Air spring, suspension system and vehicle
By designing a dust cover, bottom cover, and piston within the air spring to form a closed cavity, the problem of airbag damage caused by foreign objects entering is solved, thus improving the safety of the air spring and the lifespan of the suspension system.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423324331.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing air springs are susceptible to damage from foreign objects such as water, stones, and dust entering through the vents, which can reduce the safety and lifespan of the suspension system.
Design an air spring including a dust cover, a bottom cover and a piston to form a closed cavity. A ventilation hole connects the first cavity and the closed cavity. The bottom cover has no ventilation opening. The dust cover is connected to the protrusion through an elastic snap-fit part. The guide part is provided with secondary protection to ensure that foreign objects cannot easily enter the air spring.
It effectively prevents foreign objects from entering the airbag, improves the safety of the air spring, extends the life of the suspension system, and ensures that the airbag is not easily damaged.
Smart Images

Figure CN223662443U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle suspension, and in particular to an air spring, a suspension system, and a vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] The suspension system is an important component of a car, mainly used to support the weight of the vehicle body, absorb and mitigate impacts from the ground, so as to ensure smooth driving, ride comfort, and vehicle handling stability.
[0003] Suspension systems include springs. With the continuous development of automotive technology, air springs are being used more widely in the suspension systems of various vehicle models. Air springs provide support through compressed air. They consist of a soft rubber container filled with air (such as an airbag), and the spring stiffness can be adjusted according to the vehicle's load, thus providing a more stable suspension effect and comfort. Compared to traditional metal springs, air springs can reduce vehicle vibration on bumpy roads and allow for adjustment of the vehicle's ground clearance.
[0004] Air springs on the market usually have their vents located on the bottom cover. During vehicle operation, water, stones, dust, and other foreign objects on the ground can easily enter the air spring through the vents, which can easily damage the air spring, reduce its safety, and shorten the lifespan of the suspension system. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the technical problem of existing air springs being easily damaged. This invention provides an air spring that reduces the risk of foreign objects such as water, stones, and dust from the ground entering the air spring, avoids friction damage between the air spring's air bladder and foreign objects, improves the safety of the air spring, and can extend the life of the suspension system.
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, an embodiment of this utility model discloses an air spring, comprising:
[0007] A piston includes a first cavity and a vent hole. The first cavity includes a first opening that communicates with the atmosphere. The vent hole is located on the cavity wall of the first cavity.
[0008] An airbag is located on the side of the piston away from the first opening;
[0009] The bottom cover has an air bladder located between it and the piston, and the bottom cover does not have a vent.
[0010] A dust cover, one end of which is connected to the piston and the other end of which is connected to the bottom cover, together forming a closed cavity. The ventilation hole connects the first cavity and the closed cavity.
[0011] The above technical solution uses a dust cover, a bottom cover, and a piston to form a closed cavity. Ventilation holes are provided in the wall of the first cavity to connect it to the closed cavity. Therefore, during use, for example, when the dust cover is compressed, excess gas in the closed cavity can be discharged through the ventilation holes, or when the dust cover is stretched, air can be added to the closed cavity through the ventilation holes. Meanwhile, since there are no ventilation openings on the bottom cover, there is no need to worry about water, stones, dust, or other foreign objects on the ground entering the air spring through the ventilation holes and damaging the airbag. Furthermore, in the above technical solution provided in this application, even if foreign objects accidentally enter the first cavity, they are unlikely to enter the closed cavity through the ventilation holes and damage the airbag. Therefore, the air spring is less prone to damage, further improving its safety.
[0012] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, an air spring is disclosed, wherein the piston includes a plurality of ventilation holes, which are spaced apart on the cavity wall.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution and setting multiple ventilation holes, the efficiency of exhaust or intake can be improved.
[0014] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, an air spring is disclosed, including an elastic bladder. One end of the elastic bladder is connected to the bottom wall of the first cavity, and the other end is connected to the bottom cover, together forming the air bladder.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the airbag and the first cavity are separated by the bottom wall of the piston. Even if foreign objects such as water, stones, and dust on the ground enter the first cavity, they will not damage the airbag, thus further improving the safety of the airbag.
[0016] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, an air spring is disclosed, including a protrusion disposed on the cavity wall and surrounding the first opening, wherein the cavity wall and the dust cover are connected.
[0017] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, an air spring is disclosed, wherein the dust cover includes an elastic snap-fit portion, which snaps onto the protrusion.
[0018] Using the above technical solution, the dust cover is snapped onto the protrusion via an elastic snap-fit part, making it easy to install and remove the dust cover.
[0019] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, an air spring is disclosed, including an air inlet, which is disposed above the protrusion and communicates with the air bag for inflating or deflating the air bag.
[0020] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, an air spring is disclosed, including a guide portion, the guide portion including a second opening and a side wall. In the closed cavity, the second opening is arranged around the cavity wall, the side wall is spaced apart from the cavity wall and surrounds to form a second cavity, the ventilation hole connects the first cavity and the second cavity, and the second opening connects the second cavity and the closed cavity.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution and setting the guide part, it can be ensured that the air spring can move smoothly when compressed or stretched. The side wall and the cavity wall are spaced apart and enclosed to form a second cavity. When foreign objects such as water, stones, and dust on the ground enter the first cavity, even if the foreign objects are discharged from the first cavity through the ventilation hole, they will immediately enter the second cavity. That is, the guide part can also play a secondary protection role for the airbag and prevent the airbag from being damaged by foreign objects.
[0022] The present invention also discloses a suspension system, which includes at least the air spring described in any of the above embodiments.
[0023] The present invention also discloses a vehicle, wherein the suspension system includes at least the suspension system and chassis described in the above embodiments, and the suspension system is disposed on the chassis.
[0024] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a vehicle in which the first opening of the piston is provided on the side of the suspension system facing away from the bottom of the chassis, and the bottom of the chassis is provided facing the ground.
[0025] With the above technical solution, the first opening is located on the side of the suspension system facing away from the bottom of the chassis, and the bottom of the chassis is facing the ground. That is, the first opening is not facing the ground, which can further prevent foreign objects such as water, stones, and dust on the ground from easily entering the first cavity through the first opening. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of the vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.
[0027] Figure 2 A perspective view of the bottom cover of an air spring provided in some embodiments is shown.
[0028] Figure 3A three-dimensional schematic diagram of an air spring provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.
[0029] Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the piston of the air spring provided in the embodiment of this application is shown.
[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the piston and dust cover of the air spring provided in this application embodiment is shown.
[0031] Figure 5a A schematic diagram of the air intake path of the enclosed cavity of the air spring provided in the embodiment of this application is shown.
[0032] Figure 5b A schematic diagram of the exhaust path of the enclosed cavity of the air spring provided in the embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of this utility model will be presented in conjunction with preferred embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this utility model are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the utility model in conjunction with the embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of this utility model. To provide a deep understanding of this utility model, many specific details will be included in the following description. This utility model may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of this utility model, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.
[0034] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0035] In the description of this embodiment, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the utility model product is usually placed in during use. They are only for the convenience of describing the utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the utility model.
[0036] The terms “first”, “second”, etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0037] In the description of this embodiment, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment based on the specific circumstances.
[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0039] See Figure 1 This application provides a vehicle including a suspension system 10 and a chassis 20. The suspension system 10 is fixed to the chassis 20 and suspended between the wheels 30 and the vehicle body 40. The chassis 20 provides the necessary support and structural foundation for the suspension system 10, and the bottom of the chassis 20 faces the ground. The suspension system 10 typically includes components such as springs (e.g., air springs 11) and shock absorbers 12. Common types of springs include leaf springs, coil springs, and hydraulic springs. Shock absorbers are used to control the spring travel to maintain the stability of the vehicle body 40 and absorb vibrations and bumps. With the development of vehicle technology, existing springs cannot meet people's needs for vehicle comfort, etc., therefore air springs are gradually being used more widely.
[0040] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 The suspension system 10 includes an air spring 11, one end of which is connected to the vehicle body 40, and the other end is connected to a shock absorber 12. Exemplarily, the air spring 11 includes a bottom cover 111, on which five vents 1111 are spaced apart, and the interior of the air spring 11 communicates with the atmosphere through the vents 1111. Exemplarily, the vents 1111 are oriented towards the ground; this embodiment does not limit the number of vents 1111.
[0041] With this design, during vehicle operation, water, stones, dust, and other foreign objects on the ground can easily enter the air spring 11 through the ventilation vent 1111, which can easily damage the air spring 11, reduce the safety of the air spring 11, and shorten the lifespan of the suspension system 10.
[0042] Based on this, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 and combined Figure 1This application provides an air spring 11, including a bottom cover 111, a piston 112, an airbag 113, and a dust cover 114. The piston 112 includes a first cavity 1121 and a ventilation hole 1122. The first cavity 1121 includes a first opening 1123, which communicates with the atmosphere. The ventilation hole 1122 is located on the cavity wall 1124 of the first cavity 1121. Exemplarily, the first opening 1123 is located on the side of the suspension system 10 facing away from the bottom of the chassis 20, and the first opening 1123 is not oriented towards the ground. This further prevents water, stones, dust, and other foreign objects from the ground from easily entering the first cavity 1121 through the first opening 1123. Along the first direction X, the ventilation hole 1122 is located on the upper part of the cavity wall 1124 away from the ground.
[0043] For example, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and combined Figure 1 Along the first direction Z, an airbag 113 is located on the side of the piston 112 away from the first opening 1123, and the airbag 113 is located between the bottom cover 111 and the piston 112. The bottom cover 111 does not have a vent. One end of the dust cover 114 is connected to the piston 112, and the other end is connected to the bottom cover 111, together forming a closed cavity 1141. A vent 1122 connects the first cavity 1121 and the closed cavity 1141. Exemplarily, the piston 112 can reciprocate along the first direction Z, and the dust cover 114 can switch between a compressed state, a stretched state, and a restored state.
[0044] like Figure 5 , Figure 5b As shown, along the first direction Z, when the piston 112 moves downward, the dust cover 114 is in a compressed state. At this time, the gas in the sealed cavity 1141 flows along... Figure 5b In the direction indicated by the middle arrow b, the air is discharged into the atmosphere through the ventilation hole 1122, the first cavity 1121, and the first opening 1123 in sequence.
[0045] like Figure 5 , Figure 5a As shown, along the first direction Z, when the piston 112 moves upward, the dust cover 114 is in a stretched state, at which time the external gas flows along... Figure 5a In the direction indicated by the middle arrow a, the material is sequentially fed into the closed cavity 1141 through the first opening 1123, the first cavity 1121, and the ventilation hole 1122. Furthermore, when the piston 112 stops moving, the dust cover 114 is in its restored state, at which point the closed cavity 1141 remains connected to the atmosphere.
[0046] Using the above technical solution, the dust cover 114, the bottom cover 111, and the piston 112 together form a closed cavity 1141. A ventilation hole 1122 is provided on the cavity wall 1124 of the first cavity 1121 to connect the first cavity 1121 and the closed cavity 1141. Therefore, during use, for example, when the dust cover 114 is in a compressed state, excess gas in the closed cavity 1141 can be discharged through the ventilation hole 1122, or when the dust cover 114 is in a stretched state, air can be supplied to the closed cavity 1141 through the ventilation hole 1122. Meanwhile, since the bottom cover 111 does not have a ventilation port 1111, there is no need to worry about water, stones, dust, or other foreign objects on the ground entering the air spring 11 through the ventilation port 1111 and damaging the airbag 113.
[0047] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, even if a foreign object accidentally enters the first cavity 1121, it is difficult for it to enter the closed cavity 1141 through the ventilation hole 1122 and damage the airbag 113. Therefore, the air spring 11 is not easily damaged, which further improves the safety of the air spring 11 and can extend the life of the suspension system 10.
[0048] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 The piston 112 includes two ventilation holes 1122, which are circumferentially spaced on the cavity wall 1124. It is understood that the number of ventilation holes 1122 in this embodiment is not limited, and may be, for example, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.
[0049] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 The air spring 11 includes an elastic bladder 115. One end of the elastic bladder 115 is connected to the bottom wall 11211 of the first cavity 1121, and the other end is connected to the bottom cover 111, together forming an airbag 113. The elastic bladder 115 is usually made of rubber material. If it comes into direct contact with foreign objects such as stones, it may be torn, causing the airbag 113 to fail, thus causing the entire air spring 11 to lose its cushioning and shock absorption function.
[0050] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5The air spring 11 includes a protrusion 116, which is disposed on the cavity wall 1124 and surrounds the first opening 1123. The cavity wall 1124 is connected to the dust cover 114. Exemplarily, the piston 112 is annularly arranged with the first opening 1123, and the protrusion 116 is also annularly arranged. It is understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the shape of the piston 112 and the protrusion 116. Exemplarily, the protrusion 116 can be a flange, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.
[0051] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 The dust cover 114 includes a resilient snap-fit portion 1142, which snaps onto the protrusion 116. The dust cover 114 is used to prevent dust, impurities, and other small particles from entering the air spring 11 during operation, thereby reducing wear on the air spring 11 and extending its service life. The dust cover 114 is typically made of corrosion-resistant, high-strength materials such as plastic or rubber.
[0052] Exemplarily, the elastic snap-fit portion 1142 includes a snap-fit groove 1143. Simply snapping the protrusion 116 into the snap-fit groove 1143 connects the dust cover 114 to the piston 112. In some embodiments, the air spring 11 includes an air inlet 117, located above the protrusion 116. The air inlet 117 communicates with the airbag 113 and is used to inflate or deflate the airbag 113. When the airbag 113 is inflated, the piston 112 moves upward relative to the airbag 113 along the first direction Z, and the dust cover 114 is in a stretched state. When the airbag 113 is deflated, the piston 112 moves downward relative to the airbag 113 along the first direction Z, and the dust cover 114 is in a compressed state.
[0053] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 The air spring 11 includes a guide portion 118, which includes a second opening 1181 and a side wall 1182. Inside the closed cavity 1141, the second opening 1181 is arranged around the cavity wall 1124. Along the second direction Y, the side wall 1182 is spaced apart from the cavity wall 1124 and surrounds it to form a second cavity 1183. The ventilation hole 1122 connects the first cavity 1121 and the second cavity 1183. The second opening 1181 connects the second cavity 1183 and the closed cavity 1141.
[0054] For example, when the piston 112 moves downward, the dust cover 114 is in a compressed state. At this time, the gas in the closed cavity 1141 is discharged to the atmosphere through the second cavity 1183, the ventilation hole 1122, the first cavity 1121, and the first opening 1123 in sequence. Along the first direction Z, when the piston 112 moves upward, the dust cover 114 is in a stretched state. At this time, the external gas is sent into the closed cavity 1141 through the first opening 1123, the first cavity 1121, the ventilation hole 1122, and the second cavity 1183 in sequence.
[0055] By setting the guide part 118, it can be ensured that the air spring 11 can move smoothly when compressed or stretched. The side wall 1182 and the cavity wall 1124 are spaced apart and enclosed to form the second cavity 1183. When foreign objects such as water, stones, and dust on the ground enter the first cavity 1121, even if the foreign objects are discharged from the first cavity 1121 through the ventilation hole 1122, they will immediately enter the second cavity 1183. That is, the guide part 118 can also play a secondary protection role for the airbag 113, preventing the airbag 113 from being damaged by foreign objects.
[0056] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the above description is a further detailed explanation of the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiments, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the present invention to these descriptions. Those skilled in the art can make various changes in form and detail, including some simple deductions or substitutions, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An air spring, characterized in that, include: A piston includes a first cavity and a vent hole. The first cavity includes a first opening that communicates with the atmosphere. The vent hole is located on the cavity wall of the first cavity. An airbag is located on the side of the piston away from the first opening; The bottom cover has an air bladder located between it and the piston, and the bottom cover does not have a vent. A dust cover, one end of which is connected to the piston and the other end of which is connected to the bottom cover, together forming a closed cavity. The ventilation hole connects the first cavity and the closed cavity.
2. The air spring as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The piston includes a plurality of ventilation holes, which are spaced apart on the cavity wall.
3. The air spring as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes an elastic bladder, one end of which is connected to the bottom wall of the first cavity and the other end is connected to the bottom cover, together forming the airbag.
4. The air spring as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a protrusion, which is disposed on the cavity wall and surrounds the first opening. The cavity wall and the dust cover are connected to the protrusion.
5. The air spring as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The dust cover includes an elastic snap-fit portion that snaps onto the protrusion.
6. The air spring as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, It includes an air inlet, which is located above the protrusion and communicates with the airbag for inflating or deflating the airbag.
7. The air spring as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The device includes a guide portion, which includes a second opening and a sidewall. In the closed cavity, the second opening is arranged around the cavity wall, and the sidewall is spaced apart from the cavity wall and surrounds it to form a second cavity. The ventilation hole connects the first cavity and the second cavity, and the second opening connects the second cavity and the closed cavity.
8. A suspension system, characterized in that, Including the air spring as described in any one of claims 1-7.
9. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes the suspension system and chassis as described in claim 8, wherein the suspension system is disposed on the chassis.
10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The first opening of the piston is located on the side of the suspension system facing away from the bottom of the chassis, with the bottom of the chassis facing the ground.