Damper

Abstract

The utility model provides a damper. The damper comprises an inner pipe and an outer pipe, wherein at least part of the inner pipe defines a fluid chamber; an intermediate tube surrounding the inner tube and defining an intermediate chamber between the inner tube and the intermediate tube, the fluid chamber in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber; an outer tube surrounding the intermediate tube and defining a reserve chamber between the intermediate tube and the outer tube, the outer tube including an aperture extending through the outer tube; a valve positioned outside the outer tube and arranged to provide a fluid passage through the orifice, the fluid passage connecting the fluid chamber and the reserve chamber; and a sleeve fluidly interconnecting the valve and the intermediate chamber, a length of the sleeve based on a distance between the outer tube and the intermediate tube. According to the damper, the overall size of the sleeve can be reduced to the maximum extent, and meanwhile low cost and easy manufacturability are kept.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model relates to a check valve for a damper. BACKGROUND

[0002] Damper is a useful component in the field of vehicle suspension, for improving vehicle stability, running safety and passenger comfort. Damper can be configured as a mechanical device, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device or an electromagnetic device. Damper used in vehicles is usually designed as a double tube device or a single tube device. Single tube damper can include one tube and two pistons translating within the tube. Double tube damper can include two concentric cylindrical tubes. The inner tube defines a pressure chamber, which is divided into two working chambers by the pistons. The working chambers can be referred to as compression chamber and rebound chamber. The outer tube defines a reserve chamber. In addition, there is usually at least one valve arranged in the inner tube, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow into or out of the working chambers. When the pistons move up and down in the inner tube, hydraulic fluid flows between the compression chamber, the rebound chamber and the reserve chamber via one or more valves to convert input energy into heat.

[0003] Some challenges exist with double tube dampers include providing a valve that is operable to create minimal restriction to fluid flow into the rebound chamber while the damper is working in compression mode, while also being structurally robust. To function properly, the same valve must also prevent fluid flow in the opposite direction, thereby functioning as a check valve. At least some known valves are overly complex, overly bulky or overly restrictive to fluid flow. Therefore, there is a need for a new and improved damper with a check valve. SUMMARY

[0004] To at least address the technical problem of known prior art valves being overly complex, overly bulky or overly restrictive to fluid flow, the present utility model provides a damper comprising: an inner tube at least partially defining a fluid chamber; an intermediate tube surrounding the inner tube and defining an intermediate chamber in fluid communication with the fluid chamber between the inner tube and the intermediate tube; an outer tube surrounding the intermediate tube and defining a reserve chamber between the intermediate tube and the outer tube, the outer tube including an orifice extending through the outer tube; a valve positioned outside the outer tube and arranged to provide a fluid passageway through the orifice of the outer tube connecting the fluid chamber and the reserve chamber; and a sleeve fluidly interconnecting the valve and the intermediate chamber, a length of the sleeve based on a distance between the outer tube and the intermediate tube.

[0005] In some embodiments, the sleeve extends uninterrupted through the reserve chamber.

[0006] In some embodiments, the valve includes a check valve assembly comprising a cap, a body, a disc and a spring, wherein the cap and the body define a cavity receiving the disc and the spring, the body including a plurality of passageways closed by the disc.

[0007] In some embodiments, the body includes a central aperture extending through the body, and the sleeve is disposed within the central aperture at one end.

[0008] In some embodiments, the spring forces the disc into contact with the seat surrounding each passage when the check valve is closed.

[0009] In some embodiments, each passage of the plurality of passages is spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction, and the plurality of passages surrounds the central aperture.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cap includes an aperture aligned with the central aperture, and the disc includes an aperture aligned with the central aperture.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cap includes a protrusion, and the spring is aligned relative to the cap via the protrusion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sleeve is constructed of a different material than the material of the body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the intermediate tube includes a first intermediate tube spaced apart from a second intermediate tube, and an interface element interconnecting the first intermediate tube and the second intermediate tube, the sleeve being secured to the interface element.

[0014] The damper of the present application can minimize the overall size of the sleeve while maintaining low cost and ease of manufacture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a damper constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present application and operating in compression mode;

[0016] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the damper operating in rebound mode; Figure 1

[0017] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve of an exemplary damper;

[0018] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the check valve shown in Figure 3

[0019] Figure 5 is another exploded perspective view of the check valve shown in Figure 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] ​​​Example implementations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of implementations of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art having the benefit of details, alternative implementations can be practiced without one or more of the specific details. Neither should the implementation be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "engaged to", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on", "directly engaged to", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example implementations.

[0023] Spatially relative terms, such as "in", "at", "on", "above", "below", "below", "upper", "lower", and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element's or feature's relation to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms can be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0024] With reference toFigure 1 A portion of an exemplary damper constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is shown at reference numeral 10. 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 sealingly interconnects the first intermediate tube 14 and the second intermediate tube 16. It should be appreciated that while the drawings show a three-piece intermediate tube constructed as an assembly of the first intermediate tube 14, the second intermediate tube 16, and the interface element 22, a single-piece intermediate tube or a two-piece intermediate tube is considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] The outer tube 18 defines a reserve chamber 24 between the outer tube 18 and the combined portion of the first intermediate tube 14, the second intermediate tube 16, and the interface element 22. The 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 a rebound chamber and a second working chamber 34 referred to as a compression chamber. The piston 30 can include a passage (not shown) extending therethrough with an associated valve.

[0026] The interface element 22 is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis 20 and circumscribes the inner tube 12. The interface element 22 is axially disposed between and sealingly secured to the first intermediate tube 14 and the second intermediate tube 16. The interface element 22, the first intermediate tube 14, and the second intermediate tube 16 together define a first intermediate chamber 44 and a second intermediate chamber 46. The interface element 22 includes a sealing element 60 with a groove 62 in which a gasket 66 is disposed. The gasket 66 sealingly interfaces the interface element 22 and an outer surface 68 of the inner tube 12. The gasket 66 is positioned to at least partially define the first intermediate chamber 44 and the second intermediate chamber 46.

[0027] The damper 10 further includes a first valve 70 arranged to form a fluid connection between the second working chamber 34 and the reserve chamber 24. A second valve 74 is arranged to form a fluid connection between the first working chamber 32 and the reserve chamber 24. The inner tube includes a plurality of orifices 76 that fluidly connect the second working chamber 34 with the second intermediate chamber 46. Similarly, the first working chamber 32 is in fluid communication with the first intermediate chamber 44 via a further plurality of orifices (not shown) extending through the inner tube 12.

[0028] A bottom valve 80 is arranged at the bottom of the second working chamber 34. The bottom valve 80 is operable to selectively form a fluid connection between the second working chamber 34 and the reserve chamber 24.

[0029] The first valve 70 includes a housing 84 coupled to the outer tube 18 and a delivery tube 88 coupled to the interface member 22. The interface member 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 internal cavity 96 of the housing 84. Opening the first valve 70 places the second working chamber 34 in fluid communication with the reserve chamber 24 via the plurality of orifices 76, the 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. Accordingly, the first valve 70 can include an electrical receptacle 98 to facilitate receiving a control signal.

[0030] The second valve 74 includes a housing 100 coupled to the outer tube 18. The second valve 74 includes an electro-hydraulic valve 102 operable to selectively allow fluid to pass therethrough when the damper 10 is operating in the rebound mode, as shown. Figure 2 The second valve 74 also includes a check valve 104 operable to allow fluid to pass therethrough in only one direction when the damper 10 is operating in the compression mode, as shown. Figure 1 A sleeve 106 fluidly interconnects the first intermediate chamber 44 and the check valve 104. The interface member 22 includes a second port 108 that receives a first end 110 of the sleeve 106. Fluid can pass through the sleeve 106 and the second port 108. The outer tube 18 includes a second orifice 112 aligned with an internal cavity 116 of the housing 100. Opening the second valve 74 places the first working chamber 32 in fluid communication with the reserve chamber 24 via an orifice (not shown) extending through the inner tube 12, the first intermediate chamber 44, the sleeve 106, and the second orifice 112. As noted, the second valve 74 can be configured as an electro-hydraulic valve. Accordingly, the second valve 74 can include an electrical receptacle 118 to facilitate receiving a control signal.

[0031] The check valve 104 is also positioned within the housing 100. The check valve 104 is shown as a passive valve including a cap 124, a body 128, a disc 132, and a spring 136 in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The second end 138 of the sleeve 106 is secured to the body 128 in a press fit arrangement. The cap 124 includes a cylindrical wall 140 and an end wall 142. An orifice 146 extends through the end wall 142. A ledge 148 surrounds the orifice 146 and extends inwardly from the end wall 142. The ledge 148 functions as a centering adjustment for the spring 136.

[0032] The body 128 is cylindrical in shape, including an outer surface 152, a first end 156, and an opposite second end 160. A central passage 162 extends through the body 128 and is aligned with a transverse axis 164. The body 128 includes a cylindrical guide surface 166 at the second end 160 and an annular platform 168. The guide surface 166 of the body 128 is secured to the cap 124 by a press fit. An end face 172 of the cylindrical wall 140 engages the platform 168.

[0033] The body 128 also includes a plurality of passages 176 spaced circumferentially. The passages 176 can be arcuate slots as shown in the drawings or any other suitable shape. The body 128 includes an inner seat 178 that is inscribed within each passage 176. The body 128 also includes an outer seat 180 that circumferentially surrounds each passage 176. Due to the geometric complexity of the body 128, it can be beneficial to construct the component using a sintering process. The body 128 can be composed of FC-0208 made of iron and copper or copper and steel. It is contemplated that the body 128 can also be composed of any suitable sintered or machined material.

[0034] The disc 132 is a flexible member having an outer cylindrical surface 182 that is shaped to fit closely to an inner surface 184 of the cylindrical wall 140. The disc 132 includes a first surface 186 and an opposite second surface 190. The first surface 186 is positioned to engage each seat 180 when the check valve 104 is closed. The disc 132 includes a bore 192 aligned along the transverse axis 164. The thickness of the disc 132 can be varied if desired to vary the valve characteristics.

[0035] The spring 136 includes a first end 194 and an opposite second end 196. The spring 136 can be tapered in shape to purposefully allow the coils to nest within each other when compressed. The first end 194 engages the cap 124 and is aligned along the transverse axis 164 by the projection 148. The second end 196 engages the second surface 190 of the disc 132 to bias the disc 132 into engagement with each seat 180. The check valve 104 restricts fluid flow through the passages 176 in a direction opposite the direction of fluid flow shown. It can be beneficial to construct a set of springs similar to each other but at different rates to allow adjustment of the valve response such as the intake opening pressure. The stiffness of the spring can vary by material type, wire diameter, number of coils, etc. Figure 1

[0036] ​The sleeve 106 is shaped as a hollow right circular cylinder including a first end 110 and an opposite second end 138. The first end 110 is positioned within the central passage 162 and is secured to the main body 128 in a press fit arrangement. The second end 138 of the sleeve 106 is positioned within the second port 108 of the interface member 22. The seal 206 circumscribes the sleeve 106. The sleeve 106 is a relatively thin walled member that includes a hole 208 that is five times the size of the wall thickness of the sleeve 106. It is important to maintain the size of the hole 208 in order to achieve the desired fluid flow characteristics through the second valve 74. It should also be appreciated that the sleeve 106 is constructed of a metal that has superior mechanical material properties. If the sleeve 106 were constructed as part of the sintered main body 128, concerns arise regarding the repeatability of properly compacting the sintered material along the entire thin walled structure to achieve the desired mechanical properties. The use of a separate thin walled sleeve allows the valve designer to minimize the overall size of the sleeve 106 while maximizing the size of the hole 208. The sleeve 106 is constructed as a separate component from the main body 128 to achieve these goals while maintaining low cost and ease of manufacture.

[0037] Another advantage is that the sleeve 106 is manufactured as a separate component from the main body 128 in view of the fact that damper tube sizes are not uniform. The size of the damper is determined based on the specific vehicle mounting 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. In view of the fact that tube sizes vary, the size of the interface member 22 can also vary. As such, it is contemplated to construct several second valves 74 that are substantially identical to one another, differing only in the length of the sleeve 106. In view of the fact that tube diameters and interface member sizes are not uniform, the length of each sleeve 106 is customized.

[0038] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the application, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the application can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this application includes particular examples, the true scope of the application should not be limited to such examples. The methods and apparatuses of the application will find use in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, the use of the methods and apparatuses described herein in connection with the manufacture of a variety of products. The true scope of the application should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled, in the context of the foregoing description. It is understood that one or more steps within a method can be executed in different order (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the application. Also, although each of the embodiments describes a particular example, various modifications can be made to the embodiments described and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the principles of the application. For example, the methods described can be performed in a different order, or the components described, presented or adapted can be used in other combinations, and the inclusion of one feature does not exclude the presence of another. Additionally, any of a number of methods of making or using the methods and apparatuses described can be used. For example, the steps can be performed in sequence, or a singular step can be performed or divided into separate steps.

Claims

1. A damper characterized by, including: an inner tube at least partially defining a fluid chamber; an intermediate tube surrounding the inner tube and defining an intermediate chamber between the inner tube and the intermediate tube, the fluid chamber being in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber; an outer tube surrounding the intermediate tube and defining a reserve chamber between the intermediate tube and the outer tube, the outer tube including an orifice extending through the outer tube; a valve positioned external to the outer tube and arranged to provide a fluid passageway through the orifice, the fluid passageway connecting the fluid chamber and the reserve chamber; and a sleeve fluidly interconnecting the valve and the intermediate chamber, a length of the sleeve being based on a distance between the outer tube and the intermediate tube. The sleeve extends uninterrupted through the reserve chamber.

2. The damper of claim 1, wherein The valve includes a check valve assembly including a cap, a body, a disc, and a spring, wherein the cap and the body define a cavity that receives the disc and the spring, the body including a plurality of passageways closed by the disc.

3. The damper of claim 1, wherein The body includes a central orifice extending through the body, an end of the sleeve being disposed within the central orifice.

4. The damper of claim 3, wherein When the check valve is closed, the spring forces the disc into contact with a seat surrounding each passageway.

5. The damper of claim 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of passageways is circumferentially spaced apart from one another, and the plurality of passageways surrounds the central orifice.

6. The damper of claim 4, wherein, The cap includes an orifice aligned with the central orifice, and the disc includes an orifice aligned with the central orifice.

7. The damper of claim 4, wherein The cap includes a protrusion, and the spring is aligned relative to the cap via the protrusion.

8. The damper of claim 3, wherein, The sleeve is constructed of a different material than a material of the body.

9. The damper of claim 3, wherein, The intermediate tube includes a first intermediate tube spaced apart from a second intermediate tube, and an interface element interconnecting the first intermediate tube and the second intermediate tube, the sleeve being secured to the interface element.

10. The damper of claim 1, wherein, ​

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