Friction gas spring and vehicle tail gate

Abstract

The utility model discloses a friction type gas spring and vehicle tail door. The friction type gas spring includes cylinder and piston assembly, and piston assembly part is located in cylinder and can push and pull mobile relative to cylinder. The piston assembly includes piston rod and the piston head fixed on piston rod, and the friction type gas spring includes the friction piece in the cylinder, and the friction piece is set up on piston rod and is with piston rod interference fit, is provided with fixed part in the cylinder, and fixed part restricts the movement of friction piece and allows piston assembly to move, so that piston rod can be opposite with friction piece and moves to produce friction force. The cylinder is filled with pressurized gas, and the pressurized gas acts on the piston head to generate a supporting force. The friction force and the supporting force jointly act on the piston assembly when the piston assembly is pushed and pulled relative to the cylinder. The friction type gas spring provided by the utility model has simple structure, low cost, stable and reliable performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gas spring technology, and in particular to a friction gas spring and a vehicle tailgate. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, limit switches are frequently used in the tailgates of off-road vehicles. These switches enable slow opening and closing of the tailgate and can stop at any angle. Existing limit switches typically also include an end-lock function, providing strong hill-climbing capability and improving the convenience and safety of users when opening the door and retrieving items. For example, Chinese invention patent application CN114856338A discloses such a limit switch. However, this product achieves slow opening and closing of the tailgate through a two-way valve body structure inside the cylinder and the damping effect of the filled oil, and achieves the end-lock function through a locking sleeve added to the outside of the cylinder. This results in a complex structure, a large outer diameter, and a high product price. Moreover, because the oil is greatly affected by high and low temperatures, the performance stability of this limit switch is poor when used in high or low temperature environments.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a technical solution to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a friction gas spring with simple structure, low cost, stable and reliable performance, and a vehicle tailgate with the same.

[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a friction gas spring, comprising a cylinder and a piston assembly, wherein the piston assembly is partially located within the cylinder and can be pushed and pulled relative to the cylinder, the piston assembly includes a piston rod and a piston head fixed on the piston rod, the friction gas spring includes a friction element located within the cylinder, the friction element being sleeved on the piston rod and interference-fitted with the piston rod, a fixing part being provided within the cylinder, the fixing part restricting the movement of the friction element and allowing the piston assembly to move, so that the piston rod can move relative to the friction element to generate frictional force, the cylinder being filled with pressurized gas, the pressurized gas acting on the piston head to generate supporting force, the frictional force and the supporting force acting together on the piston assembly when the piston assembly pushes and pulls relative to the cylinder.

[0006] As a further improved technical solution, the friction element includes a spring that is elastically expanded and deformed and sleeved on the piston rod.

[0007] As a further improved technical solution, the fixing part includes a first fixing ring and a second fixing ring spaced apart along the axial direction of the cylinder, and the spring is constrained between the first fixing ring and the second fixing ring.

[0008] As a further improved technical solution, the spring is compressed and disposed between the first fixed ring and the second fixed ring.

[0009] As a further improved technical solution, the spring is a cylindrical helical spring, whose inner diameter in its natural state is smaller than the diameter of the piston rod.

[0010] As a further improved technical solution, the number of coils of the spring is 5 to 20.

[0011] As a further improved technical solution, the spring is a metal component.

[0012] As a further improved technical solution, the friction gas spring includes a guide sealing assembly, and the friction element and the fixing part are located between the piston head and the guide sealing assembly.

[0013] As a further improved technical solution, the guide sealing assembly includes a guide block, a third fixing ring, and a gas sealing element, wherein the gas sealing element is disposed between the guide block and the third fixing ring.

[0014] This utility model is also achieved through the following technical solution: a vehicle tailgate, which is closable and mounted on the vehicle body, wherein the vehicle tailgate includes a friction gas spring as described above, and both the cylinder and piston rod of the friction gas spring include connectors, one of which is connected to the vehicle body and the other is connected to the vehicle tailgate.

[0015] The friction gas spring provided by this utility model includes a friction element located inside the cylinder. The friction element is sleeved on the piston rod and has an interference fit with the piston rod. The piston rod can move relative to the friction element to generate frictional force. The cylinder is filled with pressurized gas, which acts on the piston head to generate a supporting force. The frictional force and the supporting force act together on the piston assembly when the piston assembly moves relative to the cylinder. The frictional force is generated by the interference fit between the friction element and the piston rod, eliminating the need for a complex two-way valve body structure and locking sleeve, thus making the structure simpler and more compact. Since there is no need to set up a complex internal structure and external sleeve, the friction gas spring of this utility model has a smaller outer diameter, a simpler manufacturing process, is easier to install and use, and has a lower cost. The friction gas spring of this utility model is oil-free, less affected by high and low temperatures, and can maintain stable performance in various temperature environments. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the friction gas spring of this utility model.

[0017] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows: 1. Cylinder; 10. Chamber; 11. Cylinder connector; 2. Piston assembly; 21. Piston head; 22. Piston rod; 23. Piston rod connector; 3. Fixing part; 31. First fixing ring; 32. Second fixing ring; 4. Spring; 5. Guide sealing assembly; 51. Guide block; 52. Gas seal; 53. Third fixing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0020] This utility model provides a friction-type gas spring and a vehicle tailgate, aiming to solve the problems of existing vehicle tailgates using limit switches, such as complex structure, large outer diameter, high product price, and poor performance stability due to the influence of high and low temperatures on the oil. The friction-type gas spring and vehicle tailgate of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] Please see Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a friction gas spring, including a cylinder 1 and a piston assembly 2. The piston assembly 2 is partially located inside the cylinder 1 and can be pushed and pulled relative to the cylinder 1. The piston assembly 2 includes a piston rod 22 and a piston head 21 fixed to the piston rod 22. The friction gas spring also includes a friction element located inside the cylinder 1, which is sleeved on the piston rod 22 and has an interference fit with the piston rod 22. A fixing part 3 is provided inside the cylinder 1, which restricts the movement of the friction element and allows the piston assembly 2 to move, so that the piston rod 22 can move relative to the friction element to generate friction. The cylinder 1 is filled with pressurized gas, which acts on the piston head 21 to generate a supporting force. The friction force and the supporting force act together on the piston assembly 2 when it pushes and pulls relative to the cylinder 1.

[0022] The friction gas spring provided by this utility model generates friction through the interference fit between the friction element and the piston rod 22. It can achieve damping opening and closing and stop at any position without the need for a complex two-way valve body structure and locking sleeve, making the structure simpler and more compact. Since there is no need to set up a complex internal structure and external sleeve, the friction gas spring of this utility model has a smaller outer diameter, a simpler manufacturing process, is easy to install and use, and has a lower cost. The friction gas spring of this utility model is less affected by high and low temperatures and can maintain relatively stable performance in various temperature environments.

[0023] In this embodiment, the cylinder 1 serves as the supporting outer shell of the entire friction gas spring, and its interior forms a chamber 10 for accommodating pressurized gas and other components. One end of the cylinder 1 is provided with a cylinder connector 11, and the other end has an opening. The cylinder connector 11 is used to connect with relevant components when the friction gas spring is in use. For example, when the friction gas spring is used on a vehicle tailgate, the cylinder connector 11 is connected to the vehicle body or the vehicle tailgate. The specific structure of the cylinder connector 11 can be varied to match the corresponding connection structure in its application scenario, such as a lifting ring structure, a threaded cylinder structure, a threaded column structure, a clamping structure, a welded part, etc.

[0024] One end of the piston assembly 2 is located inside the cylinder 1, and the other end extends out of the cylinder 1 through the opening. The piston assembly 2 is movable relative to the cylinder 1 and includes a piston rod 22 and a piston head 21 fixed to the piston rod 22. One end of the piston rod 22 extends out of the cylinder 1 and is provided with a piston rod connector 23. The piston rod connector 23 is used to connect with related components when the friction gas spring is used, for example, when the friction gas spring is used on a vehicle tailgate, the piston rod connector 23 is connected to the vehicle body or the vehicle tailgate. The specific structure of the piston rod connector 23 can be varied to match the corresponding connection structure in its application scenario, such as a lifting ring structure, a threaded cylinder structure, a threaded column structure, a clamping structure, a welded part, etc. The outer diameter of the piston head 21 matches the inner diameter of the cylinder 1 and can slide smoothly inside the cylinder 1 to keep the piston rod 22 moving along the axial direction and prevent the piston rod 22 from tilting and causing movement jamming. When the piston assembly 2 moves relative to the cylinder 1, the piston head 21 divides the chamber 10 inside the cylinder 1 into two parts. Pressurized gas acts on the piston head 21 to generate a supporting force, thus providing assistance. In this embodiment, the pressurized gas is high-purity, dry nitrogen, and different nitrogen filling amounts can produce different supporting force effects.

[0025] In this embodiment, the friction element is sleeved on the piston rod 22 and is interference-fitted with the piston rod 22 to generate friction during relative movement with the piston rod 22. In this embodiment, the friction element is fixed to the cylinder 1. Specifically, a fixing part 3 is provided inside the cylinder 1 to restrict the movement of the friction element while allowing the piston assembly 2 to move. In this embodiment, the fixing part 3 includes a first fixing ring 31 and a second fixing ring 32 spaced apart along the axial direction of the cylinder 1. The friction element is confined between the first fixing ring 31 and the second fixing ring 32 and cannot move along the axial direction of the cylinder 1. The first fixing ring 31 and the second fixing ring 32 can be fixed to the inner wall of the cylinder 1 by welding, riveting, snapping, or other means.

[0026] In this embodiment, the friction element includes a spring 4 that is elastically expanded and deformed and fitted onto the piston rod 22. Specifically, the spring is a cylindrical helical spring, and the inner diameter of the spring 4 in its natural state is smaller than the diameter of the piston rod 22. Therefore, when fitted onto the piston rod 22, the spring 4 undergoes elastic expansion and deformation to facilitate fitting onto the piston rod 22, and after fitting, it forms an interference fit with the piston rod 22 under the action of its own elastic restoring force. In this embodiment, the spring 4 is compressed and disposed between the first fixing ring 31 and the second fixing ring 32 to avoid or reduce the deformation movement of the spring 4 in the direction of movement of the piston rod 22 caused by the frictional force of the piston rod 22. When the piston assembly 2 moves relative to the cylinder 1, the piston rod 22 will move relative to the spring 4. Due to the interference fit between the spring 4 and the piston rod 22, frictional force will be generated during the relative movement. The magnitude of this frictional force is related to factors such as the elastic deformation of the spring 4, the coefficient of friction, and the contact area between the piston rod 22 and the spring 4. By properly designing the parameters of spring 4, the magnitude of friction can be adjusted to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

[0027] In this embodiment, the spring 4 is a cylindrical helical spring, preferably with 5 to 20 coils. The selection of the number of coils needs to consider factors such as the elastic deformation of the spring 4, the magnitude of friction, and the overall size of the friction gas spring. When the number of coils is too small, the elastic deformation of the spring 4 may be insufficient, resulting in too little friction and failing to meet the requirements for support and cushioning. By reasonably selecting the number of coils, the overall size of the gas spring can be reduced while ensuring the magnitude of friction. In this embodiment, the spring 4 is preferably a metal component, such as stainless steel or spring steel. These materials have high strength and elastic modulus, ensuring that the spring 4 is not prone to plastic deformation or breakage during long-term use. At the same time, metal materials also have good corrosion resistance and wear resistance, which can improve the service life of the spring 4.

[0028] In this embodiment, the friction gas spring includes a guide sealing assembly 5, with the friction element and fixing part 3 located between the piston head 21 and the guide sealing assembly 5. The guide sealing assembly 5 includes a guide block 51, a third fixing ring 53, and a gas seal 52, which is disposed between the guide block 51 and the third fixing ring 53. The guide block 51 is fixed to the inner wall of the cylinder 1 to guide the movement direction of the piston assembly 2, ensuring smooth movement along the axial direction of the cylinder 1. The third fixing ring 53 is used to fix the position of the gas seal 52. The gas seal 52, disposed between the guide block 51 and the third fixing ring 53, prevents leakage of pressurized gas within the cylinder 1. The gas seal 52 is made of a highly elastic material, such as rubber or silicone. These materials have good sealing performance and wear resistance, ensuring no leakage or wear occurs during long-term use. The friction element and fixing part 3 are located between the piston head 21 and the guide sealing assembly 5. This arrangement ensures that the friction element maintains an interference fit with the piston rod 22 during the movement of the piston assembly 2, thereby generating stable friction. Simultaneously, the guide sealing assembly 5 prevents pressurized gas leakage, ensuring the normal operation of the gas spring.

[0029] During the operation of the friction gas spring, when an external load (such as a tailgate) acts on the piston assembly 2, the piston assembly 2 will move relative to the cylinder 1. During this movement, the piston head 21 divides the chamber 10 inside the cylinder 1 into two parts. Pressurized gas acts on the piston head 21, generating a supporting force to support the external load. At the same time, the piston rod 22 will move relative to the spring 4 sleeved on it. Due to the interference fit between the spring 4 and the piston rod 22, friction is generated during the relative movement. This friction force and the supporting force work together on the piston assembly 2 to buffer the movement and enable hovering at any position. The guide sealing assembly 5 ensures that the pressurized gas does not leak, maintaining stable pressure inside the gas spring. By rationally designing the parameters and layout of each component, the friction gas spring can ensure stable performance and reliable support in different application scenarios.

[0030] This utility model also provides a vehicle tailgate using the above-mentioned friction gas spring. The vehicle tailgate is installed on the vehicle body in an openable and closable manner. The vehicle tailgate includes the friction gas spring as described above. The cylinder 1 and piston rod 22 of the friction gas spring include the connecting heads, namely the cylinder connecting head 11 and piston rod connecting head 23 as described above. One of them is connected to the vehicle body, and the other is connected to the vehicle tailgate.

[0031] During the opening and closing of a vehicle's tailgate, the friction gas spring plays a crucial supporting and cushioning role. When the tailgate opens, the supporting force of the friction gas spring can overcome part of the tailgate's weight, assisting in its opening. The frictional force generated by the relative movement of the piston rod 22 and the spring 4 allows the tailgate to open slowly and remain at any angle, improving convenience and safety. In practical applications, the opening and closing force can be adjusted by regulating the inflation pressure and friction force. By employing the friction gas spring of this invention, the vehicle tailgate can achieve a slow opening and closing function, and remain suspended at any angle, greatly enhancing the convenience and safety of users when opening the door and retrieving items. Furthermore, due to its simple structure, small outer diameter, low price, and minimal impact from high and low temperatures, the friction gas spring has broad application prospects and market value.

[0032] As can be seen from the above description of the specific embodiments, the friction gas spring of this utility model has the following significant advantages compared with existing limit switches. The friction gas spring of this utility model generates frictional force through the interference fit between the friction element and the piston rod 22, eliminating the need for a complex bidirectional valve body structure and locking sleeve, thus making the structure simpler and more compact. Since there is no need for a complex internal structure and external sleeve, the outer diameter of the friction gas spring of this utility model is smaller, facilitating installation and use. The friction gas spring of this utility model is made of conventional materials and simple processes, resulting in lower cost and higher cost-effectiveness. The friction gas spring of this utility model is unaffected by high and low temperatures, maintaining stable performance in various environments, while the oil in existing limit switches is greatly affected by high and low temperatures, exhibiting poor performance stability when used in high or low temperature environments. The friction gas spring of this utility model has a simple structure and fewer parts, making maintenance more convenient.

[0033] This utility model has been described through several specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and equivalent substitutions can be made to this utility model without departing from its scope. Furthermore, various modifications can be made to this utility model for specific situations or circumstances without departing from its scope. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but should include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A friction gas spring, comprising a cylinder and a piston assembly, wherein the piston assembly is partially located within the cylinder and is movable relative to the cylinder by pushing and pulling, characterized in that, The piston assembly includes a piston rod and a piston head fixed to the piston rod. The friction gas spring includes a friction element located inside the cylinder. The friction element is sleeved on the piston rod and is interference-fitted with the piston rod. A fixing part is provided inside the cylinder. The fixing part restricts the movement of the friction element and allows the piston assembly to move, so that the piston rod can move relative to the friction element to generate friction. The cylinder is filled with pressurized gas. The pressurized gas acts on the piston head to generate a supporting force. The friction force and the supporting force act together on the piston assembly when the piston assembly moves in a pushing and pulling motion relative to the cylinder.

2. The friction gas spring as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The friction element includes a spring that is elastically expanded and deformed and fitted onto the piston rod.

3. The friction gas spring as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing part includes a first fixing ring and a second fixing ring spaced apart along the axial direction of the cylinder, and the spring is constrained between the first fixing ring and the second fixing ring.

4. The friction gas spring as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The spring is compressed and disposed between the first fixed ring and the second fixed ring.

5. The friction gas spring as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The spring is a cylindrical helical spring, and its inner diameter in its natural state is smaller than the diameter of the piston rod.

6. The friction gas spring as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The spring has 5 to 20 turns.

7. The friction gas spring as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The spring is a metal component.

8. The friction gas spring as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The friction gas spring includes a guide sealing assembly, with the friction element and the fixing part located between the piston head and the guide sealing assembly.

9. The friction gas spring as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The guide sealing assembly includes a guide block, a third fixing ring, and a gas seal, wherein the gas seal is disposed between the guide block and the third fixing ring.

10. A vehicle tailgate, closably mounted on the vehicle body, characterized in that, The vehicle tailgate includes a friction gas spring as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cylinder and piston rod of the friction gas spring both include connectors, one of which is connected to the vehicle body and the other is connected to the vehicle tailgate.

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