Damper with check valve

Abstract

This application provides a damper including an inner tube that at least partially defines a fluid chamber, a first intermediate tube and a second intermediate tube surrounding the inner tube, and an interface element interconnecting the first and second intermediate tubes. The interface element sealably engages the inner tube to define the first and second intermediate chambers. An outer tube defines a reservoir between the outer tube and the first, second, and interface elements. A valve is positioned outside the outer tube and arranged to provide a fluid passage through an orifice in the outer tube, connecting the fluid chamber and the reservoir. A sleeve fluidly interconnects a check valve and the intermediate chamber. A first end of the sleeve is connected to the check valve, while an opposite second end is connected to the interface element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates in its entirety to a check valve for a damper. Background Technology

[0002] Dampers are useful components in vehicle suspension systems, used to improve vehicle stability, operational safety, and passenger comfort. Dampers can be constructed as mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electromagnetic devices. Dampers for vehicles are typically designed as either dual-tube or single-tube systems. A single-tube damper may include a tube and two pistons that translate within that tube. A dual-tube damper may include two concentric cylindrical tubes. The inner tube defines a pressure chamber, which is divided into two working chambers by the pistons. These working chambers may be referred to as a compression chamber and a rebound chamber. The outer tube defines a reservoir chamber. Additionally, there is typically at least one valve arranged in the inner tube, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow into or out of the working chambers. As the pistons move up and down within the inner tube, hydraulic fluid flows through one or more valves between the compression chamber, rebound chamber, and reservoir chamber to convert input energy into heat.

[0003] Some challenges with dual-tube dampers include providing a robust valve that operates to minimize fluid flow into the springback chamber when the damper is in compression mode. For proper functioning, the same valve must simultaneously prevent fluid flow in opposite directions, acting as a check valve. At least some known valves are too complex, too bulky, or too restrictive of fluid flow. Therefore, an improved new type of damper with a check valve is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a damper including an inner tube that at least partially defines a fluid chamber, a first intermediate tube and a second intermediate tube surrounding the inner tube, and an interface element interconnecting the first and second intermediate tubes. The interface element sealably engages the inner tube to define the first and second intermediate chambers. An outer tube defines a reservoir between the outer tube and the first, second, and interface elements. A valve is positioned outside the outer tube and arranged to provide a fluid passage through an orifice in the outer tube, connecting the fluid chamber and the reservoir. A sleeve fluidly interconnects a check valve assembly of the valve with the intermediate chamber. A first end of the sleeve is coupled to the check valve, while an opposite second end is coupled to the interface element. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a damper constructed according to an embodiment of this application and operating in compression mode; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the damper operating in springback mode; Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of the check valve of an exemplary damper; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the check valve shown; and Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Another exploded perspective view of the check valve shown. Detailed Implementation

[0006] Exemplary embodiments are provided to make this application thorough and to fully communicate the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of particular components, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this application. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

[0007] When an element or layer is referred to as “on,” “joined to,” “connected to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, joined to, connected to, or linked to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items.

[0008] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply sequence or order. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0009] Spatially related terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another, as illustrated in the figures. In addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, spatially related terms may also be intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, then an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features would be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatially related descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0010] refer to Figure 1 A portion of an exemplary damper constructed in accordance with the teachings of this application is shown at reference numeral 10. The damper 10 includes an inner tube 12, a first intermediate tube 14, a second intermediate tube 16, and an outer tube 18, coaxially aligned along a longitudinal axis 20. An interface element 22 sealably interconnects the first intermediate tube 14 and the second intermediate tube 16. It should be understood that although the figures show a three-piece intermediate tube assembly comprising the first intermediate tube 14, the second intermediate tube 16, and the interface element 22, single-piece or two-piece intermediate tubes are considered to be within the scope of this application.

[0011] An outer tube 18 defines a reservoir 24 between the outer tube 18 and the assembly of the first intermediate tube 14, the second intermediate tube 16, and the interface element 22. An inner tube 12 defines a fluid chamber 28 into which a piston 30 is slidably inserted. The fluid chamber 28 is divided by the piston 30 into two working chambers: a first working chamber 32, referred to as the springback chamber, and a second working chamber 34, referred to as the compression chamber. The piston 30 may include a passage (not shown) with an associated valve extending through it.

[0012] Interface element 22 is coaxially aligned with longitudinal axis 20 and externally connected to inner tube 12. Interface element 22 is axially disposed between first intermediate tube 14 and second intermediate tube 16 and is sealed and fixed to the first and second intermediate tubes. Interface element 22, first intermediate tube 14, and second intermediate tube 16 together define first intermediate chamber 44 and second intermediate chamber 46. Interface element 22 includes sealing element 60 with groove 62, in which gasket 66 is disposed. Gasket 66 seals the outer surface 68 of interface element 22 and inner tube 12. Gasket 66 is positioned to at least partially define the first intermediate chamber 44 and second intermediate chamber 46.

[0013] The damper 10 also includes a first valve 70 arranged to form a fluid connection between the second chamber 34 and the reservoir 24. A second valve 74 is arranged to form a fluid connection between the first chamber 32 and the reservoir 24. The inner tube includes a plurality of orifices 76 positioned to fluidly connect the second chamber 34 to the second intermediate chamber 46. Similarly, the first chamber 32 is in fluid communication with the first intermediate chamber 44 via a plurality of additional orifices (not shown) extending through the inner tube 12.

[0014] A bottom valve 80 is arranged at the bottom of the second chamber 34. The bottom valve 80 is operable to selectively form a fluid connection between the second chamber 34 and the reservoir 24.

[0015] The first valve 70 includes a housing 84 connected to an outer tube 18 and a delivery tube 88 connected to an interface element 22. The interface element 22 includes a first port 90 for receiving the delivery tube 88 of the first valve 70. Fluid can pass through the delivery tube 88 and the first port 90. The outer tube 18 includes a first orifice 94 aligned with an inner cavity 96 of the housing 84. Opening the first valve 70 allows the second chamber 34 to be in fluid communication with the reservoir 24 via a plurality of orifices 76, a second intermediate chamber 46, the delivery tube 88, and the first orifice 94. The first valve 70 can be configured as an electro-hydraulic valve. Therefore, the first valve 70 may include an electric receiver 98 to receive control signals.

[0016] The second valve 74 includes a housing 100 connected to the outer pipe 18. The second valve 74 includes an electro-hydraulic valve 102, which is operable to selectively allow fluid to pass through it when the damper 10 is operating in springback mode, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The second valve 74 also includes a check valve 104, which is operable to allow fluid to flow only along the compression mode when the damper 10 is operating in compression mode. Figure 1 The indicated direction passes through it. Sleeve 106 fluidly interconnects the first intermediate chamber 44 and check valve 104. Interface element 22 includes a second port 108 that receives the first end 110 of sleeve 106. Fluid can pass through sleeve 106 and the second port 108. Outer tube 18 includes a second orifice 112 aligned with the inner cavity 116 of housing 100. Opening the second valve 74 fluidly communicates the first working chamber 32 with the reservoir chamber 24 via an orifice (not shown) extending through the inner tube 12, the first intermediate chamber 44, sleeve 106, and the second orifice 112. As described, the second valve 74 can be configured as an electro-hydraulic valve. Therefore, the second valve 74 may include an electric receiver 118 to receive control signals.

[0017] Check valve 104 is also located within housing 100. Check valve 104 is... Figure 3 and Figure 4The device shown is a passive valve comprising a cover 124, a body 128, a disc 132, and a spring 136. The second end 138 of the sleeve 106 is press-fitted to the body 128. The cover 124 includes a cylindrical wall 140 and an end wall 142. An orifice 146 extends through the end wall 142. A protrusion 148 surrounds the orifice 146 and extends inwardly from the end wall 142. The protrusion 148 serves as a centering adjustment device for the spring 136.

[0018] The main body 128 is cylindrical and includes an outer surface 152, a first end 156, and an opposing second end 160. A central channel 162 extends through the main body 128 and is aligned with a transverse axis 164. The main body 128 includes a cylindrical guide surface 166 and an annular platform 168 at the second end 160. The guide surface 166 of the main body 128 is press-fitted to the cover 124. The end face 172 of the cylindrical wall 140 engages with the platform 168.

[0019] The body 128 also includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced passages 176. Passages 176 may be arcuate slots as shown in the attached figures or any other suitable shape. The body 128 includes an inner support 178 inscribed within each passage 176. The body 128 also includes an outer support 180 circumferentially surrounding each passage 176. Due to the geometric complexity of the body 128, constructing the component using a sintering process may be advantageous. The body 128 may be constructed from FC-0208 made of iron and copper or copper and steel. It is conceivable that the body 128 may also be constructed from any suitable sintering or machining material.

[0020] Disc 132 is a flexible member having an outer cylindrical surface 182 formed to fit tightly to the inner surface 184 of the cylindrical wall 140. Disc 132 includes a first surface 186 and an opposing second surface 190. When the check valve 104 is closed, the first surface 186 is positioned to engage with each support 180. Disc 132 includes orifices 192 aligned along a transverse axis 164. The thickness of disc 132 can be varied to alter valve characteristics if desired.

[0021] Spring 136 includes a first end 194 and an opposing second end 196. Spring 136 may be tapered to intentionally allow coils to nest within each other when compressed. First end 194 engages cap 124 and is aligned along transverse axis 164 via protrusion 148. Second end 196 engages second surface 190 of disc 132 such that disc 132 is biasedly engaged with each support 180. Check valve 104 restricts movement along... Figure 1The fluid flows in opposite directions through passage 176. It may be beneficial to construct a set of springs that are similar to each other but have different speeds, so that the valve response, such as the intake opening pressure, can be adjusted. The stiffness of the springs can vary depending on the material type, wire diameter, number of coils, etc.

[0022] Sleeve 106 is formed as a hollow, straight-circular cylinder including a first end 110 and an opposing second end 138. The first end 110 is positioned within a central channel 162 and is press-fitted to the body 128. The second end 138 of sleeve 106 is positioned within a second port 108 of interface element 22. Seal 206 is externally attached to sleeve 106. Sleeve 106 is a relatively thin-walled component, including an orifice 208 with a diameter greater than five times the wall thickness of sleeve 106. Maintaining the size of orifice 208 is important to achieve the desired fluid flow characteristics through the second valve 74. It should also be understood that sleeve 106 is constructed of a metal with excellent mechanical material properties. If sleeve 106 is constructed as part of the sintered body 128, concerns arise regarding the repeatability of properly compressing the sintered material along the entire thin-walled structure to achieve the desired mechanical properties. Using a separate, thin-walled sleeve allows valve designers to minimize the overall size of sleeve 106 while maximizing the size of orifice 208. Sleeve 106 is constructed as a separate component from body 128 to achieve these goals while maintaining low cost and ease of manufacture.

[0023] Another advantage is that, considering the varying dimensions of the damper tubes, the sleeve 106 is manufactured as a separate component from the main body 128. The dimensions of the damper are determined based on specific vehicle installation parameters and expected loads. The diameters and wall thicknesses of the outer tube 18, the first intermediate tube 14, the second intermediate tube 16, and the inner tube 12 can vary based on the final design specifications. Given the differences in tube dimensions, the dimensions of the interface element 22 can also be varied. Thus, it is envisioned that several second valves 74 are constructed that are substantially identical to each other, differing only in the length of the sleeve 106. Considering the differences in tube diameters and interface element dimensions, the length of each sleeve 106 is customized.

[0024] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this application, its application, or its uses. The extensive teachings of this application can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, while this application includes specific examples, its true scope should not be limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, description, and the following claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within the method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this application. Furthermore, while each embodiment is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of this application may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if such combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the arrangement of one or more embodiments relative to each other remains within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A damper, comprising: Inner tube, which at least partially defines a fluid chamber; A first intermediate tube surrounds the inner tube; A second intermediate tube surrounds the inner tube; An interface element interconnects the first intermediate tube and the second intermediate tube, and the interface element sealably engages the inner tube to define a first intermediate chamber and a second intermediate chamber between the inner tube and the first intermediate tube and the second intermediate tube, the fluid chamber being in fluid communication with the first intermediate chamber; An outer tube surrounds the first intermediate tube, the second intermediate tube, and the interface element and defines a reservoir between them, the outer tube including an orifice extending through it; A valve, positioned outside the outer tube and arranged to provide a fluid passage through the orifice connecting the fluid chamber and the reservoir chamber, the valve including a check valve; and A sleeve that fluidly interconnects the check valve assembly and the intermediate chamber, the sleeve having a first end connected to the check valve and a second end oppositely connected to the interface element.

2. The damper according to claim 1, wherein, The sleeve extends continuously through the storage chamber.

3. The damper according to claim 1, wherein, The check valve includes a cover, a body, a disc, and a spring, wherein the cover and the body define a cavity for receiving the disc and the spring, and the body includes a plurality of passages closed by the disc.

4. The damper according to claim 3, wherein, The body includes a central opening extending through it, and the first end of the sleeve is disposed within the central opening.

5. The damper according to claim 4, wherein, When the check valve is closed, the spring forces the disc into contact with the support surrounding each passage.

6. The damper according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the plurality of passages is spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of passages surround the central opening.

7. The damper according to claim 4, wherein, The cover includes an opening aligned with the central aperture, and the disc includes an opening aligned with the central aperture.

8. The damper according to claim 3, wherein, The cover includes a protrusion, and the spring is aligned relative to the cover via the protrusion.

9. The damper according to claim 3, wherein, The sleeve is made of a material different from that of the main body.

10. The damper according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the sleeve varies based on the distance between the interface element and the check valve.

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