Bidirectional damper valve and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a bidirectional damper valve (24), in particular a bidirectional shock absorber valve, for example for a vehicle shock absorber, comprising a first pressurized fluid reservoir (10), a second pressurized fluid reservoir (12), and a main valve slide (14) which blocks or releases an exchange of pressurized fluid between the two pressurized fluid reservoirs (10, 12) on the basis of a current position. According to the invention, the orientation of the release movement direction (16), preferably the linear release movement direction, in which the main valve slide (14) must be moved in order to release the exchange of pressurized fluid between the two pressurized fluid reservoirs (10, 12) does not depend on the direction of action of a force to be damped, in particular the release movement direction does not depend on an activation of a traction stage or a compression stage.

Description

[0001] Bidirectional damper valve and process

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a bidirectional damper valve according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 14.

[0004] A bidirectional damper valve has already been proposed, with a first pressure fluid reservoir, with a second pressure fluid reservoir and with a main valve spool, which blocks or releases an exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs depending on a current position.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with advantageous damping properties. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claims 1 and 14, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention is based on a bidirectional damper valve, in particular a bidirectional shock absorber valve, for example for a vehicle shock absorber, with a first pressure fluid reservoir, with a second pressure fluid reservoir, and with a main valve spool which blocks or releases an exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs depending on a current position. It is proposed that an orientation, in particular an alignment, an orientation direction and / or a trajectory direction, a preferably linear release movement direction, in which the main valve spool must be moved to release the exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs, is independent of an effective direction of a force, in particular an external force, to be damped, in particular independent of an activation of a rebound stage or a compression stage. This allows advantageous damping properties to be achieved.Advantageously, the need for spring centering of the center position of the main valve spool can be eliminated. This advantageously reduces the susceptibility of the bidirectional damper valve to flow forces. Swinging through the control edges of the main valve spool can be prevented. Advantageously, a small installation space requirement can be achieved, particularly since only a single stroke in a single direction needs to be maintained for the main valve spool.

[0008] In particular, the bidirectional damper valve is designed to dampen a rebound stage and a compression stage of a damper. In particular, the bidirectional damper valve is designed to selectively damp tensile loads and compressive loads. The terms “intended” and / or “designed” should be understood to mean, in particular, specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended or designed for a specific function should be understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. The bidirectional damper valve is preferably provided for chassis damping of a vehicle. In particular, the main valve spool of the bidirectional damper valve can be designed to be pilot-controlled by a control valve unit, in particular one integrated into the bidirectional damper valve.In particular, the control valve unit can be provided to adjust the damping hardness of the bidirectional damper valve, in particular by manipulating a maximum possible flow rate of the bidirectional damper device, in particular in a closed state of the main valve spool. In particular, the first pressure fluid reservoir is assigned to a rebound stage and / or a rebound side of a damper having the bidirectional damper valve. In particular, an external tensile force to be damped generates an increase in the pressure of the pressure fluid in the first pressure fluid reservoir. In particular, the second pressure fluid reservoir is assigned to a compression stage and / or a compression side of the damper having the bidirectional damper valve. In particular, an external pressure force to be damped generates an increase in the pressure of the pressure fluid in the first pressure fluid reservoir. The pressure fluid is preferably a liquid, for example, an oil.

[0009] A damping effect can preferably be achieved through the exchange of pressurized fluid between the pressurized fluid reservoirs. In particular, the main valve spool blocks the exchange of pressurized fluid between the two pressurized fluid reservoirs in a first state, preferably in a rest position of the main valve spool. In particular, the main valve spool enables the exchange of pressurized fluid between the two pressurized fluid reservoirs in a second state, preferably in a position of the main valve spool deflected from the rest position. In particular, to open a main pressurized fluid path, the main valve spool moves from the rest position to the deflected position along the release movement direction. In particular, to close a main pressurized fluid path, the main valve spool moves from the deflected position to the rest position opposite to the release movement direction, in particular in a blocking movement direction.A movement of the main valve spool along the release movement direction and / or along the blocking movement direction preferably describes a linear movement trajectory. The release movement direction or the blocking movement direction can thus each be visualized by a straight arrow. In particular, the movement of the main valve spool, preferably the release of the main pressure fluid path, is caused by the application of a pressure difference between the pressure fluid reservoirs. For example, the application of a pressure force to the damper can generate a pressure increase in the second pressure fluid reservoir, which, in particular when a minimum pressure difference between the pressure fluid reservoirs is exceeded, causes the main valve spool to open the main pressure fluid path by means of a movement along the release movement direction.For example, the application of a tensile force to the damper can generate a pressure increase in the first pressure fluid reservoir, which, particularly when a minimum pressure difference between the pressure fluid reservoirs is exceeded, causes the main valve spool to open the main pressure fluid path by moving it along the release direction. The exchange of pressure fluid along the main pressure fluid path can, in particular, reduce the pressure force acting on the respective pressure fluid reservoir.

[0010] In particular, the orientation, in particular the alignment, the orientation direction, and / or the trajectory direction, of the preferably linear release movement direction is independent of the flow direction of the pressure fluid along the main pressure fluid path during damping. In particular, the orientation, in particular the alignment, the orientation direction, and / or the trajectory direction, of the preferably linear release movement direction is independent of whether the external force to be damped acts on the tension side of the damper or on the compression side of the damper.In particular, the orientation, in particular the alignment, the orientation direction and / or the trajectory direction of the, preferably linear, release movement direction is constant and / or identical, regardless of the direction of action of the force to be damped, regardless of the flow direction of the pressure fluid along the main pressure fluid path and / or regardless of whether the external force to be damped acts on the tension side of the damper or on the compression side of the damper. Furthermore, it is proposed that an orientation, in particular an alignment, an orientation direction and / or a trajectory direction of a, preferably linear, blocking movement direction, in which the main valve spool must be moved to block the exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs, is independent of a direction of action of a force to be damped, in particular independent of an activation of a rebound stage or a compression stage.This allows for advantageous damping properties. Advantageously, the need for spring centering of the center position of the main valve spool can be eliminated. This advantageously reduces the susceptibility of the bidirectional damper valve to flow forces. Swinging through the control edges of the main valve spool can be prevented. Advantageously, a small installation space requirement can be achieved, particularly since only a single stroke in a single direction needs to be maintained for the main valve spool.In particular, the orientation, in particular the alignment, the orientation direction and / or the trajectory direction of the, preferably linear, blocking movement direction is constant and / or identical regardless of the direction of action of the force to be damped, regardless of the flow direction of the pressure fluid along the pressure fluid main path and / or regardless of whether the external force to be damped acts on the tension side of the damper or on the compression side of the damper.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the bidirectional damper valve have an end stop on which the main valve spool rests in a rest position of the main valve spool, in particular in a state of the bidirectional damper valve not subjected to external forces. This advantageously makes it possible to dispense with the provision of a spring-centered central position of the main valve spool and / or to prevent the main valve spool from swinging through. Advantageously, a defined and / or stable rest position of the main valve spool can be established. The end stop is preferably fixed and immovable in the bidirectional damper valve. In particular, the main valve spool has a stop surface which is intended to come into contact with the end stop when the rest position is assumed. It is conceivable that the end stop and / or the stop surface is provided with damping elements, e.g. elastomer elements.In particular, the main valve spool rests on the end stop until the pressure difference between the pressure fluid reservoirs exceeds a pressure limit value, which can be determined in particular by a design of the bidirectional damper valve. The end stop is arranged in particular on an end stop element of the bidirectional damper valve.

[0012] It is further proposed that the bidirectional damper valve comprise a spring return unit which tends to move the main valve spool into the rest position (when the main valve spool is in the deflected position) and / or to hold it in the rest position (when the main valve spool is already in the rest position). This allows advantageous damping properties to be achieved. Advantageously, adjustment of the pressure limit value above which the main valve spool opens can be enabled by selecting a spring hardness of the spring return unit. Furthermore, a high level of operational reliability can advantageously be achieved. The spring return unit is preferably completely surrounded by the main valve spool. The spring return unit comprises, in particular, at least one (conical) spiral compression spring. In particular, a first end of the spiral compression spring is supported on a wall of an inner side of the main valve spool.

[0013] In particular, a second end of the coil compression spring is supported on a component fixed relative to a housing of the bidirectional damper valve. The coil compression spring is preferably more compressed / tensioned in the deflected position of the main valve spool than in the rest position of the main valve spool. In particular, the spring return unit, preferably the coil compression spring, is pretensioned even when the main valve spool is in the rest position. In particular, the main valve spool opens the main pressure fluid path only when the pressure difference between the pressure fluid reservoirs is greater than a spring force of the (pretensioned) spring return unit.

[0014] It is further proposed that the main valve spool comprise an active surface element which, on a first side, has a first active surface for the application of rebound forces and / or compression forces and which, in particular, on a second side opposite the first side, has a second active surface for the application of hydraulic pilot forces, in particular of the control valve unit. This makes it possible to achieve particularly advantageous damping properties. A compact design can advantageously be achieved. In particular, the entire active surface element, preferably all active surfaces of the active surface element, are arranged on a single axial end region of the main valve spool.In particular, the axial end region of the main valve spool is formed by all points on the main valve spool which are at a distance from an axial end surface of the main valve spool that is less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, and preferably less than 10% of a maximum axial total extension of the main valve spool. In particular, the first side and the second side of the active surface element lie opposite one another as viewed along the release movement direction of the main valve spool. The opposing sides of the active surface element, in particular their normal vectors, point in at least substantially opposite directions. Preferably, the first active surface is approximately the same size or exactly the same size as the second active surface. In particular, depending on the pressure situation of the damper, the greater force is applied to the first active surface.In particular, the force acting on the first active surface lifts the main valve spool and thus opens the main pressure fluid path. In particular, when a compression stage is present (an external compressive force acts on the damper), the compression stage forces are applied to the first active surface. In particular, when a compression stage is present (an external compressive force acts on the damper), the hydraulic pilot forces, in particular of the control valve unit, are applied to the second active surface. In particular, when a rebound stage is present (an external tensile force acts on the damper), the rebound stage forces are applied to the first active surface. In particular, when a rebound stage is present (an external tensile force acts on the damper), the hydraulic pilot forces, in particular of the control valve unit, are applied to the second active surface.The hydraulic pilot forces acting on the second effective surface are particularly dependent on the force acting on the first effective surface.

[0015] If the active surface element is designed at least substantially as a, in particular flat, annular disk, advantageous use of installation space can be achieved. Costs can advantageously be kept low. In particular, a maximum diameter of the annular disk perpendicular to an axial direction of the main valve spool / to the release movement direction of the main valve spool is at least twice as large, preferably at least three times as large and preferably at least four times as large as a maximum extension of the annular disk in the axial direction of the main valve spool / in the release movement direction of the main valve spool. In particular, the active surface element is designed in one piece, preferably monolithically, with other parts of the main valve spool, in particular with the remainder of the main valve spool."Integral" should be understood in particular as being at least materially connected, for example, by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process, and / or another process deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by production from a single casting and / or by production using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. The main valve slide is preferably made of a plastic or a metal.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that the main valve spool have a blocking element designed to block or release the exchange of pressurized fluid between the two pressurized fluid reservoirs via a main pressurized fluid path of the bidirectional damper valve. This advantageously allows for low complexity, in particular by keeping the number of components to a minimum. In particular, the blocking element is formed integrally, preferably monolithically, with other parts of the main valve spool, in particular with the remainder of the main valve spool. In particular, the blocking element is designed to completely cover a pressurized fluid inlet opening, arranged for example in the housing, or a pressurized fluid outlet opening of the main pressurized fluid path. In particular, the blocking element is designed to block and / or interrupt the main pressurized fluid path.

[0017] If the active surface element and the blocking element are designed as spatially separate parts of the main valve spool, in particular at least along the axial direction of the main valve spool and / or at least along the release movement direction of the main valve spool, in particular nevertheless formed integrally or monolithically, a low level of complexity can advantageously be achieved, in particular by keeping the number of components to a minimum. Furthermore, advantageous damping properties can be achieved. In particular, a smallest possible cuboid placed around the blocking element and completely enclosing the blocking element and a smallest possible cuboid placed around the active surface element and completely enclosing the active surface element are completely non-overlapping.In particular, the smallest possible cuboid placed around the blocking element and completely containing the blocking element and the smallest possible cuboid placed around the active surface element and completely containing the active surface element are spaced apart from each other (completely non-contacting with each other).

[0018] Additionally, it is proposed that the active surface element be arranged completely above or completely below the main pressure fluid path and / or the pressure fluid inlet and outlet openings of the main pressure fluid path, viewed along a direction of movement of the main valve spool, in particular along the release direction of movement of the main valve spool or along the blocking direction of movement of the main valve spool. This allows advantageous damping properties to be achieved. Advantageously, the need for spring centering of a central position of the main valve spool can be dispensed with. Advantageously, the implementation of a rest position for the main valve spool can be enabled.In particular, the active surface element is arranged completely behind or completely in front of the pressure fluid main path and / or the pressure fluid inlet and pressure fluid outlet openings of the pressure fluid main path, viewed along the release movement direction of the main valve spool.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that the bidirectional damper valve comprise a first pair of check valves, which are designed to open a first secondary pressure fluid path connecting the pressure fluid reservoirs upon activation of a rebound stage, wherein the first secondary pressure fluid path is delimited at least in sections by the first active surface. This advantageously enables a compact design. In addition, advantageous damping properties can be achieved. The unidirectionality of the main valve spool and the associated advantages can be advantageously achieved through the clever arrangement of the check valves. In particular, the first pair of check valves closes the first secondary pressure fluid path upon activation of the compression stage, in particular when the higher pressure is present in the second pressure fluid reservoir.One of the check valves of the first check valve pair is preferably arranged at an interface to one of the two pressure fluid reservoirs (a bore in the housing open to the respective pressure fluid reservoir). The active surface element is arranged completely above all check valves of the first check valve pair, particularly as seen in the release movement direction. The first pressure fluid secondary path leads in particular through the pilot valve / control valve unit. The first pressure fluid secondary path leads in particular through the main valve spool. In principle, however, the first pressure fluid secondary path could also be routed past the main valve spool. The first pressure fluid secondary path is completely separate from the main pressure fluid path. The first pressure fluid secondary path has different pressure fluid inlets and / or different pressure fluid outlets than the main pressure fluid path.

[0020] It is further proposed that the bidirectional damper valve comprise a second pair of check valves, which are designed to open a second pressure fluid secondary path connecting the pressure fluid reservoirs upon activation of a pressure stage, wherein the second pressure fluid secondary path is delimited at least in section by the first active surface. This advantageously enables a compact design. In addition, advantageous damping properties can be achieved. The unidirectionality of the main valve spool and the associated advantages can advantageously be achieved through the clever arrangement of the check valves. The second pressure fluid secondary path and / or the second pair of check valves have essentially the same properties as the first pressure fluid path and / or the first pair of check valves. In particular, only one of the pressure fluid secondary paths can be open at a time.Due to the pressure conditions in the damper valve, the other pressure fluid secondary path is preferably always automatically closed when one pressure fluid secondary path is opened and vice versa. In particular, the second check valve pair closes the second pressure fluid secondary path when the rebound stage is activated, in particular when the higher pressure is present in the first pressure fluid reservoir. One of the check valves of the second check valve pair is preferably arranged at an interface to one of the two pressure fluid reservoirs (bore in the housing open to the respective pressure fluid reservoir). The active surface element is arranged between the check valves of the second check valve pair, in particular when viewed in the release movement direction or in the axial direction. The second pressure fluid secondary path leads in particular through the pilot valve / control valve unit.The second pressure fluid secondary path leads, in particular, through the main valve spool. In principle, however, the second pressure fluid secondary path could also bypass the main valve spool. The second pressure fluid secondary path is completely separate from the main pressure fluid path. The first pressure fluid secondary path and the second pressure fluid secondary path partially overlap, particularly in the area of ​​the control valve unit. The second pressure fluid secondary path has different pressure fluid inlets and / or different pressure fluid outlets than the main pressure fluid path. The first pressure fluid secondary path has different pressure fluid inlets and / or different pressure fluid outlets than the second pressure fluid secondary path.

[0021] If, in addition, a main pressure fluid path that is blocked or released by the main valve spool depending on the position of the main valve spool runs only outside the main valve spool, advantageous flow properties and advantageous damping properties can be achieved. Deflection of a pressure fluid flow can advantageously be reduced. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve low flow forces. This advantageously makes it possible to prevent undesired pressure drops. Advantageously, the main pressure fluid path does not run at all, in particular not even partially, through the main valve spool, in particular through a cavity of the main valve spool. The pressure fluid flowing along the main pressure fluid path preferably does not flow through the main valve spool. The pressure fluid flowing along the main pressure fluid path flows around the main valve spool on an outer side of the main valve spool.The pressurized fluid flowing along the main pressure fluid path flows around the main valve spool on a radial outer side of the main valve spool. The main pressure fluid path runs exclusively alongside the main valve spool, particularly relative to the release movement direction. The main pressure fluid path runs nowhere within the housing, particularly relative to the release movement direction, and neither above nor below the main valve spool. In particular, the main valve spool blocks the main pressure fluid path in the rest position. In particular, the main valve spool releases the main pressure fluid path in the position deflected from the rest position.

[0022] It is also proposed that a maximum extension of a section of a pressure fluid main path running within the housing of the bidirectional damper valve, which section is blocked or released by the main valve spool depending on the position of the main valve spool, measured parallel to a direction of movement of the main valve spool, in particular the release direction of movement of the main valve spool and / or the blocking direction of movement of the main valve spool, and / or parallel to the axial direction of the main valve spool, is substantially smaller than a maximum extension of the main valve spool measured along the same direction, in particular substantially smaller than an extension of the main valve spool measured along the same direction from an end of the blocking element of the main valve spool pointing away from the end stop to the stop surface of the main valve spool.This advantageously allows the path along which a large portion of the pressure fluid is guided through the bidirectional damper valve, particularly the housing, during damping to be kept particularly short. The main pressure fluid path can also be kept particularly short. This allows advantageous damper flow characteristics to be achieved.

[0023] Furthermore, a method for operating the bidirectional damper valve is proposed, wherein the exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs is blocked or released by the main valve spool depending on the current position, and wherein the orientation, in particular the alignment, the orientation direction and / or the trajectory direction, of the preferably linear release movement direction in which the main valve spool is moved to release the exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs, is independent of the direction of action of the, in particular external, force to be damped, in particular independent of the activation of the rebound stage or the compression stage. This makes it possible to achieve advantageous damping properties. Advantageously, the need for spring centering of a central position of the main valve spool can be dispensed with.This advantageously reduces the susceptibility of the bidirectional damper valve to flow forces. It also prevents the control edges of the main valve spool from swinging through. Advantageously, a small installation space requirement can be achieved, particularly since only a single stroke in a single direction needs to be maintained for the main valve spool.

[0024] The bidirectional damper valve according to the invention and the method according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the bidirectional damper valve according to the invention and the method according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function described herein.

[0025] Drawings

[0026] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0027] They show:

[0028] Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a bidirectional

[0029] Damper valve with an open pressure fluid main path, Fig. 2 the schematic sectional view of the bidirectional damper valve with a closed pressure fluid main path and with an indicated course of a first pressure fluid secondary path,

[0030] Fig. 3 shows the schematic sectional view of the bidirectional damper valve with the closed pressure fluid main path and with an indicated course of a second pressure fluid secondary path and

[0031] Fig. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the bidirectional damper valve.

[0032] Description of the embodiment

[0033] Figures 1, 2 and 3 each show a schematic sectional view of a bidirectional damper valve 24. The bidirectional damper valve 24 forms a bidirectional shock absorber valve for a vehicle. The bidirectional damper valve 24 has a first pressurized fluid reservoir 10. The first pressurized fluid reservoir 10 is assigned to a tension side 68 of a damper. The first pressurized fluid reservoir 10 is filled with a pressurized fluid which is pressurized when external tensile forces are applied. The bidirectional damper valve 24 has a second pressurized fluid reservoir 12. The second pressurized fluid reservoir 12 is assigned to a pressure side 70 of the damper. The second pressurized fluid reservoir 12 is filled with the pressurized fluid which is pressurized when external compressive forces are applied. The bidirectional damper valve 24 has a main valve spool 14.The main valve spool 14 is configured to block or enable an exchange of pressurized fluid between the two pressurized fluid reservoirs 10, 12 depending on the current position of the main valve spool 14. The main valve spool 14 is designed to be controlled, in particular opened and closed, by the pressures present in the pressurized fluid reservoirs 10, 12.

[0034] The bidirectional damper valve 24 has a housing 58. The main valve spool 14 is movably mounted within the housing 58. The main valve spool 14 slides sealingly along an inner wall of the housing 58. The main valve spool 14 is provided to open and close / release and block a pressure fluid main path 40 (see Fig. 1) by a movement within the housing 58. To release the pressure fluid main path 40, the main valve spool 14 moves from a rest position 22 (see Figs. 2 and 3) to a deflected position 72 (see Fig. 1). To release the main pressure fluid path 40, the main valve spool 14 moves along a linear release movement direction 16. The main valve spool 14 must be moved in the release movement direction 16 to release the exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs 10, 12. The release movement direction 16 has an orientation.The orientation of the release movement direction 16 is independent of the effective direction of a force to be damped. The orientation of the release movement direction 16 is independent of the activation of the rebound or compression stage of the bidirectional damper valve 24. The orientation of the release movement direction 16 is identical when the rebound stage of the bidirectional damper valve 24 is activated as it is when the compression stage of the bidirectional damper valve 24 is activated.

[0035] To block the main pressure fluid path 40, the main valve spool 14 moves from the deflected position 72 to the rest position 22. To block the main pressure fluid path 40, the main valve spool 14 moves along a linear blocking movement direction 18. The main valve spool 14 must be moved in the blocking movement direction 18 to block the exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs 10, 12. The blocking movement direction 18 has an orientation. The orientation of the blocking movement direction 18 is independent of the direction of action of the force to be damped. The orientation of the blocking movement direction 18 is independent of the activation of the rebound or compression stage of the bidirectional damper valve 24.The orientation of the blocking movement direction 18 is identical when the rebound stage of the bidirectional damper valve 24 is activated as when the compression stage of the bidirectional damper valve 24 is activated.

[0036] The main valve spool 14 has a blocking element 38. The blocking element 38 is monolithically connected to the main valve spool 14. The blocking element 38 is provided to block or enable the exchange of pressurized fluid between the two pressurized fluid reservoirs 10, 12 via the main pressurized fluid path 40 of the bidirectional damper valve 24. The main pressurized fluid path 40 has a first pressurized fluid inlet and outlet opening 42. The first pressurized fluid inlet and outlet opening 42 is formed as a through-opening through the housing 58. The first pressurized fluid inlet and outlet opening 42 is open toward the first pressurized fluid reservoir 10. The first pressurized fluid inlet and outlet opening 42 is separated from the second pressurized fluid reservoir 12.The first pressure fluid inlet and outlet opening 42 connects the part of the pressure fluid main path 40 extending through the housing 58 to the first pressure fluid reservoir 10. The first pressure fluid inlet and outlet opening 42 is open toward the tension side 68. The pressure fluid main path 40 has a second pressure fluid inlet and outlet opening 44. The second pressure fluid inlet and outlet opening 44 is formed as a through-opening through the housing 58. The second pressure fluid inlet and outlet opening 44 is open toward the second pressure fluid reservoir 12. The second pressure fluid inlet and outlet opening 44 is separate from the first pressure fluid reservoir 10. The second pressure fluid inlet and pressure fluid outlet opening 44 connects the part of the pressure fluid main path 40 passing through the housing 58 with the second pressure fluid reservoir 12.The second pressure fluid inlet and outlet opening 44 is open toward the pressure side 70. Depending on the pressure situation in the pressure fluid reservoirs 10, 12, the pressure fluid main path 40 runs from the first pressure fluid inlet and outlet opening 42 to the second pressure fluid inlet and outlet opening 44 (rebound stage) or from the second pressure fluid inlet and outlet opening 44 to the first pressure fluid inlet and outlet opening 42 (compression stage). The pressure fluid main path 40 runs only outside the main valve spool 14. The pressure fluid flowing in the pressure fluid main path 40 / the pressure fluid flow of the pressure fluid main path 40 only touches the main valve spool 14 on its (radially) outer surface 74.

[0037] The bidirectional damper valve 24 has an end stop 20. In the rest position 22 of the main valve spool 14, the main valve spool 14 rests on the end stop 20 (see Figs. 2 and 3). In the rest position 22, the main valve spool 14 is in a state at least substantially unloaded by external forces. External forces are to be understood in particular as forces that come from outside and cause a pressure change in one of the two pressure fluid reservoirs 10, 12. In a state of the bidirectional damper valve 24 that is unloaded by external forces, the main valve spool 14 rests on the end stop 20. The main valve spool 14 has a stop surface 64. In the rest position 22, the main valve spool 14 rests with the stop surface 64 on the end stop 20.

[0038] The bidirectional damper valve 24 has a spring return unit 26. The spring return unit 26 strives to move the deflected main valve spool 14 into the rest position 22. The spring return unit 26 strives to hold the already resting main valve spool 14 in the rest position 22. In the example shown, the spring return unit 26 is formed by a single spiral compression spring. The spring return unit 26 is arranged entirely within an internal cavity 82 of the main valve spool 14. The spring return unit 26 has a first axial end 78. The first axial end 78 points towards the end stop 20. The spring return unit 26 is supported with the first axial end 78 on a support surface 80 of the main valve spool 14, which is arranged on a part of the main valve spool 14 that forms the stop surface 64 on the opposite side.The spring return unit 26 has a second axial end 84. The second axial end 84 points away from the end stop 20. The second axial end 84 is supported on an element of the bidirectional damper valve 24 that is different from the main valve spool 14 and stationary relative to the housing 58.

[0039] The main valve spool 14 has an active surface element 28. The active surface element 28 is formed monolithically with the blocking element 38. The active surface element 28 is designed as a flat annular disk. The active surface element 28 has a first side 30. The first side 30 of the active surface element 28 comprises a first active surface 32. The first active surface 32 is intended for the application of rebound forces. The first active surface 32 is intended for the application of compression forces. The active surface element 28 has a second side 34. The second side 34 of the active surface element 28 comprises a second active surface 36. The second active surface 36 is intended for the application of hydraulic pilot forces of a control valve unit 100 of the bidirectional damper valve 24. The force currently to be damped (rebound and compression) always acts on the first effective surface 32.Depending on whether a compression or rebound stage is activated, the force acting on the second active surface 36 / the pressure fluid reservoir 10, 12 hydraulically connected to the second active surface 36 changes. When the compression stage is activated, the second pressure fluid reservoir 12 is hydraulically connected to the first active surface 32. At the same time, when the compression stage is activated, the second pressure fluid reservoir 12 is also hydraulically connected to the second active surface 36; however, the forces acting on the second active surface 32 are modified by the setting of the control valve unit 100. When the rebound stage is activated, the first pressure fluid reservoir 10 is hydraulically connected to the first active surface 32. The hydraulic connections are switched by means of two suitably arranged check valve pairs 46, 50.At the same time, when the rebound stage is activated, the first pressure fluid reservoir 10 is also hydraulically connected to the second active surface 36; however, the forces acting on the second active surface 32 are modified by the setting of the control valve unit 100. If the forces acting on the first active surface 32 are greater than the forces acting on the second active surface 36 and greater than the spring forces of the spring return unit 26, the main valve spool 14 lifts off the end stop 20, so that, in particular, the main pressure fluid path 40 is released.

[0040] The active surface element 28 and the blocking element 38 are formed as spatially separate parts of the main valve spool 14. The active surface element 28 and the blocking element 38 are monolithically connected to one another via the remainder of the main valve spool 14. The active surface element 28 is arranged entirely above the main pressure fluid path 40, as viewed along the release movement direction 16 of the main valve spool 14. The active surface element 28 is arranged entirely above both pressure fluid inlet and pressure fluid outlet openings 42, 44 of the main pressure fluid path 40, as viewed along the release movement direction 16 of the main valve spool 14. The active surface element 28 is arranged entirely below the main pressure fluid path 40, as viewed along the blocking movement direction 18 of the main valve spool 14.The active surface element 28 is arranged completely below both pressure fluid inlet and pressure fluid outlet openings 42, 44 of the pressure fluid main path 40, as seen along the blocking movement direction 18 of the main valve spool 14.

[0041] The main pressure fluid path 40 has a section extending within the housing 58. The section of the main pressure fluid path 40 extending within the housing 58 has a maximum extension 56 measured parallel to one of the movement directions 16, 18 of the main valve spool 14. The main valve spool 14 has a maximum extension 60 measured along the same direction as the extension 56 of the section of the main pressure fluid path 40. The extension 60 of the main valve spool 14 is measured from the second active surface 36 of the active surface element 28 of the main valve spool 14 to the stop surface 64 of the main valve spool 14. The extension 60 of the main valve spool 14 is substantially larger than the extension 56 of the main pressure fluid path 40. The extension 56 of the main pressure fluid path 40 is substantially smaller than the extension 60 of the main valve spool 14.

[0042] The bidirectional damper valve 24 has a first check valve pair 46. The first check valve pair 46 comprises a first check valve 76. The first check valve 76 of the first check valve pair 46 is assigned to a first pressure fluid inlet 88 of the housing 58, which is in particular different from the two pressure fluid inlet and pressure fluid outlet openings 42, 44. The first check valve pair 46 comprises a second check valve 86. The second check valve 86 of the first check valve pair 46 is assigned to a first pressure fluid outlet 90 of the bidirectional damper valve 24, which is in particular different from the two pressure fluid inlet and pressure fluid outlet openings 42, 44. The first check valve pair 46 is provided to open a first pressure fluid secondary path 48 connecting the pressure fluid reservoirs 10, 12 upon activation of the rebound stage.The first pressure fluid secondary path 48 is partially delimited by the first active surface 32. The first pressure fluid secondary path 48 is free from any delimitation by the second active surface 36. The first check valve 76 of the first check valve pair 46 connects the first pressure fluid reservoir 10 to the first pressure fluid secondary path 48 via the first pressure fluid inlet 88 when the pressure in the first pressure fluid reservoir 10 is greater than in the second pressure fluid reservoir 12. The second check valve 86 of the first.

[0043] The check valve pair 46 connects the first pressure fluid secondary path 48 to the second pressure fluid reservoir 12 via the first pressure fluid outlet 90 when the pressure in the first pressure fluid reservoir 10 is greater than in the second pressure fluid reservoir 12. The first pressure fluid secondary path 48 runs from the first pressure fluid reservoir 10 via the first check valve 76 of the first check valve pair 46 past the first active surface 32 via the control valve unit 100 of the bidirectional damper valve 24 through a fixed tube element 102 penetrating the cavity 82 of the main valve spool 14, into which fixed tube element the second check valve 86 of the first check valve pair 46 is integrated, to the first pressure fluid outlet 90, which is connected to the second pressure fluid reservoir 12. For the course of the first pressure fluid secondary path 48, see in particular the arrows shown in Fig. 2.

[0044] The bidirectional damper valve 24 has a second check valve pair 50. The second check valve pair 50 comprises a first check valve 92. The first check valve 92 of the second check valve pair 50 is assigned to a second pressure fluid inlet 96 of the bidirectional damper valve 24, which is in particular different from the two pressure fluid inlet and pressure fluid outlet openings 42, 44. The second check valve pair 50 comprises a second check valve 94. The second check valve 94 of the second check valve pair 50 is assigned to a second pressure fluid outlet 98 of the housing 58, which is in particular different from the two pressure fluid inlet and pressure fluid outlet openings 42, 44. The second check valve pair 50 is provided to open a second pressure fluid secondary path 52 (cf. Fig. 1) connecting the pressure fluid reservoirs 10, 12 upon activation of the pressure stage. 3) to open.The second pressure fluid secondary path 52 is partially delimited by the first active surface 32. The second pressure fluid secondary path 52 is free from any delimitation by the second active surface 36. The pressure fluid secondary paths 48, 52 each run completely separately from the pressure fluid main path 40. The two pressure fluid secondary paths 48, 52 run identically in sections, particularly in the region of the first active surface 32. The first check valve 92 of the second check valve pair 50 connects the second pressure fluid reservoir 12 to the second pressure fluid secondary path 52 via the second pressure fluid inlet 96 when the pressure in the second pressure fluid reservoir 12 is greater than in the first pressure fluid reservoir 10.The second check valve 94 of the second check valve pair 50 connects the second pressure fluid secondary path 52 to the first pressure fluid reservoir 10 via the second pressure fluid outlet 98 when the pressure in the second pressure fluid reservoir 12 is greater than in the first pressure fluid reservoir 10. The second pressure fluid secondary path 52 runs from the second pressure fluid reservoir 12 via the first check valve 92 of the second check valve pair 50 arranged at the second pressure fluid inlet 96, through the cavity 82 of the main valve spool 14, via the control valve unit 100, past the first active surface 32 to the second pressure fluid outlet 98, which is connected to the first pressure fluid reservoir 10. For the course of the second pressure fluid secondary path 52, see in particular the arrows shown in Fig. 3.

[0045] A more detailed description of the control valve unit 100 is omitted here. The control valve unit 100 is described in detail in another German patent application, DE 10 2023 102 682.8, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference into the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the bidirectional damper valve 24. In the method, the exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs 10, 12 is enabled or blocked depending on a current position of the main valve spool 14. In at least one method step 104, the main valve spool 14 is moved from the second pressure fluid reservoir 12 to the first pressure fluid reservoir 10 along the release movement direction 16 when a compression stage is present to enable the exchange of pressure fluid. In at least one further method step 106, the main valve spool 14 is moved from the first pressure fluid reservoir 10 to the second pressure fluid reservoir 12 along the release movement direction 16 when a rebound stage is present.The orientation of the release movement direction 16 is independent of the activation of the rebound or compression stage. Reference symbol.

[0047] 10 First pressure fluid reservoir

[0048] 12 Second pressure fluid reservoir

[0049] 14 main valve spool

[0050] 16 Release movement direction

[0051] 18 Blockade movement direction

[0052] 20 End stop

[0053] 22 Resting position

[0054] 24 Bidirectional damper valve

[0055] 26 Spring return unit

[0056] 28 active surface element

[0057] 30 First page

[0058] 32 First effective area

[0059] 34 Second page

[0060] 36 Second effective area

[0061] 38 Blocking element

[0062] 40 Main pressure fluid path

[0063] 42 Pressure fluid inlet and pressure fluid outlet opening

[0064] 44 Pressure fluid inlet and pressure fluid outlet opening

[0065] 46 First check valve pair

[0066] 48 First pressure fluid secondary path

[0067] 50 Second check valve pair

[0068] 52 Second pressure fluid secondary path

[0069] 56 Extension

[0070] 58 housings

[0071] 60 extension

[0072] 64 stop surface

[0073] 68 train side

[0074] 70 printed pages

[0075] 72 Deflected Position Surface

[0076] First check valve

[0077] End

[0078] Support surface

[0079] cavity

[0080] End

[0081] Second check valve

[0082] First pressure fluid inlet

[0083] First pressure fluid outlet

[0084] First check valve

[0085] Second check valve

[0086] Second pressure fluid inlet

[0087] Second pressure fluid outlet

[0088] Control valve unit pipe element

[0089] Process step

[0090] Process step

Claims

Claims 1. Bidirectional damper valve (24), in particular a bidirectional shock absorber valve, for example for a vehicle shock absorber, with a first pressure fluid reservoir (10), with a second pressure fluid reservoir (12) and with a main valve spool (14) which blocks or releases an exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs (10, 12) depending on a current position, characterized in that an orientation of a, preferably linear, release movement direction (16), in which the main valve spool (14) must be moved to release the exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs (10, 12), is independent of an effective direction of a force to be damped, in particular independent of an activation of a rebound stage or a compression stage.

2. Bidirectional damper valve (24) according to claim 1, characterized in that an orientation of a preferably linear blocking movement direction (18), in which the main valve slide (14) must be moved to block the exchange of the pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs (10, 12), is independent of a direction of action of a force to be damped, in particular independent of an activation of a rebound stage or a compression stage.

3. Bidirectional damper valve (24) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by an end stop (20) on which the main valve slide (14) rests in a rest position (22) of the main valve slide (14), in particular in a state of the bidirectional damper valve (24) unloaded by external forces.

4. Bidirectional damper valve (24) according to claim 3, characterized by a spring return unit (26) which strives to bring the main valve slide (14) into the rest position (22) and / or to hold it in the rest position (22).

5. Bidirectional damper valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main valve slide (14) comprises an active surface element (28) which has a first active surface (32) on a first side (30) for the application of rebound forces and / or compression forces and which has a second active surface (36) for the application of rebound forces or compression forces, in particular on a second side (34) opposite the first side (30).

6. Bidirectional damper valve (24) according to claim 5, characterized in that the active surface element (28) is designed at least substantially as an, in particular flat, annular disc.

7. Bidirectional damper valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main valve slide (14) has a blocking element (38) which is provided to block or release the exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs (10, 12) via a pressure fluid main path (40) of the bidirectional damper valve (24).

8. Bidirectional damper valve (24) at least according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in that the active surface element (28) and the blocking element (38) are designed as spatially separate parts of the main valve slide (14).

9. Bidirectional damper valve (24) at least according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in that the active surface element (28) is arranged completely above or completely below the pressure fluid main path (40) and / or pressure fluid inlet and pressure fluid outlet openings (42, 44) of the pressure fluid main path (40), viewed along a direction of movement (16, 18) of the main valve spool (14).

10. Bidirectional damper valve (24) at least according to claim 5, characterized by a first check valve pair (46) which is provided to open a first pressure fluid secondary path (48) connecting the pressure fluid reservoirs (10, 12) upon activation of a rebound stage, wherein the first pressure fluid secondary path (48) is delimited at least in sections by the first active surface (32).

11. Bidirectional damper valve (24) according to claim 10, characterized by a second check valve pair (50) which is provided to open a second pressure fluid secondary path (52) connecting the pressure fluid reservoirs (10, 12) upon activation of a pressure stage, wherein the second pressure fluid secondary path (52) is delimited at least in sections by the first active surface (32).

12. Bidirectional damper valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pressure fluid main path (40) blocked or released by the main valve spool (14) depending on the position of the main valve spool (14) runs only outside the main valve spool (14).

13. Bidirectional damper valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a maximum extension (56) of a section of a pressure fluid main path (40) running within a housing (58) of the bidirectional damper valve (24), which section is blocked or released by the main valve spool (14) depending on the position of the main valve spool (14), measured parallel to a direction of movement (16, 18) of the main valve spool (14) and / or parallel to an axial direction of the main valve spool (14), is substantially smaller than a maximum extension (60) of the main valve spool (14) measured along the same direction.

14. A method for operating a bidirectional damper valve (24), in particular a bidirectional shock absorber valve, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with a first pressure fluid reservoir (10), with a second pressure fluid reservoir (12) and with a main valve spool (14), by means of which an exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs (10, 12) is blocked or released depending on a current position, characterized in that an orientation of a release movement direction (16), in which the main valve spool (14) is moved to release the exchange of pressure fluid between the two pressure fluid reservoirs (10, 12), is independent of an effective direction of a force to be damped, in particular independent of an activation of a rebound stage or a compression stage.

Images