Damping valve arrangement for a motor vehicle shock absorber

Abstract

The invention relates to a damper valve device for a vibration damper of a motor vehicle, having a coil, an axially movable armature arranged at least partially within the coil, a main valve having a main piston which separates a main control chamber and a pilot control chamber from one another, wherein the main control chamber and the pilot control chamber are fluidically connected to one another via a flow channel, wherein the damper valve device has a spring element which is arranged and designed such that it impinges on the main piston with a force acting in the closing direction of the main valve, wherein the damper valve device has a sealing element which is designed and arranged such that it seals the main piston relative to a housing part of the main valve, the damper valve device having a preloading element which is designed and arranged such that it impinges on the sealing element with a force acting in the axial direction of the damper valve device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a damping valve device for a shock absorber of a motor vehicle, wherein the damping valve device has a main valve and a pilot valve. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2020 215 480 A1 discloses a vibration damper with a damping valve assembly, wherein the damping valve assembly has a main valve and a pilot valve that can be adjusted via a solenoid valve. Leakage frequently occurs, particularly in the pilot control chamber of the main valve, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow from the pilot control chamber into the low-pressure chamber. Sealing assemblies for the pilot control chamber are known in the prior art, but their manufacture and assembly are very complex, resulting in high costs. Furthermore, the known seals do not always meet the requirements for sealing performance, especially during the variable operation phase of the vibration damper, and thus the known seals frequently fail due to wear. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a damping valve device for a vibration damper, which has reliable sealing, particularly reliable sealing of the hydraulic chambers of the main valve and the pilot valve, and can be manufactured and assembled in a cost-effective manner.

[0004] According to the invention, this objective can be achieved by a damping valve device having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous improvements can be derived from the dependent claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a damping valve device for a vibration damper in a motor vehicle includes a main valve having a main piston that separates a main control chamber and a pilot control chamber from each other. The main control chamber and the pilot control chamber are fluidly connected to each other via a flow passage. The damping valve device has a spring element arranged and designed to impact the main piston with a force acting in the closing direction of the main valve. The damping valve device also has a sealing element designed and arranged to seal the main piston relative to a portion of the housing of the main valve. Furthermore, the damping valve device has a preload element designed and arranged to impact the sealing element with a force acting in the axial direction of the damping valve device.

[0006] This preload element, provided in addition to the spring element, allows for axial preload of the sealing element without affecting the closing force applied to the main piston by means of the spring element. For example, any wear-related changes in the geometry of the sealing element have only a negligible effect on the spring element abutting against the main piston.

[0007] The damping valve device, such as a pressure relief valve, is preferably either directly controlled or pilot-controlled. The main valve, having a main piston, is preferably designed for closing and opening the damping valve device, particularly the pressure relief valve. The main piston is preferably axially movable by means of an armature and / or a dominant hydraulic pressure in the pilot control chamber.

[0008] In addition to the main valve, the damping valve device designed as a pilot-controlled pressure relief valve preferably includes: a pilot valve having a pilot working chamber and a sliding pusher disposed in the pilot working chamber and movable axially by means of an armature; and a connecting conduit disposed between the pilot control chamber and the pilot working chamber, fluidly connecting the pilot control chamber and the pilot working chamber to each other. For example, a valve spring element (especially a valve washer package with multiple spring washers) is attached to the main piston. In the closed position of the main valve, the main piston or optionally the valve spring element abuts against the main valve seat in a fluid-tight manner.

[0009] For example, a pilot valve has a valve seat on which a sliding tap rests in the closed position of the pilot valve, so that the connecting pipe is closed by a fluid seal through the sliding tap.

[0010] According to the inventors' discovery, leakage occurs between the housing portion and the main piston, which allows for the reliable prevention of leaky flow between the pilot control chamber and the valve outlet by a sealing element that is optimally positioned between these components.

[0011] The main piston is preferably movable relative to the housing portion in the axial direction of the damping valve assembly. Specifically, a sealing element is attached to be movable relative to the main piston and / or the housing portion. For example, the sealing element is disposed between the inner side of the housing portion and the outer side of the main piston. Specifically, the sealing element abuts against the radially outward-facing outer surface of the main piston and the radially inward-facing inner surface of the housing portion. The sealing element preferably extends radially between the main piston and the housing portion. Preferably, the main piston and the housing portion have a radial distance from each other, within which the sealing element is attached. The sealing element is preferably designed as annular, especially annular in shape. For example, the sealing element has a square, triangular, especially rectangular cross-section. Modified geometries and cross-sections, such as polygons or chamfers, can also be used. The sealing element is preferably designed as a single component or integral piece.

[0012] For example, a damping valve device is installed in a vibration damper of a motor vehicle. The vibration damper is, for example, a single-tube vibration damper or a multi-tube vibration damper, such as a two-tube vibration damper. For example, the vibration damper includes an outer tube that forms the outer surface of the vibration damper, particularly the housing. An inner tube, also called a damper tube, is disposed inside the outer tube and is coaxial with it. A compensation chamber is formed between the outer and inner tubes, preferably at least partially filled with hydraulic fluid. For example, the compensation chamber is partially filled with gas.

[0013] A working piston is connected to a piston rod, and the working piston is preferably disposed within an inner tube, allowing it to move within the inner tube, which is preferably designed as a guide for the working piston. For example, a damping valve device according to the invention is provided on the working piston. The working piston specifically divides the interior of the inner tube into a first working chamber proximal to the piston rod and a second working chamber distal to the piston rod.

[0014] For example, a damping valve device is at least partially disposed outside the outer tube of the vibration damper. In this external arrangement of the damping valve device, a central tube is optionally disposed within the compensation chamber, coaxial with and between the inner and outer tubes. For example, the damping valve device is attached to the central tube. The central tube is preferably attached to the inner tube in a fluid-tight manner, wherein an annular space is formed between the central tube and the inner tube. The central tube preferably has a flange region for attaching the damping valve device to the central tube, the flange region preferably forming a fluid inlet and / or fluid outlet for the damping valve device. The outer tube preferably has an opening aligned with the flange region for receiving the damping valve device, such that the damping valve device is fluidly connected to the compensation chamber. For example, the vibration damper has an additional damping valve device, which is also disposed, for example, outside the outer tube. Preferably, this additional damping valve device is fluidly connected to the inner tube, particularly to the working chamber distal to the piston rod, by means of an adapter attached within the inner tube. The damping valve device preferably has the same design.

[0015] The vibration damper preferably has a closure that provides a fluid seal to the interior of the outer tube near the piston rod. Conversely, at the distal end of the piston rod, the interior of the outer tube is preferably fluidly sealed by means of a base component. Specifically, a base valve is provided on the base component and is attached to the distal end of the piston rod of the inner tube.

[0016] The damping valve device includes a preferably cylindrical damping valve housing having a generally tubular tube portion and an upper housing portion attached to the tube portion. For example, the upper housing portion has a connection area with one or more terminal contacts for supplying current to the damping valve device. The terminal contacts for supplying current are preferably connected to a drive unit. The upper housing portion has, for example, a cylindrical cover portion adjacent to a hollow cylindrical portion, which, for example, has a small diameter.

[0017] The damping valve device preferably has a solenoid-shaped drive element, particularly a coil with multiple windings made of electrical wire. The coil is preferably housed within the housing of the damping valve device and includes, for example, a coil holder on which the coil windings are wound. Preferably, the coil at least partially or entirely surrounds an armature chamber that extends centrally in the axial direction. The armature is preferably mounted to be axially movable within the armature chamber. The armature is preferably attached to be axially slidable within the armature chamber and includes, for example, a central armature rod, which is, for example, tubular in design and extends centrally in the axial direction through the armature chamber. The armature chamber is preferably defined by a cylindrical electrode that is at least partially hollow, which preferably serves as a guide for the armature.

[0018] The damping valve assembly preferably includes a main valve and an optional pilot valve, as well as a valve inlet for introducing hydraulic fluid into the damping valve assembly and a valve outlet for discharging hydraulic fluid from the damping valve assembly. The pilot valve is preferably located downstream of the main valve. In particular, the flow of hydraulic fluid is enabled through the damping valve assembly in only one direction.

[0019] The main valve preferably includes a main piston configured to be axially movable within a main working chamber. The main valve includes a housing portion that at least partially defines the main working chamber and forms an axial guide for the main piston. The main piston is preferably configured to separate a main control chamber and a pilot control chamber from each other, wherein the main piston optionally has a flow passage extending through the main piston and forming a fluid connection between the main control chamber and the pilot control chamber. Optionally, the pilot control chamber is fluidly connected via the flow passage to a first or second working chamber of the vibration damper. The housing portion is designed, for example, in the shape of a hollow cylinder and includes, for example, a valve inlet or valve outlet. Preferably, the housing portion at least partially or completely surrounds the main valve, particularly the main piston and the main working chamber having the main control chamber and the pilot control chamber, in the axial and / or circumferential directions.

[0020] For example, the main piston is designed such that the end face of the main piston facing the main control chamber and subjected to hydraulic pressure impact from the main control chamber is larger than the end face of the main piston facing the pilot control chamber and subjected to hydraulic pressure impact from the pilot control chamber.

[0021] In the operation of a damping valve assembly, particularly a pilot-controlled or directly controlled pressure relief valve, hydraulic fluid flows into the main control chamber through the valve inlet. The pressure in the main control chamber impacts the main piston with an opening force, causing it to move axially in the opening direction. The main piston and optionally the valve spring element are lifted from the main valve seat, and the hydraulic fluid flows through the main flow passage to the valve outlet. Simultaneously, a secondary flow of hydraulic fluid flows through a flow passage in the main piston to the pilot control chamber and impacts the main piston with a closing force acting in the direction of the main valve seat. This closing force determines the opening width of the main valve, particularly the cross-section of the main flow passage, which in turn determines the damping force of the damping valve assembly.

[0022] In the case of a pilot-controlled pressure relief valve, the closing force is preferably determined by the prevailing pressure in the pilot control chamber. The pressure in the pilot control chamber is specifically set by a pilot valve, through which hydraulic fluid flows from the pilot control chamber into the pilot working chamber via a connecting pipe released by the sliding tap. The opening width of the connecting pipe depends on the axial position of the sliding tap, which is set by means of a solenoid, and is particularly predetermined.

[0023] In a directly controlled pressure relief valve, the closing force of the main piston is preferably determined by the general pressure in the pilot control chamber and / or by means of a solenoid. For example, the main piston is directly connected to the armature, such that the armature impacts the main piston with a force acting in the axial direction, particularly the closing direction. A directly controlled pressure relief valve preferably does not have a pilot valve.

[0024] In an external damping valve assembly located outside the outer tube, the valve inlet is specifically formed in the flange region of the damping valve assembly, wherein this flange region is preferably connected to the outer tube, inner tube, and / or central tube of the vibration damper. The main valve preferably has a main valve seat, which is formed, for example, in the flange region, and in the closed position of the main valve, the main piston abuts against this main valve seat in a fluid-sealed manner. In the open position of the main valve, where the main piston is lifted axially from the main valve seat, a main flow channel is preferably formed between the main piston and the valve seat. The main flow channel preferably forms a fluid connection between the valve inlet (particularly the main control chamber) and the valve outlet.

[0025] Preferably, a spring element is attached to the side of the main piston opposite to the valve seat, and the spring element is configured such that it impacts the main piston with a spring force acting in the direction of the main valve seat. The spring element is, for example, a preloaded spring having one or at least two spring washer bundles, wherein the spring washer bundles are preferably designed as circular discs, particularly disc springs.

[0026] Damping valve devices, particularly pilot-controlled pressure relief valves, preferably include a connecting conduit for connecting the pilot control chamber to the pilot working chamber of the pilot valve. The connecting conduit is preferably formed in a housing portion, or in a region of the housing of the damping valve device that is fixedly connected in position, and particularly centrally and axially. The connecting conduit preferably forms a fluid inlet to the pilot valve.

[0027] The pilot valve preferably includes a sliding tappet configured to move axially within a pilot working chamber. The sliding tappet preferably abuts against the armature at its end opposite to the main valve, such that the movement of the armature and the sliding tappet is mechanically coupled at least in the springback direction. The pilot valve is preferably movable to a closed position, in which the sliding tappet abuts against a first seat of the pilot valve, such that the connecting line is completely closed by the sliding tappet, thereby preferably preventing fluid from flowing into the pilot working chamber through the connecting line. The pilot valve is preferably movable to an open position, in which the sliding tappet is lifted from the first seat of the pilot valve, such that the connecting line is released by the sliding tappet, and fluid flows between the pilot control chamber and the pilot working chamber of the main valve. For example, the pilot valve has a fluid line for fluidly connecting the pilot working chamber to the valve outlet. The pilot working chamber is preferably fluidly connected to an outlet line through which hydraulic fluid can flow from the pilot working chamber to the valve outlet, particularly into the first or second working chamber.

[0028] According to the first embodiment, the preload element abuts against the spring element. Preferably, the preload element is supported on the spring element in the axial direction.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the spring element includes at least one spring washer and a compensating ring, wherein the preloaded element abuts against the compensating ring. The compensating ring is preferably annular in shape and, in particular, made of a non-elastic rigid material. Specifically, the compensating ring is configured to be movable relative to the housing portion. The compensating ring preferably abuts against the main piston and, in particular, is disposed between the main piston and at least one spring washer of the spring element.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the preload element includes a preload spring. The preload spring is, for example, a spring washer, a disc spring, or a coil spring. Preferably, the preload spring abuts against a spring element, particularly against a compensating ring. Specifically, the preload spring is preloaded within the damping valve device along the direction of the damping element.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the preloading element includes a preloading washer, preferably disposed separately from the preloading spring. The preloading washer is particularly annular in shape and has an annular diameter, for example, substantially corresponding to the width of the gap between the main piston and the preloading element.

[0032] According to another embodiment, a preload washer is disposed between the preload spring and the sealing element. According to another embodiment, the preload washer abuts against the sealing element. Preferably, the preload washer abuts against a lateral surface of the sealing element such that the preload washer completely covers that lateral surface of the sealing element.

[0033] According to another embodiment, a preloaded washer abuts against the main piston and / or a fixed housing portion. Preferably, the preloaded washer extends completely across the width of the gap between the main piston and the housing portion.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the preload spring abuts against the compensating ring. Alternatively, the preload spring abuts directly against the sealing element without a preload washer. Similarly, it is conceivable that the preload spring abuts directly against a spring washer of the spring element without a compensating ring.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the sealing element is formed of a dimensionally stable, particularly non-elastic, material such as PTFE or a plastic material. It is also conceivable that the sealing element could alternatively be formed of an elastomer.

[0036] According to another embodiment, a gap is formed in the main piston, and a sealing element is disposed within the gap. The gap preferably extends circumferentially and radially inward from the outer surface. Specifically, the gap is formed in the end region of the main piston facing the spring element. The gap is preferably disposed between the main piston and the housing portion, with the sealing element disposed within the gap. For example, the gap is formed from the proximal end of the spring element of the main piston along the direction of the main control chamber through a portion of the main piston having a constant outer diameter and a subsequent portion of the main piston having a continuously increasing outer diameter.

[0037] Preferably, the gap is formed on a portion of the main piston with a continuously decreasing outer diameter, wherein the sealing element at least partially abuts against the tapered portion of the main piston. The sealing element preferably abuts at least partially against a portion of the main piston with a continuously varying outer diameter, particularly on a tapered portion along the direction of the pilot valve. The main piston preferably has a first portion having an outer diameter that is constant in the axial direction and preferably abuts against the inner diameter of the housing portion. The proximal end portion of the spring element of the main piston preferably has a second portion having an outer diameter that is constant in the axial direction and smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion. Preferably, a portion with a continuously decreasing outer diameter is formed directly between the first and second portions, on which the sealing element abuts.

[0038] In the operation of the damping valve device, the pressure in the pilot control chamber preferably acts on the area of ​​the sealing element pointing in the direction of the pilot valve, so as to hydraulically impact the sealing element, which is preloaded by the hydraulic pressure, for example, so that it abuts flush with the main piston, especially flush with the part having a tapered outer diameter, thereby forming an optimal sealing assembly between the main piston and the tube part.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the sealing element is attached to be movable within the gap. Preferably, the sealing element is movable relative to the main piston and / or housing portion. In particular, the sealing element is disposed within the pilot control chamber of the main valve.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the damping valve device includes: a coil and an axially movable armature at least partially disposed within the coil; a pilot valve having a pilot working chamber and a sliding push rod disposed in the pilot working chamber and axially movable by means of the armature; and a connecting conduit disposed between a pilot control chamber and a pilot working chamber and fluidly connecting the pilot control chamber and the pilot working chamber to each other.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, the damping valve device includes a coil and an axially movable armature at least partially disposed within the coil, wherein the armature is connected to a main piston such that the armature impacts the main piston with a closing force.

[0042] The invention also includes a vibration damper having a damping valve device as described above, wherein the damping valve device is disposed, for example, on the working piston and / or at least partially disposed outside the outer tube. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments.

[0044] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a vibration damper in a longitudinal sectional view according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a damping valve device in a longitudinal sectional view according to a further exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing details of a damping valve device in a longitudinal sectional view according to a further exemplary embodiment is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 A vibration damper 10 is shown, wherein the vibration damper 10 is a multi-tube vibration damper, such as a two-tube vibration damper. The vibration damper 10 has an outer tube 12, which forms the outer surface of the vibration damper 10, particularly the housing. An inner tube 14, also referred to as a damper tube, is disposed within the outer tube 12 and is coaxial with the outer tube. A compensation chamber 16 is formed between the outer tube 12 and the inner tube 14, preferably, this compensation chamber is at least partially filled with hydraulic fluid. For example, the compensation chamber 16 is partially filled with gas.

[0048] A working piston 18 is connected to a piston rod 20 and is disposed within an inner tube 14, allowing the working piston to move within the inner tube 14, which is preferably designed as a guide for the working piston 18. The working piston 18 has, for example, a valve device (not shown). The working piston 18 divides the interior of the inner tube 14 into a first working chamber 22 and a second working chamber 24, the first working chamber being disposed near the piston rod and the second working chamber being disposed away from the piston rod. A central tube 26 is disposed in a compensation chamber 16, coaxial with the inner tube 14 and the outer tube 12, and located between the inner tube 14 and the outer tube 12.

[0049] Adjacent to the piston rod, the interior of the outer tube 12 is fluidly sealed by means of a sealing package 34. Opposite to the sealing package 34, at the distal end of the piston rod, the interior of the outer tube 12 is fluidly sealed by means of a base member 36. For example, a base valve 38 is provided on the base member 36, which is specifically attached to the distal end of the piston rod of the inner tube 14. For example, the base valve 38 is a check valve through which fluid can flow in two directions or only one direction. The second working chamber 24 is preferably fluidly connected to the compensation chamber 16 via the base valve 38. The proximal ends of the piston rods of the inner tube 14 and the outer tube 12 are preferably fastened to the sealing package 34.

[0050] The central tube 26 is preferably attached to the inner tube 14 in a fluid-tight manner. An annular space 28 is formed between the central tube and the inner tube 14. At least one channel opening 30 is formed in the inner tube 14, which fluidly connects the first working chamber 22 to the annular space 28.

[0051] For example, the central tube 26 has a flange region 32 for attaching the damping valve device 54a to the central tube 26. The flange region 32 forms a reception for the damping valve device 54a, and in particular, the flange region 32 forms a fluid inlet and / or fluid outlet for the damping valve device 54a. The flange region 32, for example, connects the annular chamber 28 to the damping valve device 54a. The outer tube 12 preferably has an opening for receiving the damping valve device 54a, which is aligned with the flange portion 32, such that the damping valve device 54a is fluidly connected to the compensation chamber 16.

[0052] For example, the vibration damper 10 includes an additional damping valve device 54b, which is fluidly connected to the inner tube 14 via an adapter 40 attached within the inner tube 14, and particularly connected to the working chamber 24 distal to the piston rod. Preferably, the outer tube 12 and the central tube 26 have openings aligned with the adapter for receiving the damping valve device 54a. For example, the damping valve devices 54a and 54b have the same design. For example, the damping valve devices 54a and 54b are designed as directly controlled or pilot-controlled pressure relief valves.

[0053] For example, the piston rod 20 has an optional spring stop that is loaded with spring force via the spring element 42 when moving in the spring direction Z.

[0054] Figure 2 Exemplary damping valve devices 54a, 54b are shown, preferably disposed at least partially outside the outer tube 12 of the vibration damper 10 as external valves. For example, the damping valve devices 54a, 54b are designed as pilot-controlled pressure relief valves and include a preferably cylindrical damping valve housing having… Figure 1 The diagram shows a generally tubular tube portion 45 and a housing upper portion 44 attached to the tube portion 45. For example, the housing upper portion 44 has a connection region 46 with one or more terminal contacts for supplying current to the damping valve devices 54a, 54b. The terminal contacts for supplying current are preferably connected to a drive unit. For example, the housing upper portion 44 has a circular cylindrical cover portion 56 adjacent, for example, to a hollow cylindrical portion 58 having a smaller diameter.

[0055] For example, damping valve devices 54a, 54b have an actuation region 48 and a valve region 50. For example, the actuation region 48 is located in the upper region of the damping valve devices 54a, 54b facing the upper portion 44 of the housing, and preferably substantially above the valve region 50. The actuation region 48 preferably comprises an actuator in the form of a solenoid. The solenoid includes a coil 52 having multiple windings made of electrical wire. The coil 52 is preferably disposed within the tube portion 45 so as to be concentric with the tube portion. For example, the coil 52 is disposed within the hollow cylindrical portion 58 of the upper portion 44 of the housing and particularly abuts against the inner wall of the upper portion 44 of the housing. For example, the upper portion 44 of the housing is made of a plastic material, particularly a non-magnetic or only very weakly magnetic material, preferably a magnetic insulator, or a material with high magnetic resistance. For example, the coil 52 includes a coil holder on which the windings of the coil are wound. The coil 52 at least partially or entirely surrounds an armature chamber 60 extending centrally in the axial direction. Armature 62 is mounted to be axially movable within armature chamber 60. Armature 62 is preferably cylindrical in design and has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of armature chamber 60, such that armature 62 is preferably attached to be axially slidable. For example, armature 62 includes a central armature rod 65, which, for example, has a tubular design and extends centrally through armature chamber 60 in the axial direction. Armature chamber 60 is preferably defined by a cylindrical electrode 64 that is at least partially hollow. Electrode 64 preferably has a base and is designed to open specifically in the direction of valve region 50. Electrode 64 is preferably made of a magnetizable or magnetic material and has, for example, magnetic separation (not shown).

[0056] The coil 52 is preferably designed and configured such that when energized, it generates a magnetic field whose magnetic field lines preferably extend generally axially within the armature chamber 60. The armature 62 is preferably formed of a magnetizable or magnetic material and is movable axially in a manner corresponding to the polarity of the magnetic field generated by means of the coil 52.

[0057] The hollow cylindrical region of the electrode 64 is coaxially adjacent to the electrode element in the axial direction, wherein the hollow cylindrical region and the electrode element together form the electrode 64, wherein the electrode 64 is formed in particular by multiple parts, a single part, or integrally. The electrode 64 has an upper tubular region having a particularly constant inner diameter, which is preferably formed as a hollow cylinder and extends axially from the upper portion 44 of the housing beyond the armature 62. The upper hollow cylindrical region is adjacent in the axial direction to a lower region with an increasing diameter, wherein the outer surface of the electrode 64 preferably extends beyond the tube portion 45, such as... Figure 1As shown, and at least partially abutting against the pipe portion, the sealing element 66 provides a fluid seal relative to the pipe portion 45. The pipe portion 64 at least partially surrounds the valve region 50, which will be explained in more detail in one of the following paragraphs.

[0058] Valve region 50 includes, for example, a main valve 68 and a pilot valve 70, as well as a valve inlet 72 for allowing hydraulic fluid into the damping valve assemblies 54a, 54b and a valve outlet 74 for discharging hydraulic fluid from the damping valve assemblies 54a, 54b. During operation of the damping valves, hydraulic fluid (especially the pilot flow) preferably flows from the valve inlet 72 into the main valve 68, then into the pilot valve 70, and subsequently to the valve outlet 74. The main valve 68 includes a main piston 76 configured to be axially movable within a main working chamber 78. For example, the main valve 68 also includes a housing portion 80 that at least partially defines the main working chamber 78 and forms an axial guide for the main piston 76. The main piston 76 is preferably disposed within the housing portion 80 so as to be concentric with the housing portion. The main piston 76 preferably divides the main working chamber 78 into a main control chamber 82 and a pilot control chamber 84, wherein the main piston 76 particularly has a flow channel 86 extending through the main piston 76 and forming a fluid connection between the main control chamber 82 and the pilot control chamber 84.

[0059] Valve inlet 72 is specifically formed in the flange region 88 of the damping valve devices 54a, 54b, wherein the flange region 88 is preferably connected to the outer tube 12, inner tube 14 and / or central tube 26 of the vibration damper 10. Optionally, for example, a valve spring element 108 (particularly a valve washer package having multiple spring washers) is attached to the main piston 76. The valve spring element 108 is preferably annular in shape and attached to the central shoulder of the main piston 76. A main valve seat 90 is formed on the flange region 88, against which the main piston 76 or the valve spring element 108 abuts in a fluid-tight manner in the closed position of the main valve 68. In the open position of the main valve 68, where the main piston 76 and optionally the valve spring element 108 move axially away from the main valve seat 90, the main piston 76 or optionally the valve spring element 108 is lifted from the main valve seat 90, thereby forming a main flow channel 92 between the main piston 76 or the valve spring element 108 and the main valve seat 90. Preferably, the valve spring element 108 abuts against the valve seat 90 between the valve seat 90 and the main piston 76. Specifically, the valve spring element 108 has a passage for allowing hydraulic fluid to enter the flow passage 86. The main flow passage 92 forms a fluid connection between the valve inlet 72 (particularly the main control chamber 82) and the valve outlet 74.

[0060] The main piston 76 has a particularly central clearance on its surface in the direction pointing towards the drive region 48, such that the main piston 76 has a hollow cylindrical region. The clearance of the main piston 76, particularly the interior of the hollow cylindrical region, preferably at least partially defines the pilot control chamber 84. A spring element 94 is attached to the side of the main piston 76 opposite to the main valve seat 90, the spring element being configured to impact the main piston 76 with a spring force acting in the direction of the valve seat 90. The spring element 94 is, for example, a preloaded spring, having at least one or two spring washers, wherein the spring washers are preferably annular in shape, particularly shaped as disc springs. The spring element 94 preferably extends across the entire diameter or a portion thereof of the pilot control chamber 84, particularly extending to the inner wall of the housing portion 80.

[0061] The spring element 94 preferably abuts against a central block 96, which is fixedly connected to the housing portion 80. For example, the central block 96 is disposed in the pilot control chamber 84 and supported on, fixedly connected to, or integrally formed with the housing portion 80. A connecting conduit 98 for connecting the pilot control chamber 84 to the pilot working chamber 100 of the pilot valve 70 is preferably formed in the central block 96. The connecting conduit 98 preferably extends centrally through the central block 96 in an axial direction. The connecting conduit 98 preferably forms a fluid inlet into the pilot valve 70. The spring element 94 is preferably designed and configured such that it has a fluid passage for allowing fluid to enter the connecting conduit 98. Preferably, the spring element includes a central opening aligned with the connecting conduit 98.

[0062] For example, pilot valve 70 includes a sliding tap 102 configured to be axially movable within pilot working chamber 100. The sliding tap 102 preferably abuts against armature 62 at its end opposite to the main valve 68, such that the movement of armature 62 and sliding tap 102 is coupled at least during movement of armature 62 in the direction of sliding tap 102. In the closed position of pilot valve 70, sliding tap 102 preferably abuts against central block 96, such that connecting conduit 98 is fully closed by sliding tap 102. In the open position of pilot valve 70, sliding tap 102 is raised from central block 96, such that connecting conduit 98 is opened by sliding tap 102, and fluid flows between pilot control chamber 84 and pilot working chamber 100 of main valve 68. The pilot valve 70 preferably has a pilot housing portion 104, which is positioned in a fixed manner and, for example, abuts against or is fixedly connected to housing portion 80. A pilot working chamber 100 is formed within the pilot housing portion 104. For example, the sliding tap 102 has a U-shaped longitudinal cross-section. Preferably, the sliding tap 102 is fixedly connected to the armature rod 65, particularly by interference fit, form fit, or integral material, and preferably screwed to the armature rod. The sliding tap 102 preferably has an axial contact surface pointing in the direction of the connecting conduit 98, and a pilot spring element 112 abuts against this axial contact surface. The pilot spring element 112 is, for example, a helical spring and is specifically designed and configured to impact the sliding tap 102 with a force pointing in the direction of the drive region 48 (i.e., a force along the opening direction of the pilot valve 70).

[0063] Figure 2 A pilot valve 70 is shown, illustrated by way of example in the closed position, wherein the sliding rod 102 fully closes the connecting pipe. In the closed position, the sliding rod 102 preferably abuts against a valve seat formed in the central block 96.

[0064] In the operation of damping valve devices 54a and 54b, hydraulic fluid flows into the main control chamber 82 through valve inlet 72, where the main piston 76 is impacted by an opening force and moves axially upward due to the pressure in the main control chamber 82. During this process, the main piston 76 and, for example, valve spring element 108, are lifted from the main valve seat 90, and the hydraulic fluid flows to the valve outlet 74 through the main flow channel 92. Simultaneously, a sub-flow of hydraulic fluid flows through the flow passage 86 in the main piston 76 to the pilot control chamber 84, impacting the main piston with a closing force acting in the direction of the main valve seat 90. The closing force determines the opening width of the main valve 68, particularly the cross-section of the main flow channel 92, which in turn determines the damping force of the damping valve devices 54a and 54b. The pressure in the pilot control chamber 84 is set by the pilot valve 70, where hydraulic fluid flows from the pilot control chamber 84 into the pilot working chamber 100 through connecting pipe 98, which is released by the sliding tap 102. The opening width of the connecting pipe 98 depends on the axial position of the sliding tap 102, which is set by means of the solenoid 54, and in particular, pre-set. In the closed position of the pilot valve 70, the sliding tap 102 preferably completely closes the connecting pipe 98, causing the hydraulic pressure in the pilot control chamber 84 to increase to its maximum value due to the main piston 76 being pressed against the main valve seat 90, and the main valve 68 to close. In the open position of the pilot valve 70, the connecting pipe 98 is at least partially released by the sliding tap 102, allowing hydraulic flow to enter the flow passage and flow to the valve outlet 74.

[0065] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Details of the damping valve devices 54a and 54b are provided, with identical reference numerals for the same components. The damping valve devices 54a and 54b have a sealing element 106 designed and configured to fluid-tightly seal the main piston 76 relative to the housing portion 80 of the main valve 68. The sealing element 106 is preferably annular, particularly donut-shaped.

[0066] For example, the sealing element 106 abuts against the housing portion 80 via a lateral surface. The housing portion 80 is preferably attached to be fixed within the damping valve devices 54a, 54b, wherein the main piston 76 is attached to be movable relative to the housing portion 80. The sealing element 106 preferably abuts against the main piston 76 via another lateral surface (particularly an opposing lateral surface). Preferably, the sealing element 106 also at least partially abuts against the main piston 76 via its lateral surface opposite to the housing portion 80. The sealing element 106 is preferably formed as a single component or integrally. The sealing element 106 is preferably formed of a material that is not elastically deformable.

[0067] For example, the main piston 76 has a gap 118. The gap 118 preferably extends circumferentially and radially inward from the outer surface. Specifically, the gap 118 is formed in the end region of the main piston 76 in the direction of the spring element 94. The gap 118 is disposed between the main piston 76 and the housing portion 80, wherein the sealing element 106 is disposed within the gap 118. For example, the gap 118 is formed from the proximal end of the spring element of the main piston 76 along the direction of the main control chamber 82 through a portion of the main piston 76 having a constant outer diameter and a subsequent portion of the main piston 76 having a continuously increasing outer diameter.

[0068] The sealing element 106 preferably abuts at least partially against a portion of the main piston 76 whose outer diameter varies continuously and is tapered, particularly in the direction of the pilot valve.

[0069] Preferably, the sealing element 106 is configured to seal the pilot control chamber 84 relative to the valve outlet 74. During operation of the damping valve devices 54a, 54b, the pressure in the pilot control chamber 84 preferably acts on the region of the sealing element 106 pointing toward the pilot valve 70, hydraulically impacting the sealing element 106. The sealing element is deformed by this hydraulic pressure, for example, so that it abuts flush against the main piston, particularly against the portion having a tapered outer diameter, thereby forming an optimal sealing assembly between the main piston and the housing portion 80.

[0070] For example, damping valve devices 54a, 54b have a preload element 110, which is designed and configured to impact the sealing element 106 with a force acting in the axial direction of the damping valve device. Preferably, the preload element 110 impacts the sealing element 106 with a force pointing in the axial direction toward the main valve seat. The preload element 110 preferably includes a preload spring 120 and a preload washer 122. The preload spring 120 is, for example, a spring washer, a disc spring, or a coil spring. Preferably, the preload washer 122 is disposed between the preload spring 120 and the sealing element 106. The preload washer 122 preferably abuts directly against the sealing element 106, and particularly directly against the preload spring 120.

[0071] The preload gasket 122 is particularly annular in shape and has an annular diameter that substantially corresponds to the width of the gap 118. Preferably, the preload gasket 122 extends completely across the width of the gap 118 and abuts against the inner surface of the housing portion 80 via its outer periphery, and against the outer surface of the main piston 76 via its inner periphery. Preferably, the preload gasket 122 abuts against the lateral surface of the sealing element 106. The upward-pointing (i.e., the direction of the pilot valve 70) lateral surface of the sealing element 106 is at least partially or completely covered by the preload gasket 122.

[0072] The spring element 94 preferably includes a plurality of spring washers 126 and a compensating ring 124, the compensating ring abutting against the spring washers 126. The compensating ring 124 preferably abuts against the main piston 76 and is particularly disposed between the main piston 76 and at least one spring washer 126 of the spring element 94. The preload element 110 particularly abuts against the spring element 94, preferably against the compensating ring 124. Preferably, the preload spring 120 abuts against the spring element 94, particularly against the compensating ring 124.

[0073] List of reference numerals

[0074] 10 Vibration dampers

[0075] 12 outer tubes

[0076] 14 Inner tube

[0077] 16 Compensation Chambers

[0078] 18 Working piston

[0079] 20 Piston Rod

[0080] 22 First / Piston Rod Proximal Working Chamber

[0081] 24 Second / Piston Rod Distal Working Chamber

[0082] 26 central tubes

[0083] 28. Circular Space

[0084] 30 channel openings

[0085] 32 Flange area

[0086] 34. Closed package

[0087] 36 Base components

[0088] 38. Bottom Valve

[0089] 40 Adapters

[0090] 42 Spring elements

[0091] 44 Upper part of the shell

[0092] 45 tube section

[0093] 46 Connecting Area

[0094] 48 Drive Area

[0095] 50 Valve Area

[0096] 52 coils

[0097] 54a, 54b Damping Valve Devices

[0098] 56 Coverage area

[0099] 58 Hollow cylindrical section

[0100] 60 Armature chamber

[0101] 62 Armature

[0102] 64 diode

[0103] 65 Armature rod

[0104] 66 Sealing elements

[0105] 68 Main Valve

[0106] 70 Pilot Valve

[0107] 72 Valve Inlet

[0108] 74 Valve Outlet

[0109] 76 Main Piston

[0110] 78 Main working chamber

[0111] 80. Housing section

[0112] 82 Main Control Chamber

[0113] 84 Pilot Control Chamber

[0114] 86 Flow Channel

[0115] 88 Flange area

[0116] 90 Main valve seat

[0117] 92 Main flow pipeline

[0118] 94 Spring Components

[0119] 96 Central Block

[0120] 98 Connecting pipes

[0121] 100 Pilot Working Chamber

[0122] 102 Sliding Tape

[0123] 104 Pilot Housing Section

[0124] 106 Sealing element

[0125] 108 Valve Spring Element

[0126] 110 Preloaded Components

[0127] 112 Pilot Spring Element

[0128] 118 gap

[0129] 120 Preloaded Spring

[0130] 122 Preload Washer

[0131] 124 Compensation Ring

[0132] 126 Spring Washer.

Claims

1. A damping valve device (54a, 54b) for a vibration damper (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising: The main valve (68) has a main piston (76) that separates the main control chamber (82) and the pilot control chamber (84) from each other. The main control chamber (82) and the pilot control chamber (84) are fluidly connected to each other via a flow channel (86). The damping valve device (54a, 54b) has a spring element (94) that is configured and designed to impact the main piston (76) with a force acting in the closing direction of the main valve (68). The damping valve assembly (54a, 54b) has a sealing element (106) designed and configured to seal the main piston (76) relative to the housing portion (80) of the main valve (68). Its features are, The damping valve assembly (54a, 54b) has a preload element (110) designed and configured to impact the sealing element (106) with a force acting in the axial direction of the damping valve assembly (54a, 54b).

2. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to claim 1, wherein the preload element (110) abuts against the spring element (94).

3. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (94) comprises at least one spring washer (126) and a compensation ring (124), and wherein the preload element (110) abuts against the compensation ring (124).

4. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the preload element (110) comprises a preload spring (120).

5. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the preload element (110) includes a preload washer (122).

6. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the preload washer (122) is disposed between the preload spring (120) and the sealing element (106).

7. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the preloaded gasket (122) abuts against the sealing element (106).

8. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the preloaded washer (122) abuts against the main piston (76) and / or the fixed housing portion (80).

9. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the preloaded spring (120) abuts against the compensation ring (124).

10. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (106) is formed of a dimensionally stable material.

11. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gap (118) is formed in the main piston (76), and the sealing element (106) is disposed within the gap (118).

12. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to claim 11, wherein the gap (118) is formed on a portion of the main piston (76) having a continuously tapered outer diameter, and wherein the sealing element (106) at least partially abuts against the tapered portion of the main piston.

13. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the sealing element (106) is attached to be movable within the gap (118).

14. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: Coil (52) An armature (62) capable of axial movement, the armature being at least partially disposed within the coil (52), A pilot valve (70) having a pilot working chamber (100) and a sliding tap (102) disposed in the pilot working chamber (100) and movable axially by means of the armature (62), and A connecting pipe (98) is disposed between the pilot control chamber (84) and the pilot working chamber (100) and fluidly connects the pilot control chamber and the pilot working chamber to each other.

15. The damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: Coil (52) An axially movable armature (62), the armature being at least partially disposed within the coil (52), wherein the armature (62) is connected to the main piston (76) such that the armature impacts the main piston with a closing force.

16. A vibration damper (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising: Outer tube (12) and inner tube (14), wherein the inner tube is coaxially arranged with the outer tube, and The working piston (18) is configured to move axially within the inner tube (14) and divide the interior of the inner tube (14) into a piston rod proximal working chamber (22) and a piston rod distal working chamber (24). The vibration damper includes a damping valve device (54a, 54b) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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