Air spring with damping function

Abstract

The utility model relates to an air spring with a damping function. The air spring comprises an air bag, a piston assembly, an end plate and the like. The upper portion and the lower portion of the air bag are connected with the piston assembly and the end plate respectively. In order to enhance the damping effect, a supporting frame is installed on the end face, facing the interior of the airbag, of the end plate, and a first additional air chamber is formed and communicates with the interior of the airbag through first damping holes. A second additional air chamber, a third additional air chamber, a corresponding damping hole and a corresponding air circulation hole are designed in the piston assembly, and the damping performance is further enhanced. In addition, the stable connection among the air bag, the piston assembly and the end plate is ensured through the design of the connecting flange, the mousing hook, the steel wire ring and the like. The end plate is further provided with a mounting hole, an air pipe connector and a positioning pin, so that mounting and positioning are facilitated. The air spring has excellent vibration reduction performance and riding comfort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model specifically relates to an air spring with damping function. Background Technology

[0002] Air springs are a key component of automotive air suspension systems. Compared to conventional suspensions, air suspension can extend vehicle lifespan, improve overall vehicle comfort, reduce wheel dynamic loads, significantly reduce vehicle damage to road surfaces, thereby lowering highway maintenance costs, and can also adjust the ride height of special-purpose vehicles such as airport shuttle buses and city buses as needed.

[0003] For example, the Chinese utility model patent document with announcement number "CN201306405Y" discloses a new type of commercial vehicle shock absorber component, which mainly consists of a capsule, a piston, and a top cover plate. The bottom end of the capsule is pressed together with the side wall of the piston, and the top end of the capsule is snapped together with the top cover plate. One end of the top cover plate is provided with an air pipe connector and a positioning pin. The air pipe connector is hollow and communicates with the inside of the capsule. A protrusion is provided in the middle of the bottom end of the top cover plate, and an emergency stop is connected to the protrusion. The main function of the emergency stop plate is to reduce the impact between the piston assembly and the air bag when the piston assembly moves upward and to protect the air spring.

[0004] However, this damper element relies solely on an additional air chamber below the capsule and piston, resulting in poor damping performance.

[0005] Furthermore, an open passageway is provided between the piston and the capsule (see attached specification of the disclosed document). Figure 1 As can be clearly seen, since the open passageway cannot produce a significant throttling effect, the airflow can circulate freely between the capsule and the piston assembly, which means that the airflow resistance between the capsule and the piston will be relatively small, and the damping effect will be relatively poor. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an air spring with damping function, which addresses the shortcomings of the prior art by adding an additional air chamber and allowing gas to flow through a damping hole to enhance the damping effect.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] An air spring with damping function includes an air bladder and a piston assembly. The air bladder is connected to an end plate at its top and to the piston assembly at its bottom. The end plate is connected to an air pipe connector, which is hollow and communicates with the interior of the air bladder. A limiting block is provided inside the air bladder. The air bladder is characterized in that a support frame is installed on the end face of the end plate facing the interior of the air bladder. A first additional air chamber exists between the support frame and the end plate. A first damping hole passes through the middle of the support frame, and the first damping hole communicates the first additional air chamber with the interior of the air bladder.

[0009] During the expansion and contraction of the airbag, gas flows through the first damping orifice between the airbag interior and the first auxiliary air chamber. Due to the presence of the first damping orifice, the gas encounters resistance during flow, thus slowing its velocity. This reduced velocity allows some mechanical energy to be converted into heat energy, achieving a damping effect. Simultaneously, the presence of the first auxiliary air chamber increases the gas flow path and volume, further enhancing the damping effect.

[0010] The aforementioned air spring with damping function can be further configured such that: the limiting block is installed on the end face of the support frame facing the piston assembly, and a first gas flow hole is passed through the middle of the limiting block, the first gas flow hole connecting the damping hole to the inside of the airbag.

[0011] The limiting block on the support frame serves two purposes. First, it restricts the upward movement of the piston assembly, preventing direct collision between the piston assembly and the airbag in extreme situations, thus protecting the air spring from damage. Second, in addition to protecting the piston assembly, it also protects the support frame, preventing collisions in extreme conditions, allowing the first auxiliary air chamber to stably store and circulate gas. The first gas flow hole on the limiting block not only connects the damping orifice to the inside of the airbag but also enhances the damping effect of the orifice.

[0012] The aforementioned air spring with damping function can be further configured as follows: the piston assembly includes an internally hollow outer shell, an upper cover plate welded to the upper end of the outer shell, a lower base plate welded to the lower end, an inner ring wall provided between the upper cover plate and the lower base plate, the inner ring wall and the outer shell forming a second additional air chamber, the inner ring wall itself forming a third additional air chamber, the upper cover plate having a second damping hole corresponding to the second additional air chamber, and the inner ring wall having a second gas flow hole that can connect the second additional air chamber and the third additional air chamber.

[0013] Compared to existing technologies, a third auxiliary air chamber is added to enhance the damping effect. Specifically: based on changes in the internal air pressure of the airbag, gas flows into the second auxiliary air chamber through the second damping orifice. Due to the presence of the second damping orifice, the gas encounters resistance during flow, thus achieving a damping effect. Gas in the second auxiliary air chamber flows into the third auxiliary air chamber through the second gas flow orifice. Similarly, due to the design of the second gas flow orifice, the gas also encounters resistance during flow, further enhancing the damping effect.

[0014] The aforementioned air spring with damping function can be further configured such that: the end of the outer shell facing the inside of the airbag is provided with a connecting flange, the upper end of the connecting flange is provided with an anti-disengagement hook, the lower end of the airbag is sealed and sleeved on the connecting flange, and the lower end of the airbag is connected with a steel wire ring.

[0015] The primary function of the connecting flange is to provide a flat surface for a sealed connection with the lower end of the airbag, ensuring no gas leakage between the airbag and the piston assembly. Simultaneously, the connecting flange also supports and secures the airbag, allowing it to be stably mounted on the piston assembly. The anti-disengagement hook's main function is to prevent the airbag from detaching from the connecting flange in case of excessive air pressure or external impact. A steel wire ring is installed between the airbag and the connecting flange to enhance the reliability of the connection between them.

[0016] The aforementioned air spring with damping function can be further configured as follows: the end plate is provided with two sets of mounting holes, one set of air pipe connectors is welded to each of the mounting holes, and a positioning pin is welded to the other set of mounting holes; the outer ring of the end plate is provided with a riveting edge that rolls towards the airbag; the upper end of the airbag is inserted into the riveting edge and the upper end of the airbag is also connected to a steel wire ring.

[0017] The riveted edge mates with the upper end of the airbag, securely fixing the upper end of the airbag to the end plate. A steel wire ring is placed between the airbag and the end plate to enhance the reliability of the connection. Positioning pins are used for installation and positioning when the end plate is connected to the vehicle body.

[0018] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of a portion of point B in the middle;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point C in the middle.

[0023] Labeling notes: 1. Airbag, 2. End plate, 3. Air pipe connector, 4. Limiting block, 5. Support frame, 6. First auxiliary air chamber, 7. First damping hole, 8. First gas flow hole, 9. Outer shell, 10. Upper cover plate, 11. Lower bottom plate, 12. Inner ring wall, 13. Second auxiliary air chamber, 14. Third auxiliary air chamber, 15. Second damping hole, 16. Second gas flow hole, 17. Connecting flange, 18. Anti-disengagement hook, 19. Steel wire ring, 20. Positioning pin, 21. Riveting edge. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 4 An air spring with damping function is shown, comprising an air bladder 1 and a piston assembly. An end plate 2 is connected to the upper part of the air bladder 1 and to the piston assembly at the lower part. An air pipe connector 3 is connected to the end plate 2; the air pipe connector 3 is hollow and communicates with the interior of the air bladder 1. A limiting block 4 is provided inside the air bladder 1. A support frame 5 is mounted on the end face of the end plate 2 facing the interior of the air bladder 1. A first auxiliary air chamber 6 exists between the support frame 5 and the end plate 2. A first damping hole 7 penetrates the middle of the support frame 5, connecting the first auxiliary air chamber 6 to the interior of the air bladder 1. During the expansion and contraction of the air bladder 1, gas flows between the interior of the air bladder 1 and the first auxiliary air chamber 6 through the first damping hole 7. Due to the presence of the first damping hole 7, the gas encounters resistance during flow, thus slowing down the gas flow velocity. This reduced flow velocity allows some mechanical energy to be converted into heat energy, thereby achieving a damping effect. Simultaneously, the presence of the first auxiliary air chamber 6 increases the gas flow path and capacity, further enhancing the damping effect.

[0026] The limiting block 4 is installed on the end face of the support frame 5 facing the piston assembly. A first gas flow hole 8 passes through the center of the limiting block 4, connecting the damping hole to the interior of the airbag 1. The limiting block 4 serves two purposes: first, it restricts the upward movement of the piston assembly to a certain extent, preventing direct collision between the piston assembly and the airbag 1 in extreme situations, thus protecting the air spring from damage. Second, in addition to protecting the piston assembly, it also protects the support frame 5, preventing collision between the piston assembly and the support frame 5 in extreme situations, allowing the first auxiliary air chamber 6 to stably store and circulate gas. The first gas flow hole 8 on the limiting block 4 not only connects the damping hole to the interior of the airbag 1 but also enhances the damping effect of the damping hole.

[0027] The piston assembly includes a hollow outer shell 9. An upper cover plate 10 is welded to the upper end of the outer shell 9, and a lower base plate 11 is welded to the lower end. An inner ring wall 12 is provided between the upper cover plate 10 and the lower base plate 11. The inner ring wall 12 and the outer shell 9 form a second auxiliary air chamber 13. The inner ring wall 12 itself forms a third auxiliary air chamber 14. The upper cover plate 10 has a second damping hole 15 corresponding to the second auxiliary air chamber 13. The inner ring wall 12 has a second gas flow hole 16 that connects the second auxiliary air chamber 13 and the third auxiliary air chamber 14. Compared to the prior art, the addition of the third auxiliary air chamber 14 enhances the damping effect. Specifically, according to the change in air pressure inside the airbag 1, gas flows into the second auxiliary air chamber 13 through the second damping hole 15. Due to the presence of the second damping hole 15, the gas encounters a certain resistance during flow, thereby achieving a damping effect. The gas in the second auxiliary air chamber 13 flows into the third auxiliary air chamber 14 through the second gas flow hole 16. Similarly, due to the design of the second gas flow hole 16, the gas will also encounter certain resistance during the flow process, further enhancing the damping effect.

[0028] The outer casing 9 has a connecting flange 17 at the end facing the interior of the airbag 1. An anti-disengagement hook 18 is provided at the upper end of the connecting flange 17. The lower end of the airbag 1 is sealed and fitted onto the connecting flange 17, and a steel wire ring 19 is connected to the lower end of the airbag 1. The main function of the connecting flange 17 is to provide a plane for sealing connection with the lower end of the airbag 1, ensuring that there is no gas leakage between the airbag 1 and the piston assembly. Simultaneously, the connecting flange 17 also supports and fixes the airbag 1, allowing it to be stably mounted on the piston assembly. The main function of the anti-disengagement hook 18 is to prevent the airbag 1 from detaching from the connecting flange 17 when the air pressure is too high or when subjected to external impact. The steel wire ring 19 is placed between the airbag 1 and the connecting flange 17 to enhance the reliability of the connection between the airbag 1 and the connecting flange 17.

[0029] The end plate 2 has two sets of mounting holes. One set of mounting holes is welded with an air pipe connector 3, and the other set of mounting holes is welded with a positioning pin 20. The outer ring of the end plate 2 has a riveting edge 21 that curls towards the airbag 1. The upper end of the airbag 1 is inserted into the riveting edge 21, and a steel wire ring 19 is also connected to the upper end of the airbag 1. The mating relationship between the riveting edge 21 and the upper end of the airbag 1 securely fixes the upper end of the airbag 1 to the end plate 2. The steel wire ring 19 is placed between the airbag 1 and the end plate 2 to enhance the reliability of the connection between the airbag 1 and the end plate 2. The positioning pin 20 is used for installation positioning when the end plate 2 is connected to the vehicle body.

[0030] In this embodiment, when the airbag 1 expands and contracts under external pressure, the gas inside the airbag 1 flows into or out of the first auxiliary air chamber 6 through the first damping hole 7, into or out of the second auxiliary air chamber 13 through the second damping hole 15, and into or out of the third auxiliary air chamber 14 through the second gas flow hole 16. The design of the first damping hole 7 and the second damping hole 15 both increase the resistance to gas flow, converting some mechanical energy into heat energy, thereby achieving a damping effect.

Claims

1. An air spring with damping function, comprising an air bladder and a piston assembly, wherein an end plate is connected to the upper part of the air bladder and to the lower part of the piston assembly, the end plate is connected to an air pipe connector, the air pipe connector is hollow and communicates with the interior of the air bladder, and a limiting block is provided inside the air bladder, characterized in that: A support frame is installed on the end face of the end plate facing the inside of the airbag. A first additional air chamber exists between the support frame and the end plate. A first damping hole passes through the middle of the support frame, and the first damping hole connects the first additional air chamber to the inside of the airbag.

2. The air spring with damping function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting block is installed on the end face of the support frame facing the piston assembly. A first gas flow hole is passed through the middle of the limiting block, which connects the damping hole to the inside of the airbag.

3. The air spring with damping function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The piston assembly includes a hollow outer shell. An upper cover plate is welded to the upper end of the outer shell, and a lower base plate is welded to the lower end. An inner ring wall is provided between the upper cover plate and the lower base plate. The inner ring wall and the outer shell form a second auxiliary air chamber. The inner ring wall itself forms a third auxiliary air chamber. The upper cover plate is provided with a second damping hole corresponding to the second auxiliary air chamber. The inner ring wall is provided with a second gas flow hole that can connect the second auxiliary air chamber and the third auxiliary air chamber.

4. An air spring with damping function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer shell has a connecting flange at the end facing the inside of the airbag. The upper end of the connecting flange has an anti-disengagement hook. The lower end of the airbag is sealed on the connecting flange, and the lower end of the airbag is connected to a steel wire ring.

5. An air spring with damping function according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The end plate is provided with two sets of mounting holes. A set of air pipe connectors is welded to one set of mounting holes, and a positioning pin is welded to the other set of mounting holes. The outer ring of the end plate is provided with a riveting edge that rolls towards the airbag. The upper end of the airbag is inserted into the riveting edge, and the upper end of the airbag is also connected to a steel wire ring.

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