Pressure control valve for controlling or regulating a pressure of a fluid in a pilot pressure chamber, and vibration damper having such a pressure control valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pressure control valve (1) for controlling or regulating a pressure of a fluid in a pilot pressure chamber, having a valve housing (10) with at least one inlet which can be fluidically connected to the pilot pressure chamber, and with at least one outlet, a pilot valve chamber (20) which is arranged between the at least one inlet and at least one outlet and has at least one second valve seat (22), a tappet (60) with a pilot seal (40), wherein the tappet (60) can be moved along a longitudinal axis (L) by means of an energizable actuating device (70), wherein the pilot seal (40) has a second sealing surface (42), wherein, in an unactuated state of the actuating device (70), the pilot seal (40) is arranged in a first position (A) by means of a restoring spring (75), wherein, in the actuated state of the actuating device (70), the pilot seal (40) can be arranged in a second position (B), in which the second sealing surface (42) bears flat against a second valve seat surface (28) of the second valve seat (22) and closes the second passage channel (12), and wherein the second sealing surface (42) and / or the second valve seat surface (28) have / has a surface structure (25). The present invention also relates to a vibration damper having the pressure control valve (1).

Description

[0001] Pressure regulating valve for controlling or regulating the pressure of a fluid in a pilot pressure chamber and vibration damper with such a pressure regulating valve

[0002] The present invention relates to a pressure control valve for controlling or regulating the pressure of a fluid in a pilot pressure chamber, comprising the features of claim 1. The present invention further relates to a vibration damper comprising such a pressure control valve, comprising the features of claim 26.

[0003] Pressure control valves are known in various designs from the prior art. For example, pressure control valves of this type are used in vibration dampers in motor vehicles, where the damping characteristic of the pressure control valve depends on the volume flow rate of the fluid flowing through the proportional valve. Depending on the volume flow rate, a more comfort-oriented, softer damping or a more sporty, firmer damping can be set. In vibration dampers, an electrically actuated device is used with which several damping characteristics can be specified by the driver or automatically set by an on-board computer depending on the driving condition of the motor vehicle or the condition of the road surface over which the motor vehicle is currently traveling.

[0004] The fluid can be hydraulic or pneumatic, with hydraulic fluid or compressed air being the most common. Pilot pressure chambers in hydraulically or pneumatically operated devices serve to control or regulate pilot-operated valves, often designed as hydraulic or pneumatic spools. When pilot-operated valves are designed as proportional valves or proportional spools, the flow rates through the proportional valve or spool can be continuously adjusted within certain limits by varying the pressure in the pilot pressure chamber. The respective pressure control valve should have a defined characteristic curve that specifies the flow rate at a given differential pressure in the pilot chamber.

[0005] These requirements result in a relatively complex design for the device, particularly the vibration damper, as can be seen, for example, in US 2016 0 091 044 Al and WO 2016 066 314 Al. The design is primarily complex because multiple slides must be used. Further vibration dampers are disclosed in US 2016 0 369 862 Al, JP 2009 115 315 A, US 5 147 012 A, WO 2011 023 351 Al, and US 2005 0 016 086 Al.

[0006] Such pressure control valves have proven their worth in the past, however, these pressure control valves exhibit undesirable behavior in particular, in that the differential pressure initially rises or falls in an unpredictable manner as the volume flow increases.

[0007] This is where the present invention comes in.

[0008] The present invention addresses the problem of proposing a pressure control valve of the generic type that advantageously eliminates the disadvantages known from the prior art. The proposed pressure control valve should be simple in design and allow the flow through the pressure control valve to be controlled within the characteristic curve range. This problem is solved by a pressure control valve with the features of claim 1 and a vibration damper with the features of claim 26.

[0009] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] Pressure control valves of the generic type, comprising the features of claim 1, for controlling or regulating the pressure of a fluid in a pilot pressure chamber, have a valve body with at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The at least one inlet is fluidically connectable to the pilot pressure chamber.

[0011] Furthermore, the valve housing has a pilot valve chamber arranged between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, in which at least one second valve seat is arranged. The pilot pressure chamber is connected to the at least one outlet by means of a first through-channel and to the at least one inlet by means of a second through-channel.

[0012] Furthermore, the pressure regulating valve according to the invention has a plunger with a pilot seal, wherein the plunger is movable along a longitudinal axis between a first and a second position by means of an energizable actuating device.

[0013] The pilot seal includes a second sealing surface.

[0014] In the unactuated state of the actuating device, the pilot seal is positioned in the first position by means of a return spring. In the actuated state of the actuating device, the pilot seal is in a second position, in which the pilot seal rests against the second valve seat, and the second sealing surface of the pilot seal and a second valve seat surface of the second valve seat interact to seal the second passage.

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the second sealing surface of the pilot seal and / or the second valve seat surface has or has a surface structuring.

[0016] The present invention is based on the finding that a pilot seal adheres undesirably to the second valve seat due to adhesive forces, causing the differential pressure to increase or decrease unpredictably with increasing flow rate, resulting in an undefined characteristic curve. Therefore, either the second valve seat surface or the second sealing surface of the pilot seal has a surface structure that preferably minimizes leakage of approximately 50 to 500 ml / min, preferably 300 ml / min. Leakage of 100 ml / min at an applied pressure of 15 bar is possible. The present invention is also based on the finding that the surface structuring of the second sealing surface of the pilot seal and / or the second valve seat surface results in the flow being kept laminar for a longer period, which promotes a uniform characteristic curve.

[0017] The surface structuring is preferably distributed uniformly around the circumference of the second sealing surface and / or the second valve seat surface. In the de-energized or unactuated state of the actuating device, the pilot seal is in the first position.

[0018] When the actuating device is energized, the pilot seal is displaced along its longitudinal axis towards the second valve seat and can come into contact with the second pilot seat, sealing off the second passage. In this state – apart from the slight leakage – the fluid cannot flow from the at least one inlet through the pilot valve chamber to the at least one outlet.

[0019] A further development of the present invention provides that the surface structuring extends at least completely over the second sealing surface and / or the second valve seat surface. This design of the surface structures allows leakage to flow completely between the second pilot seat and the pilot seal from the second passage channel into the pilot valve chamber. Preferably, the surface structure extends beyond the second sealing surface and / or the second valve seat surface. In other words, the surface structure can be larger than the preferably annular, or even more preferably circular, second sealing surface and / or second valve seat surface, with the surface structure preferably extending radially inwards and / or radially outwards beyond the second sealing surface and / or the second valve seat surface.

[0020] A further development of the invention provides that the second sealing surface and / or the second valve seat surface has a first section and a second section. In the first section, the second sealing surface of the pilot seal and the second valve seat surface of the second valve seat are in contact over a flat surface. In the second section, the second sealing surface and / or the second valve seat surface has a surface texture. It has been shown that surface contact between the second sealing surface and the second valve seat surface in the first section reduces leakage and simultaneously prevents sticking.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first section and the second section are arranged radially adjacent, preferably directly adjacent. In particular, it is advantageous if the first section is located within the second section. It is also advantageous if the first section is smaller than the second section, thereby improving the sealing effect between the second sealing surface and the second valve seat surface and effectively preventing the pilot seal from adhering to the second valve seat.

[0022] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the surface structuring comprises a multitude of grooves. The grooves can preferably be introduced or machined into the second sealing surface and / or the second valve seat surface using a laser, forming small channels through which the fluid can flow.

[0023] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for adjacent grooves to have a spacing between 0.025 mm and 0.1 mm, preferably 0.05 mm ± 0.025 mm. It has been shown that a closely spaced arrangement of the grooves prevents the pilot seal from adhering to the second valve seat. It has also proven advantageous for the grooves to have a depth and / or width between 0.025 mm and 0.1 mm, preferably 0.05 mm ± 0.025 mm. In addition, it has proven advantageous for the surface texturing to have an Rz value of 0.04–0.06. Typically, the grooves are between 0.03 and 0.08 mm deep.

[0024] A further development of the present invention provides that the surface structuring is a laser texturing.

[0025] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the surface texturing to include a striped pattern and / or a cross-line pattern. For example, the surface texturing can be formed by a cross-pattern, with adjacent stripes spaced between 0.025 mm and 0.1 mm, preferably 0.05 mm ± 0.025 mm. The striped pattern is preferably star-shaped, with at least two stripes extending radially and meeting at an imaginary center point, preferably located on the longitudinal axis. The grooves can also be involute or spiral. This can reduce leakage.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the pilot seal is disc-shaped. In the simplest case, the pilot seal can be a metal disc arranged on the plunger in the region of a free end of the plunger.

[0027] According to a further aspect or preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first valve seat and a second valve seat are arranged in the pilot valve chamber. Furthermore, the pilot seal has a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface, the first sealing surface being arranged along the longitudinal axis on the side opposite the second sealing surface. In the first position of the pilot seal, the first sealing surface abuts the first valve seat and closes a first passage that connects the pilot valve chamber to the at least one outlet. It should be noted that the first sealing surface and / or a first valve seat surface of the first valve seat may also be provided with a surface texture.

[0028] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the first sealing surface of the pilot seal and / or the first valve seat surface has or has a surface structuring. The surface structuring can be designed analogously to the surface structuring described above.

[0029] The present invention is also based on the finding that the surface structuring of the first sealing surface of the pilot seal and / or the first valve seat surface leads to the flow being kept laminar for longer, thereby stabilizing the flow.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first sealing surface, the second sealing surface, the first valve seat surface and / or the second valve seat surface are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This allows for a compact design.

[0031] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the first sealing surface, the second sealing surface, the first valve seat surface, and / or the second valve seat surface are annular, particularly circular. It is especially preferred if the mean diameter of the first valve seat surface and the mean diameter of the second valve seat surface are approximately equal. It has also proven advantageous if the first valve seat has a first valve seat collar and / or the second valve seat has a second valve seat collar, and if the first and / or the second valve seat collar projects conically or in a V-shape into the pilot valve chamber.

[0032] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if a free end of the first valve seat collar has the first valve seat surface and / or a free end of the second valve seat collar has the second valve seat surface on which the pilot seal can lie flat.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, the pilot valve chamber is formed in the valve housing, wherein the pilot valve chamber is preferably enclosed by the valve housing. In the pilot valve chamber, the first valve seat and the second valve seat are arranged on opposite sides of the valve housing along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first valve seat surrounds an opening of the first passage channel and the second valve seat surrounds an opening of the second passage channel.

[0034] It has also proven advantageous if the valve housing includes a wall section that contains the first valve seat and the first through-channel. This wall section can be designed in the manner of a valve housing and preferably closes off the pilot valve chamber on one side along its longitudinal axis, resulting in an advantageous valve housing design.

[0035] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the wall section has at least one through-bore that forms a bypass around the first valve seat. The bypass allows fluid communication between the pilot valve chamber and a side of the wall section facing away from the pilot valve chamber, both in the first and second positions of the plunger, and allows fluid communication between the pilot valve chamber and the at least one outlet, particularly when the plunger is in the first position and the pilot seal is in sealing contact with the first valve seat.

[0036] A further aspect or advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that a failsafe seal, pre-tensioned against the wall section, is arranged on the side of the wall section facing away from the first valve seat. This failsafe seal can bear against the wall section in such a way that the through-bore is closed. The failsafe seal pre-tensioned against the wall section can establish a pressure in the pilot valve chamber at which the through-bore is released, allowing the fluid to flow from the pilot valve chamber through the through-bore to the at least one outlet. The through-bore and the failsafe seal interacting with it ensure that the shock absorber can continue to operate with a specific damping characteristic even in the event of a power failure.The damping characteristic can be defined by selecting the preload of the failsafe seal, typically being chosen so that it is neither too hard nor too soft.

[0037] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the failsafe seal and / or a failsafe seat on which the failsafe seal can seal also has or has a previously described surface structuring. An advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the wall section is formed by a valve housing cover part. The valve housing cover part can, for example, be designed as a disc-shaped component and, together with a main valve housing part, at least partially enclose the pilot valve chamber.

[0038] A further development of the present invention provides that the valve housing comprises a second wall section comprising the second valve seat or stop and the second valve seat. The second wall section may also include the second passage channel, the second passage channel preferably being configured as a bore. The second wall section is preferably arranged along the longitudinal axis on the side of the valve housing opposite the first wall section, and the second wall section may be formed integrally with the main valve housing part. According to one exemplary embodiment, for example, the stop may be formed on the main valve housing part and the second valve seat on the second wall section. According to another exemplary embodiment, both the stop and the second valve seat may be formed on the second wall section.

[0039] A further development of the present invention provides that the second wall section comprises an insertion bushing. The insertion bushing can, in particular, be inserted into a corresponding opening along the longitudinal axis of the main valve housing part in the manner of a press-fit bushing, thereby allowing the position of the second valve seat in the longitudinal axis to be adjusted precisely. In particular, when inserting the insertion bushing, if the stop is not formed on the insertion bushing, the position of the second valve seat in the longitudinal axis, especially relative to the stop, can be adjusted precisely.

[0040] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the insertion bushing is made of brass.

[0041] According to a further development of the present invention, the valve housing comprises a main valve chamber. The main valve chamber is fluidically connected to the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet. Preferably, a main valve spool, pre-tensioned against a main valve seat by means of a main spring, can be arranged in the main valve chamber. Preferably, the pilot valve chamber is fluidically connected to the main valve chamber via the second through-channel, whereby the fluid can flow from the inlet through the main valve chamber, among other things via the second through-channel and the pilot valve chamber, to the at least one outlet.

[0042] A further development of the present invention provides that the main slide valve is designed as a proportional slide valve.

[0043] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a vibration damper with a previously described pressure regulating valve.

[0044] Below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, three exemplary embodiments of a pressure control valve according to the invention are described in detail. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a pressure control valve with an energized actuating device, comprising a plunger and a pilot seal arranged on the plunger, wherein an actuating device is de-energized and the pilot seal is in a first position sealingly against a first valve seat in a pilot valve chamber.

[0045] Figure 2 shows an enlarged detail view of the pressure regulating valve according to Figure 1.

[0046] Figure 3 shows an enlarged detail view of the pressure regulating valve according to Figure 1, wherein an actuating device is energized and the pilot seal is in a second position sealingly against a second valve seat surface of a second valve seat in a pilot valve chamber.

[0047] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the second valve seat surface, wherein the second valve seat surface has a surface texture,

[0048] Figure 5 shows an enlarged representation of a first further development of the second valve seat surface,

[0049] Figure 6 shows an enlarged representation of a second further development of the second valve seat surface, and

[0050] Figure 7 shows an enlarged representation of a third further development of the second valve seat surface.

[0051] Identical or functionally equivalent parts or features are identified by the same reference numerals in the detailed description of the figures below. Likewise, not all identical or functionally equivalent parts or features in the figures are assigned a reference number.

[0052] Figure 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a pressure control valve 1 for controlling or regulating the pressure of a fluid. The pressure control valve 1 can be used, for example, in a (not shown) vibration damper, in particular in a motor vehicle, to adjust the damping characteristics of the vibration damper.

[0053] The pressure regulating valve 1 comprises a valve body 10 with at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The at least one inlet can be connected to a pilot pressure chamber (not shown).

[0054] The valve housing 10 at least partially encloses a main valve chamber 50 and a pilot valve chamber 20, which are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis L. A main valve seat 51 and a main valve spool 54 are formed in the main valve chamber 50.

[0055] The main valve chamber 50 is fluidically arranged between the at least one inlet and the pilot valve chamber 20. This means that the fluid from the at least one inlet must first flow through the main valve chamber 50 before it can enter the pilot valve chamber 20 through the second passage 12. For this purpose, the main valve spool 54 has a passage 58, which is shown in Figures 1-3.

[0056] The main valve seat 51 has a valve seat collar 52. The valve seat collar 52 can be V-shaped and projects into the main valve chamber 50. A free end of the valve seat collar 52 has a valve seat collar sealing surface 53, wherein the valve seat collar sealing surface 53 is preferably arranged annularly in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

[0057] The main valve spool 54 can have a main valve spool sealing surface 55 configured to act sealingly with the valve seat collar sealing surface 53.

[0058] A first valve seat 21 and a second valve seat 22 are arranged in the pilot valve chamber 20. The first valve seat 21 and the second valve seat 22 are arranged on opposite sides in the valve housing 10, or more precisely in the pilot valve chamber 20, along the longitudinal axis L.

[0059] As can be seen in particular from the detailed illustrations in Figures 2 and 3, the first valve seat 21 is arranged in a first wall section 31 and the second valve seat 22 is arranged in a second wall section 32.

[0060] Furthermore, a third wall section 33 can be provided, wherein the second wall section 32 is arranged in the longitudinal axis L between the first wall section 31 and the third wall section 33.

[0061] The first wall section 31 and the second wall section 32 define the pilot valve chamber 20 in the longitudinal axis L .

[0062] The pilot valve chamber 20 is connected to the at least one outlet by means of a first through-channel 11. Furthermore, the pilot valve chamber 20 is connected to the at least one inlet by means of a second through-channel 12, allowing the fluid to flow into the pilot valve chamber 20 through the at least one inlet and the second through-channel 12, and to flow out through the first through-channel 11 to the at least one outlet.

[0063] The first wall section 31 comprises the first passage channel 11, the first valve seat 21 and preferably a passage bore 15 which will be described in detail later.

[0064] The first valve seat 21 – see also Figure 3 – has a first valve seat collar 23. The first valve seat collar 23 can be V-shaped and projects into the pilot valve chamber 20. A free end of the first valve seat collar 23 has a first valve seat surface 27, wherein the first valve seat surface 27 is preferably arranged annularly in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The first sealing surface 41 of the pilot seal 40 can lie flat on the first valve seat surface 27.

[0065] The second wall section 32 comprises the second passage channel 12 and the second valve seat 22. The second wall section 32 can include an insertion sleeve 38, wherein preferably the second wall section 32 has a dome 34 designed as a sleeve section into which the insertion sleeve 38 is inserted or pressed.

[0066] The insertion sleeve 38 preferably has the second passage channel 12 and the second valve seat 22. When the insertion sleeve 38 is pressed in, the position of the second valve seat 22 in the valve housing 10 can be precisely adjusted along the longitudinal axis L. The second valve seat 22 – see also Figure 2 – has a second valve seat collar 24. The second valve seat collar 24 can be V-shaped and projects into the pilot valve chamber 20. In other words, the second valve seat 22, or rather the second valve seat collar 24, tapers towards a free end.

[0067] The free end of the second valve seat collar 24 has a second valve seat surface 28, wherein the second valve seat surface 28 is preferably arranged in an annular or ring-shaped manner in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The second sealing surface 42 of the pilot seal 40 can bear flat against the second valve seat surface 28.

[0068] A mean diameter of the first valve seat 21 or . a mean diameter of the first valve seat surface 27 and a mean diameter of the second valve seat 22 or . a mean diameter of the second valve seat surface 28 are preferably approximately the same size.

[0069] Figure 1 further shows that the valve housing 10 has the main valve chamber 50, which is fluidically connected on one side to the at least one inlet and on the other side to the at least one outlet. According to the illustrated embodiment, a main valve spool 54 can be arranged in the main valve chamber 50, which is held against a main valve seat 51 by a main valve spring 58.

[0070] As can be seen in Figure 1, the second wall section 32 and the third wall section 33 define the main valve chamber 50 along the longitudinal axis L. The main valve seat 51 can be arranged on the third wall section 33. The valve body 10 – or more precisely, the third wall section 33 – can have an opening, preferably arranged coaxially with the main valve spool 54, which can form the at least one inlet of the pressure regulating valve 1.

[0071] The main valve chamber 50 is fluidically arranged between the at least one inlet and the pilot valve chamber 40. This means that the fluid from the at least one inlet must first flow through the main valve chamber 50 before it can enter the pilot valve chamber 40 through the second passage 12. For this purpose, the main valve spool 54 has a passage 56, which is shown in Figures 1-3.

[0072] Furthermore, the pressure control valve 1 has an energizable actuating device 70, wherein the energizable actuating device 70 - as in the illustrated embodiment - can preferably be formed by an electromagnetic actuator.

[0073] The actuating device 70 can be housed in an actuator housing 71, wherein the actuating device 70 further comprises an excitation coil 72, an armature 73 and a return spring 75. The armature 73 can be moved along a longitudinal axis L against a spring force of the return spring 75 in a known manner when the excitation coil 72 is energized.

[0074] The actuator housing 71 has a receiving area into which the valve housing 10 can be at least partially inserted. The valve housing 10 can be fixedly arranged in the receiving area of ​​the actuator housing 71, for example by a form-fit, force-fit, and / or material-fit connection. Furthermore, the pressure control valve 1 has a plunger 60, wherein the plunger 60 can be moved along the longitudinal axis L by the actuating device 70. For this purpose, the plunger 60 is preferably connected to the armature 73 and can also be movably mounted on the actuator housing 71 along the longitudinal axis L by means of bearing elements 77, as shown in Figure 1.

[0075] The plunger 60 protrudes from the actuator housing 71 into the valve housing 10. In particular, as can be seen from the detailed representations in Figures 2 and 3, a first free end 61 of the plunger 60 protrudes into the pilot valve chamber 20.

[0076] Furthermore, it can be seen in particular from Figure 1 that the plunger 60 has a pressure equalization bore 65 through which fluid can flow along the longitudinal axis L. Consequently, the fluid can flow from the first free end 61 through the plunger 60 into a pressure equalization chamber 76 opposite the armature 73, thereby equalizing the pressure and allowing the pressure control valve 1 to be pressure-balanced.

[0077] The plunger 60 further comprises a pilot seal 40, which is arranged on the plunger 60, preferably adjacent to the free end 61. The pilot seal 40 can, for example, be fastened to the plunger 60 by means of a retaining ring 68, as shown in the detailed illustrations in Figures 2 and 3, preferably being attached to the plunger 60 in a fluid-tight manner.

[0078] The pilot seal 40, according to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, is disc-shaped and can comprise a disc element 43, for example a metal disc.

[0079] The pilot seal 40 can essentially be described as an annular disc and, according to Figures 1 to 3, comprises a first sealing surface 41 and a second sealing surface 42, which are arranged on opposite sides of the pilot seal 40 in the longitudinal axis L.

[0080] In an unactuated state of the actuating device 70 according to Figures 1 and 2, the pilot seal 40 is arranged in a first position A by means of the return spring 75.

[0081] For clarity, Figures 1 and 2, in which the actuating device 70 is unactuated, are marked with "A". In the first position A, the first sealing surface 41 rests against the first valve seat 21 and closes the first passage channel 11.

[0082] In this first position A of the pilot seal 40, the fluid from the pilot valve chamber 20 cannot flow through the first passage channel 11 towards the at least one outlet. In other words, the pilot valve chamber 20 is closed on the outlet side in this first position A.

[0083] In an actuated state of the actuating device 70, the excitation coil 72 of the actuating device is energized and the pilot seal 40 is moved from the first valve seat 21 towards the second valve seat 22, as shown in Figure 3. In the second position, the pilot seal 40 comes into contact with the second valve seat 22 and the second sealing surface 42 acts in a sealing action against the second valve seat surface 28 to close the second passage 12. This prevents the fluid from flowing from the at least one inlet into the pilot valve chamber 20.

[0084] It has been shown that, particularly in the second position, the pilot seal 40 can adhere to the second valve seat 42, causing the differential pressure through the pressure regulating valve 1 to rise or fall unpredictably as the volume flow in the pilot pressure chamber increases. It has also been shown that an early transition from laminar to turbulent flow between the pilot seal 40 and the second valve seat 42 has a destabilizing effect.

[0085] To prevent the pilot seal 40 from sticking to the second valve seat 42, the pilot seal 40 and / or the second valve seat 42 have a surface texture 25. More precisely, the second sealing surface 42 and / or the second valve seat surface 28 has the surface texture 25.

[0086] The surface structuring 25 comprises a multitude of grooves, as shown in Figures 4 to 7. The grooves 26 form small channels through which the fluid can flow.

[0087] Adjacent grooves 26 within the second sealing surface 42 and / or the second valve seat surface 28 preferably have a spacing between 0.025 mm and 0.1 mm, more preferably a spacing of 0.05 mm ± 0.025 mm. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the grooves have a depth and / or width between 0.025 mm and 0.1 mm, preferably 0.05 mm ± 0.025 mm. In addition, it is advantageous if the surface structuring 25 has an Rz value of 0.04–0.06.

[0088] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the second valve seat 42 or the second valve seat surface 28 has the surface structuring 25.

[0089] It should be noted that the first sealing surface 41, the first valve seat surface 27, may also have such a surface structuring 25 with corresponding grooves 26, which may in particular also be designed and / or arranged analogously to the embodiments described below.

[0090] Figure 4 shows the second wall section 32 with the second valve seat 22. Figure 4 also shows the second passage channel, where it can be seen that three circumferentially distributed bores 13 around the longitudinal axis L form a fluid connection to the main valve chamber 50.

[0091] The second valve seat surface 28 is provided with the surface texture 25, the surface texture 25 extending completely over the entire second valve seat surface 28 as shown. The surface texture 25 is formed by grooves arranged in a cross-line pattern, with immediately adjacent grooves spaced approximately 0.05 mm apart and having a depth and width of approximately 0.05 mm.

[0092] A first further development is shown in Figure 5, where the second valve seat surface 28 is also provided with the surface structuring 25. However, the second valve seat surface 28 has a first section 26A and a second section 26B, wherein the first section 26A is formed as a flat surface and is configured to form a flat sealing contact with the second sealing surface 42. The second section 26B has the surface structuring 25, which is formed analogously to the surface structuring 25 according to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0093] A second embodiment is shown in Figure 6, wherein the second embodiment, analogous to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, can have a first section 26A and a second section 26B. The surface structuring 25 comprises a radial pattern, wherein the grooves run radially.

[0094] A third embodiment is shown in Figure 7. In contrast to the second embodiment according to Figure 6, the grooves of the surface structuring 25 are arranged in a spiral pattern, whereby the channels formed – especially compared to the embodiments shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 – are comparatively long in order to increase the pressure loss through them in order to reduce leakage.

[0095] Referring again to Figure 1, it can be seen that on the side of the first wall section 31 facing away from the pilot valve chamber 20 a failsafe seal 35 is arranged, which is held under preload against the first wall section 31 and thereby seals against a failsafe seat 36 of the through bore 15.

[0096] The failsafe seal 35 can be designed as a disc-shaped flat spring element and can further be arranged between the first wall section 31 and the actuator housing 71.

[0097] The preload of the failsafe seal 35 can be achieved by a failsafe spring 37.

[0098] Furthermore, it can be seen from Figure 1 that the failsafe seat 36 can be formed by at least one annular projection. In the illustrated embodiment, the failsafe seat 36 is formed by two projections that are coaxial around the longitudinal axis L.

[0099] The through-bore 15 is arranged in the first wall section 31 such that the pilot seal 40 cannot seal against the through-bore 15. In the event of a power failure or when the actuating device 70 is de-energized, the fluid can flow from the pilot valve chamber 20 through the through-bore 15 to the at least one outlet, contrary to the sealing effect of the failsafe seal 35. This ensures that, for example, the vehicle can continue to be operated with a specific damping characteristic even in the event of a power failure.

[0100] It should be noted that the failsafe seat 36 and / or the failsafe seal 35 may also have such a surface structuring 25 with corresponding grooves 26, which may be designed and / or arranged analogously to the previously described configurations. Reference numeral list

[0101] 1 pressure regulating valve

[0102] 10 Valve housings

[0103] 11 first passage channel

[0104] 12 second passage channel

[0105] 13 bore

[0106] 15 through-hole

[0107] 20 Pilot valve chamber

[0108] 21 first valve seat

[0109] 22 second valve seat

[0110] 23 first valve seat collar

[0111] 24 second valve seat collar

[0112] 25 Surface texturing

[0113] 26 grooves

[0114] 26A first section

[0115] 26B second section

[0116] 27 first valve seat surface

[0117] 28 second valve seat surface

[0118] 31 first wall section

[0119] 32 second wall section

[0120] 33 third wall section

[0121] 34 Cathedral

[0122] 35 Fail-safe seal

[0123] 36 fail-safe seats

[0124] 37 fail-safe springs

[0125] 38 Insert socket

[0126] 40 Pilot seal

[0127] 41 first sealing surface

[0128] 42 second sealing surface 43 disc element

[0129] 50 Main valve room

[0130] 51 Main valve seat

[0131] 52 Valve seat collar

[0132] 53 Valve seat sealing surface

[0133] 54 Main valve slide

[0134] 55 Main valve gate sealing surface

[0135] 56 Passage

[0136] 58 Mainspring

[0137] 60 pestles

[0138] 61 free ending

[0139] 65 Pressure equalization bore

[0140] 68 retaining ring

[0141] 70 Actuating device

[0142] 71 Actuator housings

[0143] 72 Er reger spule

[0144] 73 anchors

[0145] 75 Return spring

[0146] 76 Pressure equalization chamber

[0147] 77 Bearing element

[0148] L Longitudinal axis

Claims

Patent claims 1. Pressure regulating valve (1) for controlling or regulating the pressure of a fluid in a pilot pressure chamber, comprising — a valve housing (10) with at least one inlet that can be fluidically connected to the pilot pressure chamber, and with at least one outlet, — a pilot valve chamber (20) arranged between the at least one inlet and at least one outlet, with at least one second valve seat (22) , — a plunger (60) with a pilot seal (40) , wherein the plunger (60) is movable along a longitudinal axis (L) by means of an energizable actuating device (70), — wherein the pilot seal (40) has a second sealing surface (42), — wherein, in an unactuated state of the actuating device (70), the pilot seal (40) is arranged in a first position (A) by means of a return spring (75), — wherein, in the actuated state of the actuating device (70), the pilot seal (40) can be arranged in a second position (B) in which the pilot seal (40) rests against the second valve seat (22) and the second sealing surface of the pilot seal (40) interacts sealingly with a second valve seat surface (28) of the second valve seat (22) to close the second passage channel (12), characterized by the fact that the second sealing surface (42) and / or the second valve seat surface (28) has or has a surface structuring (25).

2. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface structuring (25) extends at least completely over the second sealing surface (42) and / or the second valve seat surface (28).

3. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second sealing surface (42) and / or the second valve seat surface (28) has a first section (26A) and a second section (26B), and that in the first section (26A) the second sealing surface (42) and / or the second valve seat surface (28) bear against the surface and that in the second section (26B) the second sealing surface (42) and / or the second valve seat surface (28) has the surface structuring (25).

4. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first section (26A) and the second section (26B) are radially adjacent.

5. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface structuring (25) comprises a plurality of grooves (26).

6. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that adjacent grooves (26) have a distance and / or a width between 0.025 and 0.1mm, preferably 0.05±0.025mm.

7. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a surface structuring has an RZ value of 0.04 - 0.

06.

8. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface structuring (25) is a laser texturing.

9. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface structuring (25) comprises a stripe and / or a cross line pattern.

10. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pilot seal (40) is disc-shaped.

11. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first valve seat (21) is provided in the pilot valve chamber (20) and the second valve seat (22) are arranged, that the pilot seal (40) has a first sealing surface (41) and the second sealing surface (42) which are arranged on opposite sides in the longitudinal axis (L), and that in the first position (A) the first sealing surface (41) abuts the first valve seat (21) in a sealing manner and closes a first passage channel (11).

12. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the first sealing surface (41) and / or the first valve seat (21) has or has a surface structuring (25).

13. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing surface (41), the second sealing surface (42) and / or the second valve seat surface (28) are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L).

14. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing surface (41) and / or the second sealing surface (42) and / or the second valve seat surface (28) are annular, in particular circular.

15. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pilot seal (40) is placed on the plunger (60).

16. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first valve seat (21) has a first valve seat collar (23) and / or the second valve seat (22) has a second valve seat collar (24), and that the first and / or the second valve seat collar (23, 24) are conical or V-shaped.

17. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a free end of the first valve seat collar (23) has a first valve seat surface (27) and / or a free end of the second valve seat collar (24) has the second valve seat surface (28) on which the pilot seal (40) can lie flat.

18. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve housing (10) has a second wall section (32) comprising the second valve seat (22).

19. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second wall section (32) has an insertion bushing. (38) includes.

20. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the insertion bushing (38) is made of brass.

21. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve body (10) comprises a wall section (30) which has the first valve seat (21) and the passage channel (12).

22. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall section (30) has at least one through-bore (15) which forms a bypass around the first valve seat (21).

23. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a failsafe seal (35) is arranged on the side of the wall section (30) facing away from the first valve seat (21), which is pre-tensioned against the wall section (30) and can close the through-bore (15).

24. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that the failsafe seal (35) and / or a failsafe seat (36) exhibit a surface structuring (25).

25. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall section (30) is formed by a valve housing cover part (31).

26. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve housing (10) comprises a main valve chamber (50) in which a main valve spool (54) is arranged which is preloaded against a main valve seat (51) by means of a main valve spring (58).

27. Pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main valve spool (54) is designed as a proportional spool.

28. Vibration damper with a pressure regulating valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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