Check valve, bidirectional damper, and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a check valve (10) having at least one closing element (12) for pressure-direction-dependent opening and closing of a flow opening (1) and / or of a flow channel. According to the invention, the check valve (10) is a one-piece, preferably monolithic, sheet-metal part (16), in particular a bent sheet-metal part or stamped and bent sheet-metal part.

Description

[0001] Check valve, bidirectional damper device and method

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a check valve according to the preamble of claim 1, a bidirectional damper device according to the preamble of claim 15 and methods according to the preambles of claims 21 and 22.

[0004] Check valves with at least one closing element for opening and closing a flow opening and / or a flow channel depending on the pressure direction have already been proposed.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a check valve with advantageous design properties. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claims 1, 15, 21, and 22, 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 check valve with at least one closing element for a pressure direction-dependent opening and closing of a flow opening and / or a flow channel.

[0008] It is proposed that the check valve be formed from a one-piece, preferably monolithic, sheet metal part, in particular a bent sheet metal part or stamped and bent sheet metal part. This advantageously enables a particularly space-saving and / or particularly flat design. Advantageously, integration of a check valve into the wall thickness of a damper valve housing is made possible. Furthermore, costs can advantageously be kept low. Advantageously, large quantities can be produced in a short time. In particular, a check valve permits flow only in a single flow direction. In particular, the check valve prevents flow in at least one further flow direction, preferably all flow directions different from the current flow direction.In particular, the closing element of the check valve opens and / or closes independently of operator intervention and / or independently of actuator control. Preferably, the closing element of the check valve opens and / or closes automatically depending on pressure and / or flow conditions in a flow channel to which the check valve is assigned. In particular, the closing element of the check valve closes when pressure is applied and / or when a flow impacts a first side of the closing element. In particular, the closing element of the check valve opens when pressure is applied and / or when a flow impacts a second side of the closing element, wherein the second side of the closing element is preferably arranged pointing away from the first side of the closing element.Preferably, the first side and the second side of the closing element are opposite sides of the same component. In particular, the check valve forms a damper check valve. In particular, the check valve is intended for use in a damper, in particular a shock absorber. In particular, the check valve is intended for coupling to a damper valve and / or for installation in a damper valve.

[0009] A “sheet metal part” is to be understood in particular as a metal part whose width and length are greater, preferably at least three times greater, more preferably at least five times greater, and particularly preferably at least ten times greater, than its thickness. In particular, the sheet metal part is a rolled mill product or a metal embossed product, which is preferably initially delivered as a sheet or as a (flat) strip. The sheet metal parts can in particular be strip-shaped bent sheet metal parts or stamped and bent sheet metal parts. “Integral” is to 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 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, for example by being produced from a casting and / or from a single blank. It is conceivable for the sheet metal part to be multi-layered.Preferably, however, the sheet metal part is formed monolithically in a single layer.

[0010] If the sheet metal part is made of spring steel, a particularly thin, lightweight, and / or cost-effective design can be achieved. Furthermore, a long service life can be achieved. "Spring steel" is understood to mean, in particular, a steel with increased strength. In particular, the spring steel has an elastic limit, preferably a tensile strength, of more than 500 N / mm². 2 , preferably more than 650 N / mm 2 , advantageously more than 800 N / mm 2 and preferably more than 1000 N / mm 2 on.

[0011] It is further proposed that the sheet metal part is bent into a, in particular open, sleeve shape. This advantageously enables simple assembly, in particular on a damper valve, to be achieved. Optimum use of installation space can advantageously be ensured. In particular, the sheet metal part is intended to encompass at least a large part of a damper valve, for example one having a round, oval or polygonal outer shape. “Intended” is to be understood in particular as specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function is to be understood in particular as meaning that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. A “large part” is to be understood in particular as 51%, preferably 66% and more preferably 80%.In particular, the sheet metal part describes, in at least one view, preferably in a side view of a longest side edge of the sheet metal part, a shape resembling the letter C, preferably approximately a C-shape. In particular, the sheet metal part is designed as a rolled sheet metal strip, preferably open only on one side.

[0012] It is also proposed that outer ends of the sheet metal part, in particular different, opposite short outer ends / edges of the strip-shaped sheet metal part, are bent towards one another, wherein an opening remaining between the two outer ends, in particular in the force-free state, is smaller, in particular at least 10% smaller, preferably at least 20% smaller, than a, in particular minimum, diameter of an interior space, in particular of the sheet metal part, which is at least partially enclosed by the sheet metal part and is in particular at least substantially cylindrical. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve simple assembly, in particular on a cylindrical damper valve. Advantageously, optimal use of installation space can be ensured.The essentially cylindrical interior can be described by a cylinder with a circular base or by a cylinder with a base that deviates from a circle, for example an oval one.

[0013] It is further proposed that the opening be at least large enough that it can be widened by purely elastic deformation of the sheet metal part at least to a size which corresponds to a (maximum) diameter of the interior, in particular of the sheet metal part, which runs parallel to the opening and is in particular at least substantially cylindrical. This advantageously enables simple assembly, in particular on a cylindrical damper valve. Optimal use of installation space can advantageously be ensured. Tool-free and / or assembly-element-free assembly of the check valve on the damper valve can advantageously be achieved. It is further proposed that the closing element be designed as a spring plate, in particular of the sheet metal part, which is elastically spring-mounted by means of an elastic spring element of the sheet metal part.As a result, in particular due to the design as a spring plate, optimal use of installation space can be advantageously ensured. A reliably tight closure of the check valve in the closed state can advantageously be achieved. A comparatively large flow opening can advantageously be reliably blocked by means of the check valve. The elastic suspension element is designed in particular as an elongated connecting web between the spring plate and a remainder of the sheet metal part. The spring plate is designed in particular as a round, oval or polygonal part of the sheet metal part, which in particular has a minimum diameter which is greater than a width of the elastic suspension element. The spring plate in particular has a flat surface facing the flow opening, which is preferably larger than the flow opening and / or completely covers the flow opening when seated on the flow opening.

[0014] In particular, the elastic suspension element is designed such that a deflection of the spring plate necessary to cover the flow opening from a rest position does not produce any significant plastic deformation of the suspension element and the spring plate. In particular, when the check valve is subjected to flow in the flow direction, the spring plate moves away from the flow opening due to a bending of the suspension element. This opens the check valve. In particular, when the check valve is subjected to flow opposite to the flow direction (blocking direction), the spring plate moves towards the flow opening due to a bending of the suspension element and preferably sits sealingly on the flow opening. This closes the check valve. In particular, the check valve is pressed against a border of the flow opening in a self-reinforcing manner.The flow opening can be located on an outer side of the check valve (outside the interior of the sheet metal part) or on an inner side of the check valve (inside the interior of the sheet metal part). The check valve functions equally well in both directions. The elastic spring element acts, in particular, as a kind of elastic valve arm.

[0015] If the elastic spring element extends, in particular in a main direction of extension of the elastic spring element, over at least 15%, preferably over at least 20% and preferably over at least 25% of the total circumference of the sheet metal part, a long service life can advantageously be achieved, in particular because plastic deformation can be almost completely avoided. In addition, an advantageous spring force / spring hardness can be set for the closing element. A "main direction of extension" of an object should be understood in particular as a direction which runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid which just completely encloses the object. The total circumference of the sheet metal part preferably extends between the outer ends of the sheet metal part, in particular the different, opposite, short outer ends / edges of the strip-shaped sheet metal part.In particular, the opening remaining between the two outer ends of the sheet metal part, in a continuation of the circumferential direction of the sheet metal part, is at least smaller than one-third of the total circumference of the sheet metal part. In particular, the opening remaining between the two outer ends of the sheet metal part, in a continuation of the circumferential direction of the sheet metal part, is at least larger than one-sixth of the total circumference of the sheet metal part.

[0016] It is also proposed that the check valve have a stroke-limiting element, in particular a physical one, which is intended to limit a deflection of the closing element from a rest position. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve high operational reliability and / or a long service life. Plastic deformation of the spring element due to excessive opening of the closing element / spring plate can advantageously be avoided. The stroke-limiting element is in particular also formed monolithically by the sheet metal part. The stroke-limiting element forms a stop for the closing element / spring plate. When the spring plate comes into contact with the stroke-limiting element, part of a side surface of the spring plate, in particular part of the side surface of the spring plate which is subjected to the higher pressure when the check valve is closed, contacts the stroke-limiting element.In particular, the rest position of the closing element is determined by the position of the closing element in a force-free and / or pressure-free state. The term "force-free" should preferably be understood in a way in which the gravitational force acting on the sheet metal part is neglected. In the rest position, the closing element is preferably free or almost free of any prestress. It is conceivable that the closing element already rests against a border of the flow opening in the rest position. Pressure on the closing element, which pushes the closing element towards the flow opening, in particular in the blocking direction, thus has a self-reinforcing effect on the closing element and thus seals the flow opening, so that the blocking effect of the check valve can advantageously be achieved.

[0017] If the stroke-limiting element is formed by a bent-back tab of the sheet metal part, in particular one extending in the circumferential direction of the sheet metal part, a simple, cost-effective and / or space-saving design can advantageously be achieved. A bent-back tab in particular has a bend bent out by more than 90°, preferably by approximately 180°, from an initial position or is directly adjacent to the bend bent out by more than 90°, preferably by approximately 180°, from an initial position. The bent-back tab at least partially covers the closing element, in particular when viewed along a normal direction of the closing element. In this view, the bent-back tab preferably extends from an edge of the spring plate at least to a center of the spring plate. Each closing element of the sheet metal part is assigned at least one bent-back tab.The bent-back tab can also advantageously prevent the spring plate from rubbing against a housing surrounding the check valve, e.g. a damper tube of a damper. This advantageously keeps wear to a minimum. The stroke limiting element is preferably arranged on the outer side (outside the interior of the sheet metal part) of the sheet metal part. Alternatively, the stroke limiting element can also be arranged on the inner side (inside the interior of the sheet metal part) of the sheet metal part. The stroke limiting element is preferably arranged on the side of the sheet metal part into which the closing element / spring plate deflects / is elastically deflected when the check valve opens. In particular, an outer end / outer edge of the bent-back tab points away from the opening in the sheet metal part that remains between the two outer ends of the sheet metal part.

[0018] If, in addition, a longitudinal extent of the elastic suspension element measured in the circumferential direction of the sheet metal part is significantly greater than a longitudinal extent of the stroke-limiting element also measured in the circumferential direction of the sheet metal part, co-bending of the stroke-limiting element due to a high flow / high pressure in the passage direction can advantageously be prevented or at least minimized. This can advantageously achieve a long service life and / or high operational reliability of the check valve. The circumferential direction of the sheet metal part preferably corresponds to the circumferential direction of the, in particular at least substantially cylindrical, interior of the sheet metal part. In this context, the phrase "significantly larger" should be understood to mean in particular at least 50% larger, preferably at least 100% larger, advantageously at least 200% larger and preferably at least 300% larger.

[0019] If, alternatively or additionally, a transverse extent of the elastic suspension element measured in the axial direction of the sheet metal part is significantly smaller than a transverse extent of the stroke-limiting element measured in the axial direction of the sheet metal part, co-bending of the stroke-limiting element due to a high flow / high pressure in the passage direction can advantageously be prevented or at least minimized. This can advantageously achieve a long service life and / or high operational reliability of the check valve. The axial direction of the sheet metal part preferably runs at least substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the sheet metal part. The axial direction of the sheet metal part runs at least substantially parallel to a cylinder height of the imaginary at least substantially cylindrical interior of the sheet metal part.In this context, the term “significantly smaller” should be understood to mean in particular at least 20% smaller, preferably at least 30% smaller and preferably at least 40% smaller.

[0020] It is further proposed that the check valve have at least one further closing element, which is also formed by the sheet metal part. This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the number of components and / or save installation space. Costs can advantageously be kept low. In particular, the closing elements are arranged in a radial position around the interior of the sheet metal part. In principle, the two closing elements form independent check valve units of the check valve. In particular, the two closing elements can be operated, opened and / or closed independently of one another. In particular, the closing elements are assigned to different flow openings and / or different flow channels. In principle, the further closing element can be designed identically to the closing element. In particular, the two closing elements are arranged next to one another in the sheet metal part.In particular, the two locking elements are arranged at the same height in the sheet metal part. However, alternative arrangements, such as one above the other, are also conceivable.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that the additional closing element be arranged diametrically opposite the closing element, particularly with respect to the interior of the sheet metal part. This advantageously minimizes installation space. Furthermore, a good distribution of forces / weight across the sheet metal part can be achieved.

[0022] Advantageously, symmetry of the sheet metal part can be achieved, which can simplify production in particular. In particular, there is an imaginary straight line that connects the two closing elements and simultaneously does not touch any other part of the sheet metal part. It is conceivable that this imaginary straight line also touches the stroke limiting elements assigned to the closing elements. In particular, there is an imaginary straight line that connects the two closing elements and simultaneously touches a central axial axis of the interior of the sheet metal part.

[0023] Furthermore, it is proposed that the further closing element be designed mirror-symmetrically to the closing element. This can advantageously simplify production and / or optimize the force distribution / weight distribution of the sheet metal part. In particular, a mirror plane of the sheet metal part runs parallel to the axial direction of the sheet metal part through the center of the sheet metal part. In particular, the mirror plane divides the sheet metal part into two equal halves. In particular, the entire sheet metal part is designed mirror-symmetrically to this mirror plane. In particular, the opening directions of the two closing elements run in opposite directions to one another. In particular, the closing directions of the two closing elements run in opposite directions to one another.

[0024] Furthermore, a bidirectional damper device, in particular a bidirectional shock absorber device, for example for a vehicle shock absorber, is proposed, comprising a control valve unit having at least one control valve spool for regulating a rebound damping stiffness of a damper and for regulating a compression damping stiffness of the damper as a function of, in particular, specifically adjustable positions of the control valve spool, and comprising at least the check valve, in particular the sheet metal part with the two closing elements. This allows advantageous design properties to be achieved. Advantageously, the installation space, in particular the radial installation space, of the bidirectional damper device can be optimized, preferably kept small. In particular, the bidirectional damper device is configured for selective damping of tensile loads and compressive loads.In particular, the control valve unit is provided for pilot control of a main valve spool of the damper, in particular the damper valve spool. In particular, the control valve spool is adjustable in its position, in particular in the axial direction of the control valve spool, by means of an actuator device, for example, by means of an electromagnet, to enable control. In particular, the control valve unit is provided for adjusting the maximum possible flow rate of a flow path of the damper bypassing the damper valve spool within an available range by adjusting the control valve spool.

[0025] It is also proposed that the bidirectional damper device comprise at least one additional check valve, in particular at least one additional sheet metal part with two closing elements. This allows the installation space of the bidirectional damper device to be further optimized.

[0026] If the bidirectional damper device has a housing, in particular one that is at least substantially cylindrical, and the check valve is mounted on an outer circumference of the housing or on an inner circumference of the housing, in particular at least via a frictional connection generated by elastic deformation of the sheet metal part, this advantageously enables particularly simple, in particular tool-free, assembly. In particular, a pressure fluid reservoir or a pressure line connected to a pressure fluid reservoir is located on the outer circumference of the housing. Preferably, the housing is arranged in a damper tube of the damper and is surrounded by the pressure fluid. The check valve is preferably attached to the housing in such a way that the closing element(s) overlap with through-openings / bores in the housing.In particular, the check valve is mounted on the housing in such a way that each closing element of the check valve is assigned exactly one through-hole / bore in the housing. The through-holes / bores in the housing form pressure lines (from the pressure fluid reservoirs) to the control valve unit and / or vice versa. The frictional connection can be generated by elastic compression of the sheet metal part, which in particular reduces the interior space of the sheet metal part, or by elastic expansion of the sheet metal part, which in particular enlarges the interior space of the sheet metal part.

[0027] It is also proposed that the check valve be located on an outer periphery of the housing, and that the other check valve be located on an inner periphery of the housing. This allows for advantageous space optimization. The check valve located on the inner periphery of the housing can be designed without the stroke-limiting element, or the stroke-limiting element of the check valve located on the inner periphery of the housing can be bent back inward.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed that the housing have a groove on its outer circumference and / or on its inner circumference, which is intended to accommodate the check valve and / or the additional check valve. This makes it possible to advantageously optimize the installation space. It can advantageously be achieved that the check valve and / or the additional check valve can be integrated into a wall thickness of the housing. In particular, the groove has an axial extension which at least substantially corresponds to an axial extension of the sheet metal part. In particular, the groove has an extension in the circumferential direction of the housing which at least substantially corresponds to an extension of the sheet metal part in the circumferential direction of the sheet metal part. For this purpose, the groove is recessed / interrupted on a part of the circumference of the housing, which corresponds approximately to the opening between the two outer ends of the sheet metal part.Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the groove to be circumferential. In particular, the groove additionally creates a type of positive locking that prevents the sheet metal part from slipping, at least in the axial direction and / or at least in the circumferential direction of the housing.

[0029] If the groove is only partially formed around the housing, an optimal fit of the check valve on the housing can be advantageously ensured. Incorrect assembly can also advantageously be prevented. For this purpose, it is also conceivable for the sheet metal part and the groove to be designed according to the poka-yoke principle. For this purpose, for example, the groove could have an extension and the sheet metal part a notch that can only be positioned in a specific relative fit to one another. Other implementations of the poka-yoke principle are also conceivable. A length of the groove in the circumferential direction of the housing preferably corresponds approximately to a length / extension of the sheet metal part in its circumferential direction. Alternatively or additionally, the sheet metal part could also have a type of claw at the ends that engages in a corresponding part of the housing to prevent slipping.The claw could be formed by bending at least part of the end of the sheet metal part inwards (when mounted on the outer circumference of the housing) or outwards (when mounted on the inner circumference of the housing).

[0030] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing the check valve is proposed, wherein the sheet metal part is formed using a sheet metal bending process or a sheet metal stamping and bending process. This advantageously enables cost-effective production, especially in large quantities.

[0031] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing the bidirectional damper device is proposed, wherein the check valve is mounted on the housing by clipping it onto an outer periphery of a housing of the bidirectional damper device or by clipping it into an inner periphery of the housing. This advantageously enables simple, in particular tool-free, assembly of the check valves.

[0032] Advantageously, assembly costs can be kept low.

[0033] The check valve according to the invention, the bidirectional damper device according to the invention, and the methods according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the check valve according to the invention, the bidirectional damper device according to the invention, and the methods 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.

[0034] Drawings

[0035] 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.

[0036] They show:

[0037] Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of part of a damper valve of a damper with a bidirectional damper device having check valves,

[0038] Fig. 2 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of a part of the section through the bidirectional damper device shown in Fig. 1,

[0039] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of one of the check valves designed as a sheet metal part,

[0040] Fig. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for manufacturing the check valve and Fig. 5 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for manufacturing the bidirectional damper device.

[0041] Description of the embodiment

[0042] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of part of a damper valve 70 of a damper. The damper is embodied, for example, as a vehicle shock absorber. The damper valve 70 has a bidirectional damper device 54. The bidirectional damper device 54 has a control valve unit 58. The control valve unit 58 has a control valve spool 56. The bidirectional damper device 54 has a main valve unit 72. The main valve unit 72 has a damper valve spool 74. The main valve unit 72 is designed separately from the control valve unit 58. The damper valve spool 74 is designed separately from the control valve spool 56. The main valve unit 72 is provided for damping tensile forces and compressive forces by opening / moving the damper valve spool 74. The bidirectional damper device 54 has a tension side 76.The bidirectional damper device 54 has a pressure side 78. Opening / closing the damper valve spool 74 opens / closes a main pressure fluid path connecting the pressure side 78 and the tension side 76 of a pressure fluid flowing through the damper. The flow of the pressure fluid between the pressure side 78 and the tension side 76 dampens an external force acting on the damper.

[0043] The control valve unit 58 is provided for pilot control of the main valve unit 72. The control valve unit 58 is provided for pilot control of the damper valve spool 74. The pilot control takes place as a function of specifically adjustable positions of the control valve spool 56. The control valve unit 58 is provided for controlling a rebound damping stiffness of the damper through the pilot control. The control valve unit 58 is provided for controlling a compression damping stiffness of the damper through the pilot control. The control valve unit 58 is provided for adjusting an overall size of a minimum flow cross-section of connecting paths that hydraulically connect opposite sides of the damper valve spool 74, in particular the pressure side 78 and the tension side 76 of the bidirectional damper device 54, depending on the set position of the control valve spool 56.

[0044] The bidirectional damper device 54 has a housing 80. The housing 80 is cylindrical. The bidirectional damper device 54 has a check valve 10. The check valve 10 is formed as a sheet metal part 16. The check valve 10 is formed as a bent sheet metal part. The check valve 10 is formed as a stamped and bent sheet metal part. The bidirectional damper device 54 has a further check valve 68. The further check valve 68 is formed as a sheet metal part 16. The further check valve 68 is formed as a bent sheet metal part. The further check valve 68 is formed as a stamped and bent sheet metal part. The check valves 10, 68 are mounted on an outer circumference 60 of the housing 80 and on an inner circumference 62 of the housing 80.

[0045] The check valves 10, 68 are mounted on the housing 80 by means of a frictional connection generated by elastic deformation of the sheet metal part 16. The check valve 10 rests against the outer circumference 60 of the housing 80. The check valve 10 is mounted, in particular clipped, to the outer circumference 60 of the housing 80 via elastic expansion. The housing 80 has a first groove 64. The first groove 64 is arranged on the outer circumference 60 of the housing 80. The first groove 64 extends only partially around the housing 80. The first groove 64 is intended to accommodate the check valve 10. In the illustration in Fig. 1, the check valve 10 is inserted into the first groove 64. The further check valve 68 rests against the inner circumference 62 of the housing 80. The check valve 10 is mounted on the inner circumference 62 of the housing 80 via an elastic compression, in particular clipped into the housing 80. The housing 80 has a second groove 66.The second groove 66 is arranged on the inner circumference 62 of the housing 80. The second groove 66 is formed only partially circumferentially around the housing 80. The second groove 66 is provided to accommodate the additional check valve 68. The additional check valve 68 is inserted into the second groove 66 in the illustration in Fig. 1. The sheet metal part 16 has a thickness 82 which is significantly less than a thickness 84 of a wall of the housing 80. The thickness 82 of the sheet metal part 16 is less than 50%, in particular less than 30%, of the thickness 84 of the wall of the housing 80.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a schematic enlarged perspective view of a portion of the section shown in Figure 1 through the bidirectional damper device 54 with the check valves 10, 68. The bidirectional damper device 54 has a flow opening 14. The flow opening 14 forms an opening of a flow channel. The flow opening 14 is designed as a bore through the wall of the housing 80. The check valve 10 has a closing element 12. The closing element 12 is provided for a pressure-direction-dependent opening and closing of the flow opening 14.

[0047] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the check valve 10. The additional check valve 68 can be identical to the check valve 10 or slightly modified from the check valve 10. In the case illustrated in the figures, the additional check valve 68 is identical to the check valve 10, with the exception of the omission of a stroke-limiting element 36.

[0048] The check valve 10 is designed as a one-piece sheet metal part 16. The check valve 10 is designed as a monolithic sheet metal part 16. The check valve 10 is designed as a monolithic stamped and bent sheet metal part. The sheet metal part 16 is made of spring steel. The sheet metal part 16 is bent into a sleeve shape 18. The closing element 12 is formed monolithically with the sheet metal part 16. The closing element 12 is designed as a spring plate 34. The spring plate 34 is elastically spring-mounted. The check valve 10 / the sheet metal part 16 has an elastic suspension element 32. The elastic suspension element 32 is formed monolithically with the sheet metal part 16. The elastic suspension element 32 is provided for elastically spring-mounting the spring plate 34. In the case shown, the elastic suspension element 32 extends over at least 25% of the total circumference of the sheet metal part 16.

[0049] The check valve 10 has a stroke limiting element 36. The stroke limiting element 36 is formed monolithically with the sheet metal part 16. The stroke limiting element 36 is provided to limit a deflection of the closing element 12 from a rest position. In Fig. 3, the closing element 12 is shown as an example in the rest position. The stroke limiting element 36 is formed by a bent-back tab 40 of the sheet metal part 16. The stroke limiting element 36 extends along a circumferential direction 38 of the sheet metal part 16. The elastic spring element 32 has a

[0050] Longitudinal extension 42. The elastic suspension element 32 has a transverse extension 48 measured in an axial direction 46 of the sheet metal part 16. The stroke-limiting element 36 has a longitudinal extension 44 measured in the circumferential direction 38. The stroke-limiting element 36 has a transverse extension 50 measured in the axial direction 46 of the sheet metal part 16. The longitudinal extent 42 of the elastic suspension element 32 is substantially greater than the longitudinal extent 44 of the stroke limiting element 36. In the case shown in Fig. 3, the longitudinal extent 42 of the elastic suspension element 32 is approximately four times as large as the longitudinal extent 44 of the stroke limiting element 36. The transverse extent 48 of the elastic suspension element 32 is substantially smaller than the transverse extent 50 of the stroke limiting element 36. In the case shown in Fig.3, approximately 40% smaller than the transverse extent 50 of the stroke limiting element 36.

[0051] The check valve 10 has a further closing element 52. The further closing element 52 is also formed by the sheet metal part 16. The further closing element 52 is formed monolithically with the sheet metal part 16. The further closing element 52 is arranged diametrically opposite the closing element 12. The further closing element 52 is mirror-symmetrical to the closing element 12. A separate further stroke limiting element 86 is assigned to the further closing element 52. The further stroke limiting element 86 is formed essentially identically to the stroke limiting element 36.

[0052] The check valve 10 has opposite outer ends 20, 22. The sheet metal part 16 has opposite outer ends 20, 22. The opposite outer ends 20, 22 each form short ends of the sheet metal part 16. The outer ends 20, 22 are bent towards each other. The outer ends 20, 22 are bent towards each other in such a way that an opening 24 remains between the two outer ends 20, 22. The opening 24 forms a mounting opening, in particular for mounting the check valve 10 on the outer circumference 60 of the housing 80. The sheet metal part 16 forming the sleeve shape 18 partially encloses an interior space 28. The interior space 28 is cylindrical. The interior space 28 enclosed by the sheet metal part 16 has a minimum diameter 26. The interior space 28 has a (maximum) diameter 30 running parallel to the opening 24.The opening 24 between the two outer ends 20, 22 of the sheet metal part 16 is smaller than the minimum diameter 26 of the interior space 28 partially enclosed by the sheet metal part 16. The opening 24 is at least large enough that it can be widened by purely elastic deformation of the sheet metal part 16 to at least a size that corresponds to the (maximum) diameter 30 of the interior space 28 running parallel to the opening 24. This allows the sheet metal part 16 to be clipped onto the housing 80. Figure 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for producing the check valve 10, 68. In the method, the sheet metal part 16 is formed by means of a sheet metal bending process or by means of a sheet metal stamping and bending process. In at least one method step 88, the closing elements 12, 52 and the associated elastic suspension elements 32 are punched out of a strip-shaped starting sheet metal.In at least one method step 90, the stroke-limiting elements 36, 86, formed as bent-back tabs 40, are bent out of the sheet plane of the punched, strip-shaped starting sheet. In at least one method step 92, the still flat sheet metal part 16 is bent into the sleeve shape 18. It is conceivable that the substeps of punching out and bending back the stroke-limiting element 36 may be omitted for some check valves 68.

[0053] Figure 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for manufacturing the bidirectional damper device 54. In at least one method step 94, at least the housing 80 of the bidirectional damper device 54 and at least one of the check valves 10, 68 are provided. In at least one method step 96, the check valve 10 is mounted on the housing 80 by clipping it onto the outer circumference 60 of the housing 80. In at least one further method step 98, the further check valve 68 is mounted on the housing 80 by clipping it into the inner circumference 62 of the housing 80.

[0054] Reference symbol

[0055] 10 Check valve

[0056] 12 locking element

[0057] 14 Flow opening

[0058] 16 sheet metal part

[0059] 18 cuff shape

[0060] 20 End

[0061] 22 End

[0062] 24 Opening

[0063] 26 diameters

[0064] 28 Interior

[0065] 30 diameter

[0066] 32 Suspension element

[0067] 34 spring plates

[0068] 36 stroke limiting element

[0069] 38 Circumferential direction

[0070] 40 tab

[0071] 42 Longitudinal extension

[0072] 44 Longitudinal extension

[0073] 46 Axial direction

[0074] 48 Transverse extension

[0075] 50 Transverse extension

[0076] 52 Additional locking element

[0077] 54 Bidirectional damper device

[0078] 56 control valve spool

[0079] 58 Control valve unit

[0080] 60 outer circumference

[0081] 62 inner circumference

[0082] 64 grooves

[0083] 66 Groove Additional check valve

[0084] Damper valve

[0085] Main valve unit

[0086] Damper valve slide

[0087] Train side

[0088] Print page

[0089] Housing

[0090] thickness

[0091] thickness

[0092] Additional stroke limiting element

[0093] Process step

[0094] Process step

[0095] Process step

[0096] Process step

[0097] Process step

[0098] Process step

Claims

Claims 1 . Check valve (10) with at least one closing element (12) for a pressure direction-dependent opening and closing of a flow opening (14) and / or a flow channel, characterized by a Formation as a one-piece, preferably monolithic, sheet metal part (16), in particular a bent sheet metal part or stamped and bent sheet metal part.

2. Check valve (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheet metal part (16) is made of spring steel.

3. Check valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sheet metal part (16) is bent into a sleeve shape (18).

4. Check valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 3, characterized in that outer ends (20, 22) of the sheet metal part (16) are bent towards each other, wherein an opening remaining between the two outer ends (20, 22) (24) is smaller than a, in particular minimal, diameter (26) of an interior space (28) which is at least partially enclosed by the sheet metal part (16), in particular at least substantially cylindrical.

5. Check valve (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the opening (24) is at least so large that it can be widened by a purely elastic deformation of the sheet metal part (16) at least to a size which corresponds to a diameter (30) of the, in particular at least substantially cylindrical, interior space (28) running parallel to the opening (24).

6. Check valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing element (12) is designed as a spring plate (34) which is elastically spring-mounted by means of an elastic spring element (32) of the sheet metal part (16).

7. Check valve (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the elastic spring element (32) extends over at least 15%, preferably over at least 20% and preferably over at least 25% of a total circumference of the sheet metal part (16).

8. Check valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a stroke limiting element (36) which is provided to limit a deflection of the closing element (12) from a rest position.

9. Check valve (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the stroke limiting element (36) is formed by a bent-back tab (40) of the sheet metal part (16), which extends in particular in the circumferential direction (38) of the sheet metal part (16).

10. Check valve (10) at least according to claims 6 and 8, characterized in that a longitudinal extent (42) of the elastic suspension element (32) measured in the circumferential direction (38) of the sheet metal part (16) is substantially greater than a longitudinal extent (44) of the stroke limiting element (36) measured in the circumferential direction (38) of the sheet metal part (16).

11. Check valve (10) at least according to claims 6 and 8, characterized in that a transverse extension (48) of the elastic suspension element (32) measured in the axial direction (46) of the sheet metal part (16) is substantially smaller than a transverse extension (50) of the stroke limiting element (36) measured in the axial direction (46) of the sheet metal part (16).

12. Check valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one further closing element (52), which is also formed by the sheet metal part (16).

13. Check valve (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the further closing element (52) is arranged diametrically opposite the closing element (12).

14. Check valve (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the further closing element (52) is mirror-symmetrical to the closing element (12).

15. Bidirectional damper device (54), in particular bidirectional shock absorber device, for example for a vehicle shock absorber, with a control valve unit (58) having at least one control valve slide (56) for controlling a rebound damping hardness and for controlling a compression damping hardness as a function of, in particular specifically adjustable, positions of the control valve slide (56), characterized by at least one check valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

16. Bidirectional damper device (54) according to claim 15, characterized by at least one further check valve (68) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

17. Bidirectional damper device (54) according to claim 15 or 16, with a, in particular at least substantially cylindrical, housing (80), characterized in that the check valve (10, 68) is mounted on an outer circumference (60) of the housing (80) or on an inner circumference (62) of the housing (80), in particular at least via a frictional connection generated by an elastic deformation of the sheet metal part (16).

18. Bidirectional damper device (54) at least according to claim 16, with a particularly at least substantially cylindrical housing (80), characterized in that the check valve (10) rests on an outer circumference (60) of the housing (80) and that the further check valve (68) rests on an inner circumference (62) of the housing (80).

19. Bidirectional damper device (54) according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that the housing (80) has a groove (64, 66) on its outer circumference (60) and / or on its inner circumference (62), which groove is provided to receive the check valve (10) and / or the further check valve (68).

20. Bidirectional damper device (54) according to claim 19, characterized in that the groove (64, 66) is formed only partially circumferentially around the housing (80).

21. A method for producing the check valve (10, 68) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the sheet metal part (16) is formed by means of a sheet metal bending process or by means of a sheet metal stamping and bending process.

22. A method for producing a bidirectional damper device (54) according to one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that the check valve (10, 68) is clipped onto a outer circumference (60) of a housing (80) of the bidirectional damper device (54) or by clipping it into an inner circumference (62) of the housing (80) onto the housing (80).

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