Valve cartridge comprising a non-return valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve cartridge (10) for a pressure control valve (1), comprising a cartridge sleeve (11) which accommodates a pressure control arrangement (12) and a non-return valve (14). The invention also relates to a valve block (2) and to a shock absorber (60).

Description

[0001] VALVE CARTRIDGE WITH CHECK VALVE

[0002] AREA OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a valve cartridge, a pressure regulating valve with check valve function, a valve block, and a shock absorber.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Valves for pressure control in hydraulic shock absorbers exist in various designs. Besides directly controlled proportional valves, known, among others, from EP 3 591 273, pressure control valves in poppet valve design are also used, particularly as pilot-operated pressure control valves, as known, for example, from WO 2009 157 841 Al or DE 198 22 448 Al.

[0006] In such pressure control valves, the working fluid or hydraulic oil flow to be regulated is guided through a poppet valve, which, in a pilot-operated pressure control valve, forms the main stage valve of a main stage, where it is throttled to a greater or lesser extent. The actuation of this pressure control poppet valve is achieved directly in a direct-acting pressure control valve by an electromagnetic actuator, or in a pilot-operated pressure control valve by means of a second valve stage, the so-called pilot stage with a pilot valve. The pilot valve controls the pressure in a pilot chamber, that is, on at least one side of the main stage valve, and is thus able to generate fluid-dynamic or hydraulic forces in the main stage, which then actuate the main stage valve. The pilot valve itself is controlled by an electromagnetic actuator.One advantage of this multi-stage design is that high actuation forces can be generated in the main stage using relatively small, simple electromagnetic actuators. The valves are also comparatively robust against hydraulic disturbances and have a very compact design.

[0007] An important parameter when tuning a shock absorber is, for example, the opening pressure of the pressure control valve or the main stage valve. This determines the maximum damping force and thus the damper's spread. The range of the adjustable opening pressure is determined by the design of the pilot stage. In the case of pilot stage valves with a seat design, as in the documents cited above, the opening pressure can be adjusted via the force balance between the magnetic force and, if applicable, a spring force of the actuator and the pressure of the working fluid. To achieve different opening pressure ranges, the seat diameter of the pilot valve, and thus the force resulting from the fluid pressure, is varied.

[0008] Another important characteristic of pilot-operated pressure control valves in shock absorbers is their dynamic operating behavior. The pressure control valve must be able to react quickly enough to pressure and flow rate peaks and dips, or to rapid changes in flow rate, without exhibiting unstable behavior that could lead to vibrations, for example.

[0009] A poppet valve typically has only one (design-related possible) flow direction, which is also referred to as the design-related or working flow direction. In this direction, hydraulic oil flows through the valve's sealing seat or along a valve axis, from the front to the back of the sealing seat, onto the (e.g., closed, flat) front of a poppet piston. This causes the poppet piston to lift from the sealing seat and open the valve, allowing a flow of hydraulic oil in the working flow direction. A reverse flow, or hydraulic oil flow in the opposite direction to the working flow direction, is not possible due to the design.Accordingly, it is known to connect a check valve in parallel to the pressure-regulating seat valve to allow backflow with a low pressure drop, which leads to a correspondingly increased assembly and component effort. In this context, it is also known to construct valves in a cartridge design, in which a (prefabricated) cartridge or valve cartridge houses the valve mechanism and the cartridge is then inserted into a mounting bore, for example, in a valve housing.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a reverse-flow pressure regulating valve with low manufacturing and assembly costs. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding valve block and a corresponding shock absorber.

[0012] The problem is solved by a device with the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments and further developments are specified in the dependent claims. The invention relates to a valve cartridge or cartridge for a pressure regulating valve. The valve cartridge is designed for insertion into a predetermined mounting recess, which is hereinafter also referred to as the mounting bore, in order to form, for example, a pressure regulating valve.

[0013] The valve cartridge according to the invention comprises a housing hereinafter referred to as a cartridge case. The cartridge case houses a pressure regulating valve arrangement, which is designed as a poppet valve or comprises a poppet valve, hereinafter also referred to as a pressure regulating poppet valve. The pressure regulating arrangement is provided for regulating the pressure of a working medium, hereinafter referred to as hydraulic oil, for a predetermined working flow direction of the valve cartridge or pressure regulating valve. According to the invention, the cartridge case houses the pressure regulating arrangement; that is, the cartridge case or the volume enclosed by the cartridge case preferably surrounds the pressure regulating arrangement or the pressure regulating poppet valve completely or at least partially. In other words, the pressure regulating poppet valve is preferably structurally completely integrated into the cartridge case of the valve cartridge and / or on the inside orlocated inside the cartridge case or within the space enclosed by the cartridge case.

[0014] The pressure regulating seat valve is usually controllable via a rear-mounted or rear-mounted pressure regulating seat valve control.

[0015] The pressure regulating arrangement, or pressure regulating seat valve, comprises (as a movable valve element) a piston slide or pressure regulating seat valve piston that is axially displaceable along a central or valve axis of the valve cartridge or pressure regulating valve, and a corresponding valve seat or sealing seat element that is fixedly arranged in the cartridge housing. The valve cartridge thus houses the pressure regulating seat valve piston and the sealing seat element.

[0016] According to the invention, the cartridge case further houses a check valve that is distinct from the pressure regulating arrangement or the pressure regulating seat valve. The cartridge case thus preferably encloses not only the pressure regulating arrangement or the pressure regulating seat valve, but also the check valve, preferably completely or at least partially. In other words, the check valve is also preferably structurally fully integrated into the cartridge case of the valve cartridge and / or arranged on the inside or in the interior of the cartridge case or within the space enclosed by the cartridge case. In the event of reverse flow, i.e., in the direction of return flow opposite to the working flow direction, the check valve can open. The (open) check valve allows backflow (exclusively) through the valve cartridge or through the cartridge case and thus through a pressure regulating valve to be created.The check valve is connected in parallel to the seat valve in a fluid-dynamic manner (which will also be referred to as hydraulic in the following).

[0017] The valve cartridge or cartridge case typically houses exactly one pressure regulating arrangement and exactly one check valve.

[0018] The valve cartridge according to the invention forms a single cartridge for the pressure regulating arrangement and the check valve, which are preferably functionally and operationally independent of each other. The cartridge sleeve thus forms a common housing for the pressure regulating arrangement and the check valve, which simplifies the installation and sealing of the cartridge sleeve in the mounting bore, since only a single, preferably prefabricated, component needs to be mounted and / or sealed. In other words, the check valve (together with the pressure regulating arrangement) is integrated into the valve cartridge or cartridge sleeve. This creates a backflow-permeable valve cartridge and, accordingly, a backflow-permeable pressure regulating valve for which no separate or additional check valve is required.This results in a reduced number of components, simplified sealing, and fewer work steps during the assembly of a (backflow-capable) pressure regulating valve or the installation of the valve cartridge. Furthermore, the integrated design of the pressure regulating arrangement and check valve in a single cartridge saves installation space, allowing for a more compact valve cartridge or pressure regulating valve. In addition, a larger flow cross-section for the return flow can be achieved compared to a separate check valve in the conventional manner. Shorter fluid paths are also possible, thus reducing the overall pressure drop.

[0019] The sealing element preferably has a rear sealing seat, i.e., one facing the rear of the valve cartridge (hereinafter also referred to as the pressure regulating sealing seat), which corresponds to a front control edge of the pressure regulating valve piston, i.e., one facing the front of the valve cartridge (hereinafter also referred to as the pressure regulating control edge). The pressure regulating valve piston thus moves forward into the pressure regulating sealing seat and closes the pressure regulating valve by moving towards the front of the valve cartridge. Conversely, the pressure regulating valve opens by moving the pressure regulating valve piston towards the rear of the valve cartridge. The sealing element or the pressure regulating sealing seat is located completely or partially on the front of the pressure regulating valve piston and / or the control edge of the pressure regulating valve piston.In the simplest case, the pressure-regulating control edge forms the front end of the pressure-regulating poppet valve piston and / or a front-facing circumferential rim. The control edge of the pressure-regulating poppet valve piston thus forms the control edge for pressure regulation, that is, the control edge for controlling the flow of hydraulic oil in the working flow direction.

[0020] Preferably, the check valve of the valve cartridge according to the invention is also designed as a poppet valve, is hereinafter also referred to as a check poppet valve, and has a check poppet piston that is preferably also displaceable along the valve axis and is distinct from the sealing poppet valve piston. The cartridge case thus houses two poppet valves, which are preferably functionally and / or mechanically independent of each other, and preferably the check valve (in the cartridge case and / or on the valve axis) is arranged on a front side of the pressure regulating arrangement.

[0021] The check valve piston preferably has a rear control edge, i.e., facing the rear of the valve cartridge, which is hereinafter also referred to as the check control edge, and which corresponds to a front sealing seat, i.e., facing the front, which is hereinafter also referred to as the check sealing seat. The check sealing seat is preferably part of the sealing seat element or formed on a front side of the sealing seat element, so that the sealing seat element provides both sealing seats, i.e., the pressure regulating sealing seat and the check sealing seat, and is particularly preferably formed in one piece. Alternatively, however, the check sealing seat can also be arranged on a different sealing seat element or directly in the cartridge case.

[0022] The check valve piston moves towards the rear into the check valve seat and closes the check valve by moving towards the rear of the valve cartridge. Conversely, the check valve opens by moving the check valve piston towards the front of the valve cartridge. The sealing element, or check valve seat, is located completely or partially on the rear of the check valve piston and / or the control edge of the check valve piston. In the simplest case, the control edge of the check valve piston forms the rear end of the check valve piston. The control edge of the check valve piston thus forms the control edge for backflow, that is, the control edge for controlling the flow of hydraulic oil against the working flow direction.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the valve cartridge or cartridge case has, on its inner side, i.e., within the space enclosed by the cartridge case, an axial fluid chamber located on the front side (relative to the pressure-regulating sealing seat) and a radial fluid chamber located on the rear side (relative to the pressure-regulating sealing seat), i.e., radially outside the pressure-regulating seat valve piston. The axial fluid chamber on the front side thus forms a fluid chamber or pressure chamber on the front of the pressure-regulating sealing seat, which encloses the valve axis and is preferably cylindrical and / or rotationally symmetrical. The axial and radial fluid chambers on the front side are hydraulically connected or separated by opening or closing the pressure-regulating seat valve. The aforementioned design-related orThe working flow direction of the pressure regulating arrangement or the pressure regulating seat valve runs from the front, axial fluid chamber to the rear, radial fluid chamber. The return flow direction runs accordingly from the rear, radial fluid chamber to the front, axial fluid chamber.

[0024] The pressure-regulating poppet valve piston typically has a closed, flat, perpendicular, planar, and / or circular or annular front or axial end or surface, which is preferably radially bounded by the pressure-regulating control edge and / or forms a surface facing the front, preferably the front end of the poppet valve piston. In the simplest case, the axial front of the pressure-regulating poppet valve piston is thus designed as a completely or at least partially closed flat surface.

[0025] The pressure-regulating seat valve piston is preferably pot-shaped and / or open at the rear, particularly preferably completely open.

[0026] Preferably, the pressure regulating arrangement or pressure regulating seat valve further comprises a pressure regulating return spring that forces the pressure regulating seat valve piston (towards the front) into the pressure regulating sealing seat of the sealing seat element and which preferably forms part of the rear seat valve actuation or constitutes the rear seat valve actuation. The pressure regulating return spring is arranged on the rear side of the pressure regulating seat valve piston. Accordingly, without flow or pressure differences between the internal fluid chambers, the pressure regulating arrangement or pressure regulating seat valve is generally closed.

[0027] The check valve piston is preferably designed as a through-flow and / or cylindrical sleeve with an internal through-channel that typically extends in a straight line between a rear axial (and concentric) opening at the rear end of the check valve piston and a front axial (and concentric) opening at the front end. The rear axial opening is preferably radially limited by the check control edge, which particularly preferably also forms the rear axial end of the check valve piston. This allows for maximum flow along the valve axis through the check valve piston in both the working flow direction (i.e., towards the rear) and the backflow direction (i.e., towards the front).The through-channel, that is, the interior of the check valve piston, is part of the front-side, axial fluid space.

[0028] Preferably, the check valve also has a check return spring that pushes the check valve piston (towards the rear) in the direction of the check sealing seat.

[0029] Preferably, the rear sealing seat of the sealing seat element or the pressure-regulating sealing seat is a circular sealing seat and / or a conical seat, which is particularly preferably designed as an internal cone, i.e., as a cone whose diameter decreases away from the pressure-regulating seat valve piston or towards the front. The pressure-regulating sealing seat is thus conical and / or designed as a circular and / or rotationally symmetrical conical surface, the inner diameter of which preferably widens towards the rear.

[0030] Preferably, the control edge of the pressure-regulating seat valve piston is a circumferential, radially external control edge, which is accordingly circular and / or flat. The pressure-regulating control edge is thus a circumferential, front-facing radial edge, preferably with a right angle (90°) in cross-section.

[0031] Preferably, the front-side sealing seat or the check valve sealing seat is a circular sealing seat and / or a conical seat, which is particularly preferably designed as an external cone, that is, as a cone whose outer diameter increases away from the check valve piston or towards the rear. The check valve sealing seat is thus conical and / or designed as a circular and / or rotationally symmetrical conical surface, the outer diameter of which preferably tapers towards the front.

[0032] Preferably, the control edge of the check valve piston is a circumferential, rearward-facing control edge, which is accordingly circular and / or flat and serves to open and close the check valve. Preferably, the check valve control edge or the rear axial end of the check valve piston is designed as an external cone, with the (rear) tip of the external cone preferably forming the check valve control edge. The outer surface of the check valve piston and / or an outer surface of the check valve piston adjacent to the check valve control edge and / or the external cone itself lies within the rear radial fluid chamber or is hydraulically connected to it (possibly in the pressure regulating valve to be created), so that pressure in the rear radial fluid chamber acts on the check valve control edge or the external cone of the check valve piston.This creates a hydraulic contact surface on the check valve piston, causing the check valve to open at a predetermined pressure difference between the rear, radial fluid chamber and the front, axial fluid chamber, thus allowing backflow. Preferably, a surface normal of the outer cone of the check valve piston or the check control edge has an angle between 30° and 60° relative to the valve axis, more preferably an angle of 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, or 60°, where each of the aforementioned values ​​can also represent an upper or lower limit of the specified range.

[0033] Furthermore, the pressure-regulating poppet valve piston preferably has an axial guide section, and the cartridge case a corresponding axial pressure-regulating guide section, for guiding or supporting the pressure-regulating poppet valve piston for its movement along the valve axis. The guide section of the pressure-regulating poppet valve piston is generally an axially extended, radially outer region of the poppet valve piston, which preferably extends over the entire circumference of the pressure-regulating poppet valve piston, i.e., from the front to the rear end of the poppet valve piston, and / or has a constant cross-sectional area. In the simplest case, the guide section of the pressure-regulating poppet valve piston is a cylindrical and / or rotationally symmetrical region that has a circular cross-sectional area and / or a constant diameter at every point.In the simplest case, the pressure-regulating poppet valve piston is completely cylindrical on its radial outer surface. The pressure-regulating guide section of the cartridge case is a corresponding, usually axially extended, radially internal area of ​​the cartridge case with a constant cross-section. The pressure-regulating guide section (or a corresponding component) is fixedly arranged within the cartridge case and / or is part of the cartridge case or formed integrally with it, so that the pressure-regulating poppet valve piston is guided directly or indirectly through the cartridge case. Furthermore, the pressure-regulating guide section is part of the pressure-regulating assembly or the pressure-regulating poppet valve.In the simplest case, the pressure regulating guide section of the cartridge case is a cylindrical and / or rotationally symmetrical area in the cartridge case, which preferably has a circular cross-section and / or a constant diameter at every point.

[0034] The corresponding guide sections preferably create a seal or suppress axial leakage of hydraulic oil between the guide sections of the pressure-regulating seat valve piston and the cartridge case, and / or from a front side of the pressure-regulating guide section of the cartridge case to a rear side thereof. The cross-section or inner diameter of the pressure-regulating guide section of the cartridge case is accordingly (with regard to shape and / or size) essentially identical to the cross-sectional area or outer diameter of the guide section of the pressure-regulating seat valve piston, or identical plus a clearance. With respect to the diameter, the clearance is preferably in the range between 0.003 and 0.1 mm and is, for example, 0.003, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.08, or 0.1 mm, where each of the aforementioned values ​​can also represent an upper or lower limit of the specified range.The outer diameter of the guide section of the pressure-regulating seat valve piston and / or the inner diameter of the pressure-regulating guide section of the cartridge case are each preferably in the range of 3 to 30 mm and are, for example, 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, or 30 mm, where each of the aforementioned values ​​can also represent an upper or lower limit of the stated range. The axial length of the pressure-regulating guide section of the cartridge case and / or the guide section of the pressure-regulating seat valve piston is each preferably in the range of 3 to 30 mm and is, for example, 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, or 30 mm, where each of the stated values ​​can also represent an upper or lower limit of the stated range.

[0035] Furthermore, the check valve piston preferably has an axial guide section, and the cartridge case has a corresponding axial check valve guide section, for guiding or supporting the check valve piston for its movement along the valve axis, wherein the check valve guide section in the cartridge case is preferably arranged at the front of the pressure regulating guide section. The guide section of the check valve piston is generally an axially extended, radially outer region of the check valve piston, which preferably extends from a front or a front axial end of the check valve piston to the outer cone and / or has a constant cross-sectional area.In its simplest form, the guide section of the check valve piston is a cylindrical and / or rotationally symmetrical area that has a circular cross-sectional area and / or a constant diameter at every point. In the simplest case, the check valve piston consists on its radial outer surface of the outer cone and a completely cylindrical surface or section.

[0036] The recoil guide section of the cartridge case is a corresponding, typically axially extended, radially internal region of the cartridge case with a constant cross-section. The recoil guide section (or a corresponding component) is fixedly arranged within the cartridge case and / or is part of the cartridge case or formed integrally with it, so that the recoil valve piston is guided directly or indirectly through the cartridge case. Furthermore, the recoil guide section is part of the check valve. In the simplest case, the recoil guide section of the cartridge case is a cylindrical and / or rotationally symmetrical region within the cartridge case, preferably having a circular cross-section and / or a constant diameter at every point.

[0037] The corresponding guide sections preferably create a seal or suppress axial leakage of hydraulic oil between the guide sections of the check valve piston and the cartridge case, and / or from the rear side of the check valve guide section of the cartridge case to its front side. The cross-section or inner diameter of the check valve guide section of the cartridge case is accordingly (with respect to shape and / or size) essentially identical to the cross-sectional area or outer diameter of the guide section of the check valve piston, or identical plus a clearance. With respect to the diameter, the clearance is preferably in the range between 0.003 and 0.1 mm and is, for example, 0.003, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.08, or 0.1 mm, where each of the aforementioned values ​​can also represent an upper or lower limit of the specified range.The outer diameter of the guide section of the check valve piston and / or the inner diameter of the check guide section of the cartridge case are preferably in the range of 3 to 30 mm and are, for example, 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, or 30 mm, each of which can also represent an upper or lower limit of the specified range. The axial length of the check guide section of the cartridge case and / or the guide section of the check valve piston is preferably in the range of 3 to 30 mm and is, for example, 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, or 30 mm, each of which can also represent an upper or lower limit of the specified range.

[0038] Preferably, the pressure-regulating seat valve piston, the check valve seat piston, the sealing seat element, and / or the cartridge sleeve are each designed as a multi-part or one-piece component. In the former case, the respective component is assembled from several preferably one-piece components which (when the pressure-regulating valve is used as intended) are firmly connected to one another, preferably inseparably and / or not separable without damage.

[0039] Preferably, the pressure regulating seat valve piston, the pressure regulating control edge, the check valve seat piston, the check control edge, the pressure regulating sealing seat, the check sealing seat and / or the cartridge case each have a central axis that simultaneously forms the valve axis of the pressure regulating valve, i.e., the respective central axes coincide with each other and / or with the valve axis.

[0040] Accordingly, the pressure regulating seat valve piston, the pressure regulating control edge, the check valve piston, the check control edge, the sealing seat element, the pressure regulating sealing seat, the check sealing seat and / or the cartridge case are arranged concentrically to the valve axis.

[0041] Preferably, the pressure-regulating seat valve piston, the pressure-regulating control edge, the check valve seat piston, the check control edge, the sealing seat element, the pressure-regulating sealing seat, and / or the check sealing seat are each (completely) rotationally symmetrical around the valve axis. Preferably, the cartridge case has n-fold rotational symmetry, with n > 2 and integer, where n is preferably 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge case and the sealing seat element are designed as a single, one-piece component.

[0043] The valve cartridge or cartridge case is – as mentioned – designed or configured for insertion into a predetermined mounting recess, also referred to as an installation bore, for example, in a valve housing or valve block housing. It is preferably provided that, by inserting the valve cartridge or cartridge case into the predetermined installation bore, two outer (i.e., located on the outside of the cartridge case), preferably axially separated fluid chambers are created within the installation bore: a front, axial outer chamber and a rear, radial outer chamber, so that the outer chambers are hydraulically separated from each other when the valve cartridge is inserted (at least on the outside, i.e., when the pressure regulating seat valve and check valve are closed).

[0044] Preferably, the cartridge case has a circumferential sealing element on its outer surface for separating or forming the two outer chambers in the predetermined installation bore, preferably in the form of (exactly) one circumferential O-ring or sealing ring, or a plurality of circumferential O-rings or sealing rings, for example, two or three sealing rings, which are, for example, axially spaced apart. Furthermore, the cartridge case preferably has external fastening means, particularly preferably a thread and / or screw or threaded holes, for fastening the cartridge case in the installation bore.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge case has (exactly) one front axial fluid opening for hydraulically connecting the (internal) front axial fluid chamber of the cartridge case to the front axial external chamber. Preferably, the front axial fluid opening extends across the entire axial front face of the cartridge case, meaning the valve cartridge is completely open at the front. Furthermore, the cartridge case has at least one, preferably a plurality, radial fluid openings for hydraulically connecting the (internal) rear radial fluid chamber of the cartridge case to the rear radial external chamber, wherein the radial fluid openings are preferably arranged in a radial wall of the cartridge case. The radial fluid openings themselves, i.e., the recesses in the radial wall of the cartridge case, are part of the (internal) rear radial fluid chamber of the cartridge case.Preferably, the circumferential sealing agent is arranged axially on the outside of the cartridge case between the front axial fluid opening and the plurality of radial fluid openings.

[0046] The fluid openings, or all of them, are preferably (simple, especially circular) through-holes or bores in the cartridge case, each hydraulically connecting an inner side of the cartridge case to an outer side. The cartridge case is a component that, in the simplest case, has a continuous, completely closed, and / or fluid-tight surface between or outside these predetermined fluid openings—at least on its radial outer side or wall. The cartridge case preferably has no fluid connections. Preferably, the plurality of radial fluid openings comprises or consists of a first group and a second group of fluid openings. The radial fluid openings, or all of them, of a given group are preferably regularly distributed around the valve axis and / or arranged at the same axial height and / or identically designed.Preferably, the fluid openings of the first and second groups are axially spaced apart, i.e., arranged at different axial heights.

[0047] The radial fluid openings of the first group are preferably arranged on the rear side of the pressure-regulating sealing seat and / or hydraulically connect the outer side of the pressure-regulating control edge or the pressure-regulating seat valve piston to an outer side of the cartridge case, in particular the rear radial outer space in the installation bore, and / or have a longitudinal axis that runs perpendicular to the valve axis and / or are (completely) cylindrical. The radial fluid openings of the second group are preferably arranged partially or completely on the front side of the first group and / or to the check valve sealing seat and / or connect the outer side of the check valve control edge or the pressure-regulating seat piston to an outer side of the cartridge case, in particular the rear radial outer space in the installation bore, and / or have a longitudinal axis that runs perpendicular to the valve axis and / or are (completely) cylindrical.The outer cone of the check valve piston is hydraulically connected to an outer surface of the cartridge case, in particular the rear radial outer space in the installation bore, and / or have a longitudinal axis that is inclined at an angle to the valve axis, and / or are (completely) cylindrical. The inclination angle is preferably in the range between 30° and 60° and is preferably 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, or 60°, each of which can also represent an upper or lower limit of the specified range. Preferably, all radial fluid openings lead into the same fluid chamber and / or the rear radial outer space in the installation bore. The radial fluid openings of the second group thus form bypass openings or bypass bores for backflow.

[0048] The first and / or second group of radial fluid openings preferably has (for example, according to the rotational symmetry of the cartridge case) exactly n fluid openings with n > 2 and integer, where n is preferably 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

[0049] In the simplest case, both groups have the same number of fluid openings.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the valve cartridge or pressure regulating arrangement is designed for use as a main stage or main stage valve in a pilot-operated pressure regulating valve, or is suitable for forming a main stage in a pilot-operated pressure regulating valve. Preferably, the front axial end face or surface of the pressure regulating poppet valve piston or main stage valve piston, preferably on the valve axis, has a main stage throttle or piston orifice (in the otherwise closed front axial surface of the pressure regulating poppet valve piston or main stage valve piston) that separates the front axial fluid chamber of the cartridge sleeve or main stage valve housing from a pilot chamber or hydraulically connects it to one. The pilot chamber is generally a rear axial fluid chamber that comprises a rear interior space of the preferably cup-shaped main stage valve piston.

[0051] A pressure control valve according to the invention comprises a valve cartridge as described above and a preferably one-piece valve housing with (exactly) one installation bore or mounting recess into which the valve cartridge is inserted, wherein the installation bore is preferably designed as a cylindrical cavity.

[0052] Preferably, two or more (external) fluid connections are provided (exclusively) on the valve housing. Preferably, two or more (separate) fluid chambers or fluid channels are also provided within the valve housing, which particularly preferably hydraulically connect the mounting recess with the fluid connections, in particular the (above-mentioned) front axial external chamber with a first fluid connection and the rear radial external chamber with a second fluid connection.

[0053] Preferably, the pressure regulating valve is designed as a pilot-operated pressure regulating valve. Within the pilot-operated pressure regulating valve, the pressure regulating assembly or the pressure regulating seat valve of the valve cartridge then forms a main stage valve, and / or the cartridge case a main stage valve housing, and / or the pressure regulating seat piston a main stage valve piston, and / or the pressure regulating sealing seat a main stage sealing seat, and / or the pressure regulating return spring a main stage return spring. The main stage return spring forces the main stage valve piston into the main stage sealing seat, so that without flow or pressure differences between the internal fluid chambers of the cartridge case, the main stage valve is generally closed.

[0054] The pilot-operated pressure control valve further comprises a pilot stage with a pilot valve, arranged on the rear side of the main stage valve piston, and an actuator for actuating the pilot valve. The pilot stage and actuator together form the rear-side pressure control seat valve actuation, which actuates the pressure control arrangement or the main stage valve. Preferably, the actuator is a linear actuator, in particular a stepper motor, which generates linear motion via a gearbox or transmission, or a linear magnetic actuator with a magnetic armature moving in a straight line, generally along the valve axis. The pilot valve preferably has a ball valve element as its movable valve element, which preferably corresponds to and interacts with a conical seat, which is particularly preferably designed as an internal cone. Actuation of the pilot stage valve by the actuator then preferably occurs only by a push or...only by contacting an actuating element of the actuator on the ball valve element.

[0055] It is also conceivable to provide a multitude of valve cartridges or pressure regulating valves or pressure regulating valve units in a common valve block and, if necessary, to hydraulically connect or interconnect them. A valve block according to the invention comprises a preferably one-piece or multi-piece valve block housing with a multitude of mounting recesses or installation bores, into each of which a valve cartridge as described above is inserted, thus creating a pressure regulating valve unit. The installation bores are preferably each designed as a cylindrical cavity and / or are identical. Preferably, several (external) fluid connections are provided (exclusively) on the valve block housing. Preferably, the valve block housing also contains several (separate) fluid chambers or...Fluid channels are provided, which preferably hydraulically connect the mounting recesses with the fluid connections and / or the mounting recesses to each other.

[0056] Preferably, at least or exactly one of the multiple pressure control valve units is designed as a pilot-operated pressure control valve or as a pilot-operated pressure control valve unit. Alternatively, several or all of the pressure control valve units are designed as pilot-operated pressure control valves or pilot-operated pressure control valve units. These pilot-operated pressure control valve units or pilot-operated pressure control valves are preferably further configured as described above, wherein the actuators of the pressure control valves preferably operate independently of one another.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the valve block comprises (exactly) two valve cartridges or pressure regulating valves or pressure regulating valve units, the rear radial fluid chambers or rear radial external chambers of which are hydraulically connected to each other directly or via a fluid channel, and / or the front axial fluid chambers or front axial external chambers of which are hydraulically separated from each other and each is hydraulically connected directly or via a fluid channel to a fluid port. Preferably, the valve block has exactly two fluid ports. The present invention further comprises a shock absorber with one, two, or more of the valve cartridges described above, or with a pressure regulating valve as described above, or with a valve block as described above. In the simplest case, the shock absorber comprises a pressure cylinder in which an axially movable piston divides the volume of the pressure cylinder into two pressure chambers.

[0058] In an advantageous embodiment, the shock absorber comprises (exactly) one valve cartridge as described above or (exactly) one pressure regulating valve as described above, wherein (the) two fluid ports of the pressure regulating valve are hydraulically connected to the two pressure chambers of the shock absorber. This allows pressure regulation or active pressure control in at least or exactly one direction of movement of the shock absorber (rebound or compression stage) without requiring a separate check valve.

[0059] In a further advantageous embodiment, the shock absorber comprises exactly one valve block as described above with (exactly) two valve cartridges or pressure regulating valve units, wherein (the) two fluid connections of the valve block are hydraulically connected to the two pressure chambers of the shock absorber. This allows pressure regulation or active pressure control in both directions of movement of the shock absorber (rebound and compression) without requiring separate check valves.

[0060] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely schematic representations and the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown.

[0062] Figure 1 shows a valve cartridge,

[0063] Figure 2 shows a valve cartridge for a pilot-operated pressure regulating valve,

[0064] Figure 3 shows a pilot-operated pressure control valve,

[0065] Figure 4 shows a valve block, and Figure 5 shows a shock absorber.

[0066] FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0067] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of an embodiment of a valve cartridge 10 for a pressure regulating valve 1. The valve cartridge 10 comprises a cartridge sleeve 11 which houses a pressure regulating arrangement 12 in a rear area shown on the top side of Figure 1 and a check valve 14 in a front area shown on the underside of Figure 1.

[0068] The pressure regulating arrangement 12 is designed as a poppet valve and has a pressure regulating poppet valve piston 121 that is axially displaceable along a valve axis 1a and has a front-facing pressure regulating control edge 121a. Furthermore, the pressure regulating arrangement 12 has a pressure regulating sealing seat 122, which is formed in a sealing seat element 13. The pressure regulating poppet valve piston 121 also has a guide section 121c that corresponds to a pressure regulating guide section 112 of the cartridge case 11. The pressure regulating sealing seat 122 also corresponds to the pressure regulating control edge 121a, thereby controlling the hydraulic connection between a rear radial fluid chamber 124 and a front fluid chamber 144. The pressure regulating poppet valve piston 121 has a completely closed front axial end face 121b.Furthermore, the pressure regulating arrangement 12 has a pressure regulating return spring 123, which is supported on a rear component not shown in Figure 1 and forces the pressure regulating seat valve piston 121 into the pressure regulating sealing seat 122. The cartridge case 11 also has a first group of radial fluid openings 117a, which are designed as through-holes whose longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the valve axis 1a.

[0069] The check valve 14 is also designed as a poppet valve and comprises a check valve poppet piston 141 with a rear check control edge 141a, which corresponds to a check sealing seat 142, also formed in the sealing seat element 13. The sealing seat element 13 thus comprises a front check sealing seat 142 and a rear pressure regulating sealing seat 122. At the check control edge 141a, the check valve poppet piston 141 is designed as an external cone 141d, to which a guide section 141c of the check valve poppet 141 adjoins at the front, corresponding to a check guide section 114 of the cartridge case 11. The check valve 14 further comprises a check return spring 143, which forces the check seat valve piston 141 onto the check sealing seat 142 and is supported on a closing ring 118, which is arranged in the front axial fluid opening 116 of the cartridge case 11.The cartridge case further comprises a second group of radial fluid openings 117b, which are also designed as simple through-holes whose longitudinal axis runs at an angle of inclination of 45° to the valve axis 1a. The second group 17b of radial fluid openings 117 connects the outer cone 141d of the check valve piston 141 with the rear radial fluid chamber 124, so that the check control edge 141a together with the corresponding check sealing seat 142 also controls the hydraulic connection between the rear radial fluid chamber 124 and the front axial fluid chamber 144 comprising one interior space of the check valve piston 141.

[0070] The pressure regulating arrangement 12 regulates the flow in the working flow direction, which runs upwards in Figure 1, and the check valve 14 regulates the backflow, so that the valve cartridge 10 can be flowed through backwards.

[0071] Figure 2 shows a valve cartridge 10 for a pilot-operated pressure control valve 1 together with a pilot stage 20 comprising a pilot valve and an actuator 30. The actuator 30 controls the pilot stage 20, which together form a rear-side pressure control poppet valve actuator for the pressure control arrangement 12. The pressure control arrangement 12 forms the main stage or main stage valve of the pilot-operated pressure control valve 1 and has a main stage throttle 126, which is arranged in the front axial end face 121b of the pressure control poppet valve piston 121 and, in the illustrated embodiment, projects beyond the front end of the pressure control poppet valve piston 121 into the front axial fluid chamber 144. A pilot chamber 127 for the pilot-operated pressure control valve 1 is thus formed on the rear side of the main stage throttle 126.

[0072] Figure 3 shows a pilot-operated pressure control valve 1 comprising a valve cartridge 10 arranged in a mounting bore or recess 51 of a valve housing 50. The pilot stage 20 and the actuator 30 are also partially or completely inserted into the valve housing 50. Insertion of the valve cartridge 10 into the mounting bore 51 creates two fluid chambers external to the cartridge sleeve 11 by means of a circumferential sealing medium or an O-ring 115 of the valve cartridge 10: a front, axial chamber 54 and a rear, radial chamber 55, which hydraulically connects the radial fluid ports 117 to each other. The valve housing also has fluid channels 53 that hydraulically connect the mounting bore 51 and the two chambers 54 and 55 to external fluid ports 52.In an embodiment not shown, the pressure control valve 1 is not pilot-operated but directly controlled, so that an actuator 30 directly controls the seat valve piston 121.

[0073] Figure 4 shows a valve block 2 with a valve block housing 50 having two mounting bores 51, each containing a valve cartridge 10, so that the valve block 2 has two pressure regulating valve units. The valve block housing 50 further comprises a plurality of fluid channels 53, which connect the mounting bores 51 or the fluid chambers 124, 144 or external chambers 54, 55 with external fluid connections 52 and also to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear, radial fluid chambers 124 or external chambers 55 are hydraulically connected to each other via a fluid channel 53, and the front, axial fluid chambers 144 or external chambers 54 are hydraulically separated from each other and hydraulically connected to each of them via a fluid channel 53 with a fluid connection 52. The valve block has exactly two fluid connections.

[0074] In an embodiment not shown, the pressure control valve units are not pilot-operated, but directly controlled, so that each actuator 30 directly controls the respective pressure control seat valve piston 121.

[0075] Figure 5 shows a shock absorber 60 with a pressure cylinder 61 in which an axially movable piston 62 divides the volume of the pressure cylinder 61 into two pressure chambers 63. In the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorber 60 alternatively includes a pressure regulating valve 1 with two fluid connections 52, each connected to a pressure chamber 63 of the pressure cylinder 61 of the shock absorber 60. This enables pressure regulation or active pressure control in at least one direction of movement (rebound or compression) without requiring an additional check valve. In a further alternative, the shock absorber 60 comprises a valve block 2, such as the valve block 2 shown in Figure 4, which is designed with two fluid connections 52, each of whose two fluid connections 52 is connected to one of the two pressure chambers 63 of the pressure cylinder 61 of the shock absorber 60. This enables pressure regulation or active pressure control in at least one direction of movement (rebound or compression) without requiring an additional check valve.Active pressure control in both directions of movement (extension and compression) without the need for additional check valves. Reference symbol list.

[0076] 1 pressure regulating valve la valve shaft

[0077] 2 Valve block

[0078] 10 valve cartridges, main stage

[0079] 11 cartridge cases

[0080] 112 Pressure regulating guide section

[0081] 114 Recoil guide section

[0082] 115 Sealant, O-ring

[0083] 115a Fasteners

[0084] 116 Front axial fluid opening

[0085] 117 radial fluid openings

[0086] 117a first group

[0087] 117b second group

[0088] 118 End ring

[0089] 12 Pressure regulating arrangement, pressure regulating seat valve, main stage valve

[0090] 121 Pressure regulating seat valve piston, main stage valve piston

[0091] 121a Pressure regulating control edge

[0092] 121b front axial surface

[0093] 121c Guide Section

[0094] 122 Pressure regulating sealing seat, main stage sealing seat

[0095] 123 Pressure regulating return spring, main stage return spring

[0096] 124 rear radial fluid chamber

[0097] 126 Main stage choke

[0098] 127 Pilot chamber, rear axial fluid chamber

[0099] 13 Sealing seat element

[0100] 14 Check valve, non-return valve

[0101] 141 Check valve seat piston

[0102] 141a Check valve control edge, rear end b Rear axial opening c Guide section d Outer cone e Front axial end Check valve sealing seat Check valve return spring Front axial fluid chamber Pilot stage Actuator Valve housing Valve block housing Mounting recess, installation bore Fluid connections Fluid channel, fluid chamber Front axial outer chamber Rear radial outer chamber Shock absorber Pressure cylinder Piston Pressure chamber

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Valve cartridge (10) for a pressure regulating valve (1) with a cartridge sleeve (11), - wherein the cartridge case houses a pressure regulating arrangement (12) comprising a pressure regulating seat valve piston (121) axially displaceable along a valve axis (1a) and a sealing seat element (13) fixedly arranged in the cartridge case, and - wherein the cartridge case continues to house a non-return valve (14).

2. Valve cartridge (10) according to claim 1, - wherein the sealing seat element (13) has a rear pressure-regulating sealing seat (122) which corresponds to a front pressure-regulating control edge (121a) of the pressure-regulating seat valve piston (121), and - wherein the check valve (14) has a check seat valve piston (141) with a rear check control edge (141a) that corresponds to a front check sealing seat (142), which is preferably part of the sealing seat element (13), and / or - wherein the cartridge case (11) has a front axial fluid space (144) and a rear radial fluid space (124).

3. Valve cartridge (10) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the pressure regulating seat valve piston (121) has a closed, circular and / or annular front or axial surface (121b) which is preferably radially bounded by the pressure regulating control edge (121a), and / or - wherein the pressure-regulating seat valve piston is cup-shaped, and / or - wherein the pressure regulating arrangement (12) has a pressure regulating return spring (123) which forces the pressure regulating seat valve piston into the pressure regulating sealing seat (122), and / or - wherein the check valve piston (141) is designed as a sleeve in which a rear axial opening (141b) is limited by the check control edge (141a) and / or in which a rear end (141b) is designed as an external cone (141d), preferably with an angle between 30° and 60°, and / or - wherein the check valve (141) has a check return spring (143) which forces the check seat valve piston into the check sealing seat (142), and / or - wherein the pressure-regulating sealing seat (122) is a conical seat, preferably designed as an internal cone, and / or - wherein the pressure regulating control edge (121a) is circular and / or flat, and / or - wherein the check valve sealing seat (142) is a conical seat, preferably designed as an external cone, and / or - wherein the return control edge (141a) is circular and / or flat and preferably designed as an external cone, particularly preferably with an angle between 30° and 60°.

4. Valve cartridge (10) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the pressure regulating seat valve piston (121) has a guide section (121c) and the cartridge case (11) has a corresponding pressure regulating guide section (112), and wherein the guide section of the pressure regulating seat valve piston preferably extends over the entire length of the pressure regulating seat valve piston, and / or - wherein the check valve piston (141) has a guide section (141c) and the cartridge case (11) has a corresponding check guide section (114) and wherein the guide section of the check valve piston preferably extends from a front axial end (141e) to the outer cone (141d).

5. Valve cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure regulating seat valve piston (121), the check valve seat piston (141), the sealing seat element (13) and / or the cartridge case (11) - are designed in multiple parts or as a single piece, and / or - each have a central axis, which preferably also forms the valve axis (1a), and / or - are arranged concentrically to the valve axis, and / or wherein the pressure regulating seat valve piston, the check valve seat piston and / or the sealing seat element are rotationally symmetrical, and / or wherein the cartridge case has n-fold rotational symmetry with n > 2 and integer, where n is preferably 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, and / or wherein the cartridge case and the sealing seat element are formed as a common, one-piece component.

6. Valve cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the cartridge case (11) has on the outside a circumferential sealing means (115), preferably an O-ring and / or fastening means (115a), particularly preferably a thread, and / or - wherein the cartridge case has a front-side axial fluid opening (116) and a plurality of radial fluid openings (117), wherein the circumferential sealing medium is preferably located on the outside of the cartridge case is arranged axially between the front axial fluid opening and the plurality of radial fluid openings, and / or - wherein the plurality of radial fluid openings (117) is formed by a first group (117a) and a second group (117b) of fluid openings which are preferably axially spaced, and / or - wherein the radial fluid openings of the first group (117a) are arranged rearward to the pressure regulating sealing seat (122) and / or connect the pressure regulating control edge (121a) to an outer surface of the cartridge case and / or have a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the valve axis (1a), and / or - wherein the radial fluid openings of the second group (117b) are arranged at the front of the check valve sealing seat (142) and / or connect the check valve control edge (141a) to the outside of the cartridge case and / or have a longitudinal axis which has an inclination angle between 30° and 60° relative to the valve axis.

7. Valve cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the valve cartridge (10) is designed as the main stage for a pilot-operated pressure regulating valve, and / or - wherein the front axial surface (121b) of the main stage valve piston (121) has a main stage throttle (126) that separates the front axial fluid space (144) from a pilot space (127) which preferably comprises an interior of the main stage valve piston.

8. Pressure regulating valve (1) comprising - a valve cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, and - a valve housing (50) with a mounting recess (51) into which the valve cartridge (10) is inserted, wherein preferably - several fluid connections (52) are provided on the valve housing and / or - several fluid channels (53) are provided in the valve housing, which preferably hydraulically connect the mounting recess to the fluid connections, and / or wherein the pressure control valve is designed as a pilot-operated pressure control valve, and - the valve cartridge (10) forms a main stage for the pilot-operated pressure regulating valve, and / or - the pressure regulating arrangement (12) forms a main stage valve, the cartridge case (11) a main stage valve housing and / or the pressure regulating seat valve piston (121) a preferably cup-shaped main stage valve piston, and / or - the pressure control valve has a pilot stage (20) with a pilot valve and an actuator (30) for controlling the pilot valve.

9. Valve block (2) comprising a valve block housing (50) with a plurality of mounting recesses (51) into which a valve cartridge (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 is inserted to form a plurality of pressure regulating valves or pressure regulating valve units, wherein preferably - several fluid connections (52) are provided on the valve block housing and / or - several fluid channels (53) are provided in the valve block housing, which particularly preferably connect the mounting recesses with the fluid connections and / or to each other, and / or wherein at least one pressure regulating valve unit is designed as a pilot-operated pressure regulating valve, and - whose valve cartridge (10) forms a main stage for the pilot-operated pressure regulating valve, and / or - the pressure regulating arrangement (12) of which forms a main stage valve, the cartridge case (11) a main stage valve housing and / or the pressure regulating seat valve piston (121) a preferably cup-shaped main stage valve piston, and / or - the pressure control valve has a pilot stage (20) with a pilot valve and an actuator (30) for controlling the pilot valve.

10. Valve block (2) according to claim 9 comprising two valve cartridges (10) whose rear radial fluid spaces (124) are connected to each other and / or whose front axial fluid spaces (144) are separated from each other and connected to a fluid port (52), wherein the valve block preferably has exactly two fluid ports (52).

11. Shock absorber (60) comprising one, two or more valve cartridges (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and / or a pressure regulating valve (1) according to claim 8 and / or a valve block (2) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising two pressure chambers (63) each connected to a fluid port (52), wherein preferably each of the fluid ports connected to the pressure chambers is connected to a front axial fluid space (54).

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