Air spring and shock absorber

Abstract

The utility model relates to an air spring and a shock absorber. The air spring comprises a cylindrical spring piston, a cylindrical spring tray and an annular sealing ring, the spring piston comprises a piston bottom end section located at the axial end, and the spring tray comprises a cylindrical tray body and a flange protruding towards the radial outer side at the axial end of the tray body. The piston bottom end section is mounted on the radial outer side of the tray body and axially abuts against the flange, so that the axial extension ranges of the piston bottom end section and the tray body are at least partially overlapped with each other, and the sealing ring is mounted between the piston bottom end section and the radial direction of the tray body. Both the piston bottom end section and the tray body have, in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, non-perfect circular contours matching each other in at least a portion of an area of overlap of the axial extension of the piston bottom end section and the tray body, the non-perfect circular contours having a radius non-uniform in the circumferential direction. The air spring and the shock absorber provided by the utility model have improved structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology. Specifically, it relates to an air spring and a shock absorber including such an air spring. Background Technology

[0002] The chassis and axles of a motor vehicle are connected by a suspension system, which typically includes shock absorbers to cushion vehicle vibrations. Some shock absorbers incorporate air springs. These air springs are mounted on the damping tubes of the shock absorber. To ensure proper functioning of the air spring, the airtightness of the connection between the air spring and the damping tube is crucial. In patent document CN 217207475 U, the spring tray of the air spring is welded to the outside of the damping tube, and a sealing ring is positioned by a plastic support ring positioned between the damping tube, spring piston, and support ring. Since all three are cylindrical components, relative rotation may occur during use. In patent document CN 219510065 U, the spring tray of the air spring is also welded to the outside of the damping tube, but the spring piston and spring tray are formed into a conical structure, with a conical rubber pad between them. The sealing ring is positioned between the damping tube, spring piston, and spring tray. In this design, the conical rubber pad between the spring piston and spring tray provides additional friction to prevent rotation. However, the excessive size and weight of such spring trays would increase material costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem that this utility model needs to solve is to provide an improved air spring and shock absorber.

[0004] The aforementioned technical problem is solved by an air spring according to the present invention. This air spring is used to install on the radially outer side of the damping tube of a shock absorber. The air spring includes a cylindrical spring piston, a cylindrical spring tray, and an annular sealing ring. The spring piston includes a piston bottom section located at its axial end. The spring tray includes a cylindrical tray body and a flange protruding radially outward at one axial end of the tray body. The piston bottom section is installed radially outward of the tray body and abuts against the flange axially, such that the axial extensions of the piston bottom section and the tray body at least partially overlap. The sealing ring is installed radially between the piston bottom section and the tray body. In at least a portion of the overlapping area of ​​the axial extensions of the piston bottom section and the tray body, both the piston bottom section and the tray body have matching non-circular profiles in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, the non-circular profiles having a non-uniform radius in the circumferential direction. The cooperation of the non-circular profiles of the piston bottom section and the tray body effectively prevents relative rotation between them.

[0005] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing ring can be installed between the piston bottom section and the tray body in a region having a non-circular profile that matches each other. This ensures that the sealing ring is pressed tightly between the spring piston and the spring tray.

[0006] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spring tray may include an annular groove formed in the radially outer surface of the tray body, and a sealing ring may be installed in the groove. The sealing ring can be easily positioned by means of the annular groove.

[0007] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tray body may include a top section and a main section divided along the axial direction. The main section extends from a flange to the top section, and the top section extends from the main section to an end face of the tray body opposite the flange along the axial direction. The main section may have a radially outer surface extending parallel to the axial direction, and the top section may have a radially outer surface extending obliquely relative to the axial direction, such that the radial dimension of the top section gradually decreases along the axial direction away from the main section. The piston bottom section may extend parallel to the axial direction at least in the axial extension range overlapping with the tray body. The piston bottom section and the main body portion of the tray body are thus formed as generally straight cylinders, thereby facilitating design and manufacturing. The tapered top section facilitates the mounting of the spring piston onto the spring tray.

[0008] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spring piston may further include a piston body section, which is axially further away from the flange than the piston bottom section, and the piston body section may have a circular profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. This means that the main body of the spring piston can maintain a circular structure to accommodate the spring bladder.

[0009] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flange can have a perfectly circular profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. This facilitates the design and manufacturing of the flange.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radially inner surface of the spring tray can extend parallel to the axial direction and have a circular profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. This means that the area of ​​the spring tray that mates with the damping tube can maintain a circular profile.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the non-circular contour can extend smoothly over the entire circumference, thereby avoiding the formation of sharp corner areas. This avoids the formation of stress concentration areas and facilitates the installation of the sealing ring.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the non-circular contour can be formed into one of the following shapes: elliptical, oval, or cam-shaped. These shapes are easy to design and manufacture.

[0013] The aforementioned technical problem is solved by a vibration damper according to the present invention. This vibration damper includes a damping tube and an air spring having the aforementioned features. The damping tube extends axially, and the spring piston and spring tray of the air spring are respectively mounted radially outside the damping tube. The spring tray is fixed to the damping tube and supports the spring piston. This vibration damper thus possesses the corresponding advantages of the aforementioned air spring. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent elements with the same function. Wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 A perspective view of a vibration damper according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0016] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a vibration damper according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0017] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 Local details of the cross-section shown;

[0018] Figure 4 A top view of the spring tray of an air spring according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 5 A bottom view of the spring piston of an air spring according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0020] Figure 6 A perspective view of the spring piston of an air spring according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following describes specific embodiments of the air spring and shock absorber according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings below are provided to exemplify the principles of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the described preferred embodiments, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air spring and a shock absorber including such an air spring are provided. This air spring and shock absorber are particularly suitable for vehicle suspensions. Figures 1 to 6 An exemplary embodiment of this air spring and damper is shown.

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of a vibration damper according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 1As shown, the damper mainly comprises a damping tube 10 and an air spring mounted radially outside the damping tube 10. The damping tube 10, particularly the outer damping tube of a multi-tube damper, is formed as a generally axially extending cylindrical structure. The air spring is mounted radially outside the damping tube 10. The air spring mainly comprises a spring bladder (not shown), a spring piston 20, a spring tray 30, and a sealing ring 40. These components are all structures that are closedly wrapped around the radially outside the damping tube 10. Figure 1 In the three-dimensional view of the shock absorber shown, the spring piston 20 and the spring tray 30 are axially separated from each other and are not installed in place. Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of the vibration damper through its central axis is shown. Figure 2 In the middle, the vibration damper is in the installed position. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in the installed state, the spring tray 30 is fixed to the damping tube 10 and supports the spring piston 20. The damping tube 10, the spring piston 20, and the spring tray 30 can each be formed of a rigid material, such as a metal.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the spring tray 30 is formed as a generally cylindrical component. The spring tray 30 includes a cylindrical tray body 31 and a flange 32 protruding radially outward at one axial end of the tray body 31. The flange 32 is formed as a closed annular structure surrounding the tray body 31. The radially inner surface of the spring tray 30 abuts against and is fixed to the radially outer surface of the damping tube 10. The radially inner surface of the spring tray 30 may, for example, be welded to the radially outer surface of the damping tube 10, thereby ensuring an airtight effect between the two. The radially inner surface of the spring tray 30 may extend generally parallel to the axial direction and has a profile matching that of the damping tube 10 in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. Typically, the damping tube 10 has a circular profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, and correspondingly, the radially inner surface of the spring tray 30 also has a circular profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. The spring tray 30 has a certain radial thickness, thereby ensuring sufficient structural strength. The radial thickness of the spring tray 30 allows the outer radial surface and the inner radial surface of the spring tray 30, and especially the tray body 31, to independently form their respective profile shapes.

[0025] The spring piston 20 is also formed as a generally cylindrical component. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Local details of the cross-section shown. (e.g.) Figure 3As shown, the spring piston 20 can be formed as a thin-walled structure, thus having approximately the same profile shape on both radially sides. An axial region located at one axial end of the spring piston 20 is formed as a piston bottom section 21, through which the spring piston 20 is mounted to the spring tray 30. When the spring piston 20 is installed in the damper, the piston bottom section 21 is mounted radially outside the tray body 31, with the axial end of the spring piston 20 provided by the piston bottom section 21 facing the flange 32 of the spring tray 30. The flange 32 stops the spring piston 20, preventing it from moving axially past the flange 32. Furthermore, the spring piston 20 also includes a piston body section 22, which is axially further away from the flange 32 than the piston bottom section 21. The piston body section 22 can, for example, be used to connect and support the spring bladder (not shown) of the air spring.

[0026] Under normal operating conditions, the working load applied to the spring piston 20 typically keeps the piston bottom section 21 axially abutting against the flange 32. When the spring piston 20 is installed in the damper, since the piston bottom section 21 is mounted radially outside the tray body 31, the axial extensions of both the piston bottom section 21 and the tray body 31 at least partially overlap. In these overlapping areas, a loose fit can be maintained between the spring piston 20 and the spring tray 30, and a sealing ring 40 is provided to achieve a seal. The sealing ring 40 is an annular component formed of an elastic material such as rubber, which is installed radially between the piston bottom section 21 and the tray body 31. An annular gas-sealed space is formed above the sealing ring 40 and radially between the damping tube 10 and the spring piston 20.

[0027] In the overlapping region of the axial extension of the piston bottom section 21 and the tray body 31, at least a portion constitutes a mating section between the spring piston 20 and the spring tray 30. In this mating section, both the piston bottom section 21 and the tray body 31 have matching non-circular profiles in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. "Matching" means that the profiles of the piston bottom section 21 and the tray body 31 have substantially the same shape, and they differ only in size within a predetermined range to provide a certain radial clearance for assembly. This radial clearance caused by the dimensional difference can be compensated for by a sealing ring 40 to achieve a seal. Thus, the region with matching profiles constitutes the shape-fitting region between the piston bottom section 21 and the tray body 31. "Non-circular profile" means that the profile has a non-uniform radius in the circumferential direction; that is, the radius value of the profile is not unique across the entire circumference. This radius can be the radius relative to the central axis of the air spring. Because the radius of the shape-fitting region is non-uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction, the spring piston 20 and the spring tray 30 cannot rotate relative to each other.

[0028] The non-circular profile can include arcuate profiles with varying radii of curvature and polygonal profiles. Preferably, an arcuate profile can be selected such that the non-circular profile extends smoothly over the entire circumference. Such a profile does not form sharp corner areas, thereby allowing the sealing ring 40 to be pressed flat and reducing stress concentration. This arcuate non-circular profile can, for example, include elliptical, oval, or cam-shaped profiles. Figures 4 to 6 The outline of an ellipse is shown in the image.

[0029] The sealing ring 40 can be installed between the piston bottom section 21 and the tray body 31 in a region having a matching non-circular profile. Preferably, an annular groove 33 can be formed in the radially outer surface of the tray body 31. The annular groove 33 is recessed radially inward relative to the radially outer surface of the tray body 31 and can have a radial depth that is substantially uniformly distributed circumferentially. The groove 33 is formed in a region of the tray body 31 having a non-circular profile that matches the piston bottom section 21. The sealing ring 40 is installed in the groove 33, thereby defining the axial position of the sealing ring 40 by the groove 33. The sealing ring 40 installed in the groove 33 abuts against the bottom surface of the groove 33 on one side and protrudes radially out of the groove 33 on the other side, thereby pressing it between the spring piston 20 and the spring tray 30 radially.

[0030] The radially outer surface of the main body portion of the tray body 31 can extend substantially parallel to the axial direction (without considering the groove 33), thus forming a substantially straight column. Correspondingly, the radially outer surface of the main body portion of the piston bottom section 21 also extends substantially parallel to the axial direction, thus forming a substantially straight column. This shape allows for axial movement of both the spring piston 20 and the spring tray 30 relative to each other. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the tray body 31 may also include a narrowed end region for ease of installation. Specifically, as... Figure 3As shown, the tray body 31 may include a main section 31a and a top section 31b divided along the axial direction. The main section 31a extends from the flange 32 to the top section 31b. The radially outer surface of the main section 31a has a non-circular profile that matches the piston bottom section 21. A sealing ring 40 is installed in the main section 31, and correspondingly, when an annular groove 33 is present, it is also formed in the main section 31. Except for the area where the annular groove 33 is located, the main section 31a generally has a radially outer surface extending substantially parallel to the axial direction, such that the main section 31a has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the axial direction, thus forming a substantially straight cylinder. The top section 31b extends from the end of the main section 31a facing away from the flange 32 and extends to the end face of the tray body 31 opposite the flange 32 along the axial direction. The tip section 31b has a radially outer surface that extends obliquely relative to the axial direction, and the radial dimension of the tip section 31b gradually decreases along the axial direction away from the main body section 31a. This gives the tip section 31b a generally tapered side surface. The profile shape of the tip section 31b in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction may be the same as or different from that of the main body section 31a, without limitation. The piston bottom section 21 extends parallel to the axial direction at least in the axial extension range overlapping the entire tray body 31 (including the main body section 31a and the tip section 31b). The tip section 31b may provide a chamfered area at the end of the spring tray 30 to facilitate guiding the spring piston 20 during assembly.

[0031] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A bottom view and a perspective view of the spring piston 20 are shown respectively. The piston bottom section 21 can be formed as a straight cylinder, thus having a substantially uniform non-circular cross-sectional profile throughout its axial extension. To achieve other functions of the spring piston 20, such as for connecting and supporting a spring bladder (not shown), the piston body section 22 of the spring piston 20 can have a different profile shape and / or size in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction than the piston bottom section 21. For example, as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the piston body section 22 can have a circular profile in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. Furthermore, to connect the piston bottom section 21 and piston body section 22 of different shapes, the spring piston 20 may also include a piston transition section 23 connecting the piston bottom section 21 and piston body section 22. The cross-sectional profile of the piston transition section 23 is not limited, as long as it facilitates the connection between the piston bottom section 21 and piston body section 22.

[0032] Figure 4A top view of the spring tray 30 is shown. For ease of manufacturing and other purposes, the flange 32 may have a different profile shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction than the tray body 31. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the flange 32 can have a circular profile (outer profile) in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. As previously stated, the radial thickness of the spring tray 30 allows the radially outer and radially inner surfaces of the spring tray 30, particularly the tray body 31, to independently form their respective profile shapes. In a preferred embodiment, as... Figure 4 As shown, in particular, to facilitate the adaptation of the shape of the damping tube 10, the radially inner surface of the spring tray 30 can extend parallel to the axial direction and have a generally circular profile in the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, thereby forming a generally straight cylindrical surface.

[0033] The air spring and damper of this invention prevent relative rotation between the spring piston and the spring tray through a non-circular mating profile, thereby ensuring reliable positioning of the air spring. This air spring and damper features a simple structure and light weight, is easy to manufacture, and is cost-effective.

[0034] While possible embodiments have been described exemplarily in the foregoing description, it should be understood that numerous variations of the embodiments exist through combinations of all known and readily conceived technical features and implementation methods. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and do not in any way limit the scope, application, or construction of this invention. The foregoing description is more intended to provide those skilled in the art with technical guidance for transforming at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes, particularly regarding the function and structure of the components, can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0035] Appendix Label Table

[0036] 10 Damping tubes

[0037] 20 Spring Piston

[0038] 21 Piston bottom section

[0039] 22 Piston Body Section

[0040] 23 Piston transition section

[0041] 30 Spring Tray

[0042] 31 Pallet Body

[0043] 31a Main Section

[0044] 31b Top section

[0045] 32 flange

[0046] 33 Grooves

[0047] 40 sealing ring

Claims

1. An air spring for mounting radially outside a damper tube (10) of a shock absorber, the air spring comprising a cylindrical spring piston (20), a cylindrical spring tray (30) and an annular sealing ring (40), the spring piston (20) comprising a piston base end section (21) at an axial end, the spring tray (30) comprising a cylindrical tray body (31) and a flange (32) protruding radially outward at an axial end of the tray body (31), the piston base end section (21) being mounted radially outside the tray body (31) and axially abutting the flange (32) such that the axial extension of both the piston base end section (21) and the tray body (31) at least partially overlap each other, the sealing ring (40) being mounted radially between the piston base end section (21) and the tray body (31), characterized in that, in at least a portion of the overlap region of the axial extension of the piston base end section (21) and the tray body (31), both the piston base end section (21) and the tray body (31) have a non-circular profile matching each other in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, the non-circular profile having a non-uniform radius in the circumferential direction. the sealing ring (40) is mounted between the piston base end section (21) and the tray body (31) in the region having the non-circular profile matching each other.

2. The air spring of claim 1, wherein, the spring tray (30) comprises an annular groove (33) formed in a radially outer surface of the tray body (31), the sealing ring (40) being mounted in the groove (33).

3. The air spring of claim 2, wherein, the tray body (31) comprises an axially divided top end section (31b) and a body section (31a), the body section (31a) extending from the flange (32) to the top end section (31b), the top end section (31b) extending from the body section (31a) to an end face of the tray body (31) axially opposite the flange (32), the body section (31a) having a radially outer surface extending parallel to the axial direction, the top end section (31b) having a radially outer surface extending obliquely with respect to the axial direction such that the radial dimension of the top end section (31b) gradually decreases in the axial direction away from the body section (31a), the piston base end section (21) extending parallel to the axial direction at least in the axial extension overlapping the tray body (31).

4. The air spring of claim 2, wherein, the spring piston (20) further comprises a piston body section (22) axially further away from the flange (32) than the piston base end section (21), the piston body section (22) having a circular profile in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.

5. The air spring of claim 2, wherein, the flange (32) has a circular profile in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.

6. The air spring of claim 2, wherein, a radially inner surface of the spring tray (30) extends parallel to the axial direction and has a circular profile in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.

7. The air spring of claim 2, wherein, ​ 8. The air spring of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The non-circular profile extends smoothly over the entire circumference, so that no sharp corner regions are formed.

9. The air spring of claim 8, wherein, The non-circular profile is formed in one of the following shapes: oval, ovoid, cam.

10. A damper characterized by, The shock absorber comprises a damping tube (10) extending in the axial direction and an air spring according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the spring piston (20) and the spring tray (30) of the air spring being mounted radially outside the damping tube (10), respectively, the spring tray (30) being fixed to the damping tube (10) and supporting the spring piston (20).

Images