External valve structure and shock absorber

Abstract

An external valve structure and a shock absorber, the external valve structure comprising a valve housing, a pilot spool and a main spool. The valve housing has an axis; the pilot spool and the main spool are oppositely arranged in the extension direction of the axis, and at least part of the pilot spool is located in the valve housing. The external valve structure further comprises an adjusting mechanism, which is located on the side of the pilot spool away from the main spool to apply a force to the pilot spool towards the main spool. The adjusting mechanism is operatively connected with the valve housing, and the valve housing comprises a housing opening located on the side of the pilot spool away from the main spool, which is configured to expose the adjusting mechanism, so as to change the force applied to the pilot spool by operating the adjusting mechanism through the housing opening. The external valve structure can easily adjust the force applied to the pilot spool towards the main spool by using the adjusting mechanism, so that the damping force of the external valve structure can be flexibly adjusted. At the same time, the adjusting mechanism can also be used to adjust the part tolerance, and the consistency of the external valve structure is better.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] At least one embodiment of this utility model relates to an external valve structure and a vibration damper. Background Technology

[0002] External damping valve is one of the core control components of a vibration damper. It can provide variable damping force by adjusting the flow resistance of the damping fluid, thereby suppressing vibration, stabilizing pressure, or regulating motion speed to adapt to different working conditions. Utility Model Content

[0003] At least one embodiment of this utility model provides an external valve structure and a vibration damper.

[0004] At least one embodiment of this utility model provides an external valve structure. The external valve structure includes: a valve housing having an axis; a pilot valve core and a main valve core disposed opposite to each other in the extension direction of the axis; at least a portion of the pilot valve core is located within the valve housing; wherein the external valve structure further includes an adjusting mechanism located on the side of the pilot valve core away from the main valve core to apply a force toward the main valve core to the pilot valve core; the adjusting mechanism is operably connected to the valve housing, the valve housing including a housing opening located on the side of the pilot valve core away from the main valve core, the housing opening being configured to expose the adjusting mechanism to change the force applied by the adjusting mechanism to the pilot valve core by operating the adjusting mechanism through the housing opening.

[0005] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting mechanism includes an adjusting rod and an elastic element arranged along the extension direction of the axis, the elastic element being pre-pressed between the adjusting rod and the pilot valve core; the housing opening is configured to expose at least a portion of the adjusting rod so as to change the force exerted by the elastic element on the pilot valve core by operating the adjusting rod through the housing opening.

[0006] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting rod includes a rod body and an operating portion connected to each other, the rod body being closer to the pilot valve core than the operating portion; the housing opening is configured to expose at least a portion of the operating portion; the operating portion is configured to be operable to change the relative position of the rod body and the valve housing in the direction of extension along the axis, so as to change the force exerted by the elastic element on the pilot valve core.

[0007] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the valve housing includes a mating hole, and the end of the mating hole away from the main valve core includes the housing opening; at least a portion of the rod body is threadedly engaged with the inner wall of the mating hole.

[0008] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting rod further includes a connecting portion connected between the rod body and the operating part; an accommodating space is formed between the outer wall of the connecting portion and the valve housing; the adjusting mechanism further includes a sealing element disposed within the accommodating space.

[0009] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting mechanism further includes a mounting base located between the elastic element and the adjusting rod; the elastic element is pre-pressed between the mounting base and the pilot valve core.

[0010] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting rod includes an end face facing the main valve core, and the mounting base includes a first mating surface, the end face and the first mating surface being opposite each other in the extension direction of the axis; when the adjusting rod abuts against the mounting base, the end face and the first mating surface are in line contact or surface contact.

[0011] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the end face includes a spherical surface, and the first mating surface includes at least one of a spherical surface and a conical surface.

[0012] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting base has a first hole that extends through the mounting base in the extension direction of the axis.

[0013] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting base includes a protrusion protruding toward the main valve core, and the elastic element is sleeved on the protrusion.

[0014] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the external valve structure further includes a valve armature and a valve stem connected to each other; wherein the valve armature is configured to move along the extension direction of the axis to drive the valve stem to move during the movement of the valve armature; the valve stem is located between the pilot valve core and the adjusting rod, and the valve stem is configured to be subjected to the force of the elastic element to apply a force toward the main valve core to the pilot valve core; the valve armature includes a sleeve portion and a guide portion, the guide portion being disposed on the inner wall of the sleeve portion to guide the movement of the adjusting rod in the extension direction of the axis.

[0015] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the orthographic projection of the guide portion on a plane perpendicular to the axis is annular.

[0016] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the external valve structure further includes a valve sleeve and a valve seat; at least a portion of the main valve core is located inside the valve sleeve; wherein, the valve sleeve is connected to the end of the valve housing away from the opening of the housing, and the end of the valve sleeve away from the valve housing includes a valve sleeve opening; at least a portion of the valve seat is disposed inside the valve sleeve on the side near the valve sleeve opening; the valve sleeve and the valve housing directly abut against each other on their two end faces, and the valve seat and the valve sleeve directly abut against each other on their two end faces.

[0017] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the external valve structure further includes an electromagnetic drive unit, which includes a valve armature and an electromagnetic coil; the external valve structure also includes a wiring, which is electrically connected to the electromagnetic coil; wherein the valve armature is located on the side of the pilot valve core away from the main valve core, the electromagnetic coil is sleeved on the valve housing and configured to drive the valve armature to move along the extension direction of the axis to apply a force away from the main valve core to the pilot valve core; the wiring is configured to extend from one side of the axis.

[0018] At least one embodiment of this utility model provides a vibration damper, including the external valve structure described in any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only involve some embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an external valve structure provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point P is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an assembly method for an external valve structure provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the described embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects.

[0025] The features "parallel," "perpendicular," and "identical" used in this invention include those strictly defined as "parallel," "perpendicular," and "identical," as well as those containing a certain degree of error, such as "approximately parallel," "approximately perpendicular," and "approximately identical." These terms represent acceptable deviations for a specific value, taking into account measurement and errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). In embodiments of this invention, "center" can include a strictly geometrically centered location and an approximate center location within a small area surrounding the geometrically centered location. For example, "approximately" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within 10% or 5% of the value.

[0026] At least one embodiment of this utility model provides an external valve structure. The external valve structure includes a valve housing, a pilot valve core, and a main valve core. The valve housing has an axis. The pilot valve core and the main valve core are disposed opposite each other in the direction extending along the axis, with at least a portion of the pilot valve core located within the valve housing. The external valve structure also includes an adjusting mechanism located on the side of the pilot valve core away from the main valve core to apply a force toward the main valve core to the pilot valve core. The adjusting mechanism is operably connected to the valve housing, which includes a housing opening located on the side of the pilot valve core away from the main valve core. The housing opening is configured to expose the adjusting mechanism to change the force applied to the pilot valve core by operating the adjusting mechanism through the housing opening.

[0027] At least one embodiment of this utility model provides an assembly method for an external valve structure. The method includes: assembling a main valve core and a pilot valve core together, and installing at least a portion of the pilot valve core into a valve housing; wherein the valve housing includes a housing opening on the side of the pilot valve core away from the main valve core in the direction of its axial extension; and installing an adjusting mechanism inside the valve housing near the housing opening; wherein the adjusting mechanism is configured to adjust the force applied to the pilot valve core toward the main valve core.

[0028] At least one embodiment of this utility model provides a vibration damper, including the external valve structure described in the above embodiment.

[0029] At least one embodiment of this utility model provides an external valve structure and its assembly method, as well as a vibration damper. The external valve structure features a shell opening on the valve housing that exposes the adjustment mechanism, allowing the operator to manipulate the mechanism through the shell opening to change the force applied to the pilot valve core. Therefore, when the assembled external valve structure needs to be adapted to different operating conditions, the force acting on the pilot valve core towards the main valve core can be easily adjusted using the adjustment mechanism, thereby flexibly adjusting the damping force of the external valve structure. Simultaneously, the adjustment mechanism can also be used to adjust part tolerances, reducing the number of parts, lowering the manufacturing precision requirements and processing costs, while ensuring the performance of the external valve structure and improving its consistency.

[0030] The external valve structure, its assembly method, and the vibration damper are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an external valve structure provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point P is shown.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 At least one embodiment of this utility model provides an external valve structure. The external valve structure includes a valve housing 100, a pilot valve core 200, and a main valve core 300. The valve housing 100 has an axis AX. The pilot valve core 200 and the main valve core 300 are disposed opposite each other in the extending direction of the axis AX, and at least a portion of the pilot valve core 200 is located inside the valve housing 100. For example, the pilot valve core 200 may be completely located inside the valve housing 100. However, this utility model is not limited to this, and the pilot valve core may also be partially located inside the valve housing and partially located outside the valve housing.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The external valve structure also includes an adjustment mechanism 400 located on the side of the pilot valve core 200 away from the main valve core 300 to apply a force toward the main valve core 300 to the pilot valve core 200. The adjustment mechanism 400 is operably connected to a valve housing 100, which includes a housing opening 101 on the side of the pilot valve core 200 away from the main valve core 300. The housing opening 101 is configured to expose the adjustment mechanism 400 so that operating the adjustment mechanism 400 through the housing opening 101 changes the force applied by the adjustment mechanism 400 to the pilot valve core 200.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2In the external valve structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model, the shell opening 101 on the valve housing 100 exposes the adjustment mechanism 400, allowing the operator to operate the adjustment mechanism 400 through the shell opening 101 to change the force applied by the adjustment mechanism 400 to the pilot valve core 200. Therefore, when the assembled external valve structure needs to be adapted to different operating conditions, the force acting on the pilot valve core 200 towards the main valve core 300 can be easily adjusted using the adjustment mechanism 400, thereby flexibly adjusting the damping force of the external valve structure. Simultaneously, the adjustment mechanism 400 can also be used to adjust part tolerances, reducing the number of parts, lowering the manufacturing precision requirements and processing costs, while ensuring the performance of the external valve structure and improving its consistency.

[0035] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The damping force of the assembled external valve structure can be adjusted via the adjusting mechanism 400 through the shell opening 101, according to the required damping force. The operator does not need to disassemble the external valve structure, nor does it need to install structural components such as adjusting shims.

[0036] Furthermore, due to manufacturing limitations, tolerances are unavoidable in the components of an external valve structure. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 In conjunction with the examples described later, especially after assembling numerous components such as valve seat 900, valve sleeve 800, main valve core 300, pilot valve core 200, valve stem 700, valve cover 950, and valve armature 601 in the electromagnetic drive unit 600, the cumulative tolerance may exceed the tolerable tolerance of the external valve structure. By providing the adjustment mechanism 400, the aforementioned cumulative tolerance can be corrected simultaneously using the adjustment rod 410 and the elastic element 420. This reduces the manufacturing precision requirements of the external valve structure's components, and the adjustment mechanism 400 can correct the cumulative tolerance to within the tolerable tolerance range. Consequently, the external valve structure has a smaller total number of components and lower component precision requirements, while the damping force of the external valve structure can be easily adjusted, improving the consistency of the external valve structure.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, the pilot valve core 200 is subjected to a force from the regulating mechanism 400 toward the main valve core 300, so that the pilot valve core 200 can abut against the opening of the internal flow channel of the main valve core 300 and control the flow rate of the fluid flowing out from the opening.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, at least a portion of the regulating mechanism 400 may move relative to the valve housing 100 in the direction of extension of the axis AX to change the force applied to the pilot valve core 200.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, the housing opening 101 is formed on one side of the valve housing 100 in the direction of extension of the axis AX, such that the axis AX can pass through the housing opening 101. For example, the housing opening 101 can expose a portion of the regulating mechanism 400 so that the operator can operate the regulating mechanism 400 through the housing opening 101.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the regulating mechanism 400 includes an regulating rod 410 and an elastic element 420 arranged along the extension direction of axis AX, the elastic element 420 being pre-compressed between the regulating rod 410 and the pilot valve spool 200. A housing opening 101 is configured to expose at least a portion of the regulating rod 410, so that operating the regulating rod 410 through the housing opening 101 changes the force exerted by the elastic element 420 on the pilot valve spool 200. Thus, an operator can operate the regulating rod 410 through the housing opening 101, for example, moving the regulating rod 410 toward or away from the pilot valve spool 200, thereby changing the elastic deformation of the elastic element 420, and thus changing the force acting on the pilot valve spool 200 toward the main valve spool 300.

[0041] For example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The shell opening 101 can be configured to expose only a portion of the adjusting rod 410, with the other portion of the adjusting rod 410 not exposed by the shell opening 101. However, this invention is not limited to this, and in other examples, the shell opening can also be configured to expose the entire adjusting rod.

[0042] Understandably, the smaller the distance between the adjusting rod 410 and the pilot valve core 200 along the AX axis, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic element 420, and the greater the force exerted on the pilot valve core 200 toward the main valve core 300. Conversely, the larger the distance between the adjusting rod 410 and the pilot valve core 200 along the AX axis, the smaller the elastic deformation of the elastic element 420, and the smaller the force exerted on the pilot valve core 200 toward the main valve core 300.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the adjusting lever 410 includes a lever body 411 and an operating portion 412 connected to each other, with the lever body 411 closer to the pilot valve core 200 than the operating portion 412. The housing opening 101 is configured to expose at least a portion of the operating portion 412. For example, the housing opening may expose the entire operating portion or only a portion, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2In some examples, the operating part 412 is configured to be operable to change the relative position of the rod 411 and the valve housing 100 in the direction of extension along the axis AX, thereby changing the force exerted by the elastic element 420 on the pilot valve core 200. By operating the operating part 412 exposed by the housing opening 101, the rod 411 can be moved relative to the valve housing 100 in the direction of extension along the axis AX, thereby adjusting the force on the pilot valve core 200 toward the main valve core 300 by changing the elastic deformation of the elastic element 420.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the valve housing 100 includes a mating hole 110, the end of which, away from the main valve core 300, includes a housing opening 101. At least a portion of the rod 411 is threaded into the inner wall of the mating hole 110. Thus, through the threaded engagement of the rod 411 with the inner wall of the mating hole 110, rotational motion can be converted into linear motion, thereby enabling movement of the rod 411 relative to the valve housing 100 in the extension direction of the axis AX.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, the axis of the mating hole 110 and the axis of the rod 411 can both coincide with the axis AX of the valve body 100.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, the operating part 412 can be configured to be easy to operate. For example, the operating part 412 can be configured to be easy to twist, so as to convert the rotational motion into linear motion during the twisting process and change the position of the rod 411 in the extension direction of the axis AX.

[0048] For example, the operating part may include a nut. For example, the operating part may be a structure that is easy to operate manually, such as a wing nut, knurled nut, or other nuts that are easy to operate manually. For example, the operating part may be a structure that is easy to operate with tools, such as a hexagonal nut. Of course, the operating part may also be other structures that are easy to operate; this utility model does not limit the shape, size, etc., of the operating part.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the adjusting rod 410 further includes a connecting portion 413 connecting the rod body 411 and the operating part 412, with the outer wall of the connecting portion 413 forming an accommodating space Z between it and the valve housing 100. The adjusting mechanism 400 also includes a seal 500 disposed within the accommodating space Z. The accommodating space Z between the outer wall of the connecting portion 413 and the valve housing 100 provides an installation position for the seal 500, thereby allowing the seal 500 to seal the interior of the external valve structure and prevent fluid leakage from the interior of the external valve structure.

[0050] For example, a top cover can be provided at the shell opening to prevent dust and other impurities from entering the regulating mechanism through the shell opening. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In conjunction with the examples described later, since the regulating mechanism is equipped with a sealing element, even without a top cover, the fluid in the external valve structure will not be contaminated.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the adjusting mechanism 400 also includes a mounting base 430 located between the elastic element 420 and the adjusting rod 410, with the elastic element 420 preloaded between the mounting base 430 and the pilot valve core 200. The mounting base 430 provides a suitable mounting position for the elastic element 420 and allows for a more uniform and stable force to be applied to the elastic element 420.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the adjusting rod 410 includes an end face 414 facing the main valve core 300, and the mounting base 430 includes a first mating surface 431, with the end face 414 and the first mating surface 431 facing each other in the extension direction of the axis AX. When the adjusting rod 410 abuts against the mounting base 430, the end face 414 and the first mating surface 431 are in line contact or surface contact. For example, when the adjusting rod 410 abuts against the mounting base 430, the end face 414 and the first mating surface 431 may be in line contact. For example, when the adjusting rod 410 abuts against the mounting base 430, the end face 414 and the first mating surface 431 may be in surface contact. Thus, the adjusting rod 410 can apply a more uniform force to the mounting base 430 in the circumferential direction.

[0053] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, end face 414 includes a spherical surface, and the first mating surface 431 includes at least one of a spherical surface and a conical surface. This allows for reliable contact between end face 414 and the first mating surface 431, enabling the adjusting rod 410 to apply force evenly to the mounting base 430. Furthermore, it facilitates rotational movement of the adjusting rod 410 when adjusting its relative position to the valve housing 100 along the extension direction of axis AX.

[0054] For example, the end face can be spherical, and the first mating surface can be conical. This allows for achieving line contact between the end face and the first mating surface while reducing precision requirements and thus minimizing machining difficulty.

[0055] For example, the end face can be a sphere, and the first mating surface can be a sphere. For example, the radii of curvature of the two spheres can be the same to facilitate surface contact between the end face and the first mating surface.

[0056] For example, the end face may include a spherical surface or other surface types, such as a plane. Similarly, the first mating surface may include a conical surface or other surface types, such as a spherical surface or a conical surface. However, this invention does not limit this; the end face and the first mating surface may also include other surface types. It is understood that as long as the end face and the first mating surface can achieve line contact or surface contact, this invention does not limit the specific surface parameters of the end face and the first mating surface.

[0057] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the mounting base 430 has a first hole 432 that extends through the mounting base 430 in the direction of the extension of the axis AX. Thus, during the process of adjusting the position of the mounting base 430 by the adjusting rod 410 to change the elastic deformation of the elastic element 420, air can be released using the first hole 432.

[0058] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the mounting base 430 includes a protrusion 430A projecting toward the main valve core 300, and an elastic element 420 is sleeved on the protrusion 430A. The protrusion 430A provides a mounting position for the elastic element 420 and guides the elastic element 420 to elastically deform along the protrusion direction of the protrusion 430A, thereby applying a force to the pilot valve core 200 in the extension direction along the axis AX using the elastic element 420.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, the protrusion 430A may protrude along the extension direction of the axis AX.

[0060] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the external valve structure also includes an armature 601 and a stem 700 connected to each other. The armature 601 is configured to move along the extension direction of axis AX to drive the stem 700 during its movement. The stem 700 is located between the pilot valve core 200 and the adjusting rod 410, and is configured to be subjected to a force from the elastic element 420 to apply a force toward the main valve core 300 to the pilot valve core 200. For example, the elastic element 420 may be preloaded between the adjusting rod 410 and the stem 700, and the pilot valve core 200 may be subjected to a force from the stem 700 to abut against the opening of the internal flow channel of the main valve core 300.

[0061] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2For example, in conjunction with the aforementioned example, one end of the elastic element 420 can be fitted over the protrusion 430A of the mounting base 430, and the other end of the elastic element 420 can be fitted over the valve stem 700. For example, by operating the operating part 412, the relative positional relationship between the adjusting rod 410 and the valve housing 100 in the extension direction of the axis AX can be adjusted. Accordingly, the elastic deformation of the elastic element 420 preloaded between the mounting base 430 and the valve stem 700 changes accordingly, thereby changing the force exerted by the elastic element 420 on the pilot valve core 200 towards the main valve core 300 through the valve stem 700, thereby realizing the damping force adjustment of the external valve structure.

[0062] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, the pilot valve core may include a pilot valve disc 210 and a positioning seat 220, with the pilot valve disc 210 connected to the side of the positioning seat 220 away from the valve stem 700. The positioning seat 220 includes a main body 221 and a cylindrical extension 222 extending from the main body 221 away from the main valve core 300. The main body 221 is used to accommodate the pilot valve disc 210. The valve stem 700 has a limiting groove 710 at one end facing the pilot valve disc 210, and the cylindrical extension 222 is used to extend into the limiting groove 710 of the valve stem 700.

[0063] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, the pilot valve plate 210 can be made of an elastic material.

[0064] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, the cylindrical extension 222 is connected to the side of the main body 221 away from the pilot valve plate 210. For example, the main body 221 is disc-shaped. Thus, the movement of the cylindrical extension 222 in the extension direction of the axis AX can be guided by the limiting groove 710, so that the movement between the valve stem 700 and the positioning seat 220 occurs as much as possible only in the extension direction of the axis AX, thereby improving the stability and response speed of the pilot valve core 200.

[0065] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the valve armature 601 includes a sleeve portion 610 and a guide portion 620. The guide portion 620 is disposed on the inner wall of the sleeve portion 610 to guide the movement of the adjusting rod 410 in the extension direction of the axis AX. Thus, the movement of the adjusting rod 410 can be guided by the guide portion 620 of the valve armature 601, and the direction of the force exerted by the adjusting rod 410 on the elastic element 420 is closer to the extension direction along the axis AX. Therefore, the elastic element 420 can undergo elastic deformation along the extension direction of the axis AX as much as possible, so that a uniform force is applied to the pilot valve core 200 in the circumferential direction by the valve stem 700.

[0066] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the orthographic projection of the guide portion 620 on a plane perpendicular to the axis AX is annular. Thus, the guide portion 620 can guide the movement of the adjusting rod 410 in the extension direction of the axis AX in the circumferential direction of the adjusting rod 410.

[0067] However, this invention is not limited to this. As long as the guide part can guide the movement of the adjusting rod in the extension direction of the axis, the guide part can be configured in other forms. For example, the guide part may include multiple sub-parts spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the sleeve part. In other words, this invention does not limit the structure, shape, size, etc. of the guide part.

[0068] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the external valve structure also includes a valve sleeve 800 and a valve seat 900, with at least a portion of the main valve core 300 located within the valve sleeve 800. The valve sleeve 800 is connected to the end of the valve housing 100 away from the housing opening 101, and the end of the valve sleeve 800 away from the valve housing 100 includes an opening in the valve sleeve 800. At least a portion of the valve seat 900 is located within the valve sleeve 800 on the side near the opening in the valve sleeve 800. For example, the valve seat 900 may be completely located within the valve sleeve 800. For example, at least a portion of the valve seat 900 may extend into the opening in the valve sleeve 800 for fixed connection with the valve sleeve 800. However, this invention is not limited in this respect; the valve seat may also be partially located within the valve sleeve and partially located outside the valve sleeve.

[0069] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the valve sleeve 800 and the valve housing 100 directly abut against each other at their two opposite ends, and the valve seat 900 and the valve sleeve 800 directly abut against each other at their two opposite ends. Because the external valve structure includes an adjustment mechanism 400, it is not necessary to adjust the force exerted by the pilot valve core 200 on the main valve core 300 by adjusting the relative positions of the valve housing 100, the valve sleeve 800, and the valve seat 900.

[0070] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, the valve seat 900 and valve sleeve 800 only need to be assembled with the valve body 100. No adjusting shims for tolerance adjustment are needed between the valve seat 900 and valve sleeve 800, nor between the valve sleeve 800 and valve body 100. This reduces the number of parts in the external valve structure and simplifies the assembly process. Furthermore, since the damping force can be adjusted using the adjusting mechanism 400, the precision requirements of the parts in the external valve structure are also reduced.

[0071] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2In some examples, the external valve structure also includes an electromagnetic drive unit 600, which includes a valve armature 601 and an electromagnetic coil 602. The external valve structure also includes wiring electrically connected to the electromagnetic coil 602. The valve armature 601 is located on the side of the pilot valve core 200 away from the main valve core 300. The electromagnetic coil 602 is sleeved outside the valve housing 100 and configured to drive the valve armature 601 to move along the extension direction of the axis AX, thereby applying a force to the pilot valve core 200 away from the main valve core 300. The wiring is configured to extend from one side of the axis AX. Thus, the wiring for powering the electromagnetic drive unit 600 (e.g., the wiring for powering the electromagnetic coil 602) extends from the side of the external valve structure, and the wiring does not need to extend from the valve housing 100 along its axis AX. That is, the external valve structure has sufficient space in the extension direction of the axis AX for arranging the regulating mechanism 400.

[0072] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, the external valve structure also includes a valve cover 950, which is sleeved on the valve stem 700 and fixedly connected to the valve armature 601.

[0073] For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates an external valve structure that is an inverse proportional valve. When the electromagnetic drive unit 600 is de-energized, the pilot valve core 200 is normally closed, allowing the external valve structure to operate at its maximum damping force. When the electromagnetic drive unit 600 is energized, it drives the valve armature 601 away from the main valve core 300. The valve armature 601 then drives the valve stem 700 away from the pilot valve core 200, thereby reducing the damping force of the external valve structure.

[0074] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an assembly method for an external valve structure provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] refer to Figures 1 to 3 At least one embodiment of this utility model also provides an assembly method for an external valve structure, including the following steps S10 and S20.

[0076] Step S10: Assemble the main valve core 300 and the pilot valve core 200 together, and install at least a portion of the pilot valve core 200 into the valve housing 100. The valve housing 100 includes a housing opening 101 on the side of the pilot valve core 200 away from the main valve core 300 in the direction extending along its axis AX. For example, refer to... Figure 1The pilot valve core 200 can be completely located within the valve housing 100. However, this invention is not limited to this; the pilot valve core can be partially located within the valve housing and partially located outside the valve housing. For example, the main valve core assembled with the pilot valve core can be located either within or outside the valve housing, and this invention does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0077] Step S20: Install the adjusting mechanism 400 inside the valve housing 100 near the housing opening 101. The adjusting mechanism 400 is configured to adjust the force applied to the pilot valve core 200 toward the main valve core 300. Thus, the operator can operate the adjusting mechanism 400 through the housing opening 101 to change the force applied by the adjusting mechanism 400 to the pilot valve core 200.

[0078] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The external valve structure assembled using the above assembly method can adjust the damping force of the external valve structure using the adjustment mechanism 400, while correcting the tolerances of the parts in the external valve structure. This simplifies the assembly process of the external valve structure, reduces the number of parts, lowers the requirements for part manufacturing precision and processing costs, and ensures the performance of the external valve structure, resulting in better consistency of the external valve structure.

[0079] refer to Figures 1 to 3 In some examples, the adjusting mechanism 400 includes an adjusting rod 410 and an elastic element 420 arranged along the extension direction of the axis AX, the elastic element 420 being pre-compressed between the adjusting rod 410 and the pilot valve core 200. The adjusting rod 410 includes an adjusting surface 410A at one end away from the pilot valve core 200. In conjunction with the foregoing examples, the adjusting surface 410A can be the surface of the operating part 412 away from the rod body 411.

[0080] refer to Figures 1 to 3 For example, valve sleeve 800 has abutment surface S01, and main valve core 300 has abutment surface S02. For instance, during testing of the external valve structure, a test piece can be assembled such that abutment surfaces S01 and S02 are on the same plane perpendicular to axis AX, or have a certain distance between them in the extension direction of axis AX, such as a difference of 1 mm. In this case, by testing the pressure exerted on the test piece, it can be determined whether the external valve structure meets the damping force requirement. If the damping force requirement is not met, it can be adjusted using adjustment mechanism 400, and the test can be stopped once the test results show that the damping force requirement is met.

[0081] At least one embodiment of this utility model also provides a vibration damper, including the external valve structure of any of the above embodiments.

[0082] Since the shock absorber according to the embodiment of this utility model uses the above-mentioned external valve structure, it also has corresponding beneficial technical effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0083] The following points need to be explained:

[0084] (1) The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of this utility model. Other structures can be referred to the general design.

[0085] (2) Where there is no conflict, features of the same embodiment and different embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0086] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An external valve structure, characterized in that, include: Valve housing, having an axis; The pilot valve core and the main valve core are disposed opposite to each other in the extension direction of the axis; at least a portion of the pilot valve core is located within the valve housing; The external valve structure further includes an adjustment mechanism located on the side of the pilot valve core away from the main valve core, so as to apply a force toward the main valve core to the pilot valve core; The regulating mechanism is operably connected to the valve housing, the valve housing including a housing opening on the side of the pilot valve core away from the main valve core, the housing opening being configured to expose the regulating mechanism to change the force applied by the regulating mechanism to the pilot valve core by operating the regulating mechanism through the housing opening.

2. The external valve structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting mechanism includes an adjusting rod and an elastic element arranged along the extension direction of the axis, wherein the elastic element is pre-pressed between the adjusting rod and the pilot valve core; The housing opening is configured to expose at least a portion of the adjusting rod, so as to change the force exerted by the elastic element on the pilot valve core by operating the adjusting rod through the housing opening.

3. The external valve structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjusting rod includes a rod body and an operating part connected to each other, wherein the rod body is closer to the pilot valve core than the operating part; The shell opening is configured to expose at least a portion of the operating part; The operating part is configured to be operable to change the relative position of the rod and the valve housing in the direction of extension along the axis, so as to change the force exerted by the elastic element on the pilot valve core.

4. The external valve structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve housing includes a mating hole, and the end of the mating hole away from the main valve core includes the housing opening; At least a portion of the rod body is threaded into the inner wall of the mating hole.

5. The external valve structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adjusting rod also includes a connecting part connecting the rod body and the operating part; an accommodating space is formed between the outer wall of the connecting part and the valve housing; The adjustment mechanism also includes a sealing element disposed within the accommodating space.

6. The external valve structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism further includes a mounting base located between the elastic element and the adjustment rod; The elastic element is pre-compressed between the mounting base and the pilot valve core.

7. The external valve structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adjusting rod includes an end face facing the main valve core, and the mounting base includes a first mating surface, the end face being opposite to the first mating surface in the extension direction of the axis; When the adjusting rod abuts against the mounting base, the end face makes line contact or surface contact with the first mating surface.

8. The external valve structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The end face includes a spherical surface, and the first mating surface includes at least one of a spherical surface and a conical surface.

9. The external valve structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting base has a first hole that extends through the mounting base in the direction of the extension of the axis.

10. The external valve structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting base includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the main valve core, and the elastic element is sleeved on the protrusion.

11. The external valve structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a valve armature and a valve stem connected to each other; wherein the valve armature is configured to move along the extension direction of the axis to drive the valve stem to move during the movement of the valve armature; The valve stem is located between the pilot valve core and the adjusting rod, and the valve stem is configured to be subjected to the force of the elastic element to apply a force toward the main valve core to the pilot valve core; The valve armature includes a sleeve portion and a guide portion, the guide portion being disposed on the inner wall of the sleeve portion to guide the movement of the adjusting rod in the extension direction of the axis.

12. The external valve structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, On a plane perpendicular to the axis, the orthographic projection of the guide portion is a ring.

13. The external valve structure according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, It also includes a valve sleeve and a valve seat; at least a portion of the main valve core is located within the valve sleeve; wherein, The valve sleeve is connected to the end of the valve housing away from the opening of the housing, and the end of the valve sleeve away from the valve housing includes a valve sleeve opening; At least a portion of the valve seat is disposed within the valve sleeve on the side near the opening of the valve sleeve; The valve sleeve and the valve body directly abut against each other on their two end faces, and the valve seat and the valve sleeve directly abut against each other on their two end faces.

14. The external valve structure according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, It also includes an electromagnetic drive unit, which comprises a valve armature and an electromagnetic coil; the external valve structure further includes wiring, which is electrically connected to the electromagnetic coil; wherein... The valve armature is located on the side of the pilot valve core away from the main valve core. The electromagnetic coil is sleeved outside the valve housing and configured to drive the valve armature to move along the extension direction of the axis to apply a force to the pilot valve core away from the main valve core. The trace is configured to extend from one side of the axis.

15. A vibration damper, characterized in that, The external valve structure includes any one of claims 1-14.

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