Spring plate assembly with anti-rotation device and vibration damper with spring plate assembly

Abstract

A spring plate arrangement 1 for a vibration damper is proposed, comprising a damper tube 6 and a spring plate 2 for supporting a suspension spring. The spring plate 2 has a contact section 3, which rests circumferentially against an outer circumference of the damper tube 6, a receiving section 4, which connects to the contact section 3 via a shoulder 7 and is radially spaced from the damper tube 6, forming an annular space 8, and a support section 5 adjoining the receiving section 4 for axially supporting the suspension spring. The spring plate 2 is secured to the damper tube 6 in an axial direction AR. The damper tube 6 has a receiving groove 11 arranged within the annular space 8, in which the retaining ring 10 is received. The retaining ring 10 has at least one radially projecting clamping contour 12 on its outer circumference.wherein the clamping contour 12 interacts force-fit with the receiving section 4 to secure the spring plate 2 against rotation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spring plate arrangement with the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a vibration damper with the spring plate arrangement.

[0002] Spring plates are known to be mounted on vibration dampers in motor vehicles to support a suspension spring against the damper. The spring plate is a highly stressed component through which the vehicle's weight and the dynamic loads resulting from vehicle movement and road irregularities are transmitted. Typically, the spring plates are secured to the vibration damper axially by a snap ring to support the axial loads acting upon them.

[0003] The publication JP 2004 - 225 890 A discloses a wave-shaped retaining ring for securing a spring plate of a hydraulic shock absorber. The retaining ring is positively engaged between a retaining section of the spring plate and a damper tube of the shock absorber, with the wave shape of the retaining ring exerting an elastic force on the retaining section to prevent the spring plate from slipping and rotating.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2010 063 101 A1 discloses a spring plate mounting arrangement for a vibration damper, comprising a spring plate which has a contact section which surrounds a damper tube in the circumferential direction, a receiving section which is axially and radially spaced from the contact section, and a support section which is axially spaced from the contact section, wherein the support section with its substantially plate-shaped radial extension axially supports a suspension spring.Furthermore, the spring plate mounting arrangement comprises a spacer element which surrounds the damper tube and is arranged inside the receiving section of the spring plate and has a first outer section and a second outer section, wherein these outer sections with their radially outer surface at least partially contact the radially inner surface of the spring plate in its receiving section, as well as a middle section, wherein the middle section is axially located between the two outer sections and wherein the middle section of the spacer element at least partially contacts the damper tube with its radially inner surface.Furthermore, the spring plate mounting assembly has a locking element, wherein the locking element surrounds the damper tube and is arranged radially between the damper tube and the radially inner surface of one of the outer sections of the spacer element and secures the spring plate mounting assembly against axial load.

[0005] The invention aims to create a spring plate arrangement of the type mentioned above, which is characterized by a compact design and a secure fit on the damper tube.

[0006] The invention relates to a spring plate assembly designed and / or suitable for use as a vibration damper. The vibration damper can, for example, be a hydraulic damper or a gas pressure damper. In particular, the vibration damper can be designed and / or suitable for use as a vehicle chassis.

[0007] The spring plate assembly includes a damper tube. The damper tube serves, in particular, to hold a damping medium, such as oil or gas. Preferably, a piston is guided axially within the damper tube via a piston rod, allowing movement along a longitudinal axis. The damper tube is at least partially or entirely cylindrical. In principle, the vibration damper has exactly one damper tube. Alternatively, the vibration damper can have two separate damper tubes, with one damper tube preferably arranged inside the other.

[0008] The spring plate assembly includes a spring plate designed and / or suitable for supporting a, in particular helical, spring against the damper tube. The spring plate preferably serves as an abutment and / or stop for the spring. In particular, the spring plate is preferably located outside the damper tube. The spring can be a helical spring or an air spring, for example, a bellows spring.

[0009] The spring plate has a contact section that rests circumferentially against the outer circumference of the damper tube. In particular, the contact section serves to radially support and / or center the spring plate on the damper tube. Specifically, the contact section is cylindrical or tube-shaped and / or surrounds the damper tube circumferentially. Preferably, the damper tube is positively engaged in the contact section of the spring plate, at least in the radial direction with respect to its longitudinal axis, and / or guided through it.

[0010] The spring plate has a receiving section which connects to the contact section via a shoulder, particularly in an axial direction, and is radially spaced from the damper tube, forming an annular space. Specifically, the receiving section is arranged radially offset from the contact section via the shoulder. The annular space preferably has a constant or diverging cross-sectional profile in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis. In particular, the annular space is bounded radially on one side by the receiving section and on the other side by the damper tube. In an axial direction, the annular space is preferably open and bounded in the opposite axial direction by the shoulder.

[0011] Furthermore, the spring plate has a support section adjoining the receiving section, which is designed and / or suitable for axially supporting the spring. In particular, the support section serves to support the spring in the axial direction and optionally in the radial direction. In simplified terms, the support section forms a spring seat for the spring. The support section preferably has a plate-shaped spring support that extends radially outwards, with the spring being supported at least indirectly in the axial direction by the spring support.

[0012] The spring plate assembly also includes a retaining ring, which is designed and / or suitable for axially securing the spring plate to the damper tube. In particular, the retaining ring serves to positively lock or fix the spring plate to the damper tube in the axial direction. For this purpose, the damper tube has a circumferential receiving groove located within the annular space, in which the retaining ring is received. In other words, the retaining ring forms a positive-locking stop for the spring plate, especially the shoulder. Specifically, the retaining ring is positively locked in the receiving groove, or axially fixed, at least in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, with the spring plate being supported against the retaining ring in the axial direction. The receiving groove is preferably an annular groove circumferential to the longitudinal axis.

[0013] The invention proposes that the retaining ring has at least one radially projecting clamping contour on its outer circumference. This clamping contour interacts with the receiving section in a force-fit manner to secure the spring plate against rotation. In simplified terms, the clamping contour serves to secure or fix the spring plate to the damper tube in a force-fit circumferential direction. In particular, the clamping contour is designed such that, during assembly of the spring plate, especially when the spring plate is slid onto the damper tube in the axial direction, a force-fit connection is generated between the clamping contour and the receiving section. Specifically, this force-fit connection is generated by clamping and / or pressing the retaining ring and the spring plate, particularly the receiving section.Put another way, a frictional connection is a connection that is based on friction between the retaining ring and the spring plate.

[0014] A retaining ring for a spring plate is proposed, which ensures both a positive-locking axial connection of the spring plate and a friction-locking anti-rotation connection. The combination of positive and friction-locking connections allows the spring plate to be easily and securely attached to the damper tube. By integrating the clamping contour into the retaining ring, a spring plate assembly is proposed that is characterized by a compact design and a secure fit of the spring plate to the damper tube. For example, the positive-locking connection can fix the spring plate only in the axial direction, while the friction-locking connection also fixes the spring plate in the circumferential direction.

[0015] In a specific embodiment, it is provided that, during assembly, a clamping force is transmitted radially to the receiving section via the clamping contour. Specifically, the clamping force is generated by a spring-elastic deformation of the retaining ring. A counterforce opposing the clamping force is transmitted to the retaining ring to secure it against rotation on the damper tube. In other words, when the spring plate is installed, the retaining ring is pressed radially against the damper tube, particularly into the receiving groove, so that the retaining ring is frictionally fixed in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the counterforce is understood as a force directed radially inwards with respect to the longitudinal axis. In simplified terms, the damper tube and the spring plate are clamped against each other by the retaining ring.A spring plate arrangement is therefore proposed which is characterized by a high degree of anti-rotation capability.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the clamping force acting on the spring plate is variable depending on the axial relative position between the retaining ring and the spring plate. In simplified terms, the clamping force increases axially when the spring plate is installed due to spring-elastic deformation of the retaining ring. The clamping contour is preferably wedge-shaped and / or inclined. Specifically, when the spring plate is installed, the clamping contour is pressed forcefully against an inner circumference of the receiving section under the influence of the clamping force in the radial direction, whereby the clamping force can vary depending on the relative position between the receiving section and the clamping contour. Thus, a retaining ring is proposed that is characterized by a firm and secure mechanical connection of the spring plate to the damper tube and simplified installation.

[0017] According to the invention, the clamping contour is designed as a spring tongue, which is angled and / or bent relative to the outer circumference to form an inclined surface. In particular, the inclined surface serves as an insertion aid for the receiving section during the installation of the spring plate. The spring tongue is preferably deformable in a spring-elastic manner in the radial direction. Preferably, the clamping force is variable depending on the degree of deformation of the spring tongue. By designing the clamping contour as a spring tongue, a retaining ring is thus proposed which ensures a force-fit connection between the spring plate and the damper tube, independent of component-related and / or temperature-related tolerances, and at the same time enables easy installation of the spring plate.

[0018] In a further specification, it is provided that the inclined surface is positioned radially outwards at an angle of more than 10 degrees, preferably more than 20 degrees, and specifically more than 30 degrees, measured relative to the outer circumference. The spring tongue preferably has a width of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, and specifically less than 1 mm, when viewed in the circumferential direction. Alternatively or optionally, the spring tongue has a length of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, and specifically less than 1 mm, when viewed in the axial direction. The spring tongue preferably has a rectangular or square shape. Thus, a clamping contour is proposed that is easy to manufacture.

[0019] In a specific implementation, the inclined surface forms an insertion ramp for the receiving section and is oriented with an upward slope in the axial direction. Preferably, the spring tongue allows axial displacement of the spring plate in the axial direction and restricts movement in the opposite axial direction. In particular, the inclined surface thus simplifies the assembly of the spring plate in the assembly direction, especially in the axial direction. Furthermore, the clamping contour creates a self-locking frictional connection if a force acts on the spring plate against the assembly direction, especially in the axial direction.

[0020] In a specific embodiment, the retaining ring is provided with a plurality of clamping contours, the clamping contours being distributed around the outer circumference and spaced apart from one another. Preferably, the retaining ring has more than ten, preferably more than thirty, and in particular, more than fifty clamping contours. The clamping contours are preferably uniformly distributed and / or spaced apart around the circumference. Specifically, the distance between two adjacent clamping contours corresponds at least to, or exactly corresponds to, the width of a spring tongue. Thus, a retaining ring is proposed which is characterized by a uniform distribution of the clamping force over the entire circumference.

[0021] In a further development, the retaining ring is provided to have a base body section and a longitudinal section extending axially from the base body section, with the clamping contour being arranged on the longitudinal section. The longitudinal section is preferably a cylindrical or circumferential projection extending axially from the base body section. The longitudinal section preferably adjoins the outer diameter of the base body section directly. In particular, the base body section has a round or rectangular cross-sectional profile. The longitudinal section preferably has an elongated cross-sectional profile, with the axial extent of the longitudinal section being greater than its radial extent. The clamping contour can be produced, for example, by cutting and / or forming the longitudinal section. The arrangement of the clamping contour...A retaining ring is proposed for the spring tongue on the longitudinal section, which is characterized by high stiffness and high strength.

[0022] In a specific implementation, the base body section is provided for axial force transmission in the receiving groove, and the longitudinal section is provided for radial support of the receiving section in the annular space between the damper tube and the receiving section. Specifically, in the assembled state, the base body section is positively engaged in the receiving groove, at least in the axial direction. Specifically, in the assembled tension state, the longitudinal section is supported at least radially in the direction of the receiving section via the clamping contour. For rotationally fixed fixation of the retaining ring to the damper tube, the base body section and / or the longitudinal section are supported radially on the damper tube. Specifically, the longitudinal section can increase the bearing surface of the retaining ring, thus increasing the effective friction area under the clamping force and improving the anti-rotation protection of the spring plate.

[0023] In a further specification, it is stipulated that the clamping contour is formed from the longitudinal section by stamping and bending. Stamping and bending, in particular, refers to a manufacturing process in which one or more forming steps follow a stamping process or occur during it. This allows for a particularly efficient method of manufacturing the retaining ring, including the formation of the spring tongue, in one piece.

[0024] In another embodiment, the retaining ring is designed to be interrupted in the circumferential direction and elastically deformable to change its diameter. Specifically, the retaining ring is interrupted by a radially extending slot or cutout. This design proposes a retaining ring that is characterized by particularly simple installation.

[0025] In a further specific implementation, the retaining ring is designed to be manufactured in one piece. Specifically, the base section, the longitudinal section, and the clamping contour are all made from a single piece of material. Preferably, the retaining ring is designed as a sheet metal component. This design thus proposes a retaining ring characterized by its simple manufacturing process.

[0026] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vibration damper with the spring plate arrangement as previously described or according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The vibration damper is preferably designed and / or suitable for damping vibrations. In particular, the vibration damper can be designed and / or suitable for a vehicle chassis. The vibration damper can optionally be designed as a single-tube or twin-tube damper.

[0027] Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. These include: Fig. 1 a longitudinal section of a spring plate arrangement for a vibration damper as an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 an axial view of a retaining ring of the spring plate assembly; Fig. 3 a first sectional view of the retaining ring; Fig. 4 a second sectional view of the retaining ring; Fig. 5 a detailed view of the retaining ring.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a spring plate assembly 1 for a vibration damper (not shown). The spring plate assembly 1 has a spring plate 2, which comprises a contact section 3, a receiving section 4, and a support section 5. The spring plate 2 is arranged outside a cylindrical damper tube 6 of the vibration damper and serves to support a suspension spring (not shown). The damper tube 6 serves to hold a damping medium, e.g., oil or gas, and defines a longitudinal axis L along which a piston (not shown) is guided in the damper tube 6. The spring plate 3 is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis L. Fig. The variant of the vibration damper described in Figure 1 is a monotube damper. However, the described features, in particular the connection between the spring plate 2 and the damper tube 6, can also be applied to other designs, especially twin-tube dampers.

[0029] The mounting section 3 rests circumferentially against the outer circumference of the damper tube 6, with the spring plate 2 being radially supported and centered on the damper tube 6 via the mounting section 3. The receiving section 4 connects to the mounting section 3 in an axial direction AR with respect to the longitudinal axis L via a stepped shoulder 7, the receiving section 4 being radially spaced from the damper tube 3, forming an annular space 8 circumferential to the longitudinal axis L. The support section 5 connects to the receiving section 4 both axially and radially. The support section 5 has a radially extending, disc-shaped spring support 9, which supports the spring in the axial direction AR.

[0030] The spring plate assembly 1 has a retaining ring 10, which is radially positioned between the damper tube 6 and the receiving section 4 within the annular space 8 in a receiving groove 11 of the damper tube 6. The receiving groove 11 is, for example, designed as an annular groove circumferentially around the longitudinal axis L, which is formed in the outer circumference of the damper tube 6. The retaining ring 10 is positively engaged in the receiving groove 11 in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L, with the spring plate 2 being supported against the retaining ring 10 in the axial direction AR. In other words, the retaining ring 10 serves to axially secure the spring plate 2 to the damper tube.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows the retaining ring 10 in an axial view with respect to the longitudinal axis L as an embodiment of the invention. The retaining ring 10 is designed with a circumferential break, so that the retaining ring 10 can be elastically deformed or expanded for assembly purposes in order to change its diameter. Such a retaining ring 10 is also referred to as a snap ring.

[0032] The retaining ring 10 also has several clamping contours 12 on its outer circumference, which are evenly spaced from one another around the circumference. The clamping contours 12 serve to secure the spring plate 2 in the assembled state, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the clamping contours 12 are designed to secure the damper tube 6 against rotation in the circumferential direction. For this purpose, the clamping contours 12 are positively engaged in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L on an inner circumference of the receiving section 4 in order to generate a clamping force F1 between the damper tube 6 and the receiving section 4, or to clamp the spring plate 2 and the damper tube 6 against each other.

[0033] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows two different sectional views of the retaining ring 10, as in Fig. 2 described, along the longitudinal axis L. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the retaining ring 10 has an annular base section 13 and a longitudinal section 14 extending axially AR to it. In the illustrated embodiment, the base section 13 has a round cross-sectional profile, with the longitudinal section 14 adjoining an outer diameter of the base section 13. In simplified terms, the longitudinal section 14 can be understood as a cylindrical projection that extends directly axially AR to the base section 13.

[0034] In the assembled state, the base body section 13 is received section by section in the receiving groove 11, and the longitudinal section 14 is arranged radially between the receiving section 4 and the damper tube 6 in the annular space 8. The retaining ring 10 is supported axially with respect to the longitudinal axis L via the base body section 13 and radially with respect to the longitudinal axis L via the longitudinal section 14 against the spring plate 2. In addition, the retaining ring 10 can bear radially against the damper tube 6 via the base body section 13 and / or the longitudinal section 14.

[0035] The clamping contours 12 are formed as spring tongues 15 inserted into the longitudinal section 14, which are created by cutting and subsequent forming. The retaining ring 10 can, for example, be manufactured in one piece from a single section of material in a stamping and bending process. The spring tongues 15 are designed to form an inclined surface 16, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows the base body section 13 positioned at an angle W of approximately 12 degrees relative to its outer circumference, with the inclined surfaces 16 having an upward slope in the axial direction AR. The inclined surfaces 16 serve as an insertion ramp for mounting the spring plate 2 in the axial direction.

[0036] The spring tongues 15 are designed to be spring-elastic in the radial direction, with the spring tongues 16 being supported radially against the inner circumference of the receiving section 4 in the assembled state under the influence of the clamping force F1. The clamping force F1 is thus to be understood as a spring force applied by the spring tongues 15, which can vary depending on the relative position between the spring plate 2 and the damper tube 6. A counterforce F2, acting in the opposite direction to the clamping force F1, is transmitted to the retaining ring 10, so that the base body section 13 and / or the longitudinal section 14 are pressed forcefully against the damper tube 6 and are thus secured against rotation in the circumferential direction.

[0037] During assembly, the retaining ring 10 is pre-installed on the damper tube 6 in the receiving groove 11, and then the spring plate 2 is pressed onto it in the axial direction AR. The spring plate 2, with its receiving section 4, runs against the retaining ring 10 via the inclined surfaces 16, causing the spring tongues 15 to deform radially inwards under spring elasticity, generating the clamping force F1. For example, the retaining ring 10 forms an axial end stop, allowing the spring plate 2 to be pressed onto it in the axial direction AR up to this end stop. The spring plate 2 is positively supported against the retaining ring 10 by its shoulder 7 in the axial direction AR and simultaneously secured by friction in the circumferential direction.

[0038] The Fig.Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the retaining ring 2. The spring tongues 15 have a rectangular basic shape, wherein the spring tongues 15 are supported or can be supported with an outer edge 17 on the receiving section 4 in such a way that a displacement of the spring plate 3 in the axial direction AR is ensured and displacement against the axial direction AR is prevented due to a self-locking.

[0039] A retaining ring 10 is therefore proposed, which secures the spring plate 2 to the damper tube 6 both axially AR by positive locking and circumferentially by frictional locking, thus creating a particularly secure fit for the spring plate 2. Furthermore, a spring plate assembly 1 is proposed, which is characterized by a particularly compact and cost-effective design. Reference symbol 1 Spring plate arrangement 2 spring plates 3 Plant section 4 Recording section 5 Support section 6 damper tube Paragraph 7 8 annular space 9 spring pad 10 retaining ring 11 recordings 12 Clamping contour 13 Basic body section 14 Longitudinal section 15 spring tongue 16 inclined surface 17 Outer edge AR axial direction F1 clamping force F2 Counterforce L Longitudinal axis W inclined angle

Claims

[1] Spring plate arrangement (1) for a vibration damper, - with a damper tube (6), - with a spring plate (2) for supporting a suspension spring, wherein the spring plate (2) has a contact section (3) which bears circumferentially against an outer circumference of the damper tube (6), a receiving section (4) which adjoins the contact section (3) via a shoulder (7) and is radially spaced from the damper tube (6) to form an annular space (8), and a support section (5) adjoining the receiving section (4) for axially supporting the suspension spring, - with a retaining ring (10) for securing the spring plate (2) to the damping tube (6) in an axial direction (AR), wherein the damping tube (6) has a receiving groove (11) arranged within the annular space (8), in which the retaining ring (10) is received, wherein the retaining ring (10) has at least one radially projecting clamping contour (12) on its outer circumference, wherein the clamping contour (12) cooperates with the receiving section (4) in a force-fitting manner in order to secure the spring plate (2) against rotation, characterized by that the clamping contour (12) is designed as a spring tongue (15) which is angled and / or bent relative to the outer circumference of the retaining ring (10) to form an inclined surface (16). [2] Spring plate arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat a clamping force (F1) is transmitted in the radial direction to the receiving section (4) via the clamping contour (12), wherein a counterforce (F2) directed opposite to the clamping force (F1) is transmitted to the retaining ring (10) in order to secure the retaining ring (10) on the damper tube (6) against twisting. [3] Spring plate arrangement (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the clamping force (F1) can be changed depending on an axial relative position between the retaining ring (10) and the receiving section (4). [4] Spring plate arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inclined surface (16) is positioned radially outwards with an inclined angle (W) measured to the outer circumference of more than 10°. [5] Spring plate arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the inclined surface (16) is aligned with an ascending course in the axial direction (AR) to form an insertion bevel for the receiving section (4). [6] Spring plate arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the retaining ring (10) has a plurality of clamping contours (12), wherein the clamping contours (12) are distributed at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction on the outer circumference of the retaining ring (10). [7] Spring plate arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the retaining ring (10) has a base body portion (13) and a longitudinal portion (14) adjoining the base body portion (13) in the axial direction (AR), wherein the clamping contour (12) is arranged on the longitudinal portion (14). [8] Spring plate arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized bythat the base body section (13) is received in the receiving groove (11) for axial force transmission and the longitudinal section (11) is received in the annular space (8) between the damper tube (6) and the receiving section (4) for radial support of the receiving section (4). [9] Spring plate arrangement (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the clamping contour (12) is machined out of the longitudinal section (14) by punching and bending. [10] Spring plate arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the retaining ring (10) is interrupted in the circumferential direction and is elastically deformable to change a diameter. [11] Spring plate arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the retaining ring (10) is made in one piece from a material section. [12] Vibration damper with the spring plate arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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