Hybrid bellows for a vehicle's height adjustment mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid bellows (1) for a height adjustment device (14) of a vehicle, comprising a multi-layered base body (2) with a first free end (3) and a second free end (4), and with a working chamber (5) that can be formed between the free ends (4), wherein the base body (2) has an inner elastomeric layer (6) facing the working chamber (5) and an outer elastomeric layer (8) facing an environment (7), wherein the inner elastomeric layer (6) has a first material composition and the outer elastomeric layer (8) has a second material composition. The hybrid bellows is characterized in that the first material composition and the second material composition differ from each other. The invention also relates to a device for height adjustment of a vehicle, comprising such a hybrid bellows (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hybrid bellows for a device for adjusting the height of a vehicle, and to a device for adjusting the height of a vehicle comprising such a hybrid bellows.

[0002] Height-adjustable or level-regulating devices for motor vehicles are used to adjust the level of a vehicle or driver's cab, or to maintain it at a constant level under varying loads. The level is adjusted by changing the pressure in a fluid-tight sealed working chamber of the device. This pressure is changed by supplying a suitable working medium to the working chamber or by draining the working medium from the working chamber.

[0003] Conventional devices for this purpose feature a bellows made of an elastomeric material, which, together with a cover element and a rolling piston, forms the working chamber. Compressed air is frequently used as the working medium. For level control, the bellows, with at least one rolled fold, rolls up or down along the outer surface of the rolling piston depending on the pressure in the working chamber, thereby changing its height.

[0004] Bellows known from the prior art are generally multi-layered, with a central reinforcing layer comprising a single layer or several layers of reinforcing elements embedded in an elastic matrix, covered on both sides by an elastomer layer - i.e., inwards towards the working space and outwards towards the ambient air.

[0005] Such a bellows is described, for example, in EP 4 077 517 A1. However, the working medium used there is compressed air, which is why the requirements for the inner elastomer layer are essentially the same as those for the outer elastomer layer. Consequently, the elastomer layers used there are each made of the same rubber compound.

[0006] In the case of bellows in hydraulically operated systems, the working chamber is filled with a fluid medium instead of compressed air. Depending on the application, various media can be used, such as water, glycols, oils, brake fluids, or mixtures of these substances. These fluid media place different stresses on the inside of the bellows than, for example, air, which can lead to premature failure of the inner elastomer layer—for instance, through the early appearance of cracks in the inner layer.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages in the prior art and to provide a hybrid bellows for a device for adjusting the height of a vehicle, which has an increased service life compared to previously known solutions.

[0008] The main features of the invention are specified in claim 1. Further aspects of the invention are mentioned in claims 14 and 16. Specific embodiments of the invention are the subject of claims 2 to 13 and claim 15, respectively.

[0009] The problem is solved according to the main claim by a hybrid bellows for a height adjustment device of a vehicle, wherein the hybrid bellows comprises a multi-layered base body with a first free end and a second free end, and with a working space that can be formed between the free ends, wherein the base body has an inner elastomeric layer facing the working space and an outer elastomeric layer facing the environment, and wherein the inner elastomeric layer has a first material composition and the outer elastomeric layer has a second material composition. The hybrid bellows is characterized in that the first material composition and the second material composition differ from each other. The bellows is therefore not "pure" with regard to the elastomeric material used.

[0010] The "working space" is understood to be the area of ​​the hybrid bellows which, when the bellows is used as intended, lies between the connection point of the first free end with the rolling piston and the connection point of the second free end with a cover element or similar.

[0011] A hybrid bellows designed in this way is particularly well-suited for hydraulically operated systems, as the inner and outer elastomeric layers of the bellows can each be optimally adapted to their respective contact media. The contact medium is defined as the medium that is in contact with the outer or inner layer of the bellows, respectively. In the case of the outer layer, the contact medium will generally be air; the contact medium of the inner layer is, in particular, an incompressible fluid. Consequently, a material composition can be selected for the outer elastomeric layer that gives it exceptional resistance to ambient air. Furthermore, the material composition of the outer layer can be chosen to withstand other environmental influences, such as heat, cold, or ozone.The inner layer of the bellows can comprise a material composition that is particularly resistant to the respective fluid in the working space. For the purposes of this disclosure, the material composition of the inner layer is referred to as the "first material composition," and the material composition of the outer layer as the "second material composition." Because the first and second material compositions of the bellows are each optimally adapted to their respective contact media, the risk of damage to or wear of the hybrid bellows due to chemical abrasion is minimized.

[0012] According to further training, the working chamber of the hybrid bellows may be filled with a fluid during normal use. The working chamber should be fluid-tight to prevent unintentional fluid leakage and to prevent unwanted air from entering the working chamber from the outside environment.

[0013] According to further training, the fluid used in the working chamber may be selected from the group comprising brake fluids, oils (especially hydraulic oils), coolants, glycols, and glycol-water mixtures. It is particularly advantageous to choose fluids that are already used in the specific vehicle, as this avoids increased maintenance costs.

[0014] According to further training, the second material composition may include an elastomer selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, polybutadiene rubber (BR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, silicone, or ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM). These materials are characterized by particularly high resistance to oil- and / or glycol-containing liquids. BR, due to its low glass transition temperature, exhibits high elasticity and very good low-temperature properties. NBR contains polar groups that interact only minimally with nonpolar liquids such as gasoline, oil, or greases, so the material does not swell upon contact with these media. EPDM is resistant to temperatures up to 150 °C. This material is also resistant to polar substances.Advantageously, the first and second material compositions should be selected so that they adhere to each other. If one is used as an intermediate layer with a third material composition, the first and second material compositions should be selected so that they can each be arranged in an adhesive manner against the third material composition.

[0015] According to further training, the initial material composition may include chlorobutadiene rubber-based elastomers (“CR-based elastomers” or “CR elastomers”). CR-based elastomers are particularly robust against external environmental influences and are therefore well-suited for use in the outer elastomeric layer. Furthermore, there are many years of experience with CR-based elastomers in bellows, so their properties can be accurately predicted and / or simulated during the design phase.

[0016] According to a further development, the base body can be designed with a reinforcing layer positioned between the inner and outer elastomeric layers. This reinforcing layer stabilizes the hybrid bellows. This ensures that the unreinforced sealing bellows can withstand high pressures without undesirable deformation or tearing.

[0017] According to a further development, the reinforcing layer can be provided with an elastomeric matrix and at least one reinforcing layer, wherein the at least one reinforcing layer is at least partially embedded in the elastomeric matrix. According to a further development, the reinforcing layer can in particular be provided with two reinforcing layers that are at least partially embedded in the elastomeric matrix. The use of multiple reinforcing layers has proven to be particularly suitable because the reinforcing layer thereby exhibits a high degree of stability at a low weight.

[0018] According to a further development, the elastomeric matrix can be provided with a third material composition. According to another further development, the third material composition can also be provided that it is essentially identical to the first material composition or that it is essentially identical to the second material composition. This simplifies the production of the bellows, since the same equipment, or at least parts thereof, used to produce the inner or outer elastomer layer can be used to produce the elastomer of the reinforcing layer. However, it is also conceivable that the third material composition differs from the first and second material compositions.

[0019] According to a further development, each layer of reinforcing elements may comprise a plurality of reinforcing elements. According to another further development, the reinforcing elements may preferably be fibers, threads, or filaments made of polyamide and / or polyester, or a woven fabric made of polyamide and / or polyester. The use of such fiber reinforcement has proven particularly suitable because the hybrid bellows thereby exhibits a high degree of stability at a low weight and because its compliance in the fiber direction is limited to the compliance of the fibers themselves. This also makes the bellows simple and inexpensive to manufacture. For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms "fiber," "thread," and "filament" are used synonymously unless otherwise indicated by the context.All terms essentially refer to elongated structures made of natural or synthetic materials, whereby the natural fibers can be of plant, animal or mineral origin and synthetic fibers include, in particular, polymers.

[0020] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a height adjustment device for adjusting the height of a vehicle, comprising two hybrid bellows as described in this disclosure. The height adjustment device also includes a first wall element and a second wall element axially connected to the first wall element, wherein the first wall element, the second wall element, and the hybrid bellows form the working space. For this purpose, the free ends of each hybrid bellows are attached to the first and second wall elements, respectively, for example, by means of clamping rings. Such a height adjustment device is particularly durable because the elastomeric layers applied to the inner and outer reinforcement layers can be adapted to their respective contact media, thereby achieving high chemical resistance.

[0021] According to further training, the height adjustment device can be a hydraulic height adjustment device. The hybrid bellows limits the pressurized working space, with the bellows forming a rolled fold. A change in pressure in the working space results in a change in volume, which in turn causes the bellows to move within the rolled fold and thus adjusts the vehicle's height position.

[0022] According to further training, the height adjustment device is a foot-point adjustment device for a coil spring in the chassis of a motor vehicle.

[0023] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a system for adjusting the height of a vehicle, comprising a height adjustment device according to this disclosure, a first spring support, a second spring support, and a spring arranged between the first spring support and the second spring support.

[0024] 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. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section through the base body of a hybrid bellows according to a first embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section through the base body of a hybrid bellows according to a second embodiment; Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section through the base body of a hybrid bellows according to a third embodiment; Fig. Figure 4 shows a system for adjusting the height of a vehicle according to one possible embodiment.

[0025] In the figures, identical or corresponding elements are designated with the same reference numerals and are therefore not described again unless expedient. Features already described are not described again to avoid repetition and are applicable to all elements with the same or corresponding reference numerals, unless explicitly excluded. The disclosures contained in the entire description are transferable analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the directly described and illustrated figure and must be applied analogously to any new position.Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section through the base body 2 of a hybrid bellows 1 according to one possible embodiment. The base body 2 has a first free end 3 and a second free end 4, wherein the two free ends 3, 4 can be connected to, for example, a rolling piston and a cover element (both not shown), thus forming a working chamber 5. The base body comprises an inner elastomeric layer 6 facing the working chamber 5 and an outer elastomeric layer 8 facing the external environment 7. The working chamber 5 is filled with a fluid 13.

[0027] The inner elastomeric layer 6 has a first material composition, and the outer elastomeric layer 8 has a second material composition that differs from the first. In the example shown, the difference between the two material compositions is represented by different hatching patterns on the elastomeric layers 6 and 8.

[0028] A two-layer reinforcing layer 9 is also arranged between the inner and outer elastomeric layers 6, 8. The in Fig. The reinforcement layer 9 shown in Figure 1 thus has two reinforcing layers 11 embedded in a common elastomeric matrix 10 of the reinforcement layer 9. Each reinforcing layer 11 comprises a plurality of thread-like reinforcing elements 12, which are preferably made of polyamide and / or polyester. In the example shown, the third material composition of the elastomeric matrix 10 of the reinforcement layer 9 is essentially identical to the first material composition of the inner elastomeric layer 6, as indicated by the use of similar hatching. This simplifies the production of the bellows 1, since the reinforcement layer 9 can be applied together with the inner or elastomeric layer 6 in the same work step.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section through the base body 2 of a hybrid bellows 1 according to a second embodiment. The in Fig. The hybrid bellows shown in section 2 differs from hybrid bellows 1 primarily in that it is made of... Fig. 1, that the third material composition of the elastomeric matrix 10 of the reinforcement layer 9 is essentially identical to the second material composition of the outer layer 8.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section through the base body 2 of a hybrid bellows 1 according to a third embodiment. In the case of the example of Fig. 3. All three material compositions differ from one another. The elastomeric matrix 10 of the reinforcement layer 9 therefore has a different material composition than the inner layer 6 and the outer layer 8, which also differ from each other with regard to their material compositions.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 shows a system 100 for adjusting the height of a vehicle according to one possible embodiment. The system 100 serves to dampen and cushion shocks of a motor vehicle as well as to regulate the level or adjust the height. For regulating the level of the motor vehicle, it has a height adjustment device 14 which, in the case of Fig. 4 is a foot-point adjustment device. The height adjustment device 14 comprises a first wall element 15 and a second wall element 16, which are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis L. The wall elements 15, 16 are connected to each other via two hybrid bellows 1 and, together with the bellows 1, enclose a variable fluid volume in a working chamber 5 by forming a roll fold 20. For this purpose, the free ends 3, 4 of the hybrid bellows are attached to the first wall element 16 and the second wall element 17, respectively. The second wall element 16 also serves as the first spring support 17 for a spring 19. The in Fig. System 100 shown in Figure 4 illustrates an intended use of the hybrid bellows 1 described here.

[0032] The longitudinal axis L projects through the system 100, and the height adjustment also occurs in this direction. The system 100 comprises a damper 23, which in the example shown is a hydraulic damper. A stop cap element 21 is attached to the end face of the hydraulic damper 23. The damper rod protrudes from the damper housing at the same end face and is connected to a counter bearing 18, which acts as a second spring support.

[0033] System 100 also includes a spring 19, which is in Fig.The spring 19 is represented as a helical compression spring. It is supported at one end by the first spring support 17 and at the other end by the second spring support, where in the example shown, the first spring support 17 is the top surface of the second wall element 15 and the second spring support 18 is the counter support 18. Applying force to the height adjustment device 14 in the direction of the counter support 18, or vice versa, causes the spring 19 to compress. To prevent overloading or even complete compression of the spring 19, the system 100 also includes an elastic auxiliary spring 22. The auxiliary spring 22 is arranged between the height adjustment device 14 and the counter support 18. Furthermore, the auxiliary spring 22 lies opposite the stop cover element 21 along its longitudinal axis L. Consequently, the auxiliary spring 22 can abut the stop cover element 21 to limit its compression travel.

[0034] When the vehicle is loaded, the spring 19 yields by a load-dependent amount, and the vehicle is lowered accordingly. The level control system, in the form of the height adjustment device 14, can counteract this. To restore the vehicle to its original level before loading, additional fluid 13 is pumped into the working chamber 5 of the height adjustment device 14. This increases the volume of the working chamber 5 and displaces the second wall element 16 of the height adjustment device 14 and the base of the spring 19. The pre-loaded spring 19 is then moved along the longitudinal axis L, pressing the counter bearing 18 and thus the vehicle back to its original level.

[0035] The invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in numerous ways. To avoid repetition, features disclosed by the device shall also be deemed disclosed by the process. Likewise, features disclosed by the process shall be deemed disclosed by the device.

[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. Reference symbol list 1 hybrid bellows 2 basic shapes 3 First free ending 4 Second free ending 5 workroom 6 Inner elastomeric layer 7 Environment 8 Outer elastomeric layer 9 Reinforcing layer 10 elastomeric matrix 11 Strength carrier layer 12 reinforcing elements 13 Fluid 14 Height adjustment device 15 First wall element 16 Second wall element 17 First spring layer 18 counter bearings 19 springs 20 roll fold 21 Stop cover element 22 Additional spring 23 dampers 100 System L Longitudinal axis A Axial direction QUOTES INCLUDED 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 4 077 517 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Hybrid bellows (1) for a height adjustment device (14) of a vehicle, comprising a multi-layered base body (2) with a first free end (3) and a second free end (4) and with a working space (5) that can be formed between the free ends (3, 4), wherein the base body (2) has an inner elastomeric layer (6) facing the working space (5) and an outer elastomeric layer (8) facing an environment (7), wherein the inner elastomeric layer (6) has a first material composition and the outer elastomeric layer (8) has a second material composition, characterized by that the first material composition and the second material composition differ from each other. [2] Hybrid bellows (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the working space (5) is filled with a fluid (13) when the hybrid bellows (1) is used as intended. [3] Hybrid bellows (1) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the fluid (13) in the working chamber (5) is selected from the group comprising brake fluids, oils, in particular hydraulic oils, coolants, glycols and glycol-water mixtures. [4] Hybrid bellows (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first material composition comprises an elastomer selected from the group comprising natural rubber, polybutadiene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, silicone or ethylene propylene diene rubber. [5] Hybrid bellows (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second material composition includes chlorobutadiene rubber-based elastomers. [6] Hybrid bellows (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base body (2) has a reinforcing layer (9) arranged between the inner elastomeric layer (6) and the outer elastomeric layer (8). [7] Hybrid bellows (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the reinforcement layer (9) comprises an elastomeric matrix (10) and at least one reinforcement layer (11), wherein the at least one reinforcement layer (11) is at least partially embedded in the elastomeric matrix (10). [8] Hybrid bellows (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the reinforcement layer (9) has two load-bearing layers (11) which are at least partially embedded in the elastomeric matrix (10). [9] Hybrid bellows (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by , that the elastomeric matrix (10) has a third material composition. [10] Hybrid bellows (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the third material composition is essentially identical to the first material composition or that the third material composition is essentially identical to the second material composition. [11] Hybrid bellows (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by , that each strength carrier layer (11) comprises a plurality of strength carriers (12). [12] Hybrid bellows (1) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the reinforcing elements (12) are fibers made of polyamide and / or polyester, or a fabric made of polyamide and / or polyester. [13] Hybrid bellows (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the working space (5) formed by the base body (2) is fluid-tight. [14] Height adjustment device (14) for a vehicle, comprising two hybrid bellows (1) according to one of the preceding claims, a first wall element (15) and a second wall element (16) axially opposed to the first wall element (15), wherein the first wall element (15), the second wall element (16) and the two hybrid bellows (1) form a working space (5). [15] Height adjustment device (14) according to claim 14, characterized by, that the height adjustment device (14) is a hydraulically operated height adjustment device (14). [16] System (100) for adjusting the height of a vehicle, comprising a height adjustment device (14) according to one of claims 14 or 15, a first spring support (17), a second spring support (18), and a spring (19) arranged between the first spring support (17) and the second spring support (18).

Images