Valve for maintaining residual pressure in vehicle air suspension

Abstract

The valve (100) for maintaining residual pressure according to the invention comprises: a first body (1) provided with an inlet duct (11) for a fluid (F); a second body (2) provided with an outlet duct (21) for the fluid (F) and connected to the first body (1); a piston (5) pushed by the spring (51) and housed in the first body or the second body; and the middle body (3) is provided with a sealing lantern ring (31) and is completely sealed between the first body (1) and the second body (2). A flexible diaphragm (4) is also provided, which is pushed by the piston (5) against the sealing collar (31) to reach a closed position in which the passage of the fluid (F) between the inlet duct (11) and the outlet duct (21) is closed. This solution makes it possible to concentrate all the functions required by the valve (100) on the intermediate body (3) and to set the flow rate according to various requirements. In addition, even if the supply pressure drops, the pressure on the outlet side is maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of valves for automotive air suspension, and more specifically, to valves for maintaining residual pressure in a vehicle's air suspension. Background Technology

[0002] A valve used to maintain residual pressure (also known as a residual pressure holding valve (RDHV)) is a valve with two inlets that allows bidirectional flow when the pressure at one end of the valve exceeds a limit value. Such valves are used in automotive air suspensions and must ensure not only conventional inflation and regulation in the supply direction but also closure in the absence of pressure on the supply side (e.g., in the event of a line rupture) and pressure relief in the event of overpressure during use. Examples of known valves for maintaining residual pressure are shown in US6173 738B1 and US2 639 194 A.

[0003] Known solutions for valves used to maintain residual pressure have several drawbacks, primarily related to flow rate, which is not always optimal, and also to pressure drop. Furthermore, excessive noise during valve flushing has been found in known solutions.

[0004] Therefore, in the field of valves used in vehicle suspensions, there is a need for a valve that maintains residual pressure and still has optimal flow rate under different fluid inlet pressures. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a valve for maintaining residual pressure in a vehicle air suspension, which overcomes the shortcomings of known valves and meets the requirements of the aforementioned fields.

[0006] This objective is achieved by the valve according to claim 1. Further embodiments of the valve according to the invention are described in the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, in the accompanying drawings:

[0008] - Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention in a closed configuration is shown in an exemplary instance (a first body is stacked on a second body, and an intermediate body is housed within the first body);

[0009] - Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The valve in the middle is in the open configuration;

[0010] Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C show... Figure 1 Some isometric views of the internal components (specifically the intermediate body) of the valve;

[0011] - Figure 4 This is a top view of the intermediate body in Figure 3A;

[0012] - Figure 5 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the section line EE in the diagram;

[0013] - Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of section line CC in the diagram;

[0014] - Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of section line DD in the diagram;

[0015] - Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 The valve in the middle, in order to be clearly presented, hides the intermediate body and diaphragm;

[0016] - Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention in a closed configuration in another exemplary example (crimping or re-flanging and having two sealing rings);

[0017] - Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention in a closed configuration in another exemplary example (crimped or re-flanged and with a double sealing ring);

[0018] - Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention in a closed configuration in another exemplary instance (the second body is stacked on the first body);

[0019] - Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention in a closed configuration in another exemplary instance (a second body is stacked on a first body, and an intermediate body is housed within the second body);

[0020] - Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C are Figure 1 Some isometric views of the internal components of the valve (specifically the intermediate body) in another embodiment variant;

[0021] - Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional line of the middle body in Figure 12A;

[0022] - Figure 14 and Figure 15 Two implementation variations of the second body (specifically, the connection region) are shown;

[0023] - Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention in an exemplary instance (with a diaphragm of variable thickness) in an open configuration;

[0024] - Figure 17 It shows Figure 16 The valve in the middle is in the closed configuration;

[0025] - Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention in an open configuration in an exemplary instance (the intermediate body is located upstream of the diaphragm);

[0026] - Figure 19 It shows Figure 1 The valve in the middle is in the closed configuration;

[0027] - Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention in an exemplary instance (the diaphragm is provided with a central channel) in an open configuration;

[0028] - Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention in an open configuration in an exemplary instance (the intermediate body is located upstream of the diaphragm, and the diaphragm is provided with a central channel);

[0029] - Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve according to the invention in an open configuration in an exemplary instance (the intermediate body is provided with converging and diverging radial channels, and is independent of the fluid direction). Detailed Implementation

[0030] Referring to the above figures, reference numeral 100 generally refers to a valve according to the invention for maintaining residual pressure in a vehicle's air suspension.

[0031] As clearly seen in all the figures listed above, and as clearly detailed below, valve 100 includes a first body 1 and a distinct second body 2, wherein an intermediate body 3, distinct from the first and second bodies, is arranged between the first body 1 and the second body 2. See, for example... Figures 3a to 7 and Figures 12a to 13 The first body, the second body, and the intermediate body are independent and distinct components assembled together to form the valve 100. In fact, one advantage of this invention is that the intermediate body 3 (which itself incorporates all the functions required by the valve 100) can be manufactured by injection molding, a technique that allows for greater freedom and precision in geometry and greater freedom in the materials that can be used.

[0032] Therefore, valve 100 includes a first body 1 having an inlet opening 111 for an inlet conduit 11 for fluid (e.g., pressurized air from a vehicle circuit), the first body being sealed to a second body 2 having an outlet conduit 21 for fluid terminating at the outlet opening 211, for example toward the suspension.

[0033] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the second body 2 is provided with a connecting end 230, which terminates at the outlet opening 211.

[0034] exist Figure 14 In one example, the second body 2 is provided with a threaded connection end 230 to allow, for example, a threaded connection with the suspension.

[0035] exist Figure 15 In one example, the second body 2 is provided with a connecting end 230 in the form of a bayonet connector to allow, for example, a push-in rotational connection with the suspension.

[0036] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 20 and Figure 22 In an exemplary instance, the second body 2 is at least partially inserted into the first body 1, and they are joined together, for example, by welding, fusion, interference fit or adhesive.

[0037] In the exemplary instances of Figures 9A and 9B, the second body 2 is at least partially inserted into the first body 1, and they are joined together, for example, by crimping or re-flanging (i.e., bending and mechanically extruding (plastic deformation) a portion of the end 191 of the first body 1 onto the second body 2).

[0038] exist Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 21 In an exemplary instance, the first body 1 is at least partially inserted into the second body 2, and they are joined together, for example, by welding, fusion, interference fit or adhesive.

[0039] The first body 1 and the second body 2 are joined together to form a seal, which is achieved by material sealing (e.g., by welding) or by at least one gasket 17.

[0040] An internal seat is defined between the first body 1 and the second body 2, in which other components of the valve 100 are housed. The internal housing includes a piston housing 121 and an intermediate housing 122.

[0041] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 Figure 9A, Figure 9B Figure 10 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 20and Figure 22 In an exemplary instance, both the piston receiving cavity 121 and the intermediate receiving cavity 122 are formed within the first body 1.

[0042] exist Figure 11 In an exemplary instance, a piston receiving cavity 121 is formed inside a first body 1, while an intermediate receiving cavity 122 is formed inside a second body 2.

[0043] exist Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 21 In an exemplary instance, both the piston receiving cavity 121 and the intermediate receiving cavity 122 are formed inside the second body 2.

[0044] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 Figure 9A, Figure 9B Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 20 and Figure 22 In a variant of this implementation, the piston receiving cavity 121 is arranged upstream of the intermediate receiving cavity 122. In other words, the piston 5 and the thrust spring 51 are arranged upstream of the diaphragm 4. In this example, the intermediate body 30 is arranged downstream of the diaphragm 4.

[0045] exist Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 21 In a variant of this implementation, the piston receiving chamber 121 is arranged downstream of the intermediate receiving chamber 122. In other words, the piston 5 and the thrust spring 51 are arranged downstream of the diaphragm 4. In such an example, the intermediate body 30 is arranged upstream of the diaphragm 4. Advantageously, it should be noted that in this configuration, the noise encountered during valve flushing is significantly reduced.

[0046] See Figure 1 In one example, the first body 1 includes a piston receiving cavity 121 arranged around an inlet pipe 11, downstream of which is an intermediate receiving cavity 122, which is preferably located at the end 112 of the inlet pipe 11.

[0047] See Figure 11 In one example, the first body 1 includes a piston receiving cavity 121 arranged around an inlet pipe 11, downstream of which is an intermediate receiving cavity 122 formed in a second body 2, which is preferably located at the terminating end 112 of the inlet pipe 11.

[0048] See Figure 18In one example, the second body 2 includes a piston receiving cavity 121 arranged around the outlet pipe 21, with an intermediate receiving cavity 122 upstream of the piston receiving cavity, which is preferably located at the beginning of the outlet pipe 21.

[0049] The piston 5 is housed in the piston receiving cavity 121, and the piston is equipped with a thrust spring 51.

[0050] An intermediate body 3 is housed in the intermediate receiving cavity 122. This intermediate body is provided with a sealing collar 31 for the flexible diaphragm 4. Therefore, the intermediate body... Figure 1 In the example, it is located downstream of piston 5, while Figure 18 In this example, it is located upstream of piston 5. The intermediate body 3 is completely enclosed between the first body 1 and the second body 2. This solution allows all the functions required by valve 100 to be centralized on the intermediate body 3.

[0051] The diaphragm 4 prevents fluid from passing between the inlet pipe 11 and the outlet pipe 21. The diaphragm 4 is housed between the piston 5 and the intermediate body 3. Figure 1 As shown, the diaphragm 4 is pushed by the piston 5 against the sealing ring 31 of the intermediate body 3 to reach the closed position. Therefore, the diaphragm 4 is clamped between the sealing ring 31 and the annular end 52 of the piston 5, forming a movable sealing area 93.

[0052] Preferably, the diaphragm 4 is a flexible disc-shaped component.

[0053] To address any issues with diaphragm 4 dislodging under high operating pressure, the thickness of the diaphragm is varied across the cross-section of the disc-shaped component, such as... Figures 16 to 21 As shown in the exemplary instance.

[0054] Preferably, the thickness of the central portion of the diaphragm 4 located between the sealing ring 31 of the intermediate body 3 and the annular end 52 of the piston 5 (hereinafter referred to as the movable sealing region 93) is greater than the thickness of the rest of the disc-shaped member.

[0055] Preferably, the diaphragm 4 has a lip 491 protruding from the surface of the disc at its outer edge 41. The outer edge 41 protrudes from at least one side of the disc, preferably from both sides of the disc.

[0056] Advantageously, instead of making each part of the disc-shaped diaphragm 4 into a thickened structure, it is preferable to thicken only in specific areas (movable sealing area 93 and lip 491), while the remaining areas (peripheral clamping area 91 and central clamping area 92) remain thinner, in order to improve the flexibility of the diaphragm 4.

[0057] Preferably, the diaphragm 4 is provided with a central hole 411, and the annular protrusion 42 of the intermediate body 3 (such as in...) Figure 1The diaphragm is fixed in place by friction by inserting the annular protrusion of the first body 1 (e.g., near the end of the inlet pipe 11) into the central hole.

[0058] exist Figure 20 In this example, the diaphragm 4 has a central cylindrical portion, referred to as the diaphragm pillar 490, which defines a central aperture 411. The diaphragm pillar 490 allows the diaphragm to be held in place by friction between the intermediate body 3 and the first body 1. Furthermore, this solution allows for a larger flow path.

[0059] The pressure of the incoming fluid acts on one side of diaphragm 4, which is constructed as a sealing disc. When the force exerted by the inlet fluid pressure is less than the force of the thrust spring 51, diaphragm 4 closes the flow passage to outlet channel 21. Once the inlet fluid pressure overcomes the reaction force exerted on diaphragm 4 by the thrust spring 51, diaphragm 4 will move and / or deform, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it rises from the sealing ring 31. In this way, the flow passage toward the outlet pipe 21 is opened.

[0060] The movement and / or deformation of diaphragm 4 is achieved through Figure 1 The visible compensation opening 13 facilitates this process. The compensation opening is formed through the outer wall of the first body 1, connecting the piston receiving cavity 121 to the external environment and ensuring that the spring and piston regions are always under constant pressure.

[0061] The diaphragm 4 is held in place between the first body 1 and the intermediate body 3 by at least two clamping regions. Figure 18 In this example, the diaphragm 4 is held in place between the intermediate body 3 and the second body 2. The same considerations given below for the first body 1 also apply to the second body 2.

[0062] A peripheral clamping region 91 is formed between the peripheral shoulder 14 of the first body 1 and the peripheral portion 34 of the intermediate body 3. The peripheral shoulder 14 is preferably disposed between the piston receiving cavity 121 and the intermediate receiving cavity 122.

[0063] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8 In an exemplary instance, the peripheral portion 34 of the intermediate body 3 is substantially flat, as shown in FIG3B, and the outer edge 41 of the diaphragm 4 is held between the peripheral shoulder 14 of the first body 1 and the entire peripheral portion 34. In this example, the holding force of the diaphragm 4 depends on the thrust exerted by the intermediate body 3 on the first body 1.

[0064] In Figures 9A and 9B, Figure 10 and Figure 11In an exemplary embodiment, the peripheral portion 34 of the intermediate body 3 includes an outermost annular protrusion 341 defining an annular seat 342 in which the outer edge 41 of the diaphragm 4 is received, and held between the peripheral shoulder 14 of the first body 1 and the bottom of the annular seat 342. In this example, the holding force of the diaphragm 4 depends on the depth of the annular seat 342, and no longer on the thrust exerted by the intermediate body 3 on the first body 1. This solution allows for more precise control of the holding force (i.e., clamping force) of the diaphragm 4.

[0065] exist Figures 16 to 21 In an exemplary embodiment, the peripheral portion 34 of the intermediate body 3 further includes a groove 390 in which the outer edge 41 of the diaphragm 4, which is suitably provided with a lip 491, is received. This outer edge remains clamped between the peripheral shoulder 14 of the first body 1 and the bottom of the annular seat 342. This solution allows for improved fixation of the diaphragm 4 and reduces the risk of dislocation or displacement.

[0066] A central clamping region 92 is formed between the central shoulder 15 of the first body 1 and the central portion 35 of the intermediate body 3. The central shoulder 15 is preferably located at the terminating edge of the inlet pipe 11.

[0067] In the exemplary example shown in the figure, the central portion 35 of the intermediate body 3 is substantially flat, as shown in FIG3B, and the inner edge 43 of the diaphragm 4 is held between the central shoulder 15 of the first body 1 and the entire central portion 35. In this example, the holding force of the diaphragm 4 depends on the thrust exerted by the intermediate body 3 on the first body 1.

[0068] In an alternative exemplary embodiment not shown in the figures, the central portion 35 of the intermediate body 3 includes an innermost annular protrusion defining an annular seat in which the inner edge 43 of the diaphragm 4 is received, holding it between the central shoulder 15 of the first body 1 and the bottom of the annular seat. In this embodiment, the holding force of the diaphragm 4 depends on the depth of the annular seat, and no longer on the thrust exerted by the intermediate body 3 on the first body 1. This solution allows for more precise control of the holding force (i.e., clamping force) of the diaphragm 4.

[0069] The peripheral clamping area 91 and the central clamping area 92 are fixed inlet sealing areas used to ensure the sealing of the inlet pipe 11 relative to the external environment, since the piston receiving cavity 121 is in communication with the external environment through the compensation opening 13.

[0070] A fixed intermediate sealing region 94 is also provided to ensure the sealing of the inlet pipe 11 relative to the outlet pipe 21. The fixed intermediate sealing region 94 is achieved by a gasket 17, which is housed in a gasket seat 171 provided in the intermediate body 3 and is pushed against the inner wall of the intermediate receiving cavity 122 of the first body 1.

[0071] It also has a fixed outlet sealing area 95 to ensure the sealing of the outlet pipe 21 relative to the external environment.

[0072] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 20 and Figure 22 In an exemplary instance, the fixed outlet sealing area 95 is formed by a sealing engagement between the first body and the second body, such as by welding, fusion or bonding.

[0073] In the exemplary examples of Figures 9A and 9B, the fixed outlet sealing area 95 is achieved by a gasket 17, which is housed in a gasket seat disposed within the intermediate body 3 (Figure 9B) or the second body 2 (Figure 9A) and is pushed against the intermediate body 3 and the second body 2.

[0074] exist Figure 9b In the example, the fixed intermediate sealing region 94 (for ensuring the sealing of the inlet pipe 11 relative to the outlet pipe 21) and the fixed outlet sealing region 95 (for ensuring the sealing of the outlet pipe 21 relative to the external environment) are achieved by a gasket 17, which is housed in a gasket seat 171 disposed within the intermediate body 3 and is pushed against the inner wall of the intermediate receiving cavity 122 of the first body 1.

[0075] exist Figure 11 , Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 21 In one example, a fixed inlet sealing area (denoted as 91') is provided to ensure the sealing of the inlet pipe 11 relative to the external environment. This fixed inlet sealing area is formed by a sealing joint between the first body and the second body, such as by welding or bonding. As an alternative to the sealing joint between the first body and the second body, a gasket 17 disposed between the first body and the second body can be used.

[0076] Therefore, in summary, valve 100 includes a sealing device located between the first body 1 and the second body 2, a sealing device located between the first body 1 and the intermediate body 3, and a sealing device located between the intermediate body 3 and the second body 2.

[0077] Washer 17 is, for example, an O-ring or an X-ring (as shown in Figure 9B).

[0078] The following discussion addresses the solution where the intermediate body 3 is housed in the first body 1 located upstream of the diaphragm 4, but the solution is equally applicable in the case of the opposite flow direction, i.e., where the intermediate body 3 is housed in the second body 2 located downstream of the diaphragm 4.

[0079] As described above, the intermediate body 3 is arranged within the first body 1 and is provided with a sealing ring 31. A diaphragm 4 rests on the sealing ring, with the central portion of the diaphragm held between the sealing ring 31 and the annular end 52 of the piston 5, forming a movable sealing region 93. This movable sealing region 93 ensures the seal between the inlet pipe 11 and the outlet pipe 21 when the force exerted by the fluid pressure in any of these pipes is less than the force of the thrust spring 51. Once the pressure in one of these pipes overcomes the reaction force exerted by the spring, the diaphragm 4 rises from the sealing ring 31 and opens the flow passage toward the outlet pipe 21.

[0080] Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C. Figures 4 to 7 Figures 12A, 12B, 12C and Figure 13 The special geometry of the intermediate body 3 in different embodiments is shown.

[0081] The intermediate body 3 includes a loading section 300 and an unloading section 310. The loading section 300 is fluidly separated from the unloading section 310 by a diaphragm 4.

[0082] The loading portion 300 includes a sealing collar 31, a peripheral portion 34, a central portion 35, and an annular protrusion 42, such as Figure 7 As shown in the image.

[0083] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the loading portion 300 has a central channel 301 that is fluidly connected to the inlet pipe 11 upstream and fluidly connected to the outer annular crown 302 downstream through at least one radial channel 303.

[0084] The central channel 301 defines an annular protrusion 42 at the end opposite to the end connected to the radial channel 303, on which the diaphragm 4 can be mounted.

[0085] The unloading section 310 is provided with an inner annular crown 311, which is connected downstream to the outlet pipe 21 via at least one axial channel 309, as shown in FIG3C and Figure 6 As can be seen in the text.

[0086] exist Figure 1In this example, the inlet fluid F from the inlet pipe 11 enters the central channel 301 of the intermediate body 3 and is transported to the outer annular crown 302 through at least one radial channel 303. The fluid's advance is then blocked by the diaphragm 4 in the movable sealing region 93. When the pressure of the inlet fluid acting on the diaphragm 4 is sufficient to overcome the preload force of the spring 51, the movable sealing region 93 opens to form a passage, allowing the fluid to enter the inner annular crown 311 of the unloading section 310 and then continue into the outlet pipe 21 of the second body 2. The fluid F can also circulate in reverse because the fluid from the inlet pipe 11 and the fluid from the outlet pipe 21 have the same pressure, and both flow in the opposite direction to the thrust of the spring 51.

[0087] exist Figure 18 In the examples, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The direction of the fluid F should be considered as the opposite direction. The incoming fluid F from inlet pipe 11 enters the inner annular crown 311. The fluid's advance is blocked by the diaphragm 4 in the movable sealing region 93. When the pressure of the incoming fluid acting on the diaphragm 4 is sufficient to overcome the preload force of the spring 51, the movable sealing region 93 opens to form a passage, allowing the fluid to enter the outer annular crown 302. The fluid reaches the central channel 301 through at least one radial channel 303 and continues from this central channel into the outlet pipe 21.

[0088] Advantageously, various technical solutions have been employed to reduce the pressure drop, which is mainly concentrated inside the intermediate body 3, in which the fluid F undergoes several significant directional deflections:

[0089] • The fluid enters the intermediate body 3 in the axial direction in the first direction (downstream);

[0090] • The fluid direction changes from axial to outward radial;

[0091] • The fluid changes from the radial direction to the axial direction, and the direction is opposite to the first direction (upstream);

[0092] • The fluid direction changes from axial to inward radial direction;

[0093] • The fluid changes from the radial direction to the axial direction, and the direction is consistent with the first direction (downstream).

[0094] The same considerations mentioned above also apply. Figure 18 and Figure 19 The solution in the middle body 3 and Figure 6 and Figure 7 The direction of the fluid F in the fluid is opposite.

[0095] Preferably, the intermediate body 3 is manufactured by injection molding (e.g., by injection molding of a thermoplastic material). This choice allows for greater freedom in the geometry of the intermediate body 3, which, if properly designed, can reduce the pressure drop of the valve 100.

[0096] The intermediate body 3 includes at least one radial channel 303 for connecting the central channel 301 and the outer annular crown 302.

[0097] See Figure 1 A first technical solution for reducing the pressure drop of valve 100 is to make at least one radial channel 303 have a divergent geometry. The radial channel 303 is substantially straight. The radial channel 303 is provided with an inlet 304 and an outlet 305. Therefore, preferably, the radial channel 303 gradually widens from the inside to the outside, that is, the inlet 304 is narrower than the outlet 305.

[0098] In one exemplary instance, the inlet 304 and outlet 305 of the radial channel 303 have the same width.

[0099] The radial channel 303 widens from the inside out in the width direction (in the plane) and / or the height direction (vertical direction).

[0100] exist Figure 5 and Figure 7 In the example, the radial channel 303 widens from the inside out in the width direction (in the plane).

[0101] exist Figure 13 In the example, the radial channel 303 widens from the inside out in the height direction (vertical direction).

[0102] The same considerations mentioned above also apply. Figure 18 and Figure 19 The solution in the middle, where intermediate ontology 3 and Figure 6 and Figure 7 The direction of the fluid F in the flow is opposite. In this case, at least one radial channel 303 has a converging geometry relative to the flow direction, i.e., the inlet is wider than the outlet, such as... Figure 19 As shown in the image.

[0103] exist Figure 22 In the example shown, regardless of the flow direction (see...) Figure 1 The intermediate body 3 includes both radial channels with divergent geometry and radial channels with convergent geometry. In fact, in this solution, there exists both radial channels 303 where the inlet 304 is narrower than the outlet 305 and radial channels where the inlet 304 is wider than the outlet 305.

[0104] Having at least one divergent or convergent radial channel allows for changes in flow rate.

[0105] In one exemplary instance, the intermediate body 3 includes a plurality of radial channels 303 for connecting the central channel 301 and the outer annular crown 302. In this instance, the plurality of radial channels 303 share the same inlet 304.

[0106] For example, as in Figure 7 Figure 3A, Figure 3B, Figure 3C Figures 4 to 7 As shown in Figure 12C, the intermediate body 3 includes two radial channels 303 for connecting the central channel 301 and the outer annular crown 302. In this example, the radial channels 303 share the same inlet 304 and are provided with opposing outlets 305.

[0107] For example, as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the intermediate body 3 includes four radial channels 303 evenly distributed circumferentially for connecting the central channel 301 and the outer annular crown 302. In this example, these radial channels 303 share the same inlet 304 and are provided with paired opposing outlets 305.

[0108] The intermediate body 3 includes at least one side opening 308 at the outer wall 307 of the loading portion 300, which is preferably aligned with the outlet 305 of the radial channel 303. Preferably, the side opening 308 is rectangular.

[0109] In one exemplary instance, the intermediate body 3 includes a plurality of side openings 308.

[0110] A second technical solution for reducing the pressure drop of valve 100 is to manufacture at least one enlarged side opening 308. Therefore, preferably, the width of the side opening 308 is greater than the width of the outlet 305. This solution allows for a change in flow direction (from horizontal to vertical).

[0111] The intermediate body 3 includes at least one axial channel 309 for connecting the inner annular crown 311 and the outlet pipe 21.

[0112] Another technical solution for reducing the pressure drop of valve 100 is to have at least one axial channel 309 with a divergent geometry. The axial channel 309 is substantially straight. The axial channel 309 is provided with an inlet 309' and an outlet 309"". Therefore, preferably, the axial channel 309 widens from top to bottom, i.e., the inlet 309' is narrower than the outlet 309"". This solution allows for a reduction in flow rate.

[0113] In one exemplary instance, the intermediate body 3 includes a plurality of axial channels 309. For example, the intermediate body 3 includes two axial channels 309.

[0114] Advantageously, all the functions required by valve 100 are concentrated in the intermediate body 3. With the aid of the above technical solution, it is possible to:

[0115] • The flow rate can be easily adjusted by controlling the cross-section of at least one radial channel 303;

[0116] Maximize traffic;

[0117] • The opening and closing pressures of the valve are set by applying thrust to the diaphragm 4.

[0118] The first body 1, the second body 2, and the intermediate body 3 can be made of plastic or metal.

[0119] Inventively, the valve for maintaining residual pressure according to the present invention will provide optimal flow even when the fluid inlet pressure is different.

[0120] Advantageously, in the valve according to the invention for maintaining residual pressure, the pressure drop is significantly reduced.

[0121] Advantageously, in the valve according to the invention for maintaining residual pressure, all the necessary functions are concentrated in the intermediate body. This allows the flow rate to be set according to various needs by acting solely on the intermediate body. Furthermore, even if the supply pressure decreases, the pressure on the outlet side is maintained.

[0122] Furthermore, advantageously, in a solution where the intermediate body is positioned upstream of the diaphragm, the noise encountered during valve flushing is significantly reduced.

[0123] To meet occasional and specific needs, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the above-described valve, all of which are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve (100) for maintaining residual pressure in a vehicle air suspension, comprising: - The first body (1) is provided with an inlet pipe (11) for fluid (F); - The second body (2) is provided with an outlet pipe (21) for the fluid (F) and is connected to the first body (1); - Piston (5), driven by spring (51) and housed in the first body (1) or the second body (2); - The intermediate body (3) is provided with a sealing collar (31) and is completely enclosed between the first body (1) and the second body (2); - A flexible diaphragm (4) is pushed by the piston (5) against the sealing ring (31) to reach a closed position where the passage of the fluid (F) between the inlet pipe (11) and the outlet pipe (21) is closed.

2. The valve (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first body (1) includes a piston receiving cavity (121) arranged around the inlet pipe (11), in which the piston (5) and the spring (51) are received.

3. The valve (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The second body (2) includes a piston receiving cavity (121) arranged around the outlet pipe (21), in which the piston (5) and the spring (51) are received.

4. The valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The intermediate body (3) is housed in an intermediate receiving cavity (122), which is located downstream of the piston receiving cavity (121). The intermediate receiving cavity (122) is formed inside the first body (1) or the second body (2).

5. The valve (100) according to claim 1 or 3, wherein, The intermediate body (3) is housed in an intermediate receiving cavity (122), which is located upstream of the piston receiving cavity (121) and is formed inside the second body (2).

6. The valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The diaphragm (4) is held between the first body (1) and the intermediate body (3) or between the intermediate body (3) and the second body (2) in the following regions: - A peripheral clamping area (91) is formed between the peripheral shoulder (14) of the first body (1) or the second body (2) and the peripheral portion (34) of the intermediate body (3); - A central clamping region (92) is formed between the central shoulder (15) of the first body (1) or the second body (2) and the central portion (35) of the intermediate body (3).

7. The valve (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The peripheral portion (34) of the intermediate body (3) includes an annular seat (342), and the diaphragm (4) is held between the peripheral shoulder (14) of the first body (1) and the bottom of the annular seat (342).

8. The valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 4, wherein, The intermediate body (3) includes: - Loading section (300) is provided with a central channel (301) which is fluidly connected upstream to the inlet pipe (11) and fluidly connected downstream to the outer annular crown (302) through at least one radial channel (303); - The unloading section (310) is provided with an inner annular crown (311), which is connected to the outlet pipe (21) downstream via at least one axial channel (309); -The loading portion (300) is fluidly separated from the unloading portion (310) by the diaphragm (4).

9. The valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 5, wherein, The intermediate body (3) includes: - The loading section is provided with an inner annular crown (311), which is connected to the inlet pipe (11) upstream via at least one axial channel (309); - The unloading section is provided with a central channel (301), which is fluidly connected downstream to the outlet pipe (21) and fluidly connected upstream to the outer annular crown (302) through at least one radial channel (303); -The loading portion is fluidly separated from the unloading portion by the diaphragm (4).

10. The valve (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The at least one radial channel (303) is provided with an inlet (304) and an outlet (305), wherein the inlet (304) is narrower than the outlet (305), or wherein the inlet (304) is wider than the outlet (305).

11. The valve (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The intermediate body (3) includes multiple radial channels (303) that share the same entrance (304).

12. The valve (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein, The intermediate body (3) includes at least one side opening (308) that is aligned or not aligned with the outlet (305) of the radial channel (303), wherein the width of the side opening (308) is greater than the width of the outlet (305) of the radial channel (303).

13. The valve (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein, The at least one axial channel (309) is provided with an inlet (309') and an outlet (309"), wherein the inlet (309') is narrower than the outlet (309").

14. The valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The thickness of the portion of the diaphragm (4) sandwiched between the intermediate body (3) and the piston (5) is greater than the thickness of the portion adjacent to the sandwiched portion.

15. The valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The diaphragm (4): - A lip (491) protruding from at least one side is provided at the outer edge (41); and / or - A diaphragm column (490) with a defined central hole (411) at its center.

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