Lightweight rubber and plastic composite air spring bag skin
By using a lightweight rubber-plastic composite structure and cord design, the problems of heavy weight and easy damage of traditional air spring bladders have been solved, resulting in air spring bladders with high strength, long service life and stability, suitable for the mechanical performance requirements of different parts.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NANYANG JINBO VIBRATION REDUCTION TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Traditional air springs have heavy bladders, are prone to fatigue damage, and cannot meet the mechanical performance requirements of different parts, affecting the lightweight design and service life of the equipment.
It adopts a lightweight rubber-plastic composite structure, uses thermoplastic elastomer materials and X-shaped cord structure, and combines cord angle design in different parts to enhance the overall strength and stability of the bladder. Annular reinforcement and anti-slip protrusions are set at the openings at both ends to improve sealing and stability.
This design achieves lightweighting of the bladder, improves load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance, enhances sealing and stability, and extends service life.
Smart Images
Figure CN224229150U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of air spring technology, specifically to a lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder. Background Technology
[0002] Air springs, as an important elastic element, are widely used in many fields. Traditional air spring bladders are usually made of rubber. To ensure their strength and load-bearing capacity, the rubber thickness often needs to be increased, resulting in a heavier bladder, which is not conducive to lightweight equipment design and increases energy consumption.
[0003] Meanwhile, during the use of air springs, the bladder needs to withstand repeated bending and stretching. Especially in the bending section, stress concentration is prone to occur, leading to problems such as cord breakage and peeling between rubber and cord, thereby reducing the service life and reliability of the bladder.
[0004] Furthermore, the existing air spring bladders have relatively limited structural design and material selection, making it difficult to simultaneously meet the mechanical performance requirements of different parts. For example, the fixed end requires high axial stiffness, while the coiled section needs good flexibility and fatigue resistance. Therefore, developing a lightweight, high-strength air spring bladder that can adapt to the mechanical performance requirements of different parts is of significant practical importance. Utility Model Content
[0005] This invention addresses the problems of existing air spring bladders being heavy, prone to fatigue damage, and unable to meet the mechanical performance requirements of different parts. It provides a lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder to improve the overall performance and service life of the air spring.
[0006] The objective of this utility model is mainly achieved through the following solution:
[0007] The lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder includes a hollow bladder body with openings at both ends. The bladder body comprises an upper bladder section and a lower bladder section. The middle part of both the upper and lower bladder sections is an outwardly convex, curled section, and the diameter at the connection between the upper and lower bladder sections gradually decreases from both ends to the middle. The bladder body is provided with an outer elastic layer, a first cord layer, a middle elastic layer, a second cord layer, and an inner elastic layer from the outside to the inside. The cords of the first and second cord layers are both X-shaped.
[0008] Preferably, the number of the first and second fabric layers is 1-3.
[0009] Preferably, both the first and second fabric layers include a first cord and a second cord, the first cord and the second cord intersect each other, and the included angle formed by the intersect of the first cord and the second cord is in the range of 5 degrees to 60 degrees.
[0010] Preferably, the angle formed by the intersection of the first and second cords in the curled section is in the range of 35 degrees to 60 degrees.
[0011] Preferably, the angle formed by the first and second cords at the fixed ends and the middle connection of the sac body is between 5 degrees and 45 degrees, and the angle formed by the first and second cords at the curled section is greater than the angle formed by the first and second cords at the fixed ends and the middle connection.
[0012] Preferably, the two ends of the capsule body are provided with annular reinforcing parts, the thickness of which is 1-3 mm thicker than the thickness of other parts of the capsule body, and a steel wire ring is embedded in the annular reinforcing part.
[0013] Preferably, the surface of the curled section of both the upper and lower segments of the scabbard is provided with several evenly distributed anti-slip protrusions.
[0014] Preferably, the outer surface of the external elastic layer is provided with a nano-coating.
[0015] Preferably, the outer elastic layer, the middle elastic layer, and the inner elastic layer are all made of thermoplastic elastomer material.
[0016] Preferably, the cords in the first and second fabric layers are made of aramid fiber or high-strength polyester fiber.
[0017] In summary, compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:
[0018] (1) This utility model uses thermoplastic elastomer material as elastic layer to replace traditional rubber material, which greatly reduces the weight of the shell, helps to achieve lightweighting of equipment and reduce energy consumption;
[0019] (2) The present invention can effectively disperse stress and improve the overall strength and stability of the shell by using X-shaped cord structure and reasonable cord angle design. At the same time, the use of aramid fiber or high-strength polyester fiber cord further enhances the load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance of the shell, reduces the occurrence of cord breakage and rubber peeling, and improves the service life and reliability of the shell.
[0020] (3) By adopting different cord angle designs for the curled section, the fixed ends and the middle connection, this utility model enables different parts of the bladder to meet their respective mechanical performance requirements. The curled section has good flexibility and fatigue resistance, while the fixed ends and the middle connection have high axial stiffness, which improves the overall performance of the air spring.
[0021] (4) The annular reinforcing part at both ends of the opening and the anti-slip protrusion design on the surface of the curled section in this utility model enhance the sealing and stability of the connection between the bladder body and other components, prevent relative sliding during operation, and improve the working stability of the air spring.
[0022] (5) The nano-coating on the outer surface of the external elastic layer in this utility model has the functions of waterproofing, dustproofing and UV protection, which can effectively protect the capsule skin and extend its service life. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the scaly body in this utility model;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the first and second curtain cords in this utility model.
[0026] Reference numerals: 1-Upper segment of sac skin; 2-Lower segment of sac skin; 3-Curled segment; 4-Outer elastic layer; 5-Outer first cord layer; 6-Middle elastic layer; 7-Second cord layer; 8-Inner elastic layer; 9-First cord; 10-Second cord; 11-Annular reinforcing part. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the implementation of this utility model is not limited to the following embodiments, and any modifications and / or alterations made to this utility model will fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0028] Example 1:
[0029] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, this utility model discloses a technical solution for a lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder, comprising a hollow bladder body with openings at both ends. The bladder body includes an upper bladder 1 and a lower bladder 2, which are connected by a vulcanization process. The middle of both the upper bladder 1 and the lower bladder 2 has an outwardly convex curled section 3, and the diameter at the connection between the upper bladder 1 and the lower bladder 2 gradually decreases from both ends to the middle. This structural design can effectively disperse stress and reduce stress concentration. The bladder body is provided with an outer elastic layer 4, an outer first cord layer 5, a middle elastic layer 6, a second cord layer 7, and an inner elastic layer 8 from the outside to the inside. The cords of the outer first cord layer 5 and the second cord layer 7 are both X-shaped. This cord structure can further better disperse stress and improve the overall strength and stability of the bladder.
[0030] Specifically, the outer elastic layer 4, the middle elastic layer 6, and the inner elastic layer 8 are all made of thermoplastic elastomer material. Thermoplastic elastomer material has the characteristics of light weight, good elasticity, and excellent processing performance, which helps to achieve the lightweight design of the capsule skin.
[0031] Specifically, the cords in the first fabric layer 5 and the second fabric layer 7 are made of aramid fiber or high-strength polyester fiber. These fiber materials have advantages such as high strength, high modulus, and low elongation, which can improve the load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance of the bladder.
[0032] Example 2:
[0033] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, this utility model discloses another technical solution: a lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder. The difference from embodiment 1 is that the number of the first curtain layer 5 and the second curtain layer 7 is 1-3 layers, which can be selected according to actual use needs and load-bearing requirements.
[0034] Specifically, both the first curtain layer 5 and the second curtain layer 7 include a first curtain 9 and a second curtain 10. The first curtain 9 and the second curtain 10 intersect each other, and the included angle formed by the intersect of the first curtain 9 and the second curtain 10 is in the range of 5 degrees to 60 degrees.
[0035] Specifically, the angle formed by the intersection of the first cord 9 and the second cord 10 in the curled section 3 is between 35 degrees and 60 degrees. This angle range enables the curled section 3 to have good flexibility and fatigue resistance, and adapt to the working environment of repeated curling.
[0036] Specifically, the angle formed by the intersection of the first cord 9 and the second cord 10 at the two fixed ends and the middle connection in the capsule body is in the range of 5 degrees to 45 degrees. Moreover, the angle formed by the intersection of the first cord 9 and the second cord 10 in the curled section 3 is greater than the angle formed by the intersection of the first cord 9 and the second cord 10 at the two fixed ends and the middle connection. This design allows the capsule body in different parts to meet their respective mechanical performance requirements. The two fixed ends and the middle connection have high axial stiffness, while the curled section 3 has good flexibility.
[0037] Example 3:
[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model discloses another technical solution: a lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder. The difference from embodiment 1 is that annular reinforcing parts 11 are provided at both ends of the bladder body opening. The thickness of the annular reinforcing parts 11 is 1-3 mm thicker than the thickness of other parts of the bladder body, and a steel wire ring (not shown in the figure) is embedded in the annular reinforcing parts 11, which can enhance the sealing and stability of the connection between the bladder and other components and improve the overall strength of the bladder.
[0039] Example 4:
[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model discloses another technical solution: a lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder. The difference from embodiment 1 is that the surface of the curled section 3 of the upper bladder 1 and the lower bladder 2 is provided with several evenly distributed anti-slip protrusions (not shown in the figure). These anti-slip protrusions can increase the friction between the bladder and adjacent components, prevent relative sliding during operation, and improve the working stability of the air spring.
[0041] Example 5:
[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model discloses another technical solution: a lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder. The difference from embodiment 1 is that the outer surface of the outer elastic layer 4 is provided with a nano-coating. This nano-coating has functions such as waterproofing, dustproofing, and UV protection, which can extend the service life of the bladder.
[0043] The following details the implementation of this application:
[0044] 1. Skin structure design: The total length of the skin body is 200mm, the upper skin 1 and the lower skin 2 each occupy 100mm, the length of the curled section 3 is 30mm, the minimum diameter at the connection between the upper skin 1 and the lower skin 2 is 80mm, and the diameter at the openings at both ends is 100mm; the curtain layer setting: the first curtain layer 5 and the second curtain layer 7 are both set to 2 layers, the angle formed by the first cord 9 and the second cord 10 in the curled section 3 is 45 degrees, and the angle formed by the first cord 9 and the second cord (10) at the fixed ends and the middle connection is 20 degrees; material selection: the outer elastic layer 4, the middle elastic layer 6 and the inner elastic layer 8 are all made of thermoplastic elastomer material with a Shore hardness of 70A; the cords in the first curtain layer 5 and the second curtain layer 7 are made of aramid fiber; a steel wire ring with a diameter of 2mm is embedded in the annular reinforcing part 11;
[0045] Test results:
[0046] The bladder of this embodiment was applied to an automotive air spring system for testing. The results showed that the weight of the bladder was reduced by 30% compared to traditional rubber bladders. After 1 million repeated bending tests, there was no breakage of the cords and no peeling between the rubber and the cords. The air spring had good working stability, effectively improving the driving comfort and safety of the vehicle.
[0047] 2. Skin Structure Design: The total length of the skin body is 300mm, with the upper skin 1 and lower skin 2 each occupying 150mm, the length of the curled section 3 being 40mm, the minimum diameter at the connection between the upper skin 1 and lower skin 2 being 120mm, and the diameter at both ends being 150mm; Cord Layer Configuration: The first cord layer 5 is configured with 3 layers, and the second cord layer 7 is configured with 1 layer. The angle formed by the intersection of the first cord 9 and the second cord 10 in the curled section 3 is 50 degrees, and the angle formed by the intersection of the first cord 9 and the second cord 10 at both ends and the middle connection is 25 degrees; Material Selection: The outer elastic layer 4, the middle elastic layer 6, and the inner elastic layer 8 are all made of thermoplastic elastomer material with a Shore hardness of 80A. The cords in the first cord layer 5 and the second cord layer 7 are made of high-strength polyester fiber; A steel wire ring with a diameter of 3mm is embedded in the annular reinforcing part 11.
[0048] Test results:
[0049] The bladder of this embodiment was applied to the air spring system of rail transit vehicles for testing. After long-term operation testing, the weight of the bladder was reduced by 25%. Under complex operating conditions, the bladder was able to maintain good mechanical properties, effectively improving the running stability and reliability of rail transit vehicles.
[0050] The lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder provided by this utility model achieves a balance of lightweight, high strength and long service life, and has a wide range of applications.
[0051] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder, comprising a hollow bladder body with openings at both ends, the bladder body comprising an upper bladder section (1) and a lower bladder section (2), characterized in that: The middle part of the upper section of the sac skin (1) and the lower section of the sac skin (2) are both outwardly convex curled sections (3), and the diameter of the connection between the upper section of the sac skin (1) and the lower section of the sac skin (2) gradually decreases from both ends to the middle; the sac skin body is provided with an outer elastic layer (4), a first curtain layer (5), a middle elastic layer (6), a second curtain layer (7) and an inner elastic layer (8) in sequence from the outside to the inside, and the cords of the first curtain layer (5) and the second curtain layer (7) are both X-shaped.
2. The lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the first curtain layer (5) and the second curtain layer (7) is 1-3 layers.
3. The lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first curtain layer (5) and the second curtain layer (7) both include a first curtain (9) and a second curtain (10). The first curtain (9) and the second curtain (10) intersect each other, and the angle formed by the intersect of the first curtain (9) and the second curtain (10) is between 5 degrees and 60 degrees.
4. The lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder according to claim 3, characterized in that: The angle between the first cord (9) and the second cord (10) in the curled section (3) is between 35 degrees and 60 degrees.
5. The lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder according to claim 4, characterized in that: The angle formed by the first cord (9) and the second cord (10) at the fixed ends and the middle connection of the capsule body is between 5 degrees and 45 degrees. The angle formed by the first cord (9) and the second cord (10) at the curled section (3) is greater than the angle formed by the first cord (9) and the second cord (10) at the fixed ends and the middle connection.
6. The lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the capsule body are provided with annular reinforcing parts (11). The thickness of the annular reinforcing parts (11) is 1-3 mm thicker than the thickness of other parts of the capsule body, and a steel wire ring is embedded in the annular reinforcing parts (11).
7. The lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper segment (1) and the lower segment (2) of the scabbard (3) are each provided with several evenly distributed anti-slip protrusions on their surfaces.
8. The lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the external elastic layer (4) is provided with a nano-coating.
9. The lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer elastic layer (4), the middle elastic layer (6) and the inner elastic layer (8) are all made of thermoplastic elastomer material.
10. The lightweight rubber-plastic composite air spring bladder according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cords in the first fabric layer (5) and the second fabric layer (7) are made of aramid fiber or high-strength polyester fiber.