Adjustment device for a damper valve, damper valve and a vibration damper

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjusting device for a damper valve, comprising at least one adjusting shaft and at least one adjusting element, which have a common axis of rotation, wherein the adjusting element is non-rotatably connected to the adjusting shaft, and wherein at least one control disc for adjusting a damping force is connected or connectable to the adjusting shaft, wherein the adjusting element is rotatable without stops about the axis of rotation such that a rotational movement of the adjusting element is free from any limitation in any direction of rotation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjusting device for a damper valve, a damper valve and a vibration damper.

[0002] From DE 10 2023 125 837 A1 a damper valve for a vibration damper is known, comprising a valve body, a control disc and a rotatably mounted adjusting element.

[0003] DE 10 2023 125 838 A1 describes a damper valve comprising a valve body, a control disc and a rotatably mounted adjusting element to open or block passages for the damper fluid.

[0004] DE 37 11 002 C1 discloses a valve arrangement for a telescopic vibration damper. The valve arrangement comprises a disc spring assembly whose damping force is adjusted by means of a rotatable control disc, which can be actuated by a drive, via variable flow channels. Vibration dampers are widely used in the automotive sector. It is known that adjustable damping is advantageous, as it can be switched between a soft setting for increased ride comfort and a firm setting for increased driving safety, depending on the situation. Vibration dampers with variable damping force usually have switchable valve devices to adjust the damping. This allows for the selection of soft and firm damping.

[0005] Adjustment devices for damping force adjustment are known from the prior art, in which spring disc assemblies are used that are preloaded by a spring. Different opening pressures can be set, e.g., manually, by means of the spring preload. It is known that with increased preload of the spring disc assemblies, manual adjustment of the damping force becomes more difficult. In addition, such an adjustment device is larger and heavier.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an adjustment device for a damper valve that enables manual adjustment of the damping force, both through simple operation and without damaging the valve unit. The invention is further based on the objective of providing a damper valve with such an adjustment device and a vibration damper with such a damper valve.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved with regard to the adjusting device by the subject matter of claim 1. With regard to the damper valve, the aforementioned problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 13. With regard to the vibration damper, the aforementioned problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 14.

[0008] Specifically, the problem is solved by an adjusting device for a damper valve, comprising at least one adjusting shaft and at least one adjusting element, which share a common axis of rotation. The adjusting element is non-rotatably connected to the adjusting shaft, and at least one control disc for adjusting a damping force is connected or connectable to the adjusting shaft. The adjusting element is rotatable about the axis of rotation without any stops, allowing the adjusting element to rotate freely in any direction.

[0009] An advantage of the invention is that the damping force can be easily adjusted manually by rotating the adjusting element, without reaching an end stop. This advantageously allows the adjusting element to be operated by a single person, preferably by hand, since, unlike prior art, the actuation does not occur against the preload force of a spring, but rather the adjusting element is rotated. The adjusting device according to the invention thus allows the damping force to be easily adjusted to achieve a softer or firmer damping of a vibration damper, depending on the requirements.

[0010] To adjust the damping force of the adjusting device according to the invention, the adjusting element and the adjusting shaft have a common axis of rotation, with the adjusting element being non-rotatably connected to the adjusting shaft. The adjusting element is preferably designed such that additional mechanical limits, such as end stops or stoppers, are omitted. This has the advantage that the adjusting element can be rotated around the axis of rotation any number of times in the direction of rotation. The fact that the adjusting element can be rotated without stops provides a particular degree of safety when adjusting the damping force, as incorrect operation due to excessive forceful rotation of the adjusting element against a stop is eliminated. This advantageously results in the user being able to rotate the adjusting element in both directions of rotation without causing damage. Damage-free adjustment makes it possible to set the damping force without damaging valve components through incorrect settings.This reduces wear and increases the service life of the valve unit. Additionally, the adjusting device according to the invention can be manufactured in a smaller size and with reduced weight.

[0011] A further advantage of the invention is that the adjustment element can be rotated without stops, eliminating the need for tools. The adjustment element is preferably accessible from the outside and rotatable by hand, thus preventing overloading and subsequent damage to the adjustment mechanism, for example, due to incorrect tool operation. The rotation is advantageously essentially effortless, i.e., requires minimal force.

[0012] To adjust the damping force of the adjusting device according to the invention, the control disc is connected or connectable to the adjusting shaft. The control disc preferably has at least two through-openings with different cross-sections in order to change the flow of the damping fluid, in particular the flow cross-section, through the through-channels of a valve body of the damper valve. The through-openings of the control disc and the through-channels of the valve body can correspond to or be spaced apart from each other, depending on the rotational position of the control disc. In other words, one or more of the through-openings of the control disc can be brought into contact with the through-channels of the valve body in different rotational positions.

[0013] Preferably, the control disc is rotatable in steps, particularly in increments, via the adjusting element. In other words, the control disc is advantageously actuated via the adjusting element. The rotation of the control disc using the adjusting element can be carried out in uniform steps. Put another way, the rotation of the control disc from one position to the next is advantageously uniform. This enables simple and precise, and in particular reproducible, adjustment of the damping force of the vibration damper.

[0014] Preferably, the damper valve with the adjustment device according to the invention is used on a vibration damper of a motor vehicle. The damper valve with the adjustment device is particularly preferably used on vibration dampers for racing, since the adjustment device allows manual adjustment of the damping force and thus the damping can be precisely adapted to the track conditions or driving style, etc. The invention is not limited to application on vibration dampers for racing. Other areas of application are possible.

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0016] Preferably, the adjusting element is freely rotatable in both directions without any rotational limit. This allows for at least two consecutive 360° rotations without changing direction to adjust the damping force. This advantageously enables a direct switch from maximum soft to maximum hard damping, or vice versa. In other words, a jump from maximum hard to maximum soft and vice versa is possible. The damping is preferably adjustable by rotating the adjusting element in either direction.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the adjusting element is rotatable in both directions in every rotational position. This advantageously ensures that the adjusting element can be rotated both clockwise and counterclockwise, regardless of its rotational position relative to the axis of rotation.

[0018] Preferably, the adjusting element is rotatable without stops from at least one release position to at least one locking position. For this purpose, the adjusting device according to the invention is preferably designed such that the adjusting element can be moved from the release position to the locking position without stops. This has the advantage that a desired damping level can be easily adjusted.

[0019] According to the invention, the adjusting device has at least one detent disc which is rotationally fixed to the adjusting shaft, wherein the adjusting device can be moved without stops into different rotational positions by means of the detent disc in the release position in order to adjust the damping force. This is preferably understood to mean that the detent disc advantageously follows the rotation of the adjusting shaft when the adjusting shaft is actuated. Furthermore, the rotation of the detent disc can advantageously be carried out without tools. Consequently, the detent disc can assume different rotational positions to adjust the damping force. Preferably, the detent disc is rotatable in steps by means of the adjusting element and comprises at least ten rotational positions in the direction of rotation for releasing and / or blocking the passages of the damper valve. It is advantageous here that the damper valve can be used for different applications by means of a variable number of rotational positions.

[0020] The ratchet disc is preferably designed to assume any intermediate position between maximum softness and maximum hardness. A wide variety of different rotational positions allows for improved damping adjustability.

[0021] Preferably, the adjusting device has at least one locking element, wherein the detent disc can be fixed in the locking position by the locking element. The locking element is preferably movable between a release position and a locking position to block or release the detent disc. When the locking element of the adjusting device is blocked, the detent disc is fixed in the locking position. In this way, it is possible to fix the detent disc in the desired rotational position in the locking position by means of the locking element without damage, so that the damping force is set. The locking element is preferably arranged in the locking position such that rotation of the detent disc is prevented. The locking element enables precise fixing and / or releasing of the detent disc.

[0022] Preferably, the locking element is positively connected to the detent disc in the locking position. This means that the locking element forms a positive connection with the detent disc in the locking position. As a result, the detent disc is essentially rotationally fixed to the valve body of the damper valve in the locking position.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the locking element can be biased towards the detent disc by at least one return mechanism to fix the detent disc in the locking position. This makes it easy to ensure that the locking element is biased against the detent disc to guarantee reliable flow through the valve body. When the detent disc is released, the return mechanism allows the locking element to be easily returned from the locking position to the release position. This offers the advantage of simple operation.

[0024] Furthermore, the detent disc has several openings for receiving the locking element in at least one of the rotational positions, the openings being spaced apart from one another and distributed around the circumference of the detent disc. This advantageously allows for stepwise adjustment of the damping force. Preferably, this means that a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the detent disc opens or closes certain passages in the control disc. Consequently, softer or harder damping can be set easily and precisely.

[0025] Preferably, the locking element engages in one of the openings of the detent disc via the return mechanism in the locking position, particularly in a positive-locking manner. This has the advantage of providing mechanical security. The locking element sits firmly and securely in one of the openings, thus preventing, for example, unintentional loosening of the detent disc and adjustment of the damping force.

[0026] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism is located within the valve housing of the damper valve and is accessible from the outside. This arrangement allows for simple and precise manual adjustment of the damping. External access ensures convenient operation. The damping force can be adjusted without tools. This has the advantage that adjustments can be made without overloading and thus without damaging the adjustment mechanism, for example, through incorrect tool use. This increases the service life of the adjustment mechanism. Additionally, the adjustment mechanism is protected from external influences.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the valve housing has at least one receiving area in which the return mechanism extends and into which the locking element is inserted, at least partially, in the release and locking positions. By arranging the return mechanism and the locking element in the receiving area, a compact design for the adjusting device can be achieved. This arrangement can facilitate maintenance, since the locking element and the return mechanism are located in the same receiving area and are easily accessible, thus saving time and costs during maintenance.

[0028] Preferably, the locking element is essentially spherical. In other words, the locking element is essentially shaped like a sphere. Other configurations of the locking element are possible. The spherical shape of the locking element ensures that, in the release position, it can easily slide out of the receiving area when the detent disc is rotated and then easily slide back into one of the openings. This ensures that the damping force can be adjusted with minimal effort.

[0029] In a secondary aspect, the invention relates to a damper valve for a vibration damper with at least one adjusting device according to the invention.

[0030] Reference is made to the advantages explained in connection with the adjusting device. Furthermore, the damper valve may alternatively or additionally have one or a combination of several of the features previously mentioned in relation to the adjusting device.

[0031] According to dependent claim 15, the invention relates to a vibration damper for a motor vehicle with at least one such damper valve.

[0032] The advantages of the vibration damper are described in relation to those explained in connection with the adjustment device. In addition, the vibration damper may alternatively or additionally possess one or a combination of several of the features previously mentioned in relation to the adjustment device.

[0033] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments represent examples of how the adjustment device according to the invention can be designed.

[0034] These show, Fig. 1 a perspective view of a vibration damper according to an embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of an adjustment device according to the invention in an embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 3 a perspective view of an adjustment device according to the invention Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a longitudinal section through an adjusting device according to the invention Fig. 2; and Fig. 5 a perspective view of an adjustment device according to the invention Fig. 2.

[0035] The same reference numbers are used below for identical or equivalent parts.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows, for example, a vibration damper 100 with a damper valve 20 in which the adjusting device 10 is used. This illustrates the application of the damper valve 20 with the adjusting device 10 in a vibration damper 100 for a motorized vehicle. Specifically, the damper valve 20 with the adjusting device 10 is used in a vibration damper 100 for motorsport vehicles, especially racing or sports cars. Other applications are possible.

[0037] The vibration damper 100 according to Fig. 1 has four damper valves 20, the damper valves 20 serving for rebound and compression damping. Two of the in Fig. The damper valves 20 shown in Figure 1 are used for rebound and compression damping in the high-speed range. In contrast, the two other damper valves 20 are used for rebound and compression damping in the low-speed range. The vibration damper 100 is preferably used in motor vehicles. It is particularly preferred for motorsport vehicles, especially racing or sports cars. Other applications are possible.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the adjusting device 10 according to the invention. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the adjusting element 12 can be rotated without stops around the axis of rotation L in such a way that a rotational movement of the adjusting element 12 takes place free from any limitation in the direction of rotation.

[0039] Furthermore, it is from Fig. 2 can be seen that the adjusting element 12 is freely rotatable in both directions of rotation without any limitation of rotation position.

[0040] Furthermore, it is assumed that Fig. 2. It is shown that the adjusting element 12 can be rotated in both directions in any rotational position. The adjusting element 12 can be rotated both clockwise and counterclockwise, regardless of its rotational position relative to the axis of rotation.

[0041] Furthermore, it is from Fig. 2 it is evident that the adjusting element 12 can be rotated without stops from at least one release position to at least one locking position.

[0042] The adjusting device 10 according to Fig. 2 has several rotational positions. Specifically, the adjusting device 10 can be moved into ten rotational positions. The rotational positions are indicated by numbers from one to ten. The numbers are used to set different damping levels. Lower numbers increase the flow rate, resulting in softer damping. Higher numbers reduce the flow rate of the damping fluid, resulting in firmer damping. When the adjusting element 12 is in the position shown above, the damping fluid is adjusted accordingly. Fig. Rotating the adjusting element 2 clockwise from one to ten increases the damping force. Rotating the adjusting element 12 from ten to one reduces the damping force, resulting in softer damping. Furthermore, the adjustment element 12's continuous movement allows for direct switching between one and ten settings.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment according to the invention of an adjusting device 10 for a damper valve 20.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the adjusting device 10 has a detent disc 14. Furthermore, it is shown that Fig. Figure 3 shows that the detent disc 14 is rotationally fixed to the adjusting shaft 11. Specifically, when the adjusting shaft 11 is actuated, the detent disc 14 follows the rotation of the adjusting shaft 11. In the release position, the adjusting device 10 can be moved by the detent disc 14 into different rotational positions without any stop in order to adjust the damping force. The detent disc 14 is disc-shaped.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the detent disk 14 has several openings 17 for receiving the locking element 15 in at least one of the rotational positions. The openings 17 are spaced apart from one another and arranged circumferentially around the detent disk 14. The openings 17 allow for stepwise adjustment of the damping force. Fig. The openings 17 are U-shaped. Other shapes are conceivable. The openings 17 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the ratchet disk 14. An uneven distribution of the openings 17 is possible.

[0046] Fig. Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section through an adjusting device 10 according to the invention. The adjusting device 10 has a locking element 15. The detent disc 14 can be fixed in the locking position by the locking element 15. The locking element 15 is movable between a release position and a locking position to block or release the detent disc 14. If the locking element 15 of the adjusting device 10 is blocked, the detent disc 14 is fixed in the locking position. The detent disc 14 can be fixed in the desired rotational position in the locking position by the locking element 15 without damage. The locking element 15 enables precise fixing and / or releasing of the detent disc 14.

[0047] The locking element 15 is positively connected to the ratchet disc 14 in the locking position.

[0048] Furthermore, in Fig. 4. It can be seen that the locking element 15 is biased towards the detent disc 14 by a return mechanism 16 in order to fix the detent disc 14 in the locking position. When the detent disc 14 is released, the locking element 15 is returned from the locking position to the release position by the return mechanism 16. The return mechanism 16 is in Fig. 4. Designed in the form of a return spring. Other shapes are possible.

[0049] The locking element 15 engages in the locking position in one of the openings 17 of the ratchet disc 14, in particular in a form-fitting manner, by means of the reset mechanism 16.

[0050] Furthermore, it is from Fig. 4 shows that the adjusting device 10 is arranged in a valve housing 21 of the damper valve 20. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the adjusting device 10 is accessible from the outside.

[0051] The valve housing 21 according to Fig. 4 has a receiving area 22. The reset mechanism 16 extends into the receiving area 22. The locking element 15 is inserted at least partially into the receiving area 22 in the release position and in the locking position.

[0052] Furthermore, it is from Fig. 4 shows that the locking element 15 is essentially spherical. Other shapes of the locking element 15 are possible.

[0053] The damper valve 20 has a valve body 23 which is integrated into the valve housing 21. The valve body 23 is permeable to a damper fluid. Fig. Figure 5 shows that a control disc 13 is arranged on the valve body 23 of the damper valve 20. The control disc 13 is aligned coaxially with the valve body 23. Specifically, the control disc 13 rests directly against the valve body 23 and is designed to allow or block the flow of damper fluid through the valve body 23.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the control disc 13 is connected to the adjusting shaft 11 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0055] Furthermore, the in Fig. The control disc 13 shown in Figure 5 is rotatable relative to the valve body 23. The valve body 23 is fixed in place. The control disc 13 is rotatable relative to the valve body 23.

[0056] Out of Fig. Figure 5 clearly shows that the control disc 13 has four through-openings 24 with different cross-sectional areas. It is in Fig.5 to recognize that the control disc 13 can be brought into different rotational positions, whereby, depending on the rotational position of the control disc 13, one or more of the through-openings 24 for the flow of the damper fluid are opened or blocked. Reference symbol list 10 Adjustment device 11 Adjustment shaft 12 Adjustment element 13 Control disc 14 ratchet disc 15 locking elements 16 Return mechanism 17 openings 24 through openings 20 damper valve 21 Valve housings 22 Recording area 23 Valve bodies 100 vibration dampers

Claims

[1] Adjusting device for a damper valve (20) with at least one adjusting shaft (11) and at least one adjusting element (12) having a common axis of rotation (L), wherein the adjusting element (12) is non-rotatably connected to the adjusting shaft (11), and wherein at least one control disk (13) for adjusting a damping force is connected or connectable to the adjusting shaft (11), characterized by , that the adjusting element (12) is rotatable without stop about the axis of rotation (L) such that a rotational movement of the adjusting element (12) takes place without any limitation in any direction of rotation, wherein the adjusting device (10) has at least one detent disk (14) which is non-rotatably connected to the adjusting shaft (11), wherein the adjusting device (10) can be brought into different rotational positions without stop by the detent disk (14) in the release position in order to adjust the damping force. [2] Adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the adjusting element (12) is freely rotatable in both directions of rotation without any limitation of rotation position. [3] Adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the adjusting element (12) is rotatable in both directions in every rotational position. [4] Adjustment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adjusting element (12) can be rotated without stops from at least one release position to at least one locking position. [5] Adjustment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting device (10) has at least one locking element (15), wherein the detent disc (14) can be fixed in the locking position by the locking element (15). [6] Adjustment device according to claim 5, characterized by , that the locking element (15) is positively connected to the detent disc (14) in the locking position. [7] Adjustment device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by, that the locking element (15) can be biased towards the detent disc (14) by at least one return mechanism (16) in order to fix the detent disc (14) in the locking position. [8] Adjustment device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by , that the detent disk (14) has several openings (17) for receiving the locking element (15) in at least one of the rotational positions, wherein the openings (17) are spaced apart from each other and are distributed in the circumferential direction of the detent disk (14). [9] Adjustment device according to claim 8, characterized by , that the locking element (15) engages in the locking position in one of the openings (17) of the ratchet disk (14) by means of the reset mechanism (16). [10] Adjustment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adjusting device (10) is arranged in a valve housing (21) of the damper valve (20). [11] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized by , that the valve housing (21) has at least one receiving area (22) in which the reset mechanism (16) extends and in which the locking element (15) is inserted at least partially in the release position and in the locking position. [12] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterized by , that the locking element (15) is essentially spherical. [13] Damper valve (20) for a vibration damper, with at least one adjusting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [14] Vibration damper (100) for a motorized vehicle with at least one damper valve (20) according to claim 13.

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