) moves from said position to the open end position, thereby allowing the fluid (8) to pass through the solenoid valve (1).

[0164] The solenoid valve (1) further comprises the following series of elements or devices configured to move the movable part (13): a regulating chamber (14) configured to receive and release the fluid (8) in the body (2) of the shock absorber (9), in particular the fluid from the upper chamber (23) through the expansion chamber (25) towards the storage chamber (24) (depending on the position of the movable part); an elastic element (15) configured to move the movable part (13) in a direction of movement from the open end position of the movable part (13) towards the closed end position; and an electronic device configured to move the movable part (13) in the same direction of movement as the elastic element (15), for example, by generating a magnetic force (F) on the movable part (13) when the coil (12) receives a control current. M ), preferably attracting the load.

[0165] like Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, the operation of the solenoid valve (1) includes: when the rod (3) moves longitudinally relative to the body (2) of the shock absorber (9), the regulating chamber (14) receives fluid from the upper chamber (23), which generates an increased internal pressure, and the regulating chamber (14) transmits this internal pressure to the movable part (13). The movable part (13) starts to move from the closed end position to the open end position when the pressure applied by the regulating chamber (14) exceeds a certain pressure.

[0166] The specific pressure is defined by the configuration of the elastic element (15) and the electronics, which exert a force in a direction opposite to the force exerted on the movable part (13) by the hydraulic pressure of the regulating chamber (14).

[0167] In this way, as soon as the rod (3) moves fast enough to move the fluid (8) from the upper chamber (23) at a high pressure towards the solenoid valve (1), said fluid (8) being directed towards the regulating chamber (14) at said high pressure, thereby reaching a pressure limit higher than the pressure applied by the elastic element (15) and the electronics, the movable part (13) moves towards the open end position.

[0168] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, once the movable part (13) moves from the closed end position, the regulating chamber (14) releases the fluid (8) through one or more hydraulic ducts (131) of the movable part (13), thereby guiding the fluid (8) towards the storage chamber (24) housed in the body (2) of the shock absorber (9) after passing through the expansion chamber (25).

[0169] like Figure 1C As shown, the solenoid valve (1) is connected to the first end of the body (2) of the shock absorber (9), in particular to the inner tube (20), by means of a connecting bushing (28), which is positioned with clearance to the rod (3). The positioning with clearance includes a conduit for the passage of the fluid (8) from the inner tube (20) to the regulating chamber (14), which is a conduit connecting the upper end of the upper chamber (23) filled with oil to the regulating chamber (14).

[0170] like Figure 1C As shown, in order to avoid loss of fluid (8) in the shock absorber, the solenoid valve (1) includes a hydraulic seal (18) positioned to the rod (3), which seals the upper chamber (23) tightly, and the seal (18) is attached to the rod guide (19).

[0171] like Figure 3As shown, the solenoid valve (1) may further comprise a sealing element (27) located between the movable part (13) and the connecting bushing (28), the sealing element (27) preventing uncontrolled leakage of oil from the regulating chamber (14).

[0172] Depending on the configuration of the shock absorber (9), the regulating chamber (14) can have different geometries. For example, a suitable geometry is a ring geometry or also the geometry of a hole or window made through the disk member (10).

[0173] The disc component (10) is included inside the solenoid valve (1) and can be positioned with clearance to the rod (3) of the shock absorber (9). The disc (10) is assembled to the connecting bushing (28) and acts as a stop for the movable part (13) in the closed end position. In other words, the disc (10) prevents the movable part (13) from moving beyond the closed end position despite the loads applied by the electronics and the elastic element (15). Since the disc (10) is a component close to the movable part (13), it can be made into an opening or window that serves as a regulating chamber (14).

[0174] Figure 1C It is also shown that the annular geometry of the regulating chamber (14) is delimited by the movable part (13), the connecting bushing (28) and the disk (10). In this way, it is understood that the movable part (13) can be moved longitudinally from a closed end position to an open end position due to the pressure difference to which it is subjected. On one hand, the movable part (13) is in contact with the regulating chamber (14), and on the opposite surface, the movable part (13) is positioned so as to block the expansion chamber (25) of the shock absorber (9).

[0175] like Figures 4A to 4C As shown, instead of directly closing the regulating chamber (14) with the movable part (13), the solenoid valve (1) can include a main valve (17) located adjacent to the regulating chamber (14) and configured to transmit the force generated by the pressure in the regulating chamber (14) to the movable part (13). The main valve (17) includes a portion subjected to the pressure of the regulating chamber (14) and which can be adjusted. The pressure will generate a downward force that will be transmitted to the movable part (13) during the opening movement of the movable part (13). The portion of the main valve (17) subjected to the pressure can be adjusted to obtain different operating ranges of the load of the shock absorber (9).

[0176] Likewise, the main valve (17) can be selected with different outer diameters and thicknesses, which influence the transmission of force from the regulating chamber (14) to the movable part (13). For reasons of minimum load or sealing quality, the main valve (17) can also be configured with a controlled pre-deformation if necessary. In fact, a controlled leakage connecting the regulating chamber (14) to the expansion chamber (25) can be provided.

[0177] As indicated, the pressure reaching the regulating chamber (14) is applied to the movable part (13). Said pressure generates a force that tends to move said movable part (13), causing the fluid (8) to leave the regulating chamber (14) to release the hydraulic pressure. However, and as indicated, a series of forces also act on the movable part (13), which tend to close the movable part (13) and make it difficult to open. These forces are generated by the elastic element (15) and the electronic device, among which the electromagnetic force (F M ) determines the hydraulic load (C H ) adjustment.

[0178] like Figure 1C As shown, the movable part (13) is pushed on its lower face by one or a series of elastic elements (15) so that the applied force is transmitted in such a way as to ensure that the solenoid valve (1) is closed in the absence of other forces.

[0179] Likewise, the electronic components of the solenoid valve (1) include a coil (12) or solenoid capable of generating a magnetomotive force when the coil receives a control current, which generates a magnetic flux on certain components inside the solenoid valve (1). The flux is generated by a magnetic force (F) that generates an attractive force on the movable component (13). M ) allows the movable part (13) to move between the open end position and the closed end position because the movable part (13) comprises a ferromagnetic material. In other words, the magnetic force (F M ) tends to push the movable part (13) so that the movable part (13) closes the regulating chamber (14) by attraction with elements such as the rod guide (19) and the disk (10) also made of ferromagnetic material.

[0180] Therefore, the opening pressure of the solenoid valve is generated by the magnetic force (F M ) is adjusted to control, the movable part (13) blocks and closes the passage of the fluid (8) from the adjustment chamber (14). M ) is variable according to the control current supplied to the coil (12), so that Figure 9A As shown, the infinite hydraulic load (C H ) is available.

[0181] like Figure 9B and Figure 9C As shown, when the movable part (13) moves from the closed end position to the open end position, the magnetic force (F M ) is reduced because the farther the attracted parts are, the less attractive they are; however, this reduction is limited by the elastic element (F EE ) is offset by the increase in force.

[0182] In the case where the main valve (17) has been arranged in the regulating chamber (14), assuming that the main valve (17) is the upper support of the movable part (13), the magnetic force (F M ) is applied to the main valve (17). This force can be applied to the outside diameter of the valve, but can be applied to any other diameter if required.

[0183] If necessary, controlled passages can be provided to ensure correct lubrication of the movable elements present in the shock absorber (9) and the discharge of gas that may flow into this area towards the expansion chamber (25).

[0184] like Figure 5 shown and with Figures 4A to 4C Differently, the elastic element (15) may include two or more different elastic stages, namely a first low-rigidity elastic stage and a second high-rigidity elastic stage. With this configuration, low rigidity can be obtained for small openings, but its rigidity can be increased for larger openings. Therefore, when the system has a large opening, there is a greater force tending to close the solenoid valve (1), which can be used to prevent the solenoid valve (1) from opening too large due to vibrations generated at certain operating speeds of the shock absorber (9).

[0185] Figure 7 It is shown that the solenoid valve (1) can comprise a modular configuration in which the cover (11) together with the electronics constitutes a module that can be assembled to the body (2) of the shock absorber (9), wherein the remaining components of the solenoid valve (1) are already assembled. This configuration facilitates the construction of the solenoid valve (1) in order to prevent the electronics from coming into contact with damping or lubricating fluids that could damage their condition or hinder their operation.

[0186] As indicated and as Figure 7 As shown, the cover (11) is connected to a wired connection (4), which is connected to an electronic device, and the wired connection (4) is configured to be electrically connected to a control device of the solenoid valve (1). However, in different embodiments, as Figure 8As shown, the cover (11) may include a connector (7) fixed to the cover (11) instead of the wired connection (4), the connector (7) also being connected to the coil (12) of the electronic device. The connector (7) may allow the shock absorber (9) to be wirelessly connected to the control system.

[0187] In another embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the shock absorber (9) may include an intermediate tube (26) located between the inner tube (20) and the outer tube (21) to guide the fluid (8) to the storage chamber (24) so ​​as to prevent the fluid (8) from flowing through the expansion chamber (25) (the expansion chamber is filled with gas) and thus prevent the air from undesirably mixing with the oil, which may cause foaming.

[0188] In another non-preferred embodiment, the shock absorber (9) may comprise, in addition to the solenoid valve (1) connected to the first end, a complementary solenoid valve (29) positioned in an airtight manner to the second end of the body (2) of the shock absorber (9), such as Figure 1B In this way, the passage of fluid (8) through both ends of the fluid is always regulated.

[0189] Operation of shock absorber with solenoid valve:

[0190] When the shock absorber (9) begins its extension movement (E), the fluid (8) (oil) in the upper chamber (23) is compressed, thereby increasing its pressure. Since the volume of the upper chamber (23) decreases, the fluid (8) must leave the chamber. If the pressure is lower than the opening pressure of the solenoid valve (1), the valve closes; therefore, the fluid (8) will flow through the piston subassembly (5) and through the controlled leakage part that has been built into the piston subassembly (5), the controlled leakage part in the solenoid valve (1), or through both controlled leakage parts.

[0191] Thus, by means of a fixed configuration of the piston subassembly (5) and / or the leakage portion of the solenoid valve (1), a series of pressure drops is generated in the upper chamber (23) as the fluid (8) passes through the above-mentioned hydraulic conduit. The pressure generated by the fluid (8) in said chamber, which is different from the pressure in the lower chamber (22), generates the load of the shock absorber, wherein each pressure is applied to the corresponding face of the piston.

[0192] In this way, the hydraulic load of the shock absorber (9) is limited at low movement speeds of the rod (3) when it is extended (E), because low speeds generate a pressure lower than the opening pressure of the solenoid valve (1). This type of control at low speeds of the rod (3) serves to improve the stability of the vehicle.

[0193] For faster movement speeds of the rod (3), the pressure continues to increase until it reaches the opening pressure of the solenoid valve (1). When the pressure present in the regulating chamber (14) is high enough to overcome the force that closes the movable part (13) on said chamber, this movable part (13) moves so that the solenoid valve (1) remains open, thereby establishing the flow of fluid (8) coming from the upper chamber (23) and ending in the storage chamber (24) after passing through the expansion chamber (25).

[0194] Since the opening pressure of the solenoid valve (1) is generated by the magnetic force (F M ) so that the pressure level at which fluid (8) is allowed to flow through the open solenoid valve (1) is controlled, thereby controlling the pressure in the upper chamber (23) and thereby generating the load on the shock absorber.

[0195] By advantageously using existing spatial systems, such as arranging the coil (12) in the region of the guide of the shock absorber, a sufficiently large magnetic force is obtained to be able to directly control the pressure prevailing in the regulating chamber (14) without having to have an amplification stage as is common in other types of systems providing continuous regulation of hydraulic loads.

[0196] When the solenoid valve (1) is opened, the movable part (13) slides and increases its distance relative to the disk (10), so that according to the laws of magnetism, the magnetic force (F M This drop in force is counteracted by an elastic element (15) situated on the lower face of the movable part (13), so that when said part is lowered, said elastic element (15) is pressed, thereby generating a force and stabilizing the movable part (13).

[0197] Figure 9B An example of the total force to which the movable part (13) is subjected according to its opening is shown, wherein the total force (F T ) is equal to the magnetic force (F M ) plus the force applied by the elastic element (F EE ) is the sum of the total force (F T ) can be formed by the other two forces so that the total force (F T ) has a desired shape, which is important for determining the hydraulic behavior of the shock absorber (9).

[0198] Figure 9C An advantageous arrangement shown in the can be that the stiffness of the elastic element (15) is divided into two stages, so that for a small opening the stiffness is lower, but for a large opening its stiffness increases, so that when the system has a large opening there is a greater force tending to close the solenoid valve (1), which can be suitable for preventing the vibrations generated by certain operating speeds of the shock absorber from causing a large opening of the solenoid valve.

[0199] In the compression movement of the shock absorber (9), the operation is very similar to opening or extending, wherein the fluid (8) passes through the piston subassembly (5) and the valve support subassembly (6). In this way, when moving at low speeds, the solenoid valve (1) does not open, but at higher speeds, a sufficiently high pressure is generated in the regulating chamber (14) to move the movable part (13) towards the open end position.

Claims

1. A solenoid valve for a shock absorber with hydraulic load adjustment, wherein: The solenoid valve is constructed as follows: - can be positioned axially and in a gas-tight manner to the first end of the body of the shock absorber; and - regulating the hydraulic load of the fluid flowing through the interior of the shock absorber; wherein the solenoid valve includes a longitudinal hole configured to guide and seal a rod included in the shock absorber during longitudinal movement; Wherein, the solenoid valve comprises: a movable part movable between a closed end position and an open end position, preferably in the longitudinal direction; - a regulating chamber configured to receive and release fluid from the body of the shock absorber; - an elastic element configured to apply a load in order to move the movable part in a movement direction in the direction of the open end position towards the closed end position of the movable part; wherein the regulating chamber is configured to increase internal pressure upon receiving fluid from the body and transmit a force generated by the internal pressure to the movable member; wherein the movable member is configured to move from the closed end position to the open end position upon receiving a specific pressure from the regulating chamber when the internal pressure of the regulating chamber increases; wherein the regulating chamber is configured to release fluid when the movable member moves from the closed end position to the open end position; and The solenoid valve comprises an electronic device configured to apply a force to move the movable part along the movement direction when receiving a control current, preferably by generating a magnetic load on the movable part to apply the force to move the movable part along the movement direction.

2. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, wherein: The movable component includes one or more hydraulic conduits configured to direct fluid released from the regulating chamber toward a reservoir chamber of the body of the shock absorber through an expansion chamber.

3. The solenoid valve according to claim 2, wherein: The solenoid valve includes a controlled fluid leak connecting the regulating chamber to the expansion chamber.

4. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, comprising a low-friction bushing arranged inside the solenoid valve, the low-friction bushing being positionable on the rod of the shock absorber with clearance, wherein The low friction bushing is configured to guide longitudinal movement of the rod. 5 . The solenoid valve of claim 1 , comprising a hydraulic seal disposed within an interior of the solenoid valve, the hydraulic seal being positionable on the rod of the shock absorber, the hydraulic seal being configured to seal the shock absorber in an airtight manner.

6. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, comprising a connecting bushing configured to be assembled to a longitudinal inner tube of a damping body, the connecting bushing being positioned to the rod of the shock absorber with clearance, wherein The connection bushing is positioned with clearance between the stem to include a conduit for fluid to flow from the inner tube to the regulating chamber. 7 . The solenoid valve according to claim 6 , comprising a sealing element between the movable component and the connecting bushing, the sealing element being configured to prevent fluid from leaking from the regulating chamber.

8. The solenoid valve according to claim 6, comprising a disc positionable with clearance to the rod of the shock absorber, wherein The disc is assembled to the connecting bushing and wherein the disc serves as a stop for the movable part in the closed end position.

9. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, wherein: The regulation chamber includes an annular geometry that is concentric with the stem of the shock absorber to which the solenoid valve is positionable.

10. The solenoid valve according to claim 8 and 9, wherein The annular geometry of the regulating chamber is delimited by the movable part, the connecting bushing and the disc.

11. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, wherein: With the solenoid valve connected to the body of the shock absorber, the movable member is positioned to block the expansion chamber of the shock absorber with a surface opposite to the surface contacting the regulation chamber.

12. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, comprising a main valve positioned adjacent to the regulating chamber, the main valve being configured to transmit a force generated by the pressure of the regulating chamber to the movable member, wherein The main valve includes a portion that receives the pressure of the regulating chamber, and the portion is adjustable.

13. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, wherein The electronic device includes a coil configured to generate a magnetomotive force that generates a magnetic flux when the coil receives a control current; wherein the flux is configured to generate a load to move the movable part between the open end position and the closed end position; and wherein the movable part includes a ferromagnetic material.

14. The solenoid valve of claim 1 , comprising a rod guide, the rod guide comprising a hole comprising a cross-section that is larger than a cross-section of the rod of the shock absorber to which the solenoid valve is connectable, wherein The bore is arranged concentrically with the longitudinal path of the rod when the solenoid valve is connected to the body of the shock absorber.

15. The solenoid valve according to claims 8, 13 and 14, wherein The rod guide, the movable part and the disk each include ferromagnetic material, and wherein the solenoid valve includes a functional magnetic circuit, which includes an assembly formed by the coil, the rod guide, the movable part and the disk, and the functional magnetic circuit is configured to apply a force to the movable part and control the movement of the movable part between the closed end position and the open end position, preferably in the longitudinal direction.

16. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, wherein The elastic element includes two different elastic levels or more different elastic levels, and the two different elastic levels are a first low-rigidity elastic level and a second high-rigidity elastic level.

17. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, wherein The elastic element includes an element selected from the following: a disc valve, a plurality of stacked disc valves, a coil spring, a wave spring, a coil spring, or a combination of the above elements.

18. The solenoid valve of claim 1 comprising a modular element including a cover coupled to the electronics, wherein The modular element can be assembled to the rest of the assembled components comprised in the solenoid valve by means of removable mechanical connections.

19. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, wherein The modular element includes a wired connection to the coil, wherein the wired connection is configured to be electrically connected to a control device of the solenoid valve.

20. A shock absorber with hydraulic load adjustment, comprising a solenoid valve according to claim 1, the solenoid valve being positioned axially and in an airtight manner to a first end of a body included in the shock absorber, wherein The shock absorber includes a rod that is longitudinally movable inside the body, and the rod passes through a longitudinal hole of the solenoid valve.

21. The shock absorber according to claim 20, wherein: The rod includes a piston subassembly connected to a lower end portion of the rod and located inside the body, sharing longitudinal movement with the rod, wherein the piston subassembly includes one or more assembled piston valves including configurable rigidity and pre-deformation.

22. The shock absorber according to claim 21, wherein The piston subassembly includes a controlled permanent leak.

23. A shock absorber according to any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein The body of the shock absorber comprises: an inner tube assembled to the solenoid valve by its upper end portion, the inner tube being configured to accommodate the rod during its longitudinal movement; and An outer tube assembled to the solenoid valve via its upper end portion, the inner tube being located inside the outer tube. wherein the inner tube comprises: a lower chamber located between a lower end portion of the inner tube and the piston subassembly of the rod; and an upper chamber located between the piston subassembly of the rod and the solenoid valve; and wherein the shock absorber comprises a storage chamber and an expansion chamber located between the inner tube and the outer tube; and The solenoid valve is configured to restrict passage of fluid of the shock absorber between the chamber of the inner tube and the chamber of the outer tube.

24. Shock absorber according to the preceding claim, comprising an intermediate tube between said inner tube and said outer tube, said intermediate tube being configured to guide the fluid of the shock absorber from said solenoid valve to the lower portion of said reservoir chamber.

25. A shock absorber according to any one of claims 20 to 24, comprising a valve support subassembly positioned in an airtight manner to the second end of the body, wherein The valve support subassembly includes one or more assembled support valves including a configurable rigidity and pre-deformation.

26. Shock absorber according to any one of the preceding claims 20 to 24, comprising a complementary solenoid valve according to any one of claims 1 to 18, said complementary solenoid valve being positioned in an airtight manner to the second end of said body comprised in said shock absorber.

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