A kind of external CDC shock absorber solenoid valve connecting structure

Abstract

The application relates to a kind of external CDC shock absorber solenoid valve connecting structures, including liquid storage cylinder assembly, the liquid storage cylinder assembly includes liquid storage cylinder outer tube, working cylinder, bottom cover and connecting sleeve, further comprising: intermediate cylinder, first seal, the first seal ring mouth end is in interference fit with the pipe mouth inner diameter of valve body installation site;Connecting sleeve, fixedly installed in the side surface solenoid valve installation site of liquid storage cylinder outer tube;Inner connecting sleeve, set in connecting sleeve, middle part is oil guide cavity;Working cylinder, sleeve joint is in bottom valve side, form first cavity in the inside, solenoid valve, through connecting sleeve is coupled to the corresponding surface of second O ring on inner connecting sleeve.This application solves the problems of poor sealing reliability, high requirement for machining precision and high maintenance cost caused by flat sealing and sleeve joint cooperation mode in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vibration reduction systems, and in particular to a connection structure for an external CDC vibration damper solenoid valve. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, shock absorbers with continuous damping control (CDC) technology have become an important feature in mid-to-high-end models because they can adjust the damping force in real time according to road conditions and driving style, thereby significantly improving vehicle dynamic performance.

[0003] The external solenoid valve's oil pipe is installed outside the shock absorber cylinder. Its advantages include better heat dissipation, easier independent maintenance and replacement of the solenoid valve, reducing later maintenance costs; at the same time, it offers more flexible layout and greater design freedom.

[0004] However, the external solenoid valve solution also brings new technical challenges, the core of which lies in the connection structure between the solenoid valve and the damper body. This connection structure is a complex multiphysics interface, requiring the simultaneous resolution of the following issues:

[0005] 1. Hydraulic Connection and High-Pressure Sealing Issues: The connection point needs to reliably guide the high-pressure hydraulic fluid (up to several MPa) inside the shock absorber to the solenoid valve, and must maintain an absolute seal under long-term vibration and hydraulic pulsation impact. Any minute leakage can lead to damping force failure, or even paralyze the shock absorber's performance. Traditional threaded or flanged connections may have the risk of stress concentration, easy wear or crushing failure of the sealing ring.

[0006] 2. Reliability and Protection of Electrical Connections: Solenoid valves require a stable electrical connection to receive signals from the control unit (ECU). The connector must be able to withstand the harsh environment of the vehicle chassis, including corrosive substances such as water, dust, mud, and salt spray, as well as the high-pressure water impact during car washes. Ordinary automotive connectors, without special design and protection, are highly susceptible to corrosion or water ingress, leading to poor contact, short circuits, or open circuits, causing the solenoid valve to malfunction.

[0007] 3. Mechanical Vibration and Structural Reliability Issues: The solenoid valve, as an externally added mass, is mounted on a vibration damper via a connecting structure. The vibration damper itself is a strong vibration source. The connecting structure must possess sufficient mechanical strength and rigidity to withstand vibrations and impacts from all directions and prevent breakage due to fatigue. However, excessive rigidity in the connection may also cause vibrations to be transmitted to the inside of the solenoid valve, affecting the lifespan of its precision components.

[0008] 4. Assemblance and Maintainability Issues: On automated vehicle assembly lines, the connection structure should facilitate quick and accurate installation and locking by machines or workers. Simultaneously, when the solenoid valve requires maintenance, it should be easily disassembled and replaced without disassembling the entire shock absorber assembly or draining the hydraulic oil. This requires the connection structure to have functions such as quick plug-in / out and self-sealing.

[0009] A search revealed that existing technologies (such as patent CN215634633U) disclose a connection method for an external solenoid valve, which achieves communication through a planar seal between the end of the solenoid valve and the inner connecting sleeve, and forms a hydraulic connection with the intermediate cylinder through the sealing ring of the inner connecting sleeve. Although this structure can achieve basic functions, it still has the following obvious shortcomings:

[0010] Low sealing reliability: The hydraulic interface and the mating face of the solenoid valve adopt a planar sealing form, which has high requirements for the machining roughness of the mating surface, the circular runout of the end face, and protection during transportation. When high-pressure oil flows through, if there are machining defects or scratches on the mating surface, it is easy to cause seal failure, affecting the stability of the damping force of the shock absorber.

[0011] High maintenance costs: The solenoid valve is installed in the inner connecting sleeve by screwing it in. During the tightening process, friction can easily cause scratches on the mating end faces, thus affecting the sealing effect. During disassembly and maintenance, the solenoid valve and the inner connecting sleeve have a high damage rate and require frequent replacement, increasing maintenance costs.

[0012] Limited internal layout space: The sealing ring is fitted onto the outside of the intermediate cylinder, and its outer diameter is larger than that of the intermediate cylinder. This reduces the gap between the bottom cover and the sealing ring, affecting the smooth flow of oil and potentially causing problems such as abnormal oil return and poor damping force.

[0013] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a new type of external CDC vibration damper solenoid valve connection structure. This structure should have higher sealing reliability, better assembly and maintenance convenience, and a more reasonable spatial layout, so as to effectively solve the above-mentioned technical problems and ensure the stability of the damping force and long-term working reliability of the vibration damper under high pressure conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0014] To overcome at least one of the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an external CDC damper solenoid valve connection structure that offers high reliability, high oil circuit sealing stability, and low maintenance costs. This structure solves the problems of poor sealing reliability, stringent machining accuracy requirements, and high maintenance costs due to easy damage to the mating surfaces during disassembly and assembly caused by the planar sealing and sleeve fitting methods in existing technologies.

[0015] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: an external CDC vibration damper solenoid valve connection structure, including a liquid storage tank assembly, the liquid storage tank assembly including a liquid storage tank outer tube, a working cylinder, a bottom cover and a connecting sleeve, and further including:

[0016] The intermediate cylinder is provided with a valve body mounting position, which has an outwardly protruding extension area and forms an intermediate oil flow channel.

[0017] The first sealing element has an interference fit between the end of the ring and the inner diameter of the pipe opening at the valve body mounting position, and the outer diameter of the front end of the ring is consistent with the inner diameter of the pipe opening at the valve body mounting position. A retaining ring structure is provided at the upper part of the end of the ring of the first sealing element, which is fitted to the extended area of ​​the valve body mounting position. A first O-ring is provided on the inner diameter surface of the first sealing element.

[0018] A connecting sleeve is fixedly installed on the side of the solenoid valve mounting position of the outer tube of the liquid storage cylinder, and the connecting sleeve has a solenoid valve mounting thread inside;

[0019] An inner connecting sleeve is disposed inside the connecting sleeve. The middle part is an oil guiding cavity. The front end of the inner connecting sleeve extends out of the connecting sleeve and fits into the first sealing element. It is provided with a sealing ring groove that matches the first O-ring groove and is sealed to the first sealing element. The end of the inner connecting sleeve is placed inside the connecting sleeve, and a second O-ring is provided on the end surface. The corresponding end surface of the inner connecting sleeve is provided with a sealing ring groove that matches the second O-ring groove. The end of the inner connecting sleeve is a frustum-shaped convex structure. A compression washer is provided between the frustum-shaped convex structure and the connecting sleeve. The compression washer has several oil guiding holes around its periphery that cannot be completely covered by the frustum-shaped convex structure of the inner connecting sleeve.

[0020] The working cylinder is sleeved on the bottom valve side, forming a first cavity inside. The two ends of the intermediate cylinder are sleeved with second sealing elements and then sleeved on the outer edge of the working cylinder.

[0021] The solenoid valve is connected to the corresponding surface of the second O-ring on the inner connecting sleeve through a connecting sleeve, and the two surfaces are sealed together, so that the middle cavity of the inner connecting sleeve is connected to the inner cavity of the solenoid valve. The inner connecting sleeve passes through the center hole of the compression washer and communicates with the first sealing element. Together with the intermediate cylinder and the working cylinder, it forms a second cavity. The intermediate cylinder and the liquid storage cylinder assembly form a third cavity. The solenoid valve is connected to the internal thread of the connecting sleeve of the liquid storage cylinder assembly through the external thread, and after passing through the third cavity through the connecting sleeve, it connects to the second cavity.

[0022] Preferably, the intermediate cylinder is aligned with the opening of the connecting sleeve through the first sealing element, and the compression washer is placed inside the connecting sleeve of the liquid storage cylinder assembly. The inner connecting sleeve is connected to the connecting sleeve by the compression washer.

[0023] Preferably, the connecting sleeve is provided with a stepped limit, and the inner connecting sleeve is limited by the second O-ring, the compression washer, and the stepped limit inside the connecting sleeve to prevent the port of the inner connecting sleeve from contacting the working cylinder, thus affecting the oil intake and the response time of the solenoid valve.

[0024] Preferably, the outer pipe end of the liquid storage cylinder is welded with a bottom cover, and one end of the second sealing element is a boss structure. The outer diameter of the boss structure is consistent with the outer diameter of the intermediate cylinder, so that there is a sufficient gap between it and the bottom cover to ensure normal flow of oil between the first cavity and the third cavity.

[0025] Preferably, a third O-ring is provided between the second seal and the working cylinder, and the boss structure of the second seal is provided with a sealing ring groove.

[0026] Preferably, the inner connecting sleeve is limited by its upper sealing ring, the compression washer, and the step inside the liquid storage cylinder connecting sleeve to prevent the lower connecting sleeve port from contacting the working cylinder, thus affecting the oil inlet volume and the solenoid valve response time.

[0027] Preferably, the intermediate cylinder sleeve is connected to the first seal with an interference fit, and the sealing performance of the two is enhanced by laser welding.

[0028] In this invention, the second O-ring, which is set on the corresponding surface of the sealing retainer on the inner connecting sleeve of the solenoid valve, reduces the sensitivity to the machining accuracy of the mating surface (such as roughness and end face runout) by utilizing the self-adaptability of the elastic first sealing element. This allows for a more stable and reliable sealing effect even under the high pressure impact of the internal oil, effectively preventing leakage.

[0029] The present invention has the following advantages:

[0030] 1. Extremely high sealing reliability: O-ring seals are used instead of flat seals, taking advantage of the self-adaptability of elastic seals. They are not sensitive to microscopic defects on the mating surfaces, resulting in a more stable sealing effect. They can withstand the pulsation and impact of high-pressure oil inside the shock absorber for a long time, fundamentally eliminating the risk of leakage and ensuring the accuracy and stability of damping force control.

[0031] 2. Significantly reduced maintenance costs: The O-ring seal allows for a degree of tolerance and flexibility during the disassembly and installation of the solenoid valve, preventing direct scratching and wear between the metal end faces. The solenoid valve and the inner connecting sleeve can be disassembled and assembled without damage, greatly reducing the cost of frequent replacements due to component damage during maintenance.

[0032] 3. Improved structural strength and durability: The intermediate cylinder and the sealing ring are joined by a combination of sleeve and laser welding, which not only achieves absolute sealing through metal fusion, but also makes the sealing ring and the intermediate cylinder a whole structure. This greatly improves mechanical strength and rigidity, effectively resisting severe vibrations and impacts during vehicle operation, preventing connection points from failing due to fatigue, and improving the service life and reliability of the entire system.

[0033] It retains the inherent advantages of external solenoid valves: While improving sealing and reliability, this improvement fully preserves the core advantages of external solenoid valves, such as good heat dissipation and ease of independent maintenance and replacement, which meets the requirements of modern automobile manufacturing for maintainability and design flexibility.

[0034] In summary, this patent comprehensively solves the technical challenges faced by external CDC solenoid valves in terms of hydraulic sealing, mechanical reliability, and maintainability through dual sealing (elastic sealing + laser welding sealing) and structural optimization, and is an optimized design solution with great practical value. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the external CDC vibration damper solenoid valve connection structure described in this invention.

[0037] Icon labels:

[0038] 1. Liquid storage tank assembly; 2. Bottom valve; 3. Third O-ring; 4. Second seal; 5. Intermediate cylinder; 6. Working cylinder; 7. First seal; 8. Inner connecting sleeve; 9. Second O-ring; 10. Solenoid valve; 11. Compression washer; 12. First O-ring; 30. Connecting sleeve; 31. Liquid storage tank outer tube; 32. Bottom cover; 60. First cavity; 61. Second cavity; 62. Third cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating only the basic structure of the invention, and therefore only show the components relevant to the invention.

[0040] like Figure 1 The external CDC vibration damper solenoid valve connection structure includes a liquid storage tank assembly 1, which consists of an outer pipe 31, a working cylinder 6, a bottom cover 32, an intermediate cylinder 5, a first sealing element 7, a connecting sleeve 30, an inner connecting sleeve 8, a solenoid valve 10, and a connecting sleeve 30.

[0041] In this embodiment, the intermediate cylinder 5 is provided with a valve body mounting position, which has an outwardly protruding extended area and forms an intermediate oil flow channel.

[0042] In this embodiment, the end of the first sealing element 7 is interference-fitted with the inner diameter of the pipe opening of the valve body mounting position, the outer diameter of the front end of the ring is consistent with the inner diameter of the pipe opening of the valve body mounting position, a retaining ring structure is provided on the upper part of the end of the first sealing element 7, the retaining ring structure is fitted to the extended area of ​​the valve body mounting position, and a first O-ring 12 is provided on the inner diameter surface of the first sealing element 7.

[0043] In this embodiment, the connecting sleeve 30 is fixedly installed on the side of the solenoid valve mounting position of the outer tube 31 of the liquid storage cylinder, and the connecting sleeve 30 has solenoid valve mounting threads inside.

[0044] In this embodiment, the inner connecting sleeve 8 is disposed inside the connecting sleeve 30, with an oil guiding cavity in the middle. The front end of the inner connecting sleeve 8 extends out of the connecting sleeve 30 and is fitted into the first sealing member 7, and is provided with a sealing ring groove that matches the groove of the first O-ring 12, and is sealed to the first sealing member 7. The end of the inner connecting sleeve 8 is placed inside the connecting sleeve 30, and a second O-ring 9 is provided on the end surface. The corresponding end surface of the inner connecting sleeve 8 is provided with a sealing ring groove that matches the groove of the second O-ring 9. The end of the inner connecting sleeve 8 is a frustum-shaped convex structure. A compression washer 11 is provided between the frustum-shaped convex structure and the connecting sleeve 30. The compression washer 11 is provided with several oil guiding holes around its periphery that cannot be completely covered by the frustum-shaped convex structure of the inner connecting sleeve 8.

[0045] In this embodiment, the working cylinder 6 is sleeved on the side of the bottom valve 2, forming a first cavity 60 inside. After the two ends of the intermediate cylinder 5 are sleeved with the second sealing element 4, they are sleeved on the outer edge of the working cylinder 6.

[0046] In this embodiment, the solenoid valve 10 is connected to the corresponding surface of the second O-ring 9 on the inner connecting sleeve 8 through the connecting sleeve 30, and the two surfaces are sealed together, so that the middle cavity of the inner connecting sleeve 8 is connected to the inner cavity of the solenoid valve 10; the inner connecting sleeve 8 passes through the center hole of the compression washer 11 and is connected to the first sealing element 7, and together with the intermediate cylinder 5 and the working cylinder 6, it forms a second cavity 61; the intermediate cylinder 5 and the liquid storage cylinder assembly 1 together form a third cavity 62; the solenoid valve 10 is connected to the connecting sleeve 30 of the liquid storage cylinder assembly 1 through the external thread, and after passing through the third cavity 62 through the connecting sleeve 30, it is connected to the second cavity 61.

[0047] In this embodiment, the intermediate cylinder 5 is aligned with the opening of the connecting sleeve 30 through the first sealing member 7, the compression washer 11 is placed inside the connecting sleeve 30 of the liquid storage cylinder assembly 1, and the inner connecting sleeve 8 is installed in a limited position by the compression washer 11.

[0048] In this embodiment, the connecting sleeve 30 is provided with a stepped limit. The inner connecting sleeve 8 is limited by the second O-ring 9, the compression washer 11, and the step inside the connecting sleeve 30, to prevent the port of the inner connecting sleeve 8 from contacting the working cylinder 6, which would affect the oil intake and the response time of the solenoid valve 10.

[0049] In this embodiment, the bottom cover 32 is welded to the end of the outer tube 31 of the liquid storage cylinder. One end of the second sealing member 4 is a boss structure. The outer diameter of the boss structure is the same as the outer diameter of the intermediate cylinder 5, so that there is a sufficient gap between it and the bottom cover 32 to ensure that the oil flows normally between the first cavity 60 and the third cavity 62.

[0050] In this embodiment, a third O-ring 3 is provided between the second seal 4 and the working cylinder 6, and the boss structure of the second seal 4 is provided with a sealing ring groove.

[0051] In this embodiment, the inner connecting sleeve 8 is limited by its upper sealing ring, the compression washer 11, and the step inside the liquid storage cylinder connecting sleeve 30, preventing the lower connecting sleeve 30 port from contacting the working cylinder 6, which would affect the oil inlet volume and the response time of the solenoid valve 10.

[0052] In this embodiment, the intermediate cylinder 5 is fitted with the first sealing element 7 by an interference fit, and the sealing performance of the two is enhanced by laser welding.

[0053] In this invention, the second O-ring 9, which is provided on the corresponding surface of the sealing retaining ring on the inner connecting sleeve 8 and the solenoid valve 10, reduces the sensitivity to the machining accuracy of the mating surface (such as roughness and end face runout) by utilizing the self-adaptability of the elastic first sealing element 7. This allows for a more stable and reliable sealing effect even under the high pressure impact of the internal oil, effectively preventing leakage.

[0054] The CDC shock absorber, as a key component of this system, enhances vehicle handling stability and ride comfort by adjusting damping force in real time. The solenoid valve is the core element for achieving damping adjustment. When the solenoid valve is externally mounted—that is, independent of the shock absorber cylinder and connected to the master cylinder via an oil pipe—the connection structure between it and the shock absorber body becomes a critical technical point. This structure must not only ensure good sealing and sufficient structural strength in the high-pressure hydraulic circuit but also provide stable and reliable oil circuit connectivity. Simultaneously, it must withstand complex environmental factors during vehicle operation, such as vibration and thermal shock, to ensure long-term stable operation of the solenoid valve and facilitate independent maintenance and replacement in the future.

[0055] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An external CDC vibration damper solenoid valve connection structure, comprising a liquid reservoir assembly, the liquid reservoir assembly including a liquid reservoir outer tube, a working cylinder, a bottom cover, and a connecting sleeve, characterized in that, Also includes: The intermediate cylinder is provided with a valve body mounting position, which has an outwardly protruding extension area and forms an intermediate oil flow channel. The first sealing element has an interference fit between the end of the ring and the inner diameter of the pipe opening at the valve body mounting position, and the outer diameter of the front end of the ring is consistent with the inner diameter of the pipe opening at the valve body mounting position. A retaining ring structure is provided at the upper part of the end of the ring of the first sealing element, which is fitted to the extended area of ​​the valve body mounting position. A first O-ring is provided on the inner diameter surface of the first sealing element. A connecting sleeve is fixedly installed on the side of the solenoid valve mounting position of the outer tube of the liquid storage cylinder, and the connecting sleeve has a solenoid valve mounting thread inside; An inner connecting sleeve is disposed inside the connecting sleeve. The middle part is an oil guiding cavity. The front end of the inner connecting sleeve extends out of the connecting sleeve and fits into the first sealing element. It is provided with a sealing ring groove that matches the first O-ring groove and is sealed to the first sealing element. The end of the inner connecting sleeve is placed inside the connecting sleeve, and a second O-ring is provided on the end surface. The corresponding end surface of the inner connecting sleeve is provided with a sealing ring groove that matches the second O-ring groove. The end of the inner connecting sleeve is a frustum-shaped convex structure. A compression washer is provided between the frustum-shaped convex structure and the connecting sleeve. The compression washer has several oil guiding holes around its periphery that cannot be completely covered by the frustum-shaped convex structure of the inner connecting sleeve. The working cylinder is sleeved on the bottom valve side, forming a first cavity inside. The two ends of the intermediate cylinder are sleeved with second sealing elements and then sleeved on the outer edge of the working cylinder. The solenoid valve is connected to the corresponding surface of the second O-ring on the inner connecting sleeve through a connecting sleeve, and the two surfaces are sealed together, so that the middle cavity of the inner connecting sleeve is connected to the inner cavity of the solenoid valve. The inner connecting sleeve passes through the center hole of the compression washer and communicates with the first sealing element. Together with the intermediate cylinder and the working cylinder, it forms a second cavity. The intermediate cylinder and the liquid storage cylinder assembly form a third cavity. The solenoid valve is connected to the internal thread of the connecting sleeve of the liquid storage cylinder assembly through the external thread, and after passing through the third cavity through the connecting sleeve, it connects to the second cavity.

2. The connection structure of an external CDC vibration damper solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intermediate cylinder is aligned with the connecting sleeve opening via the first sealing element, and the compression washer is placed inside the connecting sleeve of the liquid storage cylinder assembly. The inner connecting sleeve is connected to the connecting sleeve by the compression washer.

3. The connection structure of an external CDC vibration damper solenoid valve according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting sleeve is provided with a stepped limit. The inner connecting sleeve is limited by the second O-ring, the compression washer, and the stepped limit inside the connecting sleeve to prevent the port of the inner connecting sleeve from contacting the working cylinder, which would affect the oil intake and the response time of the solenoid valve.

4. The connection structure of an external CDC vibration damper solenoid valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer pipe end of the liquid storage cylinder is welded with a bottom cover. One end of the second sealing element is a boss structure. The outer diameter of the boss structure is the same as the outer diameter of the intermediate cylinder, so that there is a sufficient gap between it and the bottom cover to ensure normal flow of oil between the first chamber and the third chamber.

5. The connection structure of an external CDC vibration damper solenoid valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: A third O-ring is provided between the second seal and the working cylinder, and the boss structure of the second seal is provided with a sealing ring groove.

6. The connection structure of an external CDC vibration damper solenoid valve according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner connecting sleeve is limited by its upper sealing ring, compression washer, and step inside the liquid storage cylinder connecting sleeve to prevent the lower connecting sleeve port from contacting the working cylinder, which would affect the oil inlet volume and the solenoid valve response time.

7. The connection structure of an external CDC vibration damper solenoid valve according to claim 2, characterized in that: The intermediate cylinder sleeve is connected to the first sealing element by an interference fit, and the sealing performance of the two parts is enhanced by laser welding.

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