Air spring support, air spring, and vehicle

Abstract

An air spring support, an air spring, and a vehicle. The air spring support comprises an upper air chamber assembly and a top rubber assembly. The upper air chamber assembly is provided with a first accommodating cavity. The top rubber assembly comprises an elastic body, the elastic body is provided with a first flange, and the elastic body comprises a first cavity and a second cavity which are separated by means of the first flange. The first flange is provided with at least one recess. The top rubber assembly is arranged in the first accommodating cavity, the first flange is attached to the bottom wall of the first accommodating cavity, and the first cavity is in communication with the second cavity via the recess.

Description

Air spring support, air spring and vehicle

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application number 202323486303.2, filed on December 20, 2023, entitled “An air spring support, air spring and vehicle,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application belongs to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular relates to an air spring support, an air spring and a vehicle. Background Art

[0003] In existing technology, the elastomer is typically compressed against the upper air chamber assembly, forming a sealed space. As the air spring expands and contracts, the air pressure within the air spring cavity fluctuates. This creates pressure differences on both sides of the elastomer, causing radial creep of the elastomer and negatively impacting the durability of the strut assembly.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present application provides an air spring support, an air spring and a vehicle.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present application, the present application provides an air spring support, comprising:

[0007] An upper air chamber assembly, wherein the upper air chamber assembly is provided with a first accommodating cavity;

[0008] A top rubber assembly, the top rubber assembly comprising an elastic body, the elastic body having a first flange, the elastic body comprising a first cavity and a second cavity separated by the first flange, and the first flange having at least one groove;

[0009] Wherein, the top glue assembly is arranged in the first accommodating cavity, the first flange is in contact with the bottom wall of the first accommodating cavity, and the first cavity and the second cavity are connected through the groove.

[0010] Optionally, the air spring support further includes a first sealing ring, which is arranged between the first accommodating cavity and the top glue assembly.

[0011] Optionally, the top glue assembly further includes an outer frame and an inner frame, the elastomer is arranged between the outer frame and the inner frame, and the first flange protrudes from the outer frame and the inner frame.

[0012] Optionally, the exoskeleton is provided with at least one exhaust slot.

[0013] Optionally, the exhaust slots correspond to the grooves one-to-one.

[0014] Optionally, the inner frame is provided with a mounting hole, and the mounting hole is used for mounting a shock absorber piston rod.

[0015] Optionally, the upper air chamber assembly includes a first shell and a second shell, the first shell is connected to the second shell, the top glue assembly is arranged on the first shell, and the material strength of the first shell is greater than the material strength of the second shell.

[0016] Optionally, the air spring support further includes a buffer body, the second shell includes a second accommodating cavity, the buffer body is arranged in the second accommodating cavity, and is fixed to the side of the bottom wall of the first accommodating cavity away from the top glue assembly.

[0017] Optionally, the air spring support further includes a pressing piece, and the elastic body further includes a second flange. The pressing piece is arranged in the first accommodating cavity and fits with the second flange.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present application, the present application provides an air spring including the above-mentioned air spring support.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of the present application, the present application provides a vehicle comprising the above-mentioned air spring.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application.

[0022] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an air spring support according to a specific embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of an air spring support according to a specific embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of an upper air chamber assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a top rubber assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of a top rubber assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG6 is an exploded schematic diagram of an air spring according to a specific embodiment of the present application; and

[0028] FIG7 is a cross-sectional view of an air spring according to a specific embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Explanation of the reference numerals: air spring support 100; upper air chamber assembly 1; first shell 11; first accommodating cavity 111; bottom wall 111a; second shell 12; second accommodating cavity 121; top rubber assembly 2; outer skeleton 21; exhaust groove 211; inner skeleton 22; mounting hole 221; elastomer 23; first flange 231; groove 232; second flange 233; first cavity 234; second cavity 235; buffer body 3; pressing member 4; avoidance hole 41; first sealing ring 5; second sealing ring 6; fastening nut 7; connecting air duct 8; air duct 9; vibrator 200; shock absorber piston rod 201; bladder 300; retaining ring 301; air spring 400. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Various exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0031] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0032] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0033] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0034] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, according to the first aspect of the embodiment of the present application, the present application provides an air spring support 100, including an upper air chamber assembly 1 and a top glue assembly 2. The upper air chamber assembly 1 is provided with a first accommodating cavity 111. The top glue assembly 2 includes an elastomer 23, the elastomer 23 is provided with a first flange 231, and the elastomer 23 includes a first cavity 234 and a second cavity 235 separated by the first flange 231 in its radial direction. At least one groove 232 is provided on the first flange 231. The top glue assembly 2 is provided in the first accommodating cavity 111, and the first flange 231 is in contact with the bottom wall 111a of the first accommodating cavity 111. The first cavity 234 is connected to the second cavity 235 through the groove 232.

[0036] The air spring support 100 is connected to the vehicle body and is used to provide support for the air spring 400 .

[0037] In the prior art, when the air spring 400 expands and contracts, the air pressure within the cavity of the air spring 400 changes. The first flange 231 abuts against the bottom wall 111a of the first accommodating chamber 111, creating a sealed first cavity 234. When there is a pressure difference between the first cavity 234 and the second cavity 235 of the elastic body 23, the first flange 231 of the elastic body 23 can creep radially (the opening of the first flange 231 expands and contracts), adversely affecting the durability of the strut assembly 2.

[0038] As shown in FIG2 , the first flange 231 is provided with a groove 232 that connects the first cavity 234 and the second cavity 235 , thereby forming a connecting air passage 8 . Even when the first flange 231 is in contact with the bottom wall 111a of the first accommodating chamber 111 , the first cavity 234 and the second cavity 235 remain connected via the groove 232 . This eliminates any pressure differential between the first cavity 234 and the second cavity 235 , preventing radial movement of the elastic body 23 and thereby improving the durability of the strut assembly 2 .

[0039] The first flange 231 may have one, two, three, or even more grooves 232. The first flange 231 engages with the bottom wall 111a of the first accommodating cavity 111 to allow the elastic body 23 to withstand a certain load, thereby improving the rigidity and reliability of the top rubber assembly 2. If there are too many grooves 232, the first flange 231 may not be able to withstand the load of the top rubber assembly 2. If there are too few grooves 232, the pressure difference between the first cavity 234 and the second cavity 235 cannot be quickly adjusted.

[0040] Optionally, two grooves 232 are formed on the first flange 231, and the positions of the two grooves 232 are symmetrical about the axis of the top rubber assembly 2. Therefore, the gas flowing through the two grooves 232 can form convection, quickly adjusting the pressure difference between the first cavity 234 and the second cavity 235, and preventing the elastic body 23 from moving in its radial direction.

[0041] Optionally, the air spring support 100 further includes a first sealing ring 5, which is disposed between the first accommodating chamber 111 and the top glue assembly 2. As shown in FIG2 , the air spring support 100 further includes a first sealing ring 5, which is disposed between the first accommodating chamber 111 and the top glue assembly 2. The purpose is to form an airtight structure between the first accommodating chamber 111 and the top glue assembly 2 to prevent gas from leaking between the outer wall of the top glue assembly 2 and the inner wall of the first accommodating chamber 111. When the product is tested for airtightness using helium on the production line, in order to ensure the production rhythm, a limiting fixture is not used, that is, the air spring 400 is in a free state. When the air spring 400 is inflated with air pressure, the top glue assembly 2 is subjected to the downward pull of the shock absorber piston rod 201, which increases the squeezing force between the first flange 231 of the elastomer 23 and the bottom wall 111a of the first accommodating chamber 111, thereby enhancing the airtight effect between the two. The fit between the first flange 231 and the bottom wall 111a of the first accommodating chamber 111 creates a sealing effect at the front end of the first sealing ring 5, making it impossible to accurately detect the sealing failure of the first sealing ring 5, that is, a false seal phenomenon occurs, resulting in the invalidation of the airtightness test. When the air spring 400 is installed on the vehicle, the tension of the shock absorber piston rod 201 is eliminated, and there is a yaw. During the wheel jumping process, the shock absorber piston rod 201 exerts an upward thrust on the top glue assembly 2, and the seal formed between the first flange 231 of the elastomer 23 and the bottom wall 111a of the first accommodating chamber 111 may fail. The airtight failure between the top glue assembly 2 and the upper air chamber assembly 1 of the air spring 400 is exposed. After the groove 232 is opened, it is ensured that when the first sealing ring 5 fails, the gas can be discharged to the outside of the air spring 400 through the groove 232, which can be effectively detected through the helium airtightness test on the production line to prevent defective products from flowing out and being loaded.

[0042] Optionally, the top rubber assembly 2 further includes an outer frame 21 and an inner frame 22 , the elastic body 23 is disposed between the outer frame 21 and the inner frame 22 , and the first flange 231 protrudes from the outer frame 21 and the inner frame 22 in the axial direction of the elastic body 23 .

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 and 5 , the top rubber assembly 2 also includes an inner frame 22 and an outer frame 21. An elastomer 23 is positioned between the inner and outer frames 22 and wraps around the inner frame 22. A first flange 231 on the elastomer 23 protrudes from both the lower end surfaces of the outer and inner frames 21 and 22. Therefore, when the top rubber assembly 2 is placed within the first accommodating cavity 111, the first flange 231 engages with the bottom wall 111a of the first accommodating cavity 111, allowing the elastomer 23 to withstand a certain load, thereby improving the rigidity and reliability of the top rubber assembly 2.

[0044] Optionally, the outer frame 21 and the inner frame 22 are made of metal, thereby further improving the rigidity and reliability of the top rubber assembly 2 .

[0045] Optionally, the outer skeleton 21 and the inner wall of the first accommodating cavity 111 may be clearance fit, transition fit, or interference fit.

[0046] Optionally, the outer frame 21 is provided with at least one exhaust slot 211 .

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, at least one exhaust groove 211 is provided on the exoskeleton 21, wherein the exhaust groove 211 is provided on the outer wall of the exoskeleton 21, and forms an air passage 9 with the inner wall of the first shell 11. Under normal circumstances, there is an interference fit between the exoskeleton 21 and the first accommodating chamber 111, which may have a certain airtight effect, thereby affecting the judgment of a real leak, that is, a leak may be mistakenly judged as no leak. An exhaust groove 211 is provided on the outer wall of the exoskeleton 21. During testing, if the first sealing ring 5 fails, the gas can be discharged unimpeded outside the air spring 400 through the exhaust groove 211, which can ensure that the airtight test during testing is an effective detection and prevent defective products from flowing out and being loaded.

[0048] Optionally, the exhaust grooves 211 and the grooves 232 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, so that the gas can be discharged more smoothly through the grooves 232 and the corresponding exhaust grooves 211 .

[0049] Optionally, the inner frame 22 is provided with a mounting hole 221 , and the mounting hole 221 is used for mounting the shock absorber piston rod 201 .

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the inner frame 22 is provided with a mounting hole 221, through which the shock absorber piston rod 201 passes and is locked to the inner frame 22 by a fastening nut 7. A second sealing ring 6 is provided on the shock absorber piston rod 201, which ensures airtightness between the mounting hole 221 and the upper air chamber assembly 1.

[0051] Optionally, the upper air chamber assembly 1 includes a first shell 11 and a second shell 12. The first shell 11 is connected to the second shell 12. The top rubber assembly 2 is provided on the first shell 11. The material strength of the first shell 11 is greater than the material strength of the second shell 12.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the upper air chamber assembly 1 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12, which are connected to each other. A first accommodating cavity 111 is defined within the first housing 11, so the top mount assembly 2 is disposed within the first housing 11. The material strength of the first housing 11 is greater than that of the second housing 12. The first housing 11 provides structural strength for the top mount assembly 2.

[0053] Optionally, to make the upper air chamber assembly 1 lightweight, the first housing 11 is made of aluminum, the second housing 12 is made of plastic, and the first and second housings 11 and 12 are formed by insert injection molding. This arrangement can ensure the structural strength of the upper air chamber assembly 1 while reducing its weight.

[0054] Optionally, the air spring support 100 further includes a buffer body 3. The second housing 12 includes a second accommodating cavity 121. The buffer body 3 is disposed in the second accommodating cavity 121 and fixed to the bottom wall 111a of the first accommodating cavity 111 on a side away from the top rubber assembly 2.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second housing 12 defines a second accommodating chamber 121, which communicates with the first accommodating chamber 111. As shown in Figures 2 and 7, a buffer body 3 is disposed within the second accommodating chamber 121 and secured to the bottom wall 111a of the first accommodating chamber 111 on the side facing away from the top rubber assembly 2. When the wheel bounces, the buffer body 3 acts as a stopper. Specifically, when the air spring 400 is compressed to a certain position, the shock absorber 200 begins to contact the buffer body 3, compressing it and providing a cushioning effect for the shock absorber 200.

[0056] Optionally, the air spring support 100 further includes a pressing member 4. The elastic body 23 further includes a second flange 233. The pressing member 4 is disposed in the first accommodating cavity 111 and is in contact with the second flange 233.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2 and 5 , the elastic body 23 further includes a second flange 233, which is disposed on a side of the elastic body 23 away from the first flange 231. The air spring support 100 further includes a pressing member 4, which is disposed within the first accommodating chamber 111 and engages with the second flange 233 to press the strut assembly 2 within the first accommodating chamber 111. This prevents the strut assembly 2 from escaping from the first accommodating chamber 111.

[0058] Optionally, a clearance hole 41 is defined in the center of the pressing member 4. The inner diameter of the clearance hole 41 is larger than the outer diameter of the fastening nut 7 and smaller than the inner diameter of the second flange 233. When the shock absorber piston rod 201 moves upward, the pressing member 4 provides clearance for the shock absorber piston rod 201 and can compress the top rubber assembly 2 into the first accommodating chamber 111.

[0059] Optionally, the pressing member 4 and the first housing 11 may be connected by screws, threads, or clamping.

[0060] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present application, the present application provides an air spring 400 , comprising the above-mentioned air spring support 100 .

[0061] Air spring 400's primary vibration damping medium is air. Its principle is to fill a sealed chamber with air, raising the pressure within the chamber to several or even dozens of times higher than atmospheric pressure. The tumbling motion of bladder 300 on the piston changes the volume and stiffness of air spring 400. This cushions road impacts and maintains vehicle posture. Increasing or decreasing the air volume allows the vehicle to be raised or lowered, meeting various driving modes and operating conditions.

[0062] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the air spring 400 includes an air spring support 100, a shock absorber 200 and a bladder 300. The air spring 400 is arranged under the vehicle body, the first shell 11 is used to connect to the vehicle body, and the shock absorber 200 is arranged under the second shell 12. The shock absorber piston rod 201 passes through the mounting hole 221 of the inner skeleton 22 from bottom to top and is locked on the inner skeleton 22 by the fastening nut 7. A second sealing ring 6 is provided between the shock absorber piston rod 201 and the inner skeleton 22 to achieve air tightness. The bladder 300 is connected to the upper air chamber assembly 1 by a retaining ring 301. Specifically, the bladder 300 is pressed against the outer wall of the second shell 12 by the retaining ring 301, thereby achieving connection and sealing between the bladder 300 and the upper air chamber assembly 1 to complete the assembly.

[0063] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present application, the present application provides a vehicle comprising the above-mentioned air spring 400 .

[0064] The air spring 400 of this embodiment can be installed on various vehicles, including gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, sedans, trucks, buses, hybrid vehicles, pure electric vehicles, etc.

[0065] Although some specific embodiments of the present application have been described in detail by way of examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application. The scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air spring support (100), characterized in that: The air spring support (100) comprises: An upper air chamber assembly (1), wherein the upper air chamber assembly (1) is provided with a first accommodating cavity (111); A top rubber assembly (2), the top rubber assembly (2) comprising an elastic body (23), the elastic body (23) being provided with a first flange (231), the elastic body (23) comprising a first cavity (234) and a second cavity (235) separated by the first flange (231), and at least one groove (232) being provided on the first flange (231); The top glue assembly (2) is arranged in the first accommodating cavity (111), the first flange (231) is in contact with the bottom wall (111a) of the first accommodating cavity (111), and the first cavity (234) and the second cavity (235) are connected via the groove (232).

2. The air spring support (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are two grooves (232), and the two grooves (232) are symmetrically arranged about the axis of the elastic body (23).

3. The air spring support (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The air spring support (100) further comprises a first sealing ring (5), wherein the first sealing ring (5) is arranged between the first accommodating cavity (111) and the top rubber assembly (2).

4. The air spring support (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top rubber assembly (2) further comprises an outer frame (21) and an inner frame (22); the elastic body (23) is arranged between the outer frame (21) and the inner frame (22); and the first flange (231) protrudes from the outer frame (21) and the inner frame (22).

5. The air spring support (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer frame (21) is provided with at least one exhaust groove (211).

6. The air spring support (100) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The inner frame (22) is provided with a mounting hole (221), and the mounting hole (221) is used for mounting a shock absorber piston rod (201).

7. The air spring support (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The upper air chamber assembly (1) comprises a first shell (11) and a second shell (12); the first shell (11) is connected to the second shell (12); the top rubber assembly (2) is arranged on the first shell (11); and the material strength of the first shell (11) is greater than the material strength of the second shell (12).

8. The air spring support (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The air spring support (100) further comprises a buffer body (3); the second shell (12) comprises a second accommodating chamber (121); the buffer body (3) is arranged in the second accommodating chamber (121) and is fixed to a side of the bottom wall (111a) of the first accommodating chamber (111) away from the top rubber assembly (2).

9. The air spring support (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The air spring support (100) further comprises a pressing piece (4), and the elastic body (23) further comprises a second flange (233). The pressing piece (4) is arranged in the first accommodating cavity (111) and fits with the second flange (233).

10. An air spring (400), characterized in that: The air spring (400) comprises the air spring support (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises the air spring (400) of claim 10.

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