DE102015214877A1 - Method and device for enclosing damping medium and compensating medium in a vibration damper - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for enclosing damping medium (9) and compensating medium (21) in a vibration damper (1), wherein the vibration damper (1) as a monotube damper (1) with a working space (3) and an external compensation space (4) via a passage (5) are connected, comprising the steps: - providing the vibration damper (1, 100), wherein the compensation chamber (4) has an open end, wherein the working space (3) is pressure-tightly sealed and wherein in the working space (3) a piston rod (7) with a working piston (6) is arranged, - creating a vacuum in the working space (3), in the passage (5) and in the compensation chamber (4, 102), - filling the damping medium (9) in the Compensation chamber (4, 103), - introducing a separating piston (10) into the compensation chamber (4, 104), - filling the compensation medium into the compensation chamber (4, 105) and - closing the compensation chamber (4, 106). The invention further relates to a corresponding device (2).

Description

The invention relates to a method for enclosing damping medium and compensating medium in a vibration damper according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a device for enclosing damping medium and compensating medium in a vibration damper according to the preamble of claim 11.

Various types of vibration dampers for various types of vehicles, such as rail vehicles, cars or motorcycles, are known in the art. Such vibration dampers serve the purpose of letting the vibrations of the sprung masses of the vehicle decay as quickly as possible, so as to ensure the best possible grip of the wheels and at the same time a high level of ride comfort. The known vibration dampers are usually designed as a single tube damper or as a two-pipe damper, wherein both types of vibration dampers each comprise a working space filled with oil, a piston rod with a piston and a gas space filled with gas. A special form of Einrohrdämpfer represent vibration damper, in which a space filled with oil and gas expansion tank outside the working space receiving cylinder is arranged. This expansion tank can either be arranged directly on the vibration damper or spaced from the actual vibration damper via a suitable flow connection. Due to the comparatively short length of such monotube damper with external expansion tank, this design is particularly suitable for use in motorcycles.

In this context, the describes EP 0 411 362 A1 a piston-cylinder unit in which an opening is made in the wall of the cylinder. About this opening, the filling of the piston-cylinder unit is carried out with a compressed gas medium. Subsequently, the opening is closed by a welding process.

From the DE 24 55 901 A1 a device for closing a gas chamber of a piston-cylinder unit is known, in which a gas filling of the gas chamber is carried out via an open-ended cylinder of the piston-cylinder unit. Subsequently, the piston-cylinder unit is crimped on a closure piece and thus closed.

The DE 43 38 722 C1 discloses a method of filling a gas chamber of a piston-cylinder unit with pressurized gas and closing that gas chamber to a floor. For this purpose, the piston-cylinder unit is introduced into a device which can be connected to a compressed gas source and from which the gas chamber is filled. Subsequently, the bottom is introduced through the device in the open end of the piston-cylinder unit and the pressurized, closed by the bottom piston-cylinder unit is closed by a welding operation.

However, the known methods and devices for filling of vibration dampers with oil and gas are only conditionally suitable for filling of an external compensation chamber having vibration dampers.

It is an object of the present invention to propose an improved method for enclosing damping medium and compensation medium in a vibration damper, in particular a vibration damper with external compensation space.

This object is achieved by the method for including damping medium and compensation medium in a vibration damper according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

• – Bereitstellen des Schwingungsdämpfers, wobei der Ausgleichsraum ein offenes Ende aufweist, wobei der Arbeitsraum druckdicht verschlossen ist und wobei im Arbeitsraum eine Kolbenstange mit einem Arbeitskolben angeordnet ist,
• – Erzeugen eines Vakuums im Arbeitsraum, im Durchgang und im Ausgleichsraum,
• – Einfüllen des Dämpfmediums in den Ausgleichsraum,
• – Einführen eines Trennkolbens in den Ausgleichsraum,
• – Einfüllen des Ausgleichsmediums in den Ausgleichsraum und
• – Verschließen des Ausgleichsraums.

The invention relates to a method for enclosing damping medium and compensation medium in a vibration damper, wherein the vibration damper is designed as a single-tube damper with a working space and an external compensation space, which are flow-connected via a passage, comprising the steps:

• Providing the vibration damper, wherein the compensation chamber has an open end, wherein the working space is pressure-tightly sealed and wherein a piston rod with a working piston is arranged in the working space,
• Creating a vacuum in the working space, in the passage and in the compensation space,
• - filling the damping medium in the compensation chamber,
• - introducing a separating piston into the compensation chamber,
• - Fill the equalizing medium into the equalization chamber and
• - Closing the compensation chamber.

The invention offers the advantage in particular by the step "creating a vacuum in the working space, in the passage and in the compensation chamber" that on the one hand the passage, which connects the working space with the expansion chamber, and on the other hand the Zugstufenraum, ie that portion of the working space, the is between the closed end of the working space and the working piston, in a relatively simple manner reliably and without the retention of trapped air can be filled with damping medium. Another advantage is the fact that the damping medium for filling into the vibration damper must be filled exclusively in the expansion chamber, whereas a separate filling of damping medium through an opening or an open end of the working space in the working space is not necessary. Accordingly, the vibration damper in the first process step can already be provided with a pressure-tightly sealed working space. This simplifies and accelerates the method according to the invention over known generic methods in which the damping medium is usually filled in separate steps in the working space and in the compensation chamber. At the latest when switching off the vacuum, the damping agent is sucked through the passage in the working space, in particular in the pressure stage space, and further through flow openings in the working piston in the Zugstufenraum. Since the Zugstufenraum was previously evacuated, here, despite the already closed end no air pockets arise.

Moreover, according to the method of the invention, it is not necessary to drive the working piston with the piston rod to a defined position, e.g. in the train stop, and to fix there. This also contributes to the simplification of the method according to the invention over generic methods.

Air pockets generally have a detrimental effect on the damping performance of the vibration damper because they reduce its damping force and thus prevent any vibrations occurring from decaying quickly and efficiently. In contrast to the commonly used damping media, air has a comparatively only very low viscosity and can be correspondingly easily and without high expenditure of force, i. without high damping effect, penetrate through the flow openings in the working piston. When using the vibration damper on a suspension of a vehicle, this can lead to the occurrence of hazardous situations.

The flow openings in the working piston are through openings that extend from the top of the working piston to its bottom. In the damping mode damping medium flows through the flow openings and generated by the resulting flow friction the desired damping effect.

The damping medium is preferably a hydraulic oil, while the compensation medium is preferably a gas or gas mixture, for example nitrogen or air.

It is preferably provided that the working space is sealed pressure-tight by means of a piston rod guide.

Both the working space and the compensation chamber are advantageously designed as a hollow cylinder.

The passageway which communicates the working space with the compensation space can be provided with a spaced arrangement of the working space and the compensation space, e.g. be formed tubular or in an abutting arrangement of the working space and the compensation space, for. as a simple opening in a connection surface, on which the working space and the compensation chamber abut each other.

The separating piston is preferably designed as a free piston, which can be arranged movably in the compensation chamber and ensures a pressure-tight separation of the damping medium from the compensation medium.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "flow connection" or "flow connection" is understood as meaning a connection or establishing a connection between two or more devices, the connection being suitable for transferring a fluid losslessly from one of the devices to another of the devices respectively. Such a compound may e.g. as a hose, as a pipe or as an opening in a contact surface, to which the devices abut each other, be formed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filling of the damping medium in the expansion chamber is volume-controlled. Thus, it can be ensured in a simple manner that the volume required for filling the vibration damper with damping medium is added to the vibration damper. Since the volume of the damping medium is typically pressure-independent or incompressible, a comparatively complex pressure-controlled filling can advantageously be dispensed with.

Preferably, such a large volume of damping medium is filled into the compensation chamber, that the working space and the passage are each completely and the compensation space are partially filled.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filling of the damping medium takes place in the compensation chamber at least under atmospheric pressure. Due to the vacuum in the working space, in the passage and in the compensation chamber there is a pressure difference to the surroundings of the vibration damper, ie to the atmosphere, even without additional pressurization a complete flooding of the Workspace and the passage with damping medium allows.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the insertion of the separating piston takes place under pressure. This supports the suction effect through the vacuum in the working space and helps to prevent the remaining of a vacuum residue in the Zugstufenraum. This in turn improves the damping behavior of the vibration damper and thus helps to avoid hazardous situations, if the vibration damper is assigned to a suspension of a vehicle.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the pressurization of the separating piston takes place via a mechanical plunger. This represents a comparatively simple but nevertheless reliable possibility to generate and set the desired pressure. Since the separating piston anyway closes pressure-tight with the inside of the expansion chamber, but it is movable in the expansion chamber, thus advantageously eliminating the provision of a separate pressure-tight means for acting on the damping medium with pressure. Rather, the separating piston is used in conjunction with the mechanical plunger for this purpose. The mechanical plunger may e.g. have a force or pressure sensor that allows you to precisely set or adjust the desired pressure. Likewise, however, a path-controlled setting of the pressure based on reference path measurements is also possible.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filling of the compensation medium is pressure-controlled. Since the compensation medium is necessarily compressible, the quantity of compensation medium required for the correct functioning of the vibration damper can thus be reliably filled into the compensation chamber via a pressure-controlled filling. On the one hand, the compensating medium acts on the opposing force generated by the vibration damper when the vibration damper is pressed in, and on the other hand ensures that a sufficient amount of damping medium is forced from the expansion chamber into the working chamber sufficiently quickly when the vibration damper is removed, so that vacuum zones do not arise in the working space at short notice. The compensation medium is thus an essential task to ensure the reliable and safe operation of the vibration damper. An improperly adjusted pressure or an incorrectly measured amount of filled compensating medium can accordingly lead to the occurrence of hazardous situations, if the vibration damper e.g. associated with a suspension of a vehicle.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the generation of the vacuum takes place under a vacuum bell, wherein the vacuum bell pressure-tightly connects the open end of the expansion chamber with a switchable vacuum source. A vacuum bell represents a comparatively simple and reliable possibility for the automated production of a pressure-tight flow connection. Thus, the generation of the vacuum can advantageously be automated.

Usually, a vacuum bell consists of a bell body whose lower opening is pressure-tightly connected by means of sealing elements with a container to be filled or evacuated. Furthermore, the vacuum bell comprises a suitable connection interface on the bell body, which enables a pressure-tight flow connection to a vacuum source.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "switchable vacuum source" is understood to mean an activatable and again deactivatable vacuum source, wherein the vacuum source generates a vacuum in the activated state and does not generate a vacuum in the deactivated state. The switchable vacuum source may be an electrically driven vacuum pump.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filling of the damping medium and the compensation medium takes place under the vacuum bell. As already stated, a vacuum bell constitutes a comparatively simple and reliable possibility for the automated production of a pressure-tight flow connection. Thus, the filling of the damping medium and in particular of the compensation medium can advantageously also be automated.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the closing of the compensation chamber takes place by means of a cap at the open end of the compensation chamber. This provides a comparatively simple and inexpensive, but at the same time reliable and robust possibility for closing the compensation chamber. For example, the cap can be fitted in the open end and close the open end from the inside. Likewise, the cap can also include the open end and thus close the open end from the outside.

The term "fitting the cap" is understood according to the invention that the cap is inserted as accurately as possible in a pressure-tight closing enabling orientation in the open end of the expansion chamber.

The cap preferably comprises sealing means which allow a pressure-tight closure of the compensation chamber. These sealing means may be formed, for example, as sealing lips or sealing rings.

Preferably, the closing of the compensation chamber by means of the cap takes place immediately after the filling of the compensation medium in the expansion chamber, in particular still under the vacuum bell.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that a seat of the cap at the open end of the compensation chamber is secured by means of a form-fitting connection producing clamping ring. The clamping ring can be introduced, for example, in the tensioned state in the open end of the expansion chamber. As soon as the clamping ring relaxes, it rests against the inner wall of the compensation chamber. The compensation chamber further preferably has at its open end a narrowing of the inner diameter, which prevents the clamping ring in the relaxed state from leaving the compensation chamber.

The clamping ring in turn narrows the inner diameter even further, so that the cap also can not leave the compensation chamber.

The constriction of the inner diameter of the compensation chamber is preferably formed as one or more lugs, as a partial or full-circumferential infiltration or as a curl or rewinding of the upper edge of the open end of the expansion chamber.

• – Mittel zum Erzeugen eines Vakuums im Arbeitsraum, im Durchgang und im Ausgleichsraum,
• – Mittel zum Einfüllen des Dämpfmediums in den Ausgleichsraum,
• – Mittel zum Einführen eines Trennkolbens in den Ausgleichsraum,
• – Mittel zum Einfüllen des Ausgleichsmediums in den Ausgleichsraum und
• – Mittel zum Verschließen des Ausgleichsraums.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass sie dazu ausgebildet ist, das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren auszuführen. Die bereits im Zusammenhang mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren beschriebenen Vorteile ergeben sich somit auch für die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung. The invention further relates to a device for enclosing damping medium and compensation medium in a vibration damper, wherein the vibration damper is formed as a single-tube damper with a working space and an external expansion space, which are flow-connected via a passage

• Means for generating a vacuum in the working space, in the passage and in the compensation space,
• - means for filling the damping medium in the compensation chamber,
• Means for introducing a separating piston into the compensation chamber,
• - Means for filling the compensating medium in the compensation chamber and
• - Means for closing the compensation chamber.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that it is designed to carry out the method according to the invention. The advantages already described in connection with the method according to the invention thus also result for the device according to the invention.

The means for creating a vacuum in the working space, in the passageway and in the compensation space may e.g. be formed as a vacuum bell and with the vacuum bell flow-connected vacuum source, wherein the vacuum bell pressure-tightly connects the open end of the expansion chamber with the vacuum source. The vacuum source may be switchable, e.g. an electrically driven, on and off switchable vacuum pump. Preferably, the vacuum bell consists of a bell body, the opening of which is pressure-tightly connected by means of sealing elements with a container to be filled or to be evacuated.

The means for filling the damping medium into the compensation space may be e.g. be designed as a tube or tube outflow with a valve for opening and closing a Dämpfmediumausflusses. In addition, they may comprise a flow meter for determining a volume that has flowed out and is filled into the compensation chamber. Preferably, the means for filling the damping medium in the expansion chamber are integrated into the vacuum bell, that the damping medium can be filled under the vacuum bell in the expansion chamber. For example, the damping medium can be stored in an external container and guided to the vacuum bell by means of a hose or a pipe, which establish a flow connection to a suitable connection interface of the vacuum bell.

The means for introducing a separating piston into the compensation space may be e.g. be designed as a gripping arm or robot arm with a vacuum gripper for gripping, holding and storing the separating piston.

The means for closing the compensation space may e.g. be designed as gripping tongs or robotic arm, which can introduce a clamping ring radially biased in the working space or in the compensation chamber and this can relax there, so that the clamping ring expands radially.

The means for filling the compensation medium in the compensation chamber can also be designed, for example, as a hose or pipe outflow with a valve for opening and closing a compensation medium outflow. Preferably, the means for filling the compensation medium in the compensation chamber are integrated into the vacuum bell such that the compensation medium can be filled under the vacuum bell in the expansion chamber. For example, the balance medium may be stored in an external container and connected to the vacuum bell by means of a hose or tube which provides a flow connection to a suitable connection interface of the vacuum bell Vacuum bell are performed. By feeding the compensation medium into the space inside the vacuum bell, it will usually happen that there is no vacuum under the vacuum bell. On the contrary, depending on the pressurization of the supply of the damping medium, it may even happen that the vacuum bell is inverted in its function and is used as a pressure bell. However, this is usually easily accomplished due to the constructive design known vacuum bells.

Preferably, it is provided that the device further comprises means for applying pressure to the separating piston.

The means for pressurizing the separating piston may be e.g. be designed as a mechanical plunger, which generates a mechanical pressure on the separating piston. The mechanical plunger may e.g. have a force or pressure sensor that allows you to precisely set or adjust the desired pressure. Alternatively, the mechanical plunger may also have a displacement sensor that allows for a controlled displacement adjustment of the pressure. It is also possible to provide the means for introducing the separating piston into the compensation space, e.g. the gripping arm, at the same time as a means for applying pressure to the separating piston.

The invention will be explained by way of example with reference to embodiments shown in the figures.

Show it:

1 schematically a vibration damper during filling of the compensation medium by an exemplary embodiment of the invention device,

2 schematically the vibration damper of 1 in the exemplified device according to the invention at a later point in time of the method sequence according to the invention,

3 schematically a form-fitting connection between a cap and an end of a compensation chamber, which is produced by a clamping ring,

4 schematically a possible embodiment of a method according to the invention in the form of a flow chart and

5 schematically a vibration damper during the generation of a vacuum in the working space, in the passage and in the compensation chamber.

Identical objects, functional units and comparable components are denoted by the same reference numerals across the figures. These objects, functional units and comparable components are identical in terms of their technical features, unless the description explicitly or otherwise implies otherwise.

1 shows by way of example and schematically a vibration damper 1 during filling of the compensation medium by an exemplary embodiment of the invention device 2 , The vibration damper 1 is as a single tube damper 1 trained and includes a work space 3 and a compensation room 4 passing through a passage 5 are fluidly connected. The compensation room 4 is an external compensation room 4 , In the workroom 3 is axially displaceable a working piston 6 with a piston rod 7 arranged. The working piston 6 separates the workspace 3 in a Zugstufenraum 3a and a pressure step room 3b , Furthermore, the working piston 6 flow openings 8th on, through which a damping medium 9 flows through in the damping operation of the vibration damper and causes a damping effect due to its flow resistance. The 1 shows the vibration damper 1 in an already partially filled state. So is the damping medium 9 already in the rebound room 3a above the working piston 6 , in the pressure step room 3b below the working piston 6 , in the passage 5 and in the compensation room 4 below the already introduced separating piston 10 , The workroom 3 is by means of a piston rod guide 18 sealed pressure-tight, so that the damping medium 9 can not escape. The piston rod guide 18 includes sealing lips, not shown, attached to the piston rod 7 issue. A seat of the piston rod guide 18 in the workroom 3 in turn, is through a clamping ring 16 secured, which by a pressure in the working space 3 against a radial narrowing 16 is pressed. The separating piston 10 in the equalization room 4 closes the damping medium 9 pressure tight or closes the damping medium 9 from a not yet filled compensating medium 21 pressure-tight and is movable in the compensation chamber 4 arranged. The separating piston 10 was previously considered by grapple 11 formed means for introducing the separating piston 11 under the vacuum bell 12 in the compensation room 4 introduced. This helps to avoid vacuum residues, especially in the rebound space 3a after filling the damping medium 9 remain. The gripper arm 11 Thus, for example, it also acts as a mechanical plunger 11 , the separating piston 10 pressurized. In the damping medium 9 is, for example, a hydraulic oil that is largely incompressible. At the not yet filled compensating medium 21 on the other hand, it is a gas, eg nitrogen, which is compressible. As will be seen further, the vacuum bell is 12 pressure-tight with an open end of the compensation chamber 4 connected. The gripper arm 11 already has a cap 13 grips and holds them above the compensation room 4 to the further end of the process, the open end of the expansion chamber 4 by means of the cap 13 to close. The vacuum bell 12 also has means for filling the damping medium 14 and means for filling the equalizing medium 15 on, wherein the means for filling the damping medium 14 as one with an oil reservoir 22 flow-connected connection interface 14 are formed and the means for filling the compensation medium 15 as with a gas pressure source 23 pressure-tight, flow-communicable connection interface 15 are formed. Furthermore, the vacuum bell includes 12 Means for creating a vacuum in the working space 3 , in the passage and in the compensation room 20 on, wherein the means for generating a vacuum in the working space, in the passage and in the compensation chamber 20 as with a vacuum source 24 pressure-tight, flow-communicable connection interface 20 are formed. According to the embodiment of the 1 are the source of gas pressure 23 , the vacuum source 24 and the oil reservoir 22 not from the device 2 includes.

According to a further, not shown embodiment, the gas pressure source 23 , the vacuum source 24 and the oil reservoir 22 however, from the device 2 includes.

2 shows the vibration damper 1 of the 1 in the already in 1 illustrated device 2 but at a later time of the process sequence according to the invention. As you can see, the compensation medium became 21 already in the compensation room 4 filled in and a cap 13 has already had funds to close the compensation room 11 in the form of the already described gripping arm 11 into the open end of the equalization room 4 fitted. This was the cap 13 from the means for closing the compensation chamber 11 from above through a narrowing 17 in the compensation room 4 guided. To the compensation medium 21 pressure-tight in the equalization chamber 4 include the cap 13 at its radial outer diameter on two sealing rings. Furthermore, in the 2 to see that the gripper arm 11 already a clamping ring 16 has seized to this in the tensioned state by the constriction 17 into the open end of the equalization room 4 respectively. After inserting the clamping ring 16 in the compensation room 4 the tension ring relaxes 16 , whereby it expands radially. Because the clamping ring 16 thus the constriction 17 even further narrowed, he prevents the cap 13 the equalization room 4 can leave again. Thus, the clamping ring secures 16 the seat of the cap 13 in the open end of the equalization room 4 , This is the compensation room 4 sealed pressure-tight.

3 schematically shows a through a clamping ring 16 established positive connection between a cap 13 and a previously open end of a compensation room 4 , The compensation room 4 has a narrowing at its open end 17 of the inner diameter, which is the clamping ring 16 in the relaxed state leaving the compensation chamber 4 prevents. This narrowing 17 The inner diameter was, for example, by rewinding the upper edge of the compensation chamber 4 generated. The narrowing 17 is designed such that the cap 13 without making any mechanical deformation necessary by the constriction 17 in the compensation room 4 can be introduced. To the cap 13 permanently in the equalization room 4 to hold, is through the clamping ring 16 made a positive connection, which the cap 13 leaving the compensation room 4 prevents. This was the clamping ring 16 previously in radially tensioned state through the constriction 17 in the compensation room 4 guided. In the relaxed state would be the clamping ring 16 not because of its then larger radial circumference through the constriction 17 feasible. As soon as the clamping ring 16 through the narrowing 17 has been passed, it is on in mechanical stress and thus the mechanical deformation of him removed so that it relaxes and in consequence with its radial outer circumference to the inner wall of the expansion chamber 4 invests. Because the clamping ring 16 because of its ring width to a further reduction in the opening width of the open end of the expansion chamber 4 in the area of constriction 17 leads, creates a positive connection, which is the cap 13 leaving the compensation room 4 prevents. Due to the internal pressure in the equalization chamber 4 will the cap 13 against the clamping ring 16 pressed and the clamping ring 16 will be appropriate against the narrowing 17 pressed.

4 schematically shows a possible embodiment of a method according to the invention in the form of a flow chart. In process step 100 First, a vibration damper 1 provided, wherein the vibration damper 1 as a single tube damper 1 with a workroom 3 and an external compensation room 4 which is about a passage 5 are flow-connected, is formed. The compensation chamber has an open end, whereas the working space 3 pressure sealed. Furthermore, in the workroom 3 a piston rod 7 with a working piston 6 arranged. In the following step 101 becomes a vacuum bell 12 pressure tight in fluid communication with the open end of the expansion chamber 4 brought. The pressure-tight flow connection is produced according to the example, by the vacuum bell 12 with sealants, which are, for example, sealing lips made of rubber, the compensation chamber 4 engages radially in the region of its open end on its outer side. In the process step 102 becomes by means of a valve, a connection interface to a working in continuous operation vacuum source 24 opened, leaving the atmosphere under the vacuum bell 12 , in the equalization room 4 , in the passage 5 and in the workroom 3 is evacuated. As a result, a vacuum in the work space 3 , in the passage 5 and in the compensation room 4 generated. In the following process step 103 will now be damping medium 9 into the open end of the equalization room 4 filled. The filling of the damping medium 9 takes place exclusively under atmospheric pressure from a pipe outflow, the pipe outflow with a valve for opening and closing a connection interface 14 for a supply of the damping medium 9 is provided. The filling takes place, for example volume-controlled, ie, that the outflow of damping medium 9 is constantly measured and upon reaching a desired amount, the valve is automatically closed to further filling of damping medium 9 into the open end of the equalization room 4 to avoid. The damping medium 9 now flows through the passage 5 and thus enters the workspace 3 , Due to the suction effect of the vacuum in the working space 3 , especially in Zugstufenraum 3a , becomes the damping medium 9 in the workroom 3 , in particular the Zugstufenraum 3a Sucked until complete with damping medium 9 flooded. The same goes for the passage 5 completely with damping medium 9 flooded. The compensation room 4 however, only partially flooded with damping medium. Next will be in step 104 the separating piston 10 into the open end of the equalization room 4 introduced. The insertion of the separating piston 10 in the compensation room 4 takes place by way of example by means of a gripping arm 11 , Now in step 105 the compensation medium 21 into the open end of the equalization room 4 filled under pressure, the filling pressure controlled under the vacuum bell 12 takes place, which via a valve-controlled connection interface 15 a pressure-tight flow connection with a pressure source 23 allows. In the process step 106 becomes the open end of the equalization room 4 by means of a cap 13 closed, under the vacuum bell 12 from a gripper arm 11 into the open end of the equalization room 4 is introduced. In step 107 becomes a seat of the cap 13 by means of a clamping ring 16 secured. Only when the cap 13 the open end closes pressure-tight and their seat is secured, the vacuum bell 12 in step 108 from the equalization room 4 away.

According to another in the 4 illustrated embodiment of the method according to the invention is in process step 105a the separating piston 10 pressurized by a mechanical ram. This promotes and accelerates the complete flooding of the workspace 3 and in particular the Zugstufenraums 3a ,

5 shows by way of example and schematically a vibration damper 1 while creating a vacuum in the workspace 3 , in the passage 5 and in the compensation room 4 , The vibration damper shown by way of example is a monotube damper 1 with a workroom 3 and a compensation room 4 , where the equalization room 4 is designed as an external compensation space and through a passage 5 with the workspace 3 fluidly connected. The passage 5 is for example designed as an opening in a contact surface, on which the working space 3 and the compensation room 4 issue. The opening provides a flow connection between the working space 3 , in particular the pressure step space 3b , and the compensation room 4 ago. Like in the 5 can be seen, surrounds the vacuum bell 12 the equalization room 4 radially in the region of its open end on its outside. By means not shown sealing means, which are designed as sealing lips, is a pressure-tight flow connection between the working space 3 , the passage 5 , the equalization room 4 and the vacuum bell 12 guaranteed. If now, for example, the means for generating the vacuum in the working space, in the passage and in the compensation chamber 20 be activated, so in the work space 3 , in the passage 5 , in the equalization room 4 and in the vacuum bell 12 pumped out existing atmosphere. According to the example, the means for generating the vacuum in the working space, in the passage and in the compensation chamber 20 a valve-controlled connection interface 20 and a vacuum source 24 , Both the connection interface 20 as well as the vacuum source 24 are part of the exemplary device 2 of the 5 , The vacuum source 24 includes, by way of example, an electric motor driven rotary vane pump 24 , which is designed for pumping out of atmosphere. Also an oil reservoir 22 and a compressed air tank 23 For example, are components of the device 2 , By way of example, the vacuum source 24 , the oil reservoir 22 and the compressed air tank 23 structurally in the device 2 integrated, which however in the representation of the 5 the sake of clarity is shown only indicated. At the gas pressure source 23 is, for example, an air filled pressure bottle 23 , Upon activation of the means for generating the vacuum in the working space, in the passage and in the compensation chamber 20 on the one hand, the valve-controlled connection interface 20 opened and on the other hand, the electric motor driven rotary vane pump 24 activated. The connection interfaces 14 and 15 remain closed by these associated valves during the generation of the vacuum. By activating the means to create the vacuum in the working space, in the passage and in the compensation chamber 20 Now begins the pressure in the workspace 3 , in the passage 5 and in the compensation room 4 as well as in the vacuum bell 12 to sink. According to the example, one for Execution of the method according to the invention sufficient quality of the vacuum after 8 s operating time of the means for generating the vacuum in the working space, in the passage and in the compensation chamber 20 reached. Since the necessary operating time of 8 s is known, it is not necessary to carry out a separate pressure detection and pressure monitoring.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Vibration damper, single tube damper

2

contraption

3

working space

3a

Zugstufenraum

3b

Pressure levels Room

4

compensation space

5

passage

6

working piston

7

piston rod

8th

flow openings

9

damping medium

10

separating piston

11

Means for introducing the separating piston, means for closing the compensation chamber, gripper arm

12

vacuum bell

13

cap

14

Means for filling the damping medium, connection interface

15

Means for filling the compensation medium, connection interface

16

clamping ring

17

narrowing

18

Piston rod guide

20

Means for creating a vacuum in the working space, in the passage and in the compensation chamber, connection interface, vacuum source, rotary vane pump

21

compensating medium

22

oil reservoir

23

Gas pressure source, compressed air tank

24

Vacuum source, electrically driven vacuum pump, rotary vane pump

100

Providing the vibration damper

101

Establish a pressure-tight flow connection between the vacuum bell and the open end of the expansion chamber

102

Creating a vacuum in the work area, in the passage and in the compensation room

103

Filling the damping medium

104

Inserting the separating piston

105

Filling the compensation medium

105a

Apply pressure to the separating piston

106

Closing the compensation chamber, fitting a cap

107

Secure the seat of the cap by means of a clamping ring

108

Remove the vacuum bell from the open end of the expansion chamber

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0411362 A1 [0003]
• DE 2455901 A1 [0004]
• DE 4338722 C1 [0005]

Claims (11)

Method for enclosing damping medium ( 9 ) and compensating medium ( 21 ) in a vibration damper ( 1 ), wherein the vibration damper ( 1 ) as a single tube damper ( 1 ) with a work space ( 3 ) and an external compensation room ( 4 ) passing through a passage ( 5 ) are flow-connected, comprising the steps: - providing the vibration damper ( 1 . 100 ), the compensation room ( 4 ) has an open end, the working space ( 3 ) is sealed pressure-tight and being in the work space ( 3 ) a piston rod ( 7 ) with a working piston ( 6 ), - creating a vacuum in the working space ( 3 ), in the passage ( 5 ) and in the equalization room ( 4 . 102 ), - filling the damping medium ( 9 ) into the equalization room ( 4 . 103 ), - introducing a separating piston ( 10 ) into the equalization room ( 4 . 104 ), - filling the compensation medium into the equalization chamber ( 4 . 105 ) and - closing the compensation room ( 4 . 106 ). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling of the damping medium ( 9 ) into the equalization room ( 4 . 103 ) is volume controlled. Method according to at least one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the filling of the damping medium ( 9 ) into the equalization room ( 4 . 103 ) takes place at least under atmospheric pressure. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the insertion of the separating piston ( 10 . 103 ) under pressure ( 105a ). A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the application of the separating piston ( 10 ) with pressure ( 104 ) via a mechanical plunger ( 11 ) he follows. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the filling of the compensating medium ( 21 . 105 ) is pressure controlled. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the generation of the vacuum under a vacuum bell ( 12 ), wherein the vacuum bell ( 12 ) the open end of the equalization chamber ( 4 ) pressure-tight with a switchable vacuum source ( 24 ) fluidly connected. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filling of the damping medium ( 9 ) and the balancing medium ( 21 ) under the vacuum bell ( 12 ) he follows. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the closing of the compensation chamber ( 4 . 108 ) by means of a cap ( 13 . 108 ) at the open end of the equalization chamber ( 4 ) he follows. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that a seat of the cap ( 13 ) at the open end of the equalization chamber ( 4 ) by means of a form-fitting connection producing clamping ring ( 16 ) is secured ( 107 ). Contraption ( 2 ) for enclosing damping medium ( 9 ) and compensating medium ( 21 ) in a vibration damper ( 1 ), wherein the vibration damper ( 1 ) as a single tube damper ( 1 ) with a work space ( 3 ) and an external compensation room ( 4 ) passing through a passage ( 5 ) are connected, comprising - means for generating a vacuum in the working space ( 3 ), in the passage ( 5 ) and in the equalization room ( 5 . 20 ), - means for filling the damping medium ( 14 ) into the equalization room ( 4 . 14 . 22 ), Means for introducing a separating piston ( 11 ) into the equalization room ( 4 . 11 ), - means for filling the compensating medium ( 21 ) into the equalization room ( 4 . 15 . 23 ) and - means for closing the equalization area ( 4 . 11 ), characterized in that the device ( 2 ) is designed to carry out a method according to at least one of claims 1 to 10.

Images