Damper system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a damper system comprising an outer tube (1), an inner tube (3) located inside the outer tube (1) and an intermediate tube (2) located between the outer tube (1) and the inner tube (3), comprising an intermediate chamber (13) located between the intermediate tube (2) and the inner tube (3). The damper system comprises a compression solenoid valve (7) and a traction solenoid valve (8) which are located on a side of the outer tube (1) and are configured to limit the longitudinal movement of the rod (4) by regulating a flow of damping fluid between the intermediate chamber (13) and the expansion chamber (12). The damper system also comprises a separator element (6), fitted between the intermediate tube (2) and the inner tube (3), which is configured to restrict or limit the flow of damping fluid from the intermediate chamber (13) into the compression solenoid valve (7), and channel the damping fluid from the intermediate chamber (13) to the traction solenoid valve (8), when the rod (4) moves longitudinally in the direction of extension; and to restrict the flow of damping fluid from the intermediate chamber (13) into the traction solenoid valve (8), and channel the damping fluid from the intermediate chamber (13) to the compression solenoid valve (7), when the rod (4) moves longitudinally in the direction of compression.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SHOCK ABSORPTION SYSTEM

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The invention consists of a system capable of dividing the space or cavity created between two hydraulic cylinders into two hydraulically separated spaces or zones, restricting the passage of the hydraulic fluid while allowing the gas dissolved in it to be expelled, and regardless of the position of the inlet / outlet holes of the hydraulic connections that connect each of these two spaces to the outside.

[0005] The field of technology in which the invention is found is that of hydraulically operated devices, in particular, hydraulic shock absorbers for vehicles, such as those used in automobiles.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A shock absorber is a device designed to dampen the oscillations of a car's suspension until it returns to its equilibrium position by dissipating kinetic energy. In this way, the shock absorber significantly influences both the stability and comfort of a car. In fact, the adjustment of the hydraulic damping it generates represents a compromise between these two factors.

[0008] Stability: Dynamic vehicle control is achieved at low extension or compression speeds of the suspension and low oscillation frequencies, corresponding to the natural frequency of the sprung mass (passenger car), typically in the 1-1.5 Hz range for passenger cars. This operating regime requires a high level of damping, i.e., high hydraulic loads.

[0009] Comfort: This is primarily related to medium and high extension and compression speeds of the suspension, which occur at medium to high oscillation frequencies. The reference frequency is the natural frequency of the unsprung mass (wheel suspension), typically in the 8-15 Hz range for passenger cars. A higher degree of comfort is achieved with a reduced level of damping, which decouples wheel movement from chassis oscillations. Therefore, it is desirable for the damper to be able to adjust its load level to the characteristics of the oscillations it is designed to dampen.

[0010] Electronic shock absorbers use solenoid valves to control the shock absorber's load level, adjusting it to the oscillations it needs to dampen. They also use an intermediate tube, concentric with the inner tube, to hydraulically connect the working chamber to the solenoid valve.

[0011] When the electronic shock absorber comprises two control solenoid valves, one to control compression movements and the other for extension movements, the solenoid valves are normally located at different heights in the shock absorber body and two separate intermediate tubes are used, separated by tonneau seals.

[0012] This arrangement occupies a certain space that is not always available in the vehicle due to the elements of the suspension system, so it is necessary to place the solenoid valves in other positions that are not possible with current designs due to the limitations caused by the shock absorber components.

[0013] Documents WO2022112185 and US20230213080 disclose possible solutions for locating the valves in positions other than the usual one, both focused on an arrangement of the solenoid valves at the same height and 180° apart.

[0014] For example, document WO2022112185 describes, in a general way, this type of damper that introduces two possible solutions: dividing the intermediate tube into two, with a sealing element between them, which divides the space between the intermediate tube and the inner tube into two hydraulically independent spaces; using an intermediate tube to connect the expansion chamber with the expansion solenoid valve and connecting the compression solenoid valve with the compression chamber through the inner tube.

[0015] On the other hand, document US20230213080 describes this type of damper in much greater detail, introducing a solution using an inclined elliptical sealing element located between the intermediate and inner tubes. The document's description and images focus on damper configurations with the solenoid valves positioned at the same height and 180° apart, although a specific configuration is not indicated. While this solution allows for different damper configurations, it is difficult to implement.

[0016] On the other hand, the design described in document US20230213080 has two main drawbacks or difficulties. It is a difficult system to manufacture and assemble because, firstly, the joint support rings must be rigidly attached to the intermediate tube. The document does not specify exactly how to do this, but it proposes welding the support rings to the intermediate tube, which is a complex process for two reasons: firstly, the support rings must be positioned inside the tube in a specific location with a tight tolerance; and secondly, there is a risk of deformation resulting from the welding process, which could cause difficulties when inserting the inner tube. This inner tube is a precision component that cannot be deformed, as it is the tube through which the shock absorber piston slides.

[0017] Before inserting the inner tube, the elliptical gasket must be positioned in the inclined groove created by the support rings. This type of gasket is not standard and its use is not widespread in industry. The gasket assembly operation is complex due to its angled position, which complicates the design of the assembly tooling, and because it is located inside the tube at a certain distance from the edge, making access for the tooling difficult. Once the gasket is mounted inside the intermediate tube with the support rings, the inner tube must be inserted. This carries a high risk of pinching and cutting the gasket, or even pulling it out of the groove, since the force applied to the gasket during insertion is not symmetrical, preventing it from being held in place.

[0018] Another drawback of the proposed solution is the use of airtight seals, employing rubber gaskets that prevent oil from passing through, but also prevent the passage of the gas that dissolves in the oil during shock absorber operation. In conventional shock absorbers, which use flat metal-to-metal seals that are not perfectly airtight, this gas escapes through these seals and returns to the shock absorber's expansion chamber. However, in electronic shock absorbers that comprise one or two intermediate tubes sealed with rubber gaskets, this gas accumulates in the upper part of both the compression and extension chambers, next to the rubber gasket. This creates a gas chamber within the shock absorber's working chambers that can be compressed when pressure is applied, which does not occur with only incompressible oil.This situation results in a delay in force generation when the shock absorber is working under these conditions, due to the compression of the accumulated gas, and therefore a malfunction of the shock absorber.

[0019] This effect is well-known in the industry and is the main difference between monotube and twin-tube shock absorbers. While in monotube shock absorbers the gas is isolated in a separate chamber with a hermetic seal (usually using solid joints with floating pistons), in twin-tube shock absorbers there is no physical separation between the shock absorber oil and the gas.

[0020] Managing dissolved gas in the oil of twin-tube shock absorbers is one of the industry's major challenges, and solutions exist to eliminate or mitigate it, such as non-airtight metal-to-metal flat seals. Another clear example is the system implemented in single-valve electronic shock absorbers, which use a single intermediate tube with a rubber seal at the top. In this case, the intermediate chamber is connected to the inner compression chamber at the top, and from there, the accumulated gas is released into the expansion chamber through the clearance between the piston rod and the guide, which allows gas passage while significantly restricting oil flow.

[0021] The present invention consists of a damping system that can have two different solenoid valves, arranged transversely, at intermediate heights, capable of discharging the gas dissolved in the damping fluid, preventing its accumulation in the working chambers of the damper, such as the traction and compression chambers, maintaining two hydraulically differentiated spaces that communicate said chambers with their corresponding solenoid valve.

[0022] The described configuration facilitates the assembly of the damping system components, and is easy to implement in current damping systems.

[0023] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The invention consists of a damping system, as defined in the background information, comprising an outer tube, an inner tube located inside the outer tube, and an intermediate tube located between the outer and inner tubes; wherein the inner, outer, and intermediate tubes are straight and oriented in a longitudinal direction. Preferably, these tubes are all cylindrical and concentric to ensure a regular pressure distribution within them.

[0025] The damping system also comprises a rod configured to move longitudinally along the outer tube, between two ends, and a piston attached to a first end of the rod, which is movable longitudinally inside the inner tube, between a first tension end and a second compression end. That is, similar to shock absorbers in the prior art, where the rod can be attached at one end to the sprung mass of a vehicle, and the other end is attached to the piston, which slides inside the shock absorber.

[0026] Both the arrangement of the tubes and the piston define the chambers of the damping system. On one hand, this system comprises a tension chamber located inside the inner tube, between the piston and the first (tension) end of said inner tube, and a compression chamber located inside the inner tube, between the piston and the second (compression) end of said inner tube. That is to say, the piston defines the damping chambers of the shock absorber within the inner tube, and its movement generates the damping force of the vehicle's suspension. Since the piston is a sliding element, as is typical, the separation between the tension and compression chambers is not completely sealed, but rather allows a small passage of damping fluid between them.

[0027] On the other hand, the damping system also comprises an expansion chamber located between the outer tube and the intermediate tube, and an intermediate chamber located between the intermediate tube and the inner tube.

[0028] Obviously, the damping system also includes a damping fluid, which is normally oil, as it has characteristics suitable for use in these systems, being configured to flow between the traction, compression, expansion and intermediate chambers of the damping system, as well as through the solenoid valves, to allow the damping of the piston's displacement.

[0029] The damping system also includes a gas, under a certain pressure, which, along with a portion of the damping fluid, is contained in the expansion chamber, with no physical separation between the gas and the damping fluid. The function of this expansion chamber is to supply damping fluid to the compression chamber when the piston rod extends relative to the tubes, as well as to supply damping fluid to the extension chamber and receive it from the compression chamber when the piston rod compresses.

[0030] To regulate the damping loads, in order to adjust the stability and comfort indicated in the background, the damping system comprises a compression solenoid valve, attached to a first section located in an intermediate part of the outer tube, and preferably oriented in a first transverse or substantially transverse direction, configured to control a first flow of damping fluid between the intermediate chamber and the expansion chamber; and a tension solenoid valve, attached to a second section of the outer tube, also preferably oriented in a second transverse or substantially transverse direction, configured to control a second flow of damping fluid between the intermediate chamber and the expansion chamber.In both cases, the damping fluid in the intermediate chamber comes from the fluid inside the inner tube, either in the traction chamber, which is directed to the intermediate chamber and from there to the traction solenoid valve, when the stem makes an expansion movement with respect to the tubes, or in the compression chamber, which is directed to the intermediate chamber and from there to the compression solenoid valve, when the stem makes a compression movement.

[0031] To control the flow of damping fluid, both solenoid valves are connected to separate holes in the outer and intermediate tubes, to provide access to the expansion chamber and the intermediate chamber.

[0032] In the damping system, the piston rod is configured to extend relative to the outer tube, moving the piston along with it. This piston pushes the damping fluid from the extension chamber into the intermediate chamber through at least one through-hole in the inner tube, which connects the extension chamber to the intermediate chamber. The piston rod is also configured to compress relative to the outer tube, in the opposite direction to extension, moving the piston along with it. In this position, the piston pushes the damping fluid from the compression chamber into the intermediate chamber through at least one through-hole in the inner tube, which connects the compression chamber to the intermediate chamber.

[0033] What distinguishes the claimed damping system from those existing in the prior art is that this system comprises an intermediate dividing element, fitted between the intermediate tube and the inner tube, dividing the intermediate chamber into a lower intermediate chamber and an upper intermediate chamber. This dividing element is configured to restrict or limit the entry of damping fluid from the intermediate chamber to the compression solenoid valve, and to channel the fluid from said intermediate chamber to the extension solenoid valve when the piston rod undergoes longitudinal displacement in the extension direction.Similarly, the dividing element is configured to restrict or limit the entry of the damping fluid from the intermediate chamber, coming from the compression chamber, to the traction solenoid valve, and to channel the fluid to the compression solenoid valve, when the stem performs a longitudinal compression displacement.

[0034] The terms “restrict” or “limit” are used because the dividing element is not completely watertight, as it may allow the passage of a fluid (liquid or gas) through the tight fit.

[0035] Preferably, this intermediate divider is based on the concept of a hydraulic labyrinth seal. A hydraulic space is created between the intermediate tube and the inner tube, responsible for directing the hydraulic fluid from the working chambers (tension or compression) to the corresponding solenoid valve. This requires dividing the space between the inner tube and the intermediate tube into two hydraulic spaces that maintain the necessary pressure differential between the tension and compression chambers. This division of the space between the intermediate tube and the inner tube into two intermediate chambers is achieved by the intermediate divider, which is positioned between the two tubes, restricting the flow of damping fluid and creating an upper and a lower intermediate chamber.A labyrinth seal consists of a series of grooves or chambers that fit around a central axis, forcing the fluid to travel a long and difficult path to escape. In other words, it's not a hermetic or airtight seal, per se. It's a widely used concept, for example, in the pistons of combustion engines, where they are used to retain oil and generate high pressures during the compression and combustion strokes.

[0036] In this way, the dividing element restricts the flow of damping fluid, creating a labyrinth both on its outer surface with the inner surface of the intermediate tube, and on its inner surface with the outer surface of the inner tube, generating a pressure differential between the two resulting intermediate chambers. In an embodiment detailed later, to create this hydraulic labyrinth, the intermediate element includes two or more ribs on its outer and inner surfaces.

[0037] In one embodiment, the dividing element is fitted between the intermediate tube and the inner tube and comprises a conduit-shaped element, preferably cylindrical, with a cross-section equal to that of the intermediate chamber. "Conduit-shaped" means that it is like a tube as defined, straight and hollow inside. The dividing element comprises a first window consisting of a lateral opening connected to a first open end of said conduit, and a second window consisting of an opening connected to a second end of the conduit. The first window, together with a first through-hole in the intermediate tube, provides a passageway for the fluid between the intermediate chamber and the traction solenoid valve, and the second window, together with a second through-hole in the intermediate tube, provides a passageway for the damping fluid between the intermediate chamber and the compression solenoid valve.

[0038] Thus, when the shock absorber begins an extension movement, the damping fluid in the extension chamber (or upper chamber) is displaced by the piston and directed to the upper intermediate chamber through at least one upper orifice in the inner tube. Simultaneously, the damping fluid already present in this upper intermediate chamber is displaced, flowing through the free space created by the first window of the dividing element until it reaches the first intermediate orifice of the intermediate tube, which is hydraulically connected to the extension solenoid valve. This free space offers less resistance to the fluid's flow than the resistance encountered between the walls of the inner tube and the intermediate tube connected to the dividing element, preventing the damping fluid from reaching the compression solenoid valve.

[0039] On the other hand, when the damping system initiates a compression movement, the damping fluid from the compression chamber (lower chamber) is displaced and flows into the lower intermediate chamber through at least one lower orifice in the inner tube. Simultaneously, the compression fluid present in this lower intermediate chamber is displaced, flowing through the free space created by the second window of the dividing element until it reaches the second intermediate orifice of the intermediate tube, which is hydraulically connected to the compression solenoid valve. This is because the free space created by the second window offers less resistance to the fluid's flow than the resistance encountered when flowing towards the traction solenoid valve.

[0040] In one embodiment, the dividing element comprises: a cylindrical outer surface in contact with the intermediate tube, comprising two or more outer ribs spaced by an outer groove, where a maximum height of said two or more outer ribs comprises a tight connection with the intermediate tube, with a clearance less than a clearance between the outer groove and said intermediate tube; and a cylindrical inner surface in contact with the inner tube, comprising two or more inner ribs spaced by an inner groove, where a maximum height of said two or more inner ribs comprises a tight connection with the inner tube, with a clearance less than a clearance between the inner groove and said inner tube.

[0041] In other words, there is a small clearance between the ribs of the dividing element and the tubes, which creates high resistance to the flow of the damping fluid, resulting in a pressure drop. In the grooves, the clearance is larger, creating a space that the fluid must fill before flowing through the gap between the next rib and the tubes, where the resistance to fluid flow is greatest. This creates the hydraulic labyrinth seal concept mentioned earlier. The ribs are designed so that the clearance with the inner and intermediate tubes is reduced at the rib's maximum height, creating a narrowing in the oil passage area. This generates a pressure drop that is proportional to the rib's height and length.

[0042] The tight connection between the outer and inner ribs, respectively, with the intermediate tube and the inner tube is configured: to limit the passage of damping fluid, in said tight connection, between the lower intermediate chamber and the upper intermediate chamber, directing the damping fluid, through the windows, towards the solenoid valves, when a longitudinal displacement of the piston is generated, and to channel the passage of a gas accumulated in the lower intermediate chamber towards the expansion chamber (through the upper closure of the intermediate tube).

[0043] In other words, the rib configuration with the grooves comprises a labyrinth seal designed to channel a controlled flow of gas through the intermediate chamber (between the lower and upper intermediate chambers) to the expansion chamber, while impeding the flow of damping fluid, creating a tight, permeable seal. Therefore, the gas dissolved in the shock absorber's compression chamber is prevented from becoming trapped and accumulating in the upper part of the lower intermediate chamber. By preventing this gas accumulation, delays in force generation due to the compression of this accumulated gas are avoided, thus preventing shock absorber malfunction.

[0044] In one embodiment, it could be the case that only one of the two surfaces, inner or outer, of the dividing element has defined ribs to allow the passage of gas generated in the tension and compression chambers. The other surface, either outer or inner, could be smooth, without ribs. In this way, the dividing element would have an outer surface and an inner surface, where at least one of these surfaces has ribs spaced by a groove, the maximum height of which includes a tight fit with the adjacent tube (either the inner or intermediate tube) with a clearance less than the clearance between the groove and said tube. The tight fit between the ribs and the tube would restrict the passage of damping fluid at said tight fit and channel the passage of a gas.Depending on the pressure difference between the two intermediate chambers defined by the dividing element, this element may include more or fewer ribs to restrict or permit the flow of the damping fluid. Furthermore, the ribs may have different geometries and varying clearances between themselves and the tubes, resulting in a progressive pressure drop between the upper and lower intermediate chambers.

[0045] For example, in one embodiment, the clearance between the maximum height of one of the outer ribs and the intermediate tube may differ from the clearance between the maximum height of another outer rib and the intermediate tube. Similarly, in a compatible embodiment, the clearance between the maximum height of one of the inner ribs and the inner tube may differ from the clearance between the maximum height of another inner rib and the inner tube. This means that not all ribs have to be the same, nor does the fit with the inner or intermediate tubes have to be the same, as it depends on the required pressure drop.

[0046] In one embodiment, the inner and outer ribs border the first and second windows of the dividing element. The ribs that create the labyrinth restricting the flow of oil must be positioned bordering these windows, so that the damping fluid must travel the path created by the labyrinth to flow from one window to the other.

[0047] In one embodiment, at least one of the outer ribs and / or one of the inner ribs comprises a rectangular or triangular cross-section. Thus, the ribs can have different designs, depending on the required pressure drop.

[0048] In one embodiment, the damping system comprises a valve support connected to a lower end portion of the outer tube. This support may also be connected to the inner tube and the intermediate tube.

[0049] In one embodiment, the damping system comprises a rod guide connected to an upper end portion of the outer tube. This guide may also be connected to the inner tube and the intermediate tube.

[0050] In one embodiment, the divider element comprises a protruding element that locates and adjusts to a notch in the inner and / or intermediate tube. This protruding element is preferably located at a lower or upper end of the divider element, and the notch is preferably located at a lower or upper end of the inner and / or intermediate tube. This protruding element facilitates the mounting or assembly of the divider element within the tubes, ensuring a position requiring high precision for proper component operation. The notch may be a through or blind opening, sufficient to ensure the assembly of the divider element with the tubes.

[0051] In some designs where, depending on the requirements, the solenoid valves are located a certain distance from the bottom of the damping system, a portion of the dividing element must be extended relative to the windows—specifically, the wall on which the locating protruding element is located—to allow it to be positioned at the bottom or top of the damper. This locating protruding element may have different designs and positions depending on the damper configuration.

[0052] In one embodiment, the locating protruding element of the divider is situated between the intermediate tube and the valve support, on a lower portion of the divider. In this embodiment, the protruding element can be fitted between two elements of the damping system, allowing for precise adjustment and eliminating the need for a notch or opening in an intermediate portion of the intermediate tube.

[0053] In one embodiment, the dividing element comprises a cylindrical strip housed between the valve support and the intermediate tube, acting as a gasket, which delimits the lower intermediate chamber at its lower end. This cylindrical strip can also serve as a locating protruding element.

[0054] In one embodiment, the intermediate tube comprises two separate parts joined by a connection secured by the dividing element, for example, by two concentric circular grooves. That is, in this embodiment, the intermediate tube consists of two separate tubes, with the dividing element acting as a connector between them (while still fulfilling its functions of allowing gas leakage and separating the chamber created between the two parts of the intermediate tube and the inner tube). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protruding locating element is not required, since the position of the dividing element is determined by the lengths of the intermediate tubes.

[0055] In one embodiment, the traction solenoid valve and the compression solenoid valve are located at the same height and transverse direction with respect to the outer tube. In this embodiment, it is possible for the windows of the dividing element to be at the same height but in different transverse directions.

[0056] In another embodiment, the traction solenoid valve and the compression solenoid valve are located at different heights and transverse directions with respect to the outer tube.

[0057] In other words, the dividing element is compatible with the solenoid valves being at the same height or at different heights with respect to the pipes.

[0058] In one embodiment, the traction solenoid valve and the compression solenoid valve are oriented at an angle between 0 oand 180° with respect to a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubes. This orientation depends on whether the solenoid valves are at the same or different heights. That is, if they are at the same height, they should be at a sufficiently wide angle so that they do not overlap. Similarly, if they are at different heights, they could be inclined at 0 o , one with respect to the other, which would require that the windows of the dividing element be in the same transverse direction, but at a different height.

[0059] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] To complete the description and to aid in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive document is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by figures which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, depict the following:

[0061] Figure 1A shows a side perspective view of the damping system with the solenoid valves arranged at 90° and at different heights relative to the outer tube. Figure 1B shows a plan view of the damping system in Figure 1A.

[0062] Figure 2A.- Represents a side perspective view of the damping system with an arrangement of solenoid valves at 180° and being at the same height between them with respect to the outer tube.

[0063] Figure 2B.- Represents a plan view of the damper system of Figure 2A.

[0064] Figure 3A.- Represents a side perspective view of the damping system with the solenoid valves arranged at 100° and at the same height with respect to the outer tube.

[0065] Figure 3B.- Represents a plan view of the damper system of Figure 3A.

[0066] Figures 4A and 4B show two cross-sectional elevation views of the damping system depicted in Figures 1A and 1B, showing the compression solenoid valve and the extension solenoid valve sections. These views reveal the internal components of the damping system, as well as the arrangement of the dividing element within the intermediate chamber. Figures 5A and 5B show detailed views of the cross-sectional elevations shown in Figures 4A and 4B, clearly illustrating the arrangement of the dividing element within the intermediate chamber relative to the tubes and solenoid valves.

[0067] Figure 6A shows a cross-sectional profile view of a portion of the dividing element, including the outer and inner ribs separated by their respective grooves. This particular figure illustrates an embodiment in which the dividing element comprises four ribs, creating two inner and two outer barriers with constant clearance, and an elongated rectangular cross-section.

[0068] Figure 6B shows a profile view, similar to that shown in Figure 6A, where the dividing element comprises four ribs, creating two inner and two outer barriers with constant clearance and a triangular cross-section. Figure 6C shows a profile view, similar to that shown in Figure 6A, where the dividing element comprises a configuration of five ribs, creating two inner and three outer barriers with variable clearance between the ribs and an elongated rectangular cross-section.

[0069] Figure 6D.- Shows a profile view, similar to that shown in Figure 6A, where the dividing element comprises a configuration of six ribs, generating three inner and three outer triangular barriers (one rectangular and two triangular).

[0070] Figures 7A-7E.- Show five perspective views, front and cut front and cut profile of the same dividing element, where you can see the interior and exterior rectangular ribs, the exterior and interior grooves, the locating protruding element, as well as the windows of the dividing element.

[0071] Figures 8A and 8B show two cross-sectional elevation views of the damping system depicted in Figures 3A and 3B, showing the compression solenoid valve and the extension solenoid valve sections, respectively. These figures reveal the internal components of the damping system, as well as the arrangement of the dividing element within the intermediate chamber. It can be seen that the solenoid valves are positioned slightly away from the lower end of the tubes, such that the dividing element comprises an elongated wall where the protruding element is mounted to a notch, shaped like a through-hole in the inner tube, also located at a lower end of the inner tube.

[0072] Figures 9A and 9B.- Represent two perspective views of the dividing element of the damping system shown in Figures 8A and 8B, where the elongated wall with the protruding element at a lower extreme can be easily seen.

[0073] Figure 10A.- Represents an elevation view, cut in half, at the height of the compression solenoid valve, in detail, as shown in Figure 5A, where the protruding, locating element of the dividing element, inserted into a through notch of an intermediate tube, can be clearly seen.

[0074] Figure 10B.- Represents a half-section elevation view at the height of the compression solenoid valve, in detail, as shown in Figure 10A, where the dividing element comprises a cylindrical strip housed between the valve support and the intermediate tube that delimits the lower intermediate chamber at a lower extreme part.

[0075] Figure 10C.- Represents a cross-section elevation view at the level of the tension and compression solenoid valves, in detail, where the intermediate tube comprises two separate parts joined by a fitting connected by the dividing element. List of elements shown in the figures:

[0076] 1.- Outer tube

[0077] 2.- Intermediate tube

[0078] 3.- Inner tube

[0079] 4.- Stem

[0080] 5.- Piston

[0081] 6. Dividing element

[0082] 7.- Compression solenoid valve

[0083] 8.- Traction solenoid valve

[0084] 9.- Valve support

[0085] 10.- Traction camera

[0086] 11.- Compression chamber

[0087] 12.- Expansion chamber

[0088] 13.- Intermediate Chamber

[0089] 20.- Top hole

[0090] 21.- Lower hole

[0091] 22.- First intermediate hole

[0092] 23.- Second intermediate hole

[0093] 24.- First window

[0094] 25.- Second window

[0095] 26.- External nerve

[0096] 27.- Outer slot

[0097] 28.- Internal nerve

[0098] 29.- Inner slot

[0099] 30.- Outgoing element

[0100] 31.- Notch

[0101] 32.- Cylindrical strip

[0102] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0103] The present invention consists of a damping system or a damper with specific design characteristics, which can be seen in figures 1A-3A, 1B-3B.

[0104] These figures show different damping systems comprising a tension solenoid valve (8) and a compression solenoid valve (7), both located in different parts or intermediate sections of the outer tube (1) of the damping system. As can be seen in Figures 1A-3A and 1B-3B, the solenoid valves (7, 8) are oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction defined by the tubes (1, 2, 3) of the damping system. More specifically, each solenoid valve (7, 8) is located inside a corresponding tube oriented transversely. This arrangement is due to the different design requirements of damping systems, such as for use in vehicles with limited space where the solenoid valves cannot be aligned, as is more common.

[0105] Figures 1A and 1B, for example, show a damping system where the two solenoid valves (7, 8) are at different heights and oriented at 90° with respect to the outer tube (1). Figures 2A and 2B show a damping system where the two solenoid valves (7, 8) are at the same height and oriented at 180° with respect to the outer tube (1), and Figures 3A and 3B show a damping system where the two solenoid valves (7, 8) are at the same height and oriented at 100° with respect to the outer tube (1). That is, in this embodiment, various arrangements of the solenoid valves (7, 8) are permitted, with them located at different heights and oriented in different directions.

[0106] Figures 4A-4B and 5A-5B show almost all the components of the damping system and their arrangement. First, three tubes (1, 2, and 3) are visible: an outer tube (1), an inner tube (3) inside the outer tube (1), and an intermediate tube (2) between the outer tube (1) and the inner tube (3). All these tubes (1, 2, and 3) are straight, cylindrical, hollow, concentrically arranged, and oriented longitudinally.

[0107] Similar to the shock-absorbing systems described in the background, the present shock-absorbing system also comprises a rod (4) comprising an upper end part connectable to an external element, such as the body of a vehicle to be damped, and a lower end part attached to a piston (5) that can be slidably displaced, in the longitudinal direction, inside the inner tube (3).

[0108] At one end of the upper part of the outer tube (1), the damping system comprises a retainer and a guide to limit the displacement of the stem (4) in the longitudinal direction and to prevent the escape of the damping fluid contained within the tubes (1, 2, 3). At the lower part of the outer tube (1), the damping system comprises a valve support (9) that connects the tubes (1, 2, 3) and configures the passage of damping fluid between them.

[0109] As can be seen in the figures, especially in figures 5A and 5B, between the tubes (1, 2, 3) of the damping system, chambers are generated through which the damping fluid flows.

[0110] More specifically, the damping system comprises a traction chamber (10) located inside the inner tube (3), between the piston (5) and the first, upper end of said inner tube (3), also called the traction end; a compression chamber (11) located inside the inner tube (3), between the piston (5) and the second, lower end of the inner tube (3), also called the compression end; an expansion chamber (12) located between the outer tube (1) and the intermediate tube (2); and an intermediate chamber (13) located between the intermediate tube (2) and the inner tube (3).

[0111] The operation of the described damping system is similar to those existing in the prior art, such that the upper end of the rod can be connected to a first external element, such as a part of a vehicle body, while the lower end of the outer tube can be connected to a second external element, such as a wheel in contact with the road surface, to dampen the wheel's movement within the body. With this configuration, the rod (4) can be extended relative to the outer tube (1), displacing the piston (5) in the same direction, which is fixed to the rod (4). This piston (5) then pushes the damping fluid located in the tension chamber (10) into the intermediate chamber (13) through one or more upper through-holes (20) in the inner tube (3).On the other hand, when the stem (4) moves in a compression direction with respect to the outer tube (1), opposite to the extension direction, it moves the piston (5) also in a way that is integral with the stem (4), pushing the damping fluid located in the compression chamber (11) towards the intermediate chamber (13), through one or more lower holes (21) passing through the inner tube (3).

[0112] The main difference of the described damping system compared to those defined in the background is that the damping system comprises a dividing element (6) located in the intermediate chamber (13), positioned tightly between the inner tube (3) and the intermediate tube (2), dividing said intermediate chamber (13) into an upper intermediate chamber and a lower intermediate chamber.

[0113] This dividing element (6) can comprise different shapes, configurations, or arrangements, such as those shown in Figures 7A-7E, as well as Figures 9A and 9B. As can be seen in these figures, the dividing element (6) comprises a cylindrical shape, with a cross-section similar in size to that of the intermediate chamber (13). Furthermore, it comprises a first window (24) consisting of a lateral opening attached to a first open end of the conduit, and a second window (25) consisting of an opening attached to a second end of the conduit.The first window (24) together with a first intermediate through hole (22) of the intermediate tube (2) comprise a path for the fluid between the intermediate chamber (13) and the traction solenoid valve (8), and the second window (25) together with a second intermediate through hole (23) of the intermediate tube (2) comprise a path for the damping fluid between the intermediate chamber (13) and the compression solenoid valve (7).

[0114] The figures also show that the dividing element (6) comprises ribs (26, 28) that allow for a permeable fit with the inner tube (3) and the intermediate tube (2), permitting a small, controlled flow of fluid. Specifically, on a cylindrical outer surface, the dividing element (6) comprises external ribs (26), each pair separated by an external groove (27), where a maximum height of said external ribs (26) provides a tight fit with the intermediate tube (2), which is clearly less than the clearance between the external groove (27) and said intermediate tube (2).On the other hand, the cylindrical inner surface of the dividing element (6) also comprises two or more inner ribs (28), each pair of which is spaced by an inner groove (29), such that the maximum height of said inner ribs (28) comprises a tight connection with the inner tube (3), with a clearance less than the clearance existing between the inner groove (29) and the inner tube (3).

[0115] The figures also show that the inner ribs (28) and the outer ribs (26) border the first window (24) and the second window (25) of the dividing element (6), that is, they cover the entire perimeter of the dividing element (6) preventing longitudinal grooves through which the damping fluid can escape.

[0116] Based on the described design, two objectives of the dividing element are defined. Firstly, it aims to restrict or limit, as much as possible, the entry of damping fluid from the intermediate chamber (13), specifically from the upper intermediate chamber, into the compression solenoid valve (7), by channeling said damping fluid, coming from the extension chamber (10), towards the extension solenoid valve (8), when the stem (4) undergoes a longitudinal extension movement. Secondly, it aims to restrict or limit the entry of damping fluid from the intermediate chamber (13), specifically from the lower intermediate chamber, into the extension solenoid valve (8), by channeling said damping fluid, coming from the compression chamber (11), towards the compression solenoid valve (7), when the stem (4) undergoes a longitudinal compression movement.

[0117] This operation of the dividing element (6) is achieved thanks to the tight-fitting permeable connection between the outer (26) and inner (28) ribs, respectively, with the intermediate tube (2) and the inner tube (3). This connection limits the flow of damping fluid between the lower and upper intermediate chambers, directing the damping fluid through the windows (24, 25) towards the solenoid valves (7, 8) when the piston (5) undergoes longitudinal displacement. In other words, the hydraulic resistance to fluid flow between the ribs (26, 28) and the inner (3) and intermediate (2) tubes is greater than the hydraulic resistance between the windows (24, 25) of the dividing element (6) and these tubes.Similarly, this resistance to the passage of fluid between the ribs (26, 28) is greater than the hydraulic resistance in the intermediate holes (22, 23), so the damping fluid is channeled towards the solenoid valves (7,8).

[0118] Similarly, the clearances between the ribs (26, 28) and the tubes also allow the passage of a gas that accumulates in the lower intermediate chamber due to a gas dissolved in the damping fluid in the compression chamber (11) during shock absorber use. This is a way to solve a common problem in damping systems, such as those defined in the background section. In other words, the dividing element (6) is configured, with respect to the inner (3) and intermediate (2) tubes, to allow the passage of the gas generated during the use of the damping system, creating a tight, permeable joint.This configuration of the ribs (26, 28) is known as a labyrinth seal or hydraulic labyrinth seal, where the assembly is composed of a set of grooves or chambers that fit around an axis so that the liquid must travel a long and difficult path to escape, without the assembly being airtight or watertight, to allow the passage of gas, and to have improved performance compared to when the gas accumulates in the lower intermediate chamber.

[0119] As can be seen in Figures 6A to 6D, the ribs (26, 28) can have different configurations. For example, Figure 6A shows that the dividing element comprises two rectangular inner ribs (28) and two rectangular outer ribs (26), creating two inner and two outer barriers with constant clearance. On the other hand, in Figure 6B, the dividing element comprises four ribs, creating two inner and two outer barriers with constant clearance, but with a triangular cross-section or shape. The choice of one configuration over the other will depend on the desired hydraulic resistance to the flow of the damping fluid in these ribs.In Figure 6C, the dividing element comprises a configuration of five ribs, generating two inner and three outer barriers, with a variable clearance between these ribs, and an elongated rectangular cross-section. In Figure 6D, the dividing element (6) comprises a configuration of six ribs, generating three inner and three outer triangular barriers (one rectangular and two triangular). That is, it is not necessary for all the ribs to be identical, nor for there to be the same number of ribs on the inner and outer surfaces of the dividing element (6); rather, this will depend on the load to be supported by the fit between the dividing element (6) and the tubes.

[0120] Figures 7C, 7E, and 9A show that the dividing element (6) also comprises a protruding element (30), a locator, adjustable to a notch (31) in the inner tube (3) or the intermediate tube (2). All figures show that the protruding element (30) is located at a lower end of the dividing element (6), just as the notch (31) is located at a lower end of the inner tube (3) or the intermediate tube (2), to prevent this assembly from interacting with other components of the damper, such as the piston (5). The connection or assembly of the protruding element (30) with the notch (31) allows for precise attachment of the dividing element (6), which in turn ensures that parts of the dividing element (6), such as the ribs (26, 28) and the windows (24, 25), are correctly positioned relative to the solenoid valves (7, 8).

[0121] Figures 10B and 10C show other possible embodiments for positioning the dividing element (6) correctly. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 10B, the dividing element (6) comprises a cylindrical strip (32) housed between the valve support (9) and the intermediate tube (2), acting as a gasket, which delimits the lower intermediate chamber (13) at its lower end. This cylindrical strip (32) can serve as a locating protruding element.

[0122] In the embodiment of Figure 10C, the intermediate tube (2) comprises two separate parts joined by a tight connection via the dividing element (6). That is, in this embodiment, the intermediate tube (2) consists of two separate tubes, with the dividing element (6) serving as a connector between the two tubes.

[0123] Also, in this embodiment, the position of the dividing element (6) is a function of the lengths of the intermediate tubes.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A damping system comprising: an outer tube (1); an inner tube (3) located inside the outer tube (1); an intermediate tube (2) located between the outer tube (1) and the inner tube (3); a rod (4) configured to move in a straight longitudinal direction with respect to the outer tube (1); a piston (5) attached to a first end portion of the rod (4), movable in the longitudinal direction inside the inner tube (3), between a first tension end and a second compression end; a tension chamber (10) located inside the inner tube (3), between the piston (5) and the first end of the inner tube (3); a compression chamber (11) located inside the inner tube (3), between the piston (5) and the second end of the inner tube (3); an expansion chamber (12) located between the outer tube (1) and the intermediate tube (2); and an intermediate chamber (13) located between the intermediate tube (2) and the inner tube (3).a damping fluid, configured to flow between the tension, compression, expansion and intermediate chambers of the damping system; a compression solenoid valve (7), attached to a first section, located in an intermediate part, of the outer tube (1), wherein said compression solenoid valve (7) is preferably oriented in a first transverse direction, and is configured to control a first flow of damping fluid between the intermediate chamber (13) and the expansion chamber (12); a tension solenoid valve (8), attached to a second section, located in an intermediate part, of the outer tube (1), wherein said tension solenoid valve (8) is preferably oriented in a second transverse direction, and is configured to control a second flow of damping fluid between the intermediate chamber (13) and the expansion chamber (12);where the inner tube (3), the outer tube (1) and the intermediate tube (2) are straight, and are oriented in a longitudinal direction; where the stem (4) is configured to move in an extension direction, with respect to the outer tube (1), displacing the piston (5) in a way that is integral with the stem; (4), wherein said piston (5) pushes the damping fluid located in the traction chamber (10) towards the intermediate chamber (13), through at least one upper through-hole (20) of the inner tube (3); wherein the rod (4) is configured to move in a compression direction with respect to the outer tube (1), opposite to the extension direction, displacing the piston (5) in a manner consistent with the rod (4), wherein said piston (5) pushes the damping fluid located in the compression chamber (11) towards the intermediate chamber (13), through at least one lower through-hole (21) of the inner tube (3); characterized in that the damping system comprises: - an intermediate dividing element (6), fitted between the intermediate tube (2) and the inner tube (3), dividing the intermediate chamber (13) into a lower intermediate chamber and an upper intermediate chamber; wherein said dividing element (6) is configured to: either restrict the entry of the damping fluid from the intermediate chamber (13) to the compression solenoid valve (7), and channel the fluid from said intermediate chamber (13) to the extension solenoid valve (8), when the stem (4) performs a longitudinal displacement in the extension direction; or restrict the entry of the damping fluid from the intermediate chamber (13) to the extension solenoid valve (8), and channel the fluid from said intermediate chamber (13) to the compression solenoid valve (7), when the stem (4) performs a longitudinal compression displacement.

2. Damping system, according to claim 1, wherein the dividing element (6) is fitted between the intermediate tube (2) and the inner tube (3), comprising a conduit-shaped form, with a cross-section equal to the cross-section of the intermediate chamber (13), comprising a first window (24) consisting of a lateral opening attached to a first open end of said conduit, and a second window (25) consisting of an opening attached to a second end of the conduit; wherein the first window (24) together with a first intermediate through-hole (22) of the intermediate tube (2) comprise a passageway for the fluid between the intermediate chamber (13) and the traction solenoid valve (8), and wherein the second window (25) together with a second intermediate through-hole (23) of the intermediate tube (2) comprise a passageway for the damping fluid between the intermediate chamber (13) and the compression solenoid valve (7).

3. Damping system, according to the preceding claim, wherein the dividing element (6) comprises: a cylindrical outer surface comprising two or more outer ribs (26), spaced by an outer groove (27), wherein a maximum height of said two or more outer ribs (26) comprises a tight connection with the intermediate tube (2), with a clearance less than a clearance between the outer groove (27) and said intermediate tube (2); and a cylindrical inner surface comprising two or more inner ribs (28), spaced by an inner groove (29), wherein a maximum height of said two or more inner ribs (28) comprises a tight connection with the inner tube (3), with a clearance less than a clearance between the inner groove (29) and said inner tube (3);where the tight joint between the outer (26) and inner (28) ribs, respectively, with the intermediate tube (2) and the inner tube (3) is configured: either to limit the passage of damping fluid, in said tight joint, between the lower intermediate chamber and the upper intermediate chamber, directing the damping fluid, through the windows (24, 25), towards the solenoid valves (7, 8), when a longitudinal displacement of the piston (5) is generated, or to channel a passage of a gas accumulated in the lower intermediate chamber towards the expansion chamber, during the use of the shock absorber.

4. Damping system, according to the previous claim, wherein the inner ribs (28) and the outer ribs (26) border the first window (24) and the second window (25) of the dividing element (6).

5. Damping system, according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the clearance between the maximum height of one of the outer ribs (26a) with the intermediate tube (2) is different from the clearance between the maximum height of another of the outer ribs (26b) with the intermediate tube (2).

6. Damping system, according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the clearance between the maximum height of one of the inner ribs (28a) with the inner tube (3) is different from the clearance between the maximum height of another of the inner ribs (28b), with the inner tube (3).

7. Damping system, according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein at least one of the outer ribs (26) and / or one of the inner ribs (28) comprise a rectangular or triangular section.

8. Damping system, according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a valve support (9) connected to a lower end portion of the outer tube (1).

9. Damping system, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dividing element (6) comprises a protruding element (30), locator, adjustable to a notch (31) of the inner tube (3) or of the intermediate tube (2), wherein said protruding element (30) is preferably located at a lower or upper end part of the dividing element (6), and the notch (31) is preferably located at a lower or upper end part of the inner tube (3) or of the intermediate tube (2).

10. Damping system, according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the protruding element (30) locating the dividing element (6) is located between the intermediate tube (2) and the valve support (9), in a lower part of the dividing element (6).

11. Damping system, according to claim 8, wherein the dividing element (6) comprises a cylindrical strip (32) housed between the valve support (9) and the intermediate tube (2) that delimits the lower intermediate chamber (13) by a lower end part.

12. Damping system, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate tube (2) comprises two separate parts joined by a joint fitted by the dividing element (6).

13. Damping system, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the traction solenoid valve (8) and the compression solenoid valve (7) are at the same height and transverse direction with respect to the outer tube (1).

14. Damping system, according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the traction solenoid valve (8) and the compression solenoid valve (7) are located at different heights with respect to the outer tube (1).

15. Damping system, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the traction solenoid valve (8) and the compression solenoid valve (7) are oriented at an angle between 0 o and 180°, with respect to a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubes (1, 2, 3).

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