Protective tube for shock absorber of motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective tube for a shock absorber of a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a protective tube, which extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a first section and a second section, the two sections being substantially U-shaped in cross section, which are connected to one another in a form-fitting, force-transmitting or material-connecting manner along their axial longitudinal extensions and together form the protective tube, and the angle size of the circumferential extension part of the protection tube is 360 degrees. The protective tube is characterized in that the first section comprises a position sensor fastened thereto and has a circumferential extension adapted to the size of the position sensor and having an angular dimension of less than 180 DEG, the angular dimension of the circumferential extension of the second section is the difference between the angular dimension of the circumferential extension of the protective tube and the angular dimension of the circumferential extension of the first section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a protective tube for a shock absorber in a motor vehicle, the protective tube having the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a shock absorber having a protective tube constructed according to claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] Especially in the automotive field, shock absorbers are typically used in conjunction with the suspension system in a vehicle chassis. Such shock absorbers generally consist of two damper sections that can move relative to each other. These damper sections can move axially relative to each other with respect to the longitudinal extension of the shock absorber, and this movement is damped by hydraulic or pneumatic forces. It is also known to use linear sensor systems on the shock absorber to detect the relative position of the two damper sections, thereby determining, for example, the current distance from the wheel suspension or axle suspension to the vehicle body.

[0003] Published document DE 10 2021 213 854 A1 discloses, for example, a vibration damper. This vibration damper includes a damper cylinder and a protective tube indirectly fastened to a piston rod, wherein the damper cylinder and the protective tube are movably arranged relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the vibration damper includes a sensor unit for detecting the relative position of the damper cylinder and the piston rod in the axial direction. This sensor unit includes at least one signal transmitter and a position sensor for detecting the position of the signal transmitter, wherein the signal transmitter is arranged on the damper cylinder and the position sensor is arranged on the protective tube.

[0004] The protective tube is tailored to the size and external shape of the shock absorber, and is therefore inextricably linked to the design of the corresponding shock absorber. However, this can be considered a disadvantage when equipping shock absorbers of different sizes and diameters with such protective tubes. This inevitably leads to the need to produce a corresponding protective tube for each type of shock absorber, requiring significant investment in the appropriate tools and machinery, and thus increasing manufacturing costs. To reduce manufacturing costs, it is recommended to use as many common parts as possible. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an alternative protective tube that can be adapted to different damper sizes and / or damper types.

[0006] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a protective tube having the features of claim 1 and a vibration damper having the features of claim 10. Advantageous designs are derived from the dependent claims, drawings, and / or description.

[0007] The protective tube for a motor vehicle shock absorber, as described in claim 1, extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a first section and a second section. Both sections are substantially U-shaped in cross-section, are connected to each other by shape fitting, force transmission, or material connection, and together form the protective tube, the circumferential extension of which has an angular dimension of 360°. Specifically, the first section includes a position sensor fastened thereto and has a circumferential extension adapted to the size of the position sensor and having an angular dimension of less than 180°, wherein the angular dimension of the circumferential extension of the second section is the difference between the angular dimension of the circumferential extension of the protective tube and the angular dimension of the circumferential extension of the first section.

[0008] Therefore, the first section can be used as a universal component in various vibration damper variants. To form a protective tube, a second section with a suitable circumferential extension can be selected and connected to the first section.

[0009] According to another advantageous embodiment, each of the two segments has at least one corresponding engagement structure, which is designed to form a form-fit connection between the two segments. This form-fit connection can be separable and / or non-separable, and prevents or even inhibits axial relative movement and / or radial relative movement and / or circumferential relative movement between them.

[0010] Advantageously, the segment can have radially spaced edge sections from the longitudinal axis, each edge section having a first edge and a second edge, wherein these edges extend axially along the entire length of the respective segment. The joining structure of the respective segments can thus be conveniently implemented in the region of at least one edge.

[0011] To simplify the formation of a form-fitting connection and / or force-transmitting connection between two segments, according to another advantageous embodiment, the joining structure may include an elastic element. This elastic element may be formed on at least one of the segments and engaged with a corresponding structure of the other segment. Alternatively, the elastic element may be constructed as a separate component and connect the two segments to each other. The elastic element may be made of metal, elastomer, or other suitable material.

[0012] According to another advantageous embodiment, at least one of the two segments has at least one plastically deformable fastening pin protruding from the edge of an edge segment, the fastening pin passing through a through portion corresponding to the fastening pin constructed on the other segment, wherein the connection between the two segments is achieved by the plastic deformation of the fastening pin. This results in a stable connection between the two segments, which can be achieved at a relatively low cost.

[0013] If at least one segment, such as a segment with fastening pins formed thereon, is made of a thermoplastic material, then these fastening pins can be plastically deformed by heat to form a particularly stable connection between the two segments.

[0014] To simplify this connection method, the other section can be made of a material with a higher melting temperature than the section on which the fastening pin is formed. Therefore, it is advantageous if the section is made of a material with a different melting temperature.

[0015] Another advantageous embodiment specifies that the two segments are connected to each other at least on a radial side by a common hinge constructed in the edge segment. This hinge may be designed as a separable or non-separable hinge, or it may be designed as a membrane hinge.

[0016] According to another advantageous embodiment variant, the protective tube includes a surrounding groove formed in its axial end region, radially dividing the inner surface of the protective tube, the groove for receiving the protective tube support member of the shock absorber. This allows for a convenient form-fit connection between the protective tube and the protective tube support member of the shock absorber.

[0017] Furthermore, advantageous embodiments of the shock absorber for motor vehicles include a damper cylinder; a piston rod guided at least partially within the damper cylinder in a manner capable of movement in an axial direction about a longitudinal axis; a protective tube carrier member axially fixed to the piston rod; a protective tube connected to and surrounding the piston rod in its axial end region toward the protective tube carrier member; and a sensor unit for detecting the relative position of the damper cylinder and the piston rod in the axial direction, wherein the sensor unit includes a signal transmitter and a position sensor for detecting the axial position of the signal transmitter, wherein the signal transmitter is arranged on the damper cylinder and the position sensor is arranged on the protective tube. Here, the shock absorber is characterized in that the protective tube is designed according to at least one of the preceding claims and has at least one of the advantageous features explained above. This provides a shock absorber with a protective tube that can be readily and cost-effectively adapted to different shock absorber sizes and / or types. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention will be explained in detail with reference to the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are schematic diagrams and illustrate: Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the protective tube according to the present invention; Figure 2 Based on the state of decomposition Figure 1 The protective tube; Figure 3aIt is equipped with a vibration damper with a protective tube; Figure 3b It is equipped with a replacement shock absorber with a protective tube; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the protective tube according to the present invention; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the protective tube according to the present invention; Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the protective tube according to the present invention; Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the protective tube according to the present invention; Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the protective tube according to the present invention; Figure 8b according to Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of the protective tube in the closed state; Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the protective tube according to the present invention; Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the protective tube according to the present invention; Figure 11 A partially sectional, shortened side view of a vibration damper with a protective tube according to the invention; Figure 12 The diagram shows the data from the top-down view. Figure 11 Another view of the shock absorber. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a protective tube 5 for a shock absorber 1 used in a motor vehicle, extending along the longitudinal axis L. The protective tube 5 includes a first segment 6 and a second segment 7. The two segments 6 and 7 have the same length. Both segments 6 and 7 are substantially U-shaped in cross-section, and their longitudinally extending portions along their axial direction are form-fitted and / or force-transmitting and / or material-connected to each other, such that they together form the protective tube 5, which extends circumferentially. γ It is 360°.

[0020] The first segment 6 includes a fastening section for the position sensor 9 and has a circumferential extension adapted to the size of the position sensor 9. Overall, the first segment 6 has angular dimensions... α Less than 180°.

[0021] The second section, segment 7, extends to an angle greater than 180°. βSpecifically, the angular dimensions of the circumferential extension of the second segment 7. β It is the angular dimension of the circumferential extension of the protective tube 5. γ Angular dimension of the circumferential extension of the first segment 6 α difference.

[0022] exist Figure 2 , Figure 3a and Figure 3b The different extensions of the two sections 6 and 7 can be seen very clearly in the middle.

[0023] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Together, they demonstrated the flexibility of the protective tube 5 application. Here, in Figure 3a and Figure 3b In the first section 6, the so-called "universal component" is used, while the size and shape of the second section 7 are adjusted according to the corresponding size and shape of the corresponding shock absorber 1.

[0024] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 11 As shown, the first segment 6 and the second segment 7 each have at least one corresponding engagement structure 14. This can be achieved in different ways. For example, the engagement structure 14 can be configured as a tooth 23, thereby preventing axial relative movement of the two segments 6, 7 relative to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the engagement structure 14 can have different connecting elements that prevent radial movement of one segment 6, 7 relative to the other segment 7, 6.

[0025] Overall, the joining structure 14 is used to connect and / or force-transmit two segments 6 and 7 to each other in a shape fit, either separable or inseparable.

[0026] Segments 6 and 7 have edge segments 11 with first edges 12 and second edges 13, wherein edge segments 11 are radially spaced from the longitudinal axis L. Segments 6 and 7 are substantially U-shaped in cross-section, wherein the edges 12 and 13 of their edge segments 11 are respectively arranged at the apex of the "U" and extend along the entire longitudinal extension of the respective segments 6 and 7. Figures 1 to 12 In all the variant embodiments shown, the joint structure 14 of the corresponding segments 6, 7 is constructed in the region of at least one edge 12, 13.

[0027] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Figure 9 , Figure 10and Figure 11 Different exemplary embodiments are shown, all of which specify that at least one of the two segments 6, 7 has at least one fastening pin 16 protruding from the edges 12, 13 of the edge segment 11, which serves as a connecting element to inseparably connect the two segments 6, 7 to each other. Here, the fastening pin 16 passes through a through portion 17 constructed on the corresponding other segment 7, 6, corresponding to the fastening pin 16. Furthermore, the fastening pin 16 is malleable, for example... Figure 6 As shown on the right. In this case, the connection between the two sections 6 and 7 can be achieved by the plastic deformation of the fastening pin 16.

[0028] Sections 6 and 7 can be made of materials with different melting temperatures. In addition, at least one section (6, 7) can be made of plastic.

[0029] Figure 4 The connecting structure 14 of the variant embodiment of the protective tube 5 shown includes an elastic element 15 that forms a shape-fit connection and / or a force-transmitting connection between the two segments 6 and 7. In this case, the elastic element 15 is formed on the first segment 6, passes through a through-hole 17 constructed in the second segment 7, and is supported at the outer surface of the second segment 7.

[0030] because Figure 4 This is a purely illustrative diagram, so it is irrelevant which of the two segments 6 and 7 the elastic element 15 is located on, and which of the two segments 7 and 6 the corresponding through-hole 17 or other corresponding structure is constructed on. Therefore, the elastic element 15 can be constructed on the second segment 7, and the corresponding through-hole 17 can be constructed on the first segment 6.

[0031] Alternatively, the elastic element 15 can be constructed as a separate component and connect the two segments 6 and 7 to each other, such as... Figure 5 As shown. Figure 5 Two alternative elastic elements 15, each constructed as a separate component, are shown. Figure 5 The right side shows, for example, an elastic element made of metal, while the left side shows an elastic element made of an elastomer or other suitable material.

[0032] Figure 7 , Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, segments 6 and 7 can be connected to each other at least on a radial side by a hinge 18 constructed in the edge segment 11. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The hinge 18 is shown in a design that can be detached or non-detached, while Figure 7, Figure 8a and Figure 8b The thin film hinge section is shown.

[0033] Figure 7 , Figure 8a and Figure 8b The hinge shown includes a fastening section 22. If the two sections 6 and 7 are made of different materials, the membrane hinge can be constructed on one of the sections 6 and 7 and fastened to the corresponding other section 7 and 6 using its fastening section 22. In this case, the fastening section 22 can be constructed as a so-called "dovetail" and inserted into the corresponding corresponding groove. Alternatively, the fastening section 22 can include a fastening pin 16 that passes through the corresponding through-hole 17 and is plastically deformed to connect the two sections 6 and 7 inseparably.

[0034] Figure 11 A shock absorber 1 for a motor vehicle is shown. The shock absorber includes a damper cylinder 3, a piston rod 2, and a protective tube 5. The piston rod is guided at least partially within the damper cylinder 3 in a manner capable of axial movement. A protective tube support member 4 is axially fixed to the piston rod 2 and supports the protective tube, which is connected to and surrounds the piston rod 2 in its axial end region 19 facing the support member 4. A position sensor 9 is arranged on the protective tube, wherein a signal transmitter 10 is axially fixed to the damper cylinder.

[0035] Position sensor 9 and signal transmitter 10 together form sensor unit 8, used to detect the relative position of the buffer cylinder 3 and piston rod 2 along the axial direction. Position sensor 9 continuously identifies the axial position of signal transmitter 10, thereby achieving this function.

[0036] The protective tube 5 is formed according to at least one of the features explained above. Furthermore, the protective tube 5 includes a circumferential groove 21 formed in its axial end region, which radially divides the inner surface 20 of the protective tube 5. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the groove 21 is used to accommodate the protective tube bearing member 4 of the shock absorber 1. List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Vibration damper 2 Piston rod 3. Buffer cylinder body 4. Protective pipe load-bearing components 5. Protective tube 6 sections 7 sections 8 sensor units 9. Position Sensors 10. Signal Transmitter 11. Edge Section 12 edges 13 edges 14 Joint structure 15. Elastic elements 16 Fastening pins 17. Penetrating section 18. Hinge 19 Axial end region 20 Inner surface 21 Grooves 22 Fastening Section 23. Teeth L longitudinal axis α Angle size β Angle size γ Angular dimensions.

Claims

1. A protective tube (5) for a shock absorber (1) used in motor vehicles, wherein, The protective tube (5) extends along the longitudinal axis (L) and includes a first section (6) and a second section (7), wherein the two sections (6, 7) are substantially U-shaped in cross-section, and the longitudinally extending portions of the two sections along their axial direction are connected to each other by shape fitting, force transmission, or material connection, and together form the protective tube (5), wherein the angular dimension of the circumferentially extending portion of the protective tube ( γ ) is 360°, The first segment (6) is characterized in that it includes a position sensor (9) fastened thereto and has a circumferential extension portion adapted to the size of the position sensor (9) and having an angular dimension of less than 180°. α ), wherein the angular dimension of the circumferential extension portion of the second segment (7) is ( β ) is the angular dimension of the circumferential extension of the protective tube (5). γ The angular dimension of the circumferential extension of the first segment (6) and the first segment (6) α ) difference.

2. The protective tube (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first segment (6) and the second segment (7) each have at least one corresponding joining structure (14) that connects the two segments (6, 7) in a shape fit that can be separated or not separated.

3. The protective tube (5) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The segments (6, 7) have edge segments (11) radially spaced from the longitudinal axis (L), the edge segments having a first edge (12) and a second edge (13), wherein the edges (12, 13) extend axially over the entire length of the respective segments (6, 7), and wherein the joint structure (14) of the respective segments (6, 7) is constructed in the region of at least one edge (12, 13).

4. The protective tube (5) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The joining structure (14) includes an elastic element (15) that connects the two segments (6, 7) to each other in a shape fit and / or in a force-transmitting connection.

5. The protective tube (5) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one of the two segments (6, 7) has at least one plastically deformable fastening pin (16) protruding from the edge (12, 13) of the edge segment (11), the fastening pin passing through a through portion (17) constructed on the corresponding other segment (7, 6) and corresponding to the fastening pin (16), wherein the connection between the two segments (6, 7) is achieved by the plastic deformation of the fastening pin (16).

6. The protective tube (5) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one section (6, 7) is made of plastic.

7. The protective tube (5) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The two segments (6, 7) are connected to each other at at least one radial side by a hinge (18) constructed in the edge segment (11).

8. The protective tube (5) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sections (6, 7) are made of materials with different melting temperatures.

9. The protective tube (5) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The protective tube (5) includes a surrounding groove (21) formed in its axial end region that radially divides the inner surface (20) of the protective tube (5), the groove being used to accommodate the protective tube bearing member (4) of the damper (1).

10. A shock absorber (1) for a motor vehicle, the shock absorber comprising: - Buffer cylinder (3); - Piston rod (2), which is guided at least partially in the buffer cylinder (3) in a manner that enables it to move in an axial direction about the longitudinal axis (L); - Protective tube bearing member (4), which is axially fixed to the piston rod (2); - Protective tube (5), which is connected to and surrounds the piston rod (2) in its axial end region (19) toward the protective tube support member (4). - A sensor unit (8) for detecting the relative position of the buffer cylinder (3) and the piston rod (2) in the axial direction, wherein the sensor unit (8) includes a signal transmitter (10) and a position sensor (9) for detecting the position of the signal transmitter (10), wherein the signal transmitter (10) is arranged on the buffer cylinder (3) and the position sensor (9) is arranged on the protective tube (5), characterized in that the protective tube (5) is constructed according to at least one of the preceding claims.

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