Air spring protection structure and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to air spring technical field, concretely relates to an air spring protection structure and vehicle, including air spring body and dust cover of setting up outside air spring body, the dust cover includes the upper dust cover and lower dust cover of interval arrangement in axial direction, the cover wall of upper dust cover and lower dust cover is all the non -porous structure of closed, and the end part of two is fixed on the outer wall of air spring body respectively, the air spring protection structure still is provided with external breather, and this external breather includes the first air passage of with the internal cavity communication of upper dust cover, the second air passage of with the internal cavity communication of lower dust cover and the exhaust part for the air flow convergence of first air passage and second air passage and the air flow of guiding to air spring body above the predetermined height. The air spring protection structure provided by the utility model solves the technical problem that the foreign matter is easy to invade and the water depth is insufficient because of the existing air spring dust cover opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air spring technology, specifically to an air spring protective structure and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Air springs, as a type of non-metallic spring, are widely used in vehicle suspension systems. They achieve their elastic effect through compressed air within a flexible, sealed container. To protect the air spring's bladder from wear caused by foreign objects such as mud and dust, a dust cover is typically installed on the outside of the air spring. In existing technology, the dust cover needs to expand and contract synchronously with the vertical movement of the air spring. Therefore, holes are usually made in the outer wall of the dust cover to allow for air intake and exhaust during expansion and contraction, preventing frictional noise and wear caused by the concave interior of the dust cover contacting the outer wall of the air spring piston. Figure 1 As shown.

[0003] However, this perforation design has significant drawbacks: when vehicles travel on muddy or watery roads, foreign objects can easily enter the dust cover through the openings, directly contacting the air spring and causing wear or damage. Furthermore, due to the low position of the openings, the wading depth of the air spring is severely limited, making it unsuitable for deep wading conditions. Some improvements attempt to block foreign objects by optimizing the shape of the dust cover's exhaust channels (such as a labyrinth structure), but the exhaust ports still face downwards or to the side, failing to fundamentally solve the wading problem. Other solutions utilize channels within the air spring's internal components (such as the support ring) for ventilation, but this structure relies on specific parts, lacks versatility, and the ventilation path does not extend to a higher position, resulting in limited protective effectiveness. Therefore, current technology still lacks an air spring protective structure that simultaneously provides effective ventilation, comprehensive protection against foreign objects, and deep wading capability. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides an air spring protection structure and vehicle that combines a closed dust cover with external high-level ventilation, achieving effective protection and pressure balance, and solving the technical problems of foreign objects easily entering and insufficient wading depth caused by the openings in existing air spring dust covers.

[0005] This utility model provides an air spring protection structure, including an air spring body and a dust cover sleeved on the air spring body. The dust cover includes an upper dust cover and a lower dust cover spaced apart in the axial direction. The walls of the upper dust cover and the lower dust cover are both closed non-porous structures, and their ends are respectively fixed to the outer wall of the air spring body. The air spring protective structure is also provided with an external ventilation device, which includes a first ventilation channel communicating with the internal cavity of the upper dust cover, a second ventilation channel communicating with the internal cavity of the lower dust cover, and an exhaust section for converging and guiding the airflow from the first ventilation channel and the second ventilation channel to a predetermined height above the air spring body.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first ventilation channel is connected to the internal cavity of the upper dust cover through a first connecting joint disposed on the outer wall of the air spring body, and the second ventilation channel is connected to the internal cavity of the lower dust cover through a second connecting joint disposed on the outer wall of the air spring body.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the external ventilation device further includes a first ventilation pipe connected to the first connecting joint, a second ventilation pipe connected to the second connecting joint, and a manifold for connecting the first ventilation pipe and the second ventilation pipe. The exhaust section is located at the end of the collecting pipe.

[0008] In one embodiment of this utility model, the exhaust section is provided with a filter structure.

[0009] In one embodiment of this utility model, the filter structure is a protective head with a porous filter wall.

[0010] In one embodiment of this utility model, the filter structure is made of a breathable and waterproof material.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first vent pipe and / or the second vent pipe are provided with a flexible telescopic section.

[0012] In one embodiment of this utility model, the exhaust direction of the exhaust section is vertically upward or obliquely upward.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first ventilation channel is connected to the inner cavity of the upper dust cover through a first connecting joint disposed on the outer wall of the air spring body, and the second ventilation channel is connected to the inner cavity of the lower dust cover through a second connecting joint disposed on the outer wall of the air spring body.

[0014] In one embodiment of this utility model, the first connecting joint and the second connecting joint are connected to the outer wall of the air spring body through a ball joint structure to compensate for installation errors and vibration displacement.

[0015] This utility model also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned air spring protective structure.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model: The air spring protection structure proposed in this utility model addresses the inherent contradiction between the openings and protective performance of dust covers. While traditional opening designs can achieve basic ventilation, direct exposure to harsh environments allows foreign objects such as mud and dust to easily enter the internal cavity of the dust cover, rubbing against the surface of the air spring and causing premature wear, cracking, or even failure, significantly shortening the lifespan of the air spring. Simultaneously, the openings are usually located low, allowing water to easily rush in when the vehicle is wading through water, potentially directly damaging the air spring and causing malfunctions, severely limiting the vehicle's ability to pass through flooded roads. This utility model, by completely eliminating the openings on the dust cover wall, fundamentally cuts off the path for foreign objects to enter from the side and bottom, and introduces an external ventilation device, separating the ventilation function from the dust cover body. This external ventilation device connects to the internal cavities of the upper and lower dust covers through a first ventilation channel and a second ventilation channel, respectively, and guides the airflow to a predetermined height above the air spring body via an exhaust section. This design elevates the vent to a relatively clean, high position on the vehicle, avoiding the direct exposure risk of low-lying openings. This effectively prevents the intrusion of foreign objects and water while ensuring dynamic pressure balance within the dust cover. This not only significantly improves the air spring's protection level in muddy and dusty environments but also greatly increases its wading depth, enhancing the product's reliability and durability under complex operating conditions, achieving an effective balance between protective performance and ventilation function. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0018] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air spring structure in the prior art; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the air spring protection structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the connection between the exhaust section and the drainage structure provided in this utility model. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another structure for connecting the exhaust section and the drainage structure in one embodiment of the present invention. The attached figures are labeled as follows: air spring body 1, first connecting joint 101, second connecting joint 102, upper dust cover 2, lower dust cover 3, first vent pipe 401, second vent pipe 402, flexible telescopic section 40, collecting pipe 5, drainage structure 501, first pipe 511, second pipe 512, third pipe 513, fourth pipe 514, one-way drain valve 515, exhaust part 6, protective head 61, air hole 611. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments. Various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0020] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. The drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components. In actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0021] In the following description, numerous details are explored to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other embodiments, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form rather than in detail to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Please see Figure 2 This utility model provides an air spring protection structure, including an air spring body 1 and a dust cover fitted over the air spring body 1. The dust cover includes an upper dust cover 2 and a lower dust cover 3 arranged axially at intervals. The walls of both the upper and lower dust covers 2 and 3 are constructed as closed, non-porous structures, physically blocking the path of foreign objects from directly intruding into the protective area formed by the dust cover and the air spring body 1. The corresponding ends of the upper and lower dust covers 2 and 3 are respectively fixed to the outer wall of the air spring body 1 by means of snap-fit ​​connection, pressure ring fixing, or interference fit. During fixing, the sealing of the connection points must be ensured to prevent foreign objects from intruding through gaps. The material of the dust cover can be a tough and wear-resistant material, such as elastic plastic, rubber, or reinforced nylon, which can be adapted according to the needs of the vehicle's operating environment. Its shape can be adjusted according to the shape of the air spring body 1, such as adapting to a cylindrical, conical, or arc-shaped air spring body 1.

[0023] To address the pressure balance issue arising from the expansion and contraction of the air spring body 1 during the non-perforated dust cover process, this protective structure incorporates an external ventilation device. This device includes a first ventilation channel communicating with the internal cavity of the upper dust cover 2, a second ventilation channel communicating with the internal cavity of the lower dust cover 3, and an exhaust section 6 positioned at a predetermined height above the air spring body 1 to collect and guide the airflow from these two channels. This shifts the system's gas exchange point from the dust cover wall to a higher position. When the air spring operates, the gas flow generated by the volume changes in the internal cavities of the upper and lower dust covers 2 and 3 flows through their respective ventilation channels to the exhaust section 6, where it exchanges gas with the higher external environment. This maintains pressure balance inside and outside the dust cover, while avoiding the problems of foreign object intrusion and limited wading depth caused by low-level openings in existing technologies. The "predetermined height" of the exhaust section 6 is typically set significantly higher than the water level under the vehicle's expected deepest wading conditions, physically preventing water backflow, which is crucial for achieving deep wading capability. The structure of the first and second ventilation channels can be flexibly selected, such as rigid tubes, flexible tubes, or built-in channels formed by external components of the air spring body 1, as long as stable ventilation can be achieved.

[0024] Please see Figure 2 As an optional embodiment of this case, the first ventilation channel communicates with the internal cavity of the upper dust cover 2 through a first connecting joint 101 disposed on the outer wall of the air spring body 1, and the second ventilation channel communicates with the internal cavity of the lower dust cover 3 through a second connecting joint 102 disposed on the outer wall of the air spring body 1. The outer wall of the air spring body 1 refers to its exposed surface where components can be installed, such as the outer wall of the piston, the outer peripheral wall of the support seat, or the surface of the outer protective sleeve of the bladder. The first connecting joint 101 and the second connecting joint 102 serve as transitional components for sealing and ventilation, and can be constructed as a threaded joint, a quick-connect joint, or a flange joint, etc., depending on the connection requirements of the ventilation channel.

[0025] The fixing method of the first connecting joint 101, the second connecting joint 102, and the outer wall of the air spring body 1 can be determined according to the material characteristics of the three components. For example, the connecting joint made of metal can be fixed to the air spring body 1 by welding, while non-metallic materials or those requiring later maintenance can be fixed by threaded connection. Alternatively, the components of the first connecting joint 101, the second connecting joint 102, and the outer wall of the air spring body 1 can be integrally injection molded or cast. To improve the reliability of the first connecting joint 101 and the second connecting joint 102 under vehicle vibration environment and to cope with possible deviations during installation, the first connecting joint 101 and the second connecting joint 102 can be connected to the outer wall of the air spring body 1 by a ball joint structure. This ball joint structure allows the first connecting joint 101 and the second connecting joint 102 to have multi-degree-of-freedom micro-motion capability, alleviates the stress generated by relative motion, protects the connection point from fatigue damage, and ensures the long-term sealing of the ventilation channel. The installation positions of the first connecting connector 101 and the second connecting connector 102 must be compatible with the fixing positions of the ends of the upper dust cover 2 and the lower dust cover 3. For example, when the end of the upper dust cover 2 is fixed by a buckle, the first connecting connector 101 can be set inside the upper dust cover 2 and directly communicate with the internal cavity, or it can be set outside and communicate through the pre-set sealing hole on the upper dust cover 2. The sealing hole must be equipped with a sealing ring to prevent air leakage and foreign object intrusion; the matching method of the second connecting connector 102 and the lower dust cover 3 is the same.

[0026] Please see Figure 2 As an optional embodiment of this case, the external ventilation device further includes a first ventilation pipe 401 connected to the first connecting joint 101, a second ventilation pipe 402 connected to the second connecting joint 102, and a manifold 5 for connecting the first ventilation pipe 401 and the second ventilation pipe 402. The exhaust part 6 is located at the end of the manifold 5. The first ventilation pipe 401 and the second ventilation pipe 402 are the core components for airflow transmission. Their materials can be selected according to the application scenario. For example, aging-resistant rubber pipes can be selected for scenarios that require a certain degree of flexibility, PVC pipes can be selected for conventional low-cost scenarios, and metal corrugated pipes can be selected for high-temperature or impact-resistant scenarios. The inner diameter of the pipe needs to be determined according to the extension and retraction speed of the air spring body 1 and the cavity volume of the upper dust cover 2 and the lower dust cover 3 to ensure smooth airflow transmission and avoid air pressure balance lag due to the pipe diameter being too small.

[0027] The function of the manifold 5 is to integrate the airflow of the first vent pipe 401 and the second vent pipe 402, reducing the number of exhaust sections 6 to simplify the overall structure and lower costs. Its structural form can be selected according to the pipeline layout, such as a T-shaped pipe, a Y-shaped pipe, or a multi-way pipe. The material can be consistent with the first vent pipe 401 and the second vent pipe 402, or a higher-strength metal pipe can be used to improve stability. The connection between the manifold 5 and the first vent pipe 401 and the second vent pipe 402 must be sealed. Common sealing connection methods include pipe clamp fastening with sealing rings, threaded connections with sealing tape or sealing rings, and welded connections for metal pipes. The connection between the exhaust section 6 and the manifold 5 can be a one-piece design or a detachable connection, such as a threaded connection, to facilitate future maintenance or replacement of the exhaust section 6. Furthermore, the layout path of the manifold 5 can be optimized and adjusted according to the chassis space of a specific vehicle model, as long as the exhaust section 6 at its end is ultimately located at a predetermined height above the air spring body 1. This flexibility allows the protective structure to be easily adapted to the air spring systems of various vehicle models.

[0028] Please see Figure 2 As an optional embodiment of this invention, the exhaust section 6 is provided with a filter structure. The function of this filter structure is to prevent particulate matter and liquids from the external environment from entering the ventilation device through the exhaust section 6, while ensuring that gas can pass smoothly without affecting the air pressure balance inside the upper dust cover 2 and the lower dust cover 3. The location of the filter structure can be determined according to the structure of the exhaust section 6, for example, it can be placed at the airflow inlet end, outlet end, or internal cavity of the exhaust section 6, as long as it ensures that all airflow passing through the exhaust section 6 is filtered.

[0029] The specific form of the filter structure can be selected according to protection requirements. For example, when it is necessary to focus on intercepting solid particles, a mesh filter can be used, with common filter materials including metal and plastic meshes. When it is necessary to balance a certain level of filtration accuracy and air permeability, a porous filter element, such as a sponge filter or ceramic filter, can be used. When lightweight and easily replaceable filter components are required, a fiber filter element, such as a non-woven fabric filter, can be used. To facilitate later maintenance, the connection between the filter structure and the exhaust section 6 should be easily disassembled, such as a snap-fit ​​connection, threaded connection, or plug-in connection, so that personnel can quickly replace clogged or damaged filter components, ensuring long-term stability of the filtration effect. The filtration accuracy of the filter structure needs to be determined based on the particle size of foreign objects in the common vehicle operating environment. It must be able to effectively intercept target pollutants without causing excessive airflow resistance due to excessively small filter holes, thus affecting ventilation efficiency.

[0030] Please see Figure 2As an optional embodiment of this case, the filter structure is a protective head 61 with a porous filter wall. The shape of the protective head 61 needs to be adapted to the end structure of the exhaust section 6 to ensure stable installation and that the airflow can fully contact the filter wall. Common shapes of the protective head 61 include cap-shaped, spherical, and columnar. The cap-shaped protective head 61 can be directly fastened to the outlet end of the exhaust section 6, the spherical protective head 61 can be fixed to the end of the exhaust section 6 by a connecting post, and the columnar protective head 61 can be inserted into the internal cavity of the exhaust section 6.

[0031] The core component of the protective head 61 is a porous filter wall, which has numerous pores 611. The material of the filter wall must be selected based on the characteristics of the operating environment. For example, in harsh environments with high temperatures or strong corrosiveness, a porous ceramic filter wall can be used, as it is resistant to high temperatures and corrosion. In normal operating environments, a porous plastic filter wall, such as polyethylene, can be used, as it is lightweight and low-cost. In scenarios requiring repeated cleaning, a filter wall made of porous metal materials, such as stainless steel porous plates, can be used, as it is strong and easy to clean. The pore size of the porous filter wall needs to be precisely designed to allow for smooth airflow while effectively blocking target pollutants from entering the air passage. The pore distribution must be uniform to avoid filtration failure due to excessively large local pores. The connection between the protective head 61 and the exhaust part 6 must be sealed. This can be achieved by setting an annular sealing ring on the inside of the protective head 61, or by applying sealant to the mating surfaces of the threaded connection to enhance the sealing effect. For disposable protective heads 61, an interference fit can also be used to achieve a sealed connection to prevent foreign objects from entering through the connection gap.

[0032] Please see Figure 2 As an optional embodiment of this case, the filter structure is made of a breathable and waterproof material. This breathable and waterproof material must have excellent air permeability and moisture barrier properties to ensure that while allowing normal gas flow, it can effectively prevent external rainwater, dew, and other liquids from entering the ventilation device, thus avoiding water accumulation inside the pipe that could affect the normal operation of the air spring or accelerate the aging of the bladder.

[0033] The selection of breathable and waterproof materials requires comprehensive consideration of their breathability, waterproofness, aging resistance, and abrasion resistance. Common breathable and waterproof materials include PTFE breathable membranes, polyurethane breathable and waterproof fabrics, and polypropylene microporous membranes. PTFE breathable membranes offer excellent breathability, waterproofness, and chemical corrosion resistance, making them suitable for various complex environments. Polyurethane breathable and waterproof fabrics provide good flexibility and abrasion resistance, making them suitable for filter structures requiring a certain degree of flexibility. Polypropylene microporous membranes are cost-effective and have good breathability, making them suitable for scenarios with standard waterproofing needs. The filter structure can be made solely from the breathable and waterproof material; for example, a PTFE breathable membrane can be cut to a shape that fits the exhaust section 6 and fixed inside the exhaust section 6 by adhesive or heat sealing. Alternatively, the breathable and waterproof material can be combined with a support structure; for example, the breathable membrane can be wrapped around a metal or plastic support mesh to form a filter element. The support structure prevents the breathable and waterproof material from deforming due to airflow pressure or vehicle vibration, ensuring the long-term stability of the filter structure. The shape of the support structure must be compatible with the internal structure of the exhaust section 6 to avoid affecting the normal flow of air.

[0034] Please see Figure 2 As an optional embodiment of this case, the first vent pipe 401 and / or the second vent pipe 402 are provided with flexible telescopic sections 40 for accommodating the relative displacement of the vent pipes when the air spring body 1 moves axially. During operation, the air spring body 1 will extend and retract axially, causing displacement of the first connecting joint 101 and the second connecting joint 102 connected to it. If the first vent pipe 401 and the second vent pipe 402 are rigid structures, the tensile force generated by the displacement may cause the pipes to break or the sealing of the connection to fail. Therefore, it is necessary to provide flexible telescopic sections 40 to absorb this displacement and protect the vent pipe system.

[0035] The flexible telescopic section 40 needs to possess good flexibility and extensibility while ensuring the sealing of the pipeline and not affecting airflow transmission. Common forms of flexible telescopic sections 40 include corrugated pipes, pleated pipes, and flexible hoses. Corrugated pipes can be made of metal or plastic, achieving expansion and contraction through the corrugated structure of the pipe wall; pleated pipes are typically made of rubber, adapting to displacement through the pleated design of the pipe wall; flexible hoses can be made of silicone, relying on the material's own elasticity to achieve stretching or compression. The location of the flexible telescopic section 40 on the first vent pipe 401 and the second vent pipe 402 can be determined according to the extension and contraction direction of the air spring body 1 and the arrangement path of the vent pipes. For example, to evenly distribute the stress generated by displacement, the flexible telescopic section 40 can be placed in the middle of the first vent pipe 401 or the second vent pipe 402; if the displacement of the first connecting joint 101 or the second connecting joint 102 is large, the flexible telescopic section 40 can be placed at one end of the vent pipe near the connecting joint; if there is relative displacement at both ends of the vent pipe, the flexible telescopic section 40 can be placed at one end near the manifold 5. The specific configuration can be flexibly adjusted. For example, the flexible telescopic section 40 on the first vent pipe 401 can be set roughly horizontally, and the flexible telescopic section 40 on the second vent pipe 402 can be set roughly vertically. This allows the first vent pipe 401, the second vent pipe 402, and the manifold 5 to better adapt to the deformation caused by the axial movement of the air spring body 1, reducing the risk of pipe bending damage. The connection method between the flexible telescopic section 40 and the first vent pipe 401 and the second vent pipe 402 can be selected according to the material. For example, metal corrugated pipes and vent pipes can be welded together, plastic corrugated pipes or rubber pleated pipes can be integrally molded, and flexible hoses can be connected with clamps and sealed with sealing rings. In addition, the deformation range of the flexible telescopic section 40 can be designed according to the maximum extension and contraction of the air spring body 1 to ensure that the pipeline remains connected under extreme working conditions and to avoid pipeline damage due to insufficient extension and contraction.

[0036] Please see Figure 2 As an optional embodiment of this case, the exhaust direction of the exhaust section 6 is vertically upward or diagonally upward. The design of the exhaust direction needs to be combined with the spatial layout of the vehicle chassis to avoid interference with components such as crossbeams, pipes, and shock absorbers on the chassis. At the same time, it needs to be far away from muddy or watery areas on the ground to reduce the probability of foreign object intrusion. The vertically upward exhaust direction means that the main airflow direction is perpendicular to the ground and pointing upward. This direction can minimize the possibility of dust falling naturally and mud splashing into the exhaust section 6, and is suitable for scenarios with relatively ample chassis space. The diagonally upward exhaust direction means that the main airflow direction forms an acute angle with the ground, such as between 30° and 60°. This direction can avoid surrounding components by adjusting the angle when chassis space is limited, while still maintaining a good anti-foreign object effect.

[0037] To achieve the preset exhaust direction, the structure of the exhaust section 6 needs to be designed accordingly. For example, for a vertically upward exhaust direction, the exhaust section 6 can be designed as a straight pipe section with its axis perpendicular to the ground; for an obliquely upward exhaust direction, the exhaust section 6 can be designed as a curved pipe section with its outlet obliquely upward, or a guide plate can be installed at the outlet end of the exhaust section 6 to guide the airflow in an obliquely upward direction. The length of the exhaust section 6 needs to be determined based on the space above the air spring body 1 to ensure that its end can reach the predetermined height, while ensuring that there are no obstructions around the exhaust port to avoid affecting the smooth discharge of gas. The inner wall of the exhaust section 6 should preferably be designed with a smooth surface to reduce resistance during airflow and ensure that the air pressure inside the upper dust cover 2 and lower dust cover 3 can be balanced with the external environment in a timely manner, avoiding concavity or bulging of the dust cover due to airflow resistance, which would affect the normal operation of the air spring.

[0038] Please see Figure 3 Alternatively, in an optional embodiment of this case, the drainage structure 501 forms a low point in its pipe construction to collect and discharge liquid, and can prevent external foreign objects from entering. The low point refers to the lowest point where liquid naturally accumulates in the pipe due to gravity when the vehicle is in a horizontal driving posture; the drainage structure 501 is a U-shaped, N-shaped, or irregularly shaped pipe structure, with a one-way drain valve 515 at its bottom, the specific location of which needs to be determined according to the arrangement path of the collecting pipe 5. For example, when the collecting pipe 5 is arranged inclined towards the exhaust section 6, the connection end near the first vent pipe 401 or the second vent pipe 402 may become the low point; the drainage structure 501 is generally a U-shaped, N-shaped, or irregularly shaped structure, thus forming a low point before the exhaust section 6, which is beneficial for the collection and discharge of liquid. Figure 3 As shown, for example, the irregular structure includes a T-shaped pipe and a fourth pipe 514 connected to the T-shaped pipe. The T-shaped pipe includes a first pipe 511, a second pipe 512, and a third pipe 513. The first pipe 511 is arranged vertically or inclined upwards and is connected to a manifold 5. The first pipe 511 and the manifold 5 can be integrated. The second pipe 512 is arranged in the opposite direction to the first pipe 511. One end of the second pipe 512 is connected to the first pipe 511, and the other end is a free end, which is the bottom of the second pipe 512. One end of the third pipe 513 is connected to the first pipe 511. The first tube 511 and the second tube 512 are connected at the connection point. The other end of the third tube 513 is used to connect with the first vent tube 401. The third tube 513 is arranged horizontally or inclined to the horizontal direction. One end of the fourth tube 514 is connected to the third tube 513, and the other end of the fourth tube 514 is connected to the second vent tube 402. The fourth tube 514 is arranged vertically or inclined to the vertical direction. The fourth tube 514 is not on the same straight line as the second tube 512 and the first tube 511. The first tube 511 and the second tube 512 are on the same straight line, so as to facilitate the discharge of accumulated liquid.

[0039] During long-term operation of the ventilation piping system, condensation may occur inside the piping due to changes in ambient temperature. Furthermore, extremely fine dust particles may slowly accumulate over a very long timescale. To maintain optimal system performance and prevent the accumulation of trace amounts of moisture from causing freezing and clogging in winter, this design incorporates a drainage structure 501. The specific form of the drainage structure 501 needs to be determined based on drainage requirements and foreign object prevention requirements; for example, a one-way drain valve 515 could be used. Figure 3 As shown, when the drainage structure 501 is an irregularly shaped structure, for example, a one-way drain valve 515 is provided at the free end of the second pipe 512, so that the water accumulated at the bottom of the second pipe 512 can be discharged in one direction; such as Figure 4 As shown, when the drainage structure 501 is an N-shaped structure, the one-way drain valve 515 is located at the bottom of the N-shaped structure to facilitate the discharge of accumulated liquid or dirt. Common one-way drain valves 515 include duckbill valves, which automatically open under the gravity of the liquid inside the pipe to allow the liquid to drain. When the liquid is drained or there are foreign objects outside, the valve automatically closes to prevent foreign objects from entering. Alternatively, a drain hole with a filter screen can be used. A drain hole is opened at the lowest point of the collecting pipe 5, and a filter screen is installed inside the hole. Liquid can pass through the filter screen and drain from the drain hole, while the filter screen can block solid foreign objects from entering the pipe. A hydrophobic and breathable membrane assembly can also be used. A hydrophobic and breathable membrane is installed at the drain hole. This membrane allows liquid to drain while preventing air and foreign objects from entering. The connection between the drainage structure 501 and the manifold 5 must be airtight to prevent air leakage. For example, a one-piece molding design can be used, with the hole for installing the drainage structure 501 pre-drilled at the lowest point during the machining of the manifold 5, and then the drainage component assembled into place. For a detachable and maintainable drainage structure 501, a threaded connection can be used, with a threaded hole machined at the lowest point of the manifold 5, the drainage structure 501 screwed into the hole, and a sealing ring placed on the mating surface to enhance the seal. The drainage structure 501 can actively manage any trace amounts of condensate that may be generated in the manifold 5, preventing condensate from accumulating inside the pipe and avoiding freezing and blocking of the ventilation path in low winter temperatures, or the growth of microorganisms due to long-term water accumulation affecting the service life of the ventilation device. At the same time, the foreign object prevention design of the drainage structure 501 ensures that it will not become a new channel for foreign object intrusion, further improving the reliability of the protective structure.

[0040] The vehicle's operating environment is highly vibrating, and there may be slight deviations in the installation between the air spring body 1 and the vehicle frame. To improve the reliability of the first connecting joint 101 and the second connecting joint 102 under such dynamic loads and to adapt to installation deviations, this invention connects them to the outer wall of the air spring body 1 via a ball joint structure, thereby ensuring a long-term sealed mechanical connection. This ball joint structure gives each connecting joint the ability to swing at small angles in multiple directions, effectively compensating for and absorbing complex stresses and small displacements caused by vehicle vibration, air spring movement, and installation tolerances. This avoids stress concentration and fatigue cracks at the joint root, greatly enhancing the durability and sealing reliability of the connection point, and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the entire ventilation system under harsh conditions.

[0041] This utility model also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned air spring protective structure. This vehicle covers all vehicle types using air spring suspension systems, such as passenger cars (sedans, SUVs, MPVs), commercial vehicles (buses, trucks), and special vehicles (engineering vehicles, RVs, etc.). The installation position of the air spring protective structure is consistent with the installation position of the air spring on the vehicle, typically installed in the vehicle's suspension system. It can be used for the front suspension, rear suspension, or four-wheel suspension, depending on the vehicle's suspension configuration. During installation, the protective structure must be connected to the vehicle's frame (or body) and axle to ensure the air spring can properly perform its damping and shock-absorbing function.

[0042] When installing the protective structure, the vehicle's performance requirements must be fully considered. For example, the size of the protective structure must be compatible with the space of the suspension system to avoid interference with components such as shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, and control arms in the suspension system; the weight of the protective structure must be controlled within a reasonable range to avoid affecting the load capacity of the suspension system and the vehicle's driving performance due to excessive weight; the materials of each component of the protective structure must be able to adapt to the vehicle's working environment, such as being able to withstand high and low temperature changes, vibration and impact during vehicle operation, as well as possible mud, water, and dust corrosion.

[0043] Existing vehicles using air springs often suffer from problems such as easy entry of foreign objects and limited wading depth due to the perforated design of the dust cover, leading to easy wear of the air spring bulbs, shortened service life, and restrictions on the vehicle's usage scenarios. By assembling the air spring protective structure of this application, the non-perforated design of the upper dust cover 2 and lower dust cover 3 blocks the intrusion path of foreign objects, the external ventilation device achieves air pressure balance, and the high-positioned exhaust section 6 increases wading depth, effectively solving the defects of the prior art, extending the service life of the air spring, and reducing vehicle maintenance costs. At the same time, the flexible telescopic section 40 in the protective structure can accommodate the axial movement of the air spring body 1, the drainage structure 501 can manage the liquid accumulation in the pipe, and the ball joint structure can improve the reliability of the connecting joint. These designs together enhance the reliability and durability of the system, ensuring that the vehicle can still drive stably under complex road conditions. In addition, the protective structure has good versatility and adaptability. For example, the specific materials and diameters of the first vent pipe 401 and the second vent pipe 402 can be selected according to the displacement requirements of the air spring, and the arrangement path of the manifold 5 can be adjusted according to the chassis space, so that the protective structure can be easily adapted to various models of air spring bodies 1 and vehicle platforms, thereby enhancing the market competitiveness of the vehicle.

[0044] The following describes the working process of the air spring protection structure to more clearly illustrate its working principle: When the air spring is compressed, the volume of the cavity formed by the lower dust cover 3 and the portion of the air spring body 1 it covers decreases. The compressed gas is discharged into the collecting pipe 5 through the second connecting joint 102 and the second vent pipe 402. Simultaneously, the volume of the cavity formed by the upper dust cover 2 and the portion of the air spring body 1 it covers increases, creating a negative pressure, thereby drawing gas from the collecting pipe 5 through the first connecting joint 101 and the first vent pipe 401. External air enters the collecting pipe 5 through the exhaust section 6 to supplement the airflow. When the air spring is stretched, the above process is reversed: the volume of the internal cavity of the upper dust cover 2 decreases, and gas enters the collecting pipe 5 through the first connecting joint 101 and the first vent pipe 401; the volume of the internal cavity of the lower dust cover 3 increases, and gas is drawn into the collecting pipe 5 through the second connecting joint 102 and the second vent pipe 402. As an airflow hub, the manifold 5 achieves pressure coordination between the upper dust cover 2 and the lower dust cover 3, and concentrates all gas exchange into a single exhaust section 6. Compared with the multiple dispersed opening designs in the prior art, this centralized management method makes it easier to implement efficient filtration through the protective head 61 or the breathable and waterproof filter structure. At the same time, it can ensure that the air pressure inside and outside the upper dust cover 2 and the lower dust cover 3 always remains balanced, avoiding the dust cover from being damaged by inward friction or bulging. If liquid accumulates in the manifold 5, it will flow to the lower drainage structure 501 under the action of gravity and be discharged outside the pipe through the drainage structure 501, further ensuring the smooth flow of the ventilation channel.

[0045] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this utility model should still be covered by the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An air spring protective structure, comprising an air spring body and a dust cover sleeved on the air spring body, characterized in that: The dust cover includes an upper dust cover and a lower dust cover spaced apart in the axial direction. The walls of the upper dust cover and the lower dust cover are both closed, non-porous structures, and their ends are respectively fixed to the outer wall of the air spring body. The air spring protective structure is also provided with an external ventilation device, which includes a first ventilation channel communicating with the internal cavity of the upper dust cover, a second ventilation channel communicating with the internal cavity of the lower dust cover, and an exhaust section for converging and guiding the airflow from the first ventilation channel and the second ventilation channel to a predetermined height above the air spring body.

2. The air spring protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first ventilation channel is connected to the inner cavity of the upper dust cover through a first connecting joint provided on the outer wall of the air spring body, and the second ventilation channel is connected to the inner cavity of the lower dust cover through a second connecting joint provided on the outer wall of the air spring body.

3. The air spring protective structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The external ventilation device further includes a first ventilation pipe connected to the first connecting joint, a second ventilation pipe connected to the second connecting joint, and a manifold for connecting the first ventilation pipe and the second ventilation pipe. The exhaust section is located at the end of the collecting pipe.

4. The air spring protective structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The exhaust section is equipped with a filter structure.

5. The air spring protective structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The filter structure is a protective head with porous filter walls.

6. The air spring protective structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The filter structure is made of breathable and waterproof material.

7. The air spring protective structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first vent pipe and / or the second vent pipe are provided with a flexible telescopic section.

8. The air spring protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust direction of the exhaust section is vertically upward or diagonally upward.

9. The air spring protective structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The collecting pipe is provided with a drainage structure located upstream of the exhaust section. The drainage structure collects and discharges liquid by forming a low point in its pipe structure and can prevent foreign objects from entering.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the air spring protection structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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