Air spring with valve

Abstract

In an air spring with a valve for switching an airflow, it is provided that the air spring has a main volume and an additional volume, wherein the valve is arranged between the main volume and the additional volume, wherein the valve has a sealing seat and a sealing element, wherein the sealing element is movable by a rotational movement between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the sealing seat and sealing element are free of elastic sealing elements.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an air spring with a valve according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] These types of air springs are commonly used in motor vehicles. The valve serves to connect and control the air spring's main air chamber and an auxiliary air chamber.

[0003] In this context, for example, EP 3 361 130 B1 proposes a piston valve with a rubber seal. The piston valve is moved up and down electromagnetically by an actuator. The actuator pushes the valve into a closed position. A disadvantage, however, is that the rubber seal generates unwanted noise in the seal seat. Furthermore, a constant electrical current is required to keep the valve closed.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2019 109 046 B3 proposes a rotary valve arrangement for an air spring, which separates a first air volume from a second air volume. The rotary valve arrangement is coupled to a rotary solenoid drive and therefore also consumes electrical current continuously. A rotary valve element is arranged between two contact surfaces that are spaced apart such that the rotary valve element can move axially. The rotary valve element is designed as a disc spring. The seal thus requires two movements: a rotary movement and an axial movement. However, the axial movement of the disc spring is accompanied by noise.

[0005] Against this background, an air spring with a valve is to be provided that overcomes the aforementioned and other disadvantages. In particular, the volume of the air spring should be adjustable without a constant power requirement and with minimal noise. In other words, a simple mechanism without a constant power requirement and without noise when reaching the sealing surface is desired. Furthermore, the air spring with the valve should be as simple and cost-effective to manufacture as possible.

[0006] The main features of the invention are specified in the characterizing part of claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 10.

[0007] A proposed air spring with a valve for switching an airflow is described, wherein the air spring has a main volume and an additional volume, and wherein the valve is arranged between the main volume and the additional volume, wherein the valve has a sealing seat and a sealing element, wherein the sealing element is movable by a rotational movement between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the sealing seat and sealing element are free of elastic sealing elements.

[0008] A connection exists between the main volume and the auxiliary volume, allowing air to flow between the two. This connection can be at least partially closed by means of a valve located between the main volume and the auxiliary volume. The sealing seat is formed in the region of this connection. The sealing seat has at least one opening facing the main volume and at least one opening facing the auxiliary volume. The connection between the main volume and the auxiliary volume extends at least partially through the sealing seat. The sealing element is also located within the sealing seat in the region of this connection. The sealing element is movable relative to the sealing seat by a rotational movement. Preferably, however, only the orientation of the sealing element changes, not its fundamental position relative to the sealing seat.

[0009] The sealing element has a central axis. Rotational movement causes it to rotate around this central axis. Preferably, the central axis lies within the sealing element. The sealing element itself can be rotationally symmetrical. It is also conceivable that the sealing element is essentially planar and that the central axis lies within this planar area, so that when rotated around the axis, the sealing element describes the shape of a body of revolution, but is itself not rotationally symmetrical. In any case, it is particularly advantageous if the sealing element, or the body of revolution described by the rotation of the sealing element, has a cylindrical shape. The ratio of height to diameter of this cylindrical shape can be variable, as can be seen from the variants and exemplary embodiments described below. Openings and / or channels can be formed in the sealing element.Depending on the orientation of the sealing element within the sealing seat, these openings and / or channels may be flow-connected to openings and / or channels of the sealing seat.

[0010] In the open position of the valve, the sealing element is aligned with the sealing seat in such a way that an airflow can pass through the connection between the main volume and the auxiliary volume. In the closed position of the valve, the sealing element is aligned with the sealing seat in such a way that the connection between the main volume and the auxiliary volume is closed as much as possible.

[0011] Such an arrangement offers the significant advantage that the rotational movement eliminates the need for an actuator for a lifting motion. Consequently, there is no impact of the sealing element in the valve seat and therefore no closing noise. It is conceivable that the sealing element could be rotated purely mechanically. This offers the advantage that the valve does not need to be actively held in a closed position. Even if some power is consumed to rotate the sealing element, the overall power requirement is considerably lower, since no power is consumed in the resting positions, unlike when the valve is actively held closed.

[0012] It is advantageous in any case if there is a clearance fit between the sealing element and the sealing seat. A clearance fit means that the elements fit together, but that a certain amount of play always exists between them, even in the closed position. In other words, the parts can be fixed in their respective positions, but they will never fit together perfectly. Consequently, the valve will never be completely leak-proof. This is particularly beneficial if there are no elastic elements in the area of ​​the sealing seat and the sealing element. The maximum clearance between the components is dimensioned such that there is an open area of ​​approximately 2 mm in the closed position. 2 up to about 7 mm 2 , preferably about 3 mm 2 up to 6 mm 2 , especially preferred from approximately 5 mm 2 is trained.

[0013] It can therefore be seen that it is advantageous for the valve to exhibit leakage flow in the closed position. Leakage flow is understood to be a minimal residual flow that can occur through the valve between the main volume and the auxiliary volume when the valve is closed. This leakage flow is promoted by the absence of elastic sealing elements and by the described clearance fit. It is particularly advantageous if a gap is formed between the sealing element and the sealing seat, at least in the closed position. Such a gap enables dynamic decoupling of the two air spaces, i.e., the main volume and the auxiliary volume. The size of the gap is dimensioned such that the open area described above can be realized through the gap.

[0014] For example, the sealing element could be a perforated disc, a cylindrical rotating element, or a rotating vane. Such a sealing element is preferably rotatable about its own axis and can thus be moved back and forth between an open and a closed position. By rotating the sealing element, air passages formed in the sealing seat and the sealing element itself can be blocked. If, on the other hand, the air passages of the sealing seat and the sealing element, such as air channels or simple holes, are aligned with each other, an equalizing airflow can flow between the main volume and the auxiliary volume. It is also advantageous if the sealing seat is a perforated disc or a hollow cylindrical element. The rotatable sealing element can, for example, be arranged within the hollow cylindrical element or parallel to the surface in front of the perforated disc. It is also conceivable that the perforated disc of the sealing seat is part of a hollow cylindrical element.In this case, it can also be referred to as an integrated perforated disc.

[0015] In a first embodiment, it is conceivable that the valve has at least two perforated discs, wherein at least the first perforated disc is rotatable and forms the sealing element, and wherein at least the second perforated disc is fixed and forms the sealing seat. The fixed perforated disc can also be part of a cylindrical sealing seat. For example, the sealing seat can be a hollow cylinder in which an intermediate plane is formed. This intermediate plane can then form the fixed perforated disc. The intermediate plane can be formed integrally with the hollow cylinder or fixed as a separate component within the hollow cylinder. The fixation can be achieved by positive locking, force locking, or material locking.

[0016] It is also conceivable that more than two perforated discs are present, and that the perforated discs form a sandwich construction. In such a sandwich construction, for example, two perforated discs are fixed, and the third perforated disc is rotatably mounted between the two fixed discs. The shape of the holes in the perforated discs is variable; various shapes are conceivable, from circular to oblong to slotted. The orientation of the holes can be radial or concentric to the center of the perforated disc. The number of holes is also variable.

[0017] In another embodiment, the sealing element can be a cylindrical rotating element, and the sealing seat a hollow cylinder. Both the rotating element and the hollow cylinder each have at least one air passage, and the air passage of the rotating element is in fluid communication with the air passage of the hollow cylinder in the open position. Here, too, it is advantageous if the rotating element is housed within the hollow cylinder and rotates within it. Alternatively, the hollow cylinder can be rotated around a central cylindrical element that forms the sealing seat. In any case, the hollow cylinder can be closed at the top and / or bottom.Furthermore, it is advantageous in every case if the air passages of the hollow cylinder each have at least one opening on the outer surface of the hollow cylinder, and if the air passages of the rotating element also have at least one opening on the outer surface of the rotating element. By rotating the rotating element relative to the sealing seat, i.e., relative to the hollow cylinder, these openings can then be moved against each other.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the sealing element is a rotary vane, and the sealing seat is a hollow cylindrical element. The hollow cylindrical element has an internal geometry that can be closed by the rotary vane, and the wooden cylindrical element has at least two flow channels. These flow channels can be completely or partially separated from each other by means of the rotary vane. The internal geometry can, for example, itself have an inner region and an outer region. The rotary vane is arranged in the inner region. The inner region and the outer region are connected to each other via openings. The flow channels preferably consist of at least one inlet flow channel and one outlet flow channel. Both the inlet flow channel and the outlet flow channel open into the inner region of the internal geometry at the openings.In other words, the flow channels are located outside the effective range of the rotary vane and form the inlet and outlet.

[0019] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of an air spring with a valve, Fig. 2a a schematic section through a variant of the valve in the closed state, Fig. 2b a schematic section through a variant of the valve in the open state, Fig. 3a a schematic section through another embodiment of the valve in the closed state, Fig. 3b a schematic top view, also as a sectional drawing of the valve accordingly Fig. 3a in closed state, Fig. 3c a schematic section of the design variant of the valve from the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b in the open state, Fig. 3D schematic top view, also as a sectional drawing of the valve according to the Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c in open state, Fig. 4a a schematic section through another embodiment of the valve in the closed state, Fig. 4b a schematic section through the design variant of the valve accordingly Fig. 4a in the open state, Fig. 5a An example of a sealing element in the form of a perforated disc in top view Fig. 5b an example of a sealing element in the form of a cylindrical rotary element in perspective view Fig. 5c is an example of a sealing element in the form of a rotary vane in a corresponding sealing seat in a top view as a sectional drawing.

[0020] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an air spring 10 with an air spring bellows 130, in which the main volume 11 of the air spring 10 is formed. The main volume 11 is connected to an auxiliary volume 12 via a valve 100. The valve 100 is inserted into the housing 140 of the auxiliary volume 12. Seals 120 between the valve 100 and the housing 140 ensure that any airflow between the auxiliary volume 12 and the main volume 11 can only pass through the valve 100. The valve 100 has a rotary control 110. The valve 100 can be opened or closed using the rotary control 110. Depending on the requirements and situation, the airflow between the main volume 11 and the auxiliary volume 12 flows either from the main volume 11 to the auxiliary volume 12 or vice versa. The valve 100 always has a (in Fig. 1 sealing element (not shown) 30 and one (in Fig. 1 (also not shown) sealing seat 20. The sealing element 30 and the sealing seat 20 can be, for example, as in the Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 3c, Fig. 3D, Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b, Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b or Fig. 5c is shown to be trained.

[0021] In Fig. Figure 2a shows a section through a first version of the valve 100. The valve 100 is in the closed position. A sealing element 30, designed as a perforated disc 31, is attached to the rotary control 110. The sealing element 30 can be described in Fig. The example shown in Figure 5a corresponds to this. However, other variations are of course conceivable. The sealing seat 20 is also designed as a perforated disc 21. The perforated disc 21, which forms the sealing seat 20, is firmly integrated into the housing 150 of the valve. In other words, the perforated disc 21 is fixed. In the illustrated example, two perforated discs 21 can be seen, a first perforated disc 21 being arranged below the perforated disc 31, which forms the sealing element 30, and a second perforated disc 21 being arranged above the perforated disc 31. The perforated discs 21 of the sealing seat 20 thus surround the perforated disc 31 of the sealing element 30 in a sandwich-like manner. It can also be seen that the perforated discs 21 of the sealing seat 20 have holes 211 which are blocked by the perforated disc 31 when the sealing element 30 is in the closed position. A gap 40 is formed between the sealing seat 20 and the sealing element 30.The gap 40 also extends around the circumferential edge of the sealing element 30. It can be seen that even when the valve 100 is closed, a small leakage airflow L can still flow through this gap 40 between the main volume 11 and the auxiliary volume 12.

[0022] In Fig. 2b also shows a cross-section through the in Fig. 2a shows valve 100. The same reference numerals therefore also denote identical components. In contrast to Fig. However, as shown in Figure 2a, it can be seen that the holes 311 of the perforated disc 31, which forms the sealing element 30, are aligned with the holes 211 of the perforated discs 21, which form the sealing seat 20. This change in alignment between the in Fig. 2a shown condition and the one in Fig. The state shown in Figure 2b can be achieved by turning the rotary control 110 in or against the direction of rotation D. It can be seen that in the open position, an equalizing airflow A can flow between the main volume 11 and the auxiliary volume 12. It can also be seen that the valve is continuously adjustable by means of the rotary control 110.

[0023] In the Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 3c and Fig. Figure 3d shows another variant of the valve 100. The sealing seat 20 is a hollow cylinder 22 formed in the housing 150 of the valve 100. The sealing element 30 is a cylindrical rotary element 31, for example, a cylindrical rotary element 31 corresponding to Fig. 5b, which is arranged in this hollow cylinder 22. The sealing element 30, 31 is also connected here to the rotary control 110 and can be continuously adjusted from the open position by turning the rotary control 110 in or against the direction of rotation D, according to the Fig. 3c and Fig. 3d into the closed position (closing position) according to the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b will be moved.

[0024] The hollow cylinder 22, which forms the sealing seat 20, is closed at its upper surface 222 and open at its lower surface 221 in the illustrated example. Air passages 51 open into the inner circumferential side 223. The lower surface 221 can face the main volume 11, while the air passages 51 lead to the auxiliary volume 12. It is also conceivable, of course, that the lower surface 221 faces the auxiliary volume 12 and that the air passages 51 open into the main volume 11. One or more air passages 50 are also formed in the rotating element 31, opening into the lateral surface 321 of the rotating element 31.

[0025] One can recognize in Fig. 3b, that the opening of the air passage 50 shown there as an example faces the inner wall of the hollow cylinder 22 when the valve 100 is closed. Furthermore, the opening of the air passage 51 faces the outer wall of the cylindrical rotating element 31. Both the air passage 50 and the air passage 51 are thus blocked. However, a gap 40 is also formed here between the sealing element 30 and the sealing seat 20. This gap 40 allows a small leakage airflow L between the main volume 11 and the auxiliary volume 12, even when the valve 100 is closed.

[0026] In the Fig. 3c and Fig. In 3d, the openings of air passages 50 and 51 are opposite each other. Valve 100 is in the open position, and a compensating airflow A can flow between the main volume 11 and the auxiliary volume 12.

[0027] In the Fig. 4a and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4b for the valve 100, the sealing element 30 is designed as a rotary vane 33. The rotary vane 33 is also connected to the rotary control 110 and can be moved continuously back and forth between a position in which the valve is open and a position in which the valve is closed by turning the rotary control 110 in or against the direction of rotation D.

[0028] The sealing seat 20 is again a hollow cylinder 22. An internal geometry 60 is formed inside the hollow cylinder 22. In the Fig. As shown in the top view in Figure 5c, the internal geometry 60 has a first inner shell 613 and a second inner shell 614. The first inner shell 613 has two ends 615, and the second inner shell 614 also has two ends 616. The inner shells 613 and 614 are arranged inside the hollow cylinder 22 such that one end 615 of the first inner shell 613 and one end 616 of the second inner shell 61 are opposite each other. An opening 62 is formed between the ends 615 and 616 of the inner shells 613 and 614. Each of the openings 62 leads into a flow channel 61. A first flow channel 61 forms an inlet flow channel 611. A second flow channel 61 forms an outlet flow channel 612.

[0029] The rotary vane 33 is designed as a planar, for example rectangular, element. The rotary vane 33 can, for instance, be a substantially rectangular plate arranged vertically within the hollow cylinder 22. The axis of rotation, about which the rotary vane 33 can rotate, runs parallel to the plate in the center of its plane. This axis of rotation corresponds to the central axis of the hollow cylinder 22 and terminates in the rotary regulator 110. The rotary vane 33 has outer edges 331 on both sides parallel to the axis of rotation. These outer edges 331 can each engage with the ends 615, 615 of the inner shells 613, 614. In this way, the flow channels 61, 611, 612 can be closed off by means of the rotary vane 33.

[0030] This is particularly evident in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, that in this embodiment a gap 40 is also formed between the sealing element 30 and the sealing seat 20. In this case, the gap 40 is formed between the underside 221 and / or the top side 222 of the hollow cylinder 22 and a lower edge 332 and / or upper edge 333 of the rotary vane 33, which runs substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0031] In Fig. Figure 5a shows an exemplary perforated disk 31, such as those found in the Fig. 2a and Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 2b can be used as a sealing element 30. The rotary control 110 is arranged in the center of the perforated disc 31. In the example shown, two round holes 311 are formed in the perforated disc 31.

[0032] The perspective view in Fig. Figure 5b shows how, in the case of a sealing element 30 designed as a cylindrical rotary element 32, several air passages 50 can open onto the outer circumferential side 321 of the sealing element 20.

[0033] The invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in many ways.

[0034] If the sealing element 30 is a perforated disc 31, it can have more or fewer than two holes 311. It is also conceivable that the hole(s) 311 have other shapes. For example, the holes 311 can be oval, blind, slotted, or the like. The number and shape of the holes 211 in the fixed perforated disc 21 of the sealing seat can also vary accordingly.

[0035] In the case of a cylindrical rotating element 32, as in the one described in the Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figures 3a to 3d, the number of air passages 50 is variable. It is also conceivable that their openings are not evenly distributed around the circumference of the cylindrical rotating element 32. Furthermore, it is conceivable that each individual air passage 50 has an inlet on the underside of the cylindrical rotating element 32, independent of the other air passages 50. Alternatively, all air passages 50 can have a common inlet on the underside of the cylindrical rotating element.

[0036] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawing, including design details, spatial arrangements and process steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in various combinations.

[0037] In any case, an air spring 10 with a valve 100 for switching an airflow is advantageous, wherein the air spring 10 has a main volume 11 and an auxiliary volume 12, and wherein the valve 100 is arranged between the main volume 11 and the auxiliary volume 12, wherein the valve 100 has a sealing seat 20 and a sealing element 30, wherein the sealing element 30 is movable by a rotational movement between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the sealing seat 20 and the sealing element 30 are free of elastic sealing elements. It is particularly advantageous if there is a clearance fit between the sealing element 30 and the sealing seat 20 and if the valve 100 exhibits leakage flow in the closed position. It is especially advantageous if a gap 40 is formed between the sealing element 30 and the sealing seat 20 at least in the closed position.

[0038] It is conceivable, for example, that the sealing element 30 is a perforated disc 31, a cylindrical rotary element 32 or a rotary vane 33, and that the sealing seat 20 is a perforated disc 21 or a hollow cylindrical element 22.

[0039] For example, the valve 100 can have at least two perforated discs 31, 21, wherein at least the first perforated disc 31 is rotatable and forms the sealing element 30, and wherein at least the second perforated disc 21 is fixed and forms the sealing seat 20. It is also conceivable that the sealing element 30 is a cylindrical rotating element 32 and that the sealing seat 20 is a hollow cylinder 22, wherein both the rotating element 32 and the hollow cylinder 22 each have at least one air passage 50, 51, and wherein the air passage 50 of the rotating element 32 is in fluid communication with the air passage 51 of the hollow cylinder 22 in the open position. It is advantageous if the air passages of the hollow cylinder 22 each have at least one opening on the outer surface of the hollow cylinder 22 and if the air passages of the rotating element 32 have at least one opening on the outer surface of the rotating element 32.

[0040] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sealing element 30 is a rotary vane 33 and that the sealing seat 20 is a hollow cylindrical element 22, wherein the hollow cylindrical element 22 has an internal geometry 60 which can be closed by the rotary vane and the wooden cylindrical element 22 has at least two flow channels 61, 611, 612 and wherein the flow channels 61, 611, 612 can be completely or partially separated from each other by means of the rotary vane 33. Reference symbol list L Leakage airflow A compensating airflow D Direction of rotation 10 air spring 11 Main volumes 12 additional volumes 100 valve 110 rotary knobs 120 seals 130 air spring bellows 140 cases 150 cases 20 Sealing seat 21 perforated disc 211 holes 22 hollow cylinders 221 Underside 222 Top 223 inner circumferential side 30 sealing element 31 perforated disc 311 holes 32 cylindrical rotating element 321 outer perimeter wall 33 hinged wings 40 gap 50 air passage 51 Air passage 60 Internal geometry 61 Flow pattern 611 Inlet flow pattern 612 Outlet flow pattern QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 361 130 B1

[0003] DE 10 2019 109 046 B3

[0004]

Claims

[1] Air spring (10) with a valve (100) for switching an air flow, wherein the air spring (10) has a main volume (11) and an additional volume (12) and wherein the valve (100) is arranged between the main volume (11) and the additional volume (12), wherein the valve (100) has a sealing seat (20) and a sealing element (30), wherein the sealing element (30) is movable by a rotational movement between an open position and a closed position and wherein the sealing seat (20) and the sealing element (30) are free of elastic sealing elements. [2] Air spring according to claim 1, characterized by that there is a clearance fit between the sealing element (30) and the sealing seat (20). [3] Air spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the valve (100) has a leakage flow in the closed position. [4] Air spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a gap (40) is formed between the sealing element (30) and the sealing seat (20) at least in the closed position. [5] Air spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing element (30) is a perforated disc (31), a cylindrical rotary element (32) or a rotary vane (33). [6] Air spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing seat (20) is a perforated disc (21) or a hollow cylindrical element (22). [7] Air spring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the valve (100) has at least two perforated discs (31, 21), wherein at least the first perforated disc (31) is rotatable and forms the sealing element (30) and wherein at least the second perforated disc (21) is fixed and forms the sealing seat (20). [8] Air spring according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat the sealing element (30) is a cylindrical rotary element (32) and that the sealing seat (20) is a hollow cylinder (22), wherein both the rotary element (32) and the hollow cylinder (22) each have at least one air passage (50, 51) and wherein the air passage (50) of the rotary element (32) is in fluid communication with the air passage (51) of the hollow cylinder (22) in the open position. [9] Air spring according to claim 8, characterized by that the air passages of the hollow cylinder each have at least one opening on the shell side of the hollow cylinder and that the air passages of the rotary element have at least one opening on the shell side of the rotary element [10] Air spring according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized byin that the sealing element (30) is a rotary wing (33) and in that the sealing seat (20) is a hollow cylindrical element (22), wherein the hollow cylindrical element (22) has an internal geometry (60) which can be closed by the rotary wing and the wooden cylindrical element (22) has at least two flow passages (61, 611, 612) and wherein the flow passages (61, 611, 612) can be completely or partially separated from one another by means of the rotary wing (33).

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