DE102017106988A1 - Spring-damper device, in particular for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a spring-damper device (10), in particular for a vehicle, with at least one air spring (28), and with at least one completely outside the air spring (28) arranged shock absorbers (32), which a damper cylinder (34) and a piston-piston rod unit (36) translatable relative to the damper cylinder (34) along a direction of movement (38), comprising a piston (40) received in the damper cylinder (34) and connected to the piston (40) with the piston (40) relative to the damper cylinder (32) along the direction of movement (38) translatorisch mitbewegbewegbare piston rod (42), wherein on the shock absorber (32) at least one measuring device (88) is provided, by means of which positions can be detected the piston-piston rod unit (36) due to along the direction of movement (38) extending relative movements between the piston-piston rod unit (36) and the damper cylinder he (34) occupies relative to this.

Description

The invention relates to a spring-damper device, in particular for a vehicle, according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Such spring-damper devices, in particular for vehicles, are already well known from the general state of the art and in particular from production vehicle production. Such a spring-damper device has at least one air spring and at least one shock absorber, which is arranged completely or completely outside the air spring and, for example, in particular in the vehicle longitudinal direction, is spaced from the air spring. In other words, the shock absorber, which is preferably designed as a hydraulic shock absorber, not integrated in the air spring, but the air spring and the shock absorbers are respective components or respective modules, which are formed and arranged separately from each other. Thus, the said modules are, for example, mounted or manufactured independently of each other.

The shock absorber comprises a damper cylinder and a piston-piston-rod unit, which is translationally movable relative to the damper cylinder along a direction of movement and thus displaceable. The piston-piston rod unit includes a translationally movable in the damper cylinder and along the direction of movement relative to the damper cylinder, i. sliding piston on. In addition, the piston-piston rod unit has a piston rod connected to the piston and thereby translatable with the piston relative to the damper cylinder along the direction of narrowing. For example, the shock absorber can be connected to a first component via the piston rod, wherein the shock absorber can be connected, for example via the damper cylinder, to a second component. Thus, the shock absorber allows translational relative movements between the components, which can move, for example, along the direction of movement relative to one another, in particular translationally. The first component is thus, for example, mitbewegbar with the piston-piston rod unit along the direction of movement relative to the damper cylinder and thus relative to the second component. By means of the shock absorber, the relative movements between the components, in particular hydraulically damped, so that in particular shocks and resulting relative movements between the components can be damped.

One of the components is, for example, at least one wheel of the vehicle. The other component is, for example, a frame or a console held on such a frame so that, for example, relative movements between the wheel and the frame can be damped by means of the shock absorber. In particular, by means of the shock absorber, rebound and rebound movements of the wheel can be damped, which moves relative to the frame in the vehicle vertical direction in the context of the rebound and rebound movement. It is conceivable that the frame is for example a frame of a commercial vehicle. Such spring-damper devices can also be used for other purposes.

Furthermore, the EP 1 985 886 A2 a measuring device for a shock absorber comprising a piston and a piston rod comprising air spring, in particular for a vehicle.

Object of the present invention is to develop a spring-damper device of the type mentioned in such a way that a particularly advantageous operation of the spring-damper device can be realized in a particularly cost-effective manner.

This object is achieved by a spring-damper device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments are given in the remaining claims.

The spring-damper device according to the invention, in particular for a vehicle, comprises an air spring and a shock absorber, which is preferably designed as a hydraulic shock absorber. The shock absorber is arranged completely or completely outside the air spring. In other words, the shock absorber is not integrated into the air spring, but the shock absorber and the air spring, for example, separately formed or independently manufactured components or modules, so that the shock absorber, for example, separately formed from the air spring and, in particular in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the Air spring is spaced.

The shock absorber comprises a damper cylinder and a piston-piston rod unit, which is also simply referred to as a unit or piston unit. The piston-piston rod unit (unit or piston unit) is translationally movable relative to the damper cylinder along a direction of movement, ie displaceable. The unit comprises a piston accommodated in the damper cylinder, which is translationally movable, ie displaceable, relative to the damper cylinder along the direction of movement. In addition, the unit comprises a piston rod which is connected to the piston and thereby to the piston is translationally mitbewegbar relative to the damper cylinder along the direction of movement. In at least one position of the piston relative to the damper cylinder, for example, a first length range of the piston days is arranged in the damper cylinder and a second length range outside the damper cylinder, so that the piston rod protrudes from the damper cylinder. The shock absorber can be connected or connected, for example via the piston rod, to a first component, in particular of the vehicle. Furthermore, the shock absorber is connected, for example via the damper cylinder with a second component, in particular of the vehicle or connectable. Since the unit of the damper cylinders are translationally movable relative to one another along the direction of movement, the shock absorber allows within certain limits relative movements between the components, in particular at least along the direction of movement, so that the components in their connected to the shock absorber state, for example along the direction of movement, relative to each other, in particular translationally, can move. In this case, relative movements between the components are damped by means of the shock absorber, so that, for example, shocks and resulting relative movements between the components can be damped by means of the shock absorber.

One of the components is preferably at least one wheel of the vehicle designed, for example, as a utility vehicle, the other component being a frame or a bracket which can be fixed or fixed to the frame. Thus, relative movements between the wheel and the frame can be damped by means of the shock absorber, whereby such relative movements occur, for example, in the context of compression and rebound movements of the wheel. In this case, the wheel moves, for example, in the vehicle vertical direction relative to the frame. The wheel is thus damped example of the shock absorber on the frame supportable. Further, the wheel is spring supported on the frame supported or supported, for example via the air spring.

The spring-damper device is for example particularly advantageous for use for a wheel or axle suspension of a vehicle, especially a commercial vehicle, so that for example a wheel or a particular axis designed as a rigid axle sprung and damped on a particular designed as a self-supporting body structure and / or can be supported on a frame of a vehicle. The vehicle can be designed, for example, as a commercial vehicle or as a passenger car. Further, the spring-damper device is also useful for other purposes such as a cab suspension or for a vehicle seat storage.

During a compression movement of the second component relative to the first component, the unit is moved along the direction of movement in a first direction and thereby retracted, for example, into the damper cylinder. Further, for example, the air spring is tensioned so that the air spring provides a spring force. By means of this spring force, the unit can be moved in a direction opposite to the second direction along the direction of movement, thereby causing, for example, a rebound or a rebound movement of the second component. Further, for example, the unit is extended from the damper cylinder. In order to avoid excessive rocking movements, the rebound and rebound movement are damped by means of the shock absorber.

In order to realize a particularly advantageous operation of the spring-damper device in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner, it is provided according to the invention that, in particular independently of the air spring, at least one measuring device is provided on the shock absorber, by means of which positions can be detected, which occupies the piston-piston rod unit due to relative to the movement direction relative movements between the piston-piston rod unit and the damper cylinder relative to the damper cylinder. In other words, the unit comes in translational movements along the direction of movement relative to the damper cylinder in different positions, which can be detected by means of the shock absorber held and preferably integrated in the shock absorber measuring device. As a result, for example, a path or a route is detected, the or the piston-piston rod unit, for example, starting from a reference position, retracted into the damper cylinder or is extended from the damper cylinder or is, especially in the above-described relative movements between the components or during movements of the unit along the direction of movement relative to the damper cylinder. By detecting the positions can thus realize a distance or distance measurement, in the context of which a path or a distance can be detected or measured, the or the unit is extended from the damper cylinder or retracted into the damper cylinder. Since the measuring device is held on the shock absorber, in particular independently of the air spring, the displacement measurement, in particular independently of the air spring, takes place on the shock absorber.

In particular, it is preferably provided that the measuring device and the shock absorber form a first module, wherein, for example, the air spring forms a second module or is part of the second module. In this case, it is preferable for the modules to be produced independently of one another and formed separately from one another, so that the respective module, in particular independently of the respective other module, for example, preassembled and installed in preassembled state and thereby, for example, at least indirectly connected to the respective other module. The idea underlying the invention is therefore not to provide the distance measurement on the air spring or not to integrate into the air spring, but the distance measurement takes place on or in the shock absorber, so that the distance measurement can be implemented in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner ,

In this case, the measuring device is preferably arranged completely outside the air spring. By this is meant, for example, that the measuring device has at least one sensor element and at least one measuring element corresponding to the sensor element, by means of which the previously described positions can be detected. In this case, the sensor element and the measuring element are at least indirectly, in particular directly, held on the shock absorber and in particular arranged completely or completely outside the air spring, whereby the displacement measurement can be implemented particularly simply and inexpensively.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the measuring device is designed to provide at least one, in particular electrical or electronic, signal which characterizes the respective detected position.

It has been found to be particularly advantageous if the air spring is associated with an electronic control device, which is for example part of the second module and in particular adapted to receive the signal and recorded in the air spring air quantity in response to the signal, in particular regulated or controlled to adjust. This embodiment is based on the idea to provide the distance measurement in a simple and cost-effective manner to the shock absorber or to integrate into the shock absorber, and to operate the air spring as a function of the distance measurement provided on the shock absorber by - in particular in the context of a corresponding method operate the spring-damper device - the amount of air absorbed in the air spring in response to the distance measurement and thus in response to the detected, previously described way is set.

If the spring-damper device is used in a device such as a vehicle, a vehicle seat bearing or a driver outsourcing or another device, then usually the shock absorber is at least indirectly coupled to the air spring, in particular such that - as described above - A translational movement of the piston-piston rod unit along the direction of movement in at least one direction can be effected by means of the air spring. In particular, it is possible, for example in the context of rebound movements of the aforementioned wheel, to extend the unit from the damper cylinder by means of the air spring, in particular by increasing the amount of air absorbed in the air spring by means of the electronic control device. Further, for example, a particular effected by the weight or the weight of the device retraction of the unit in the damper cylinder by means of the air spring are allowed such that, for example by means of this electronic control device, the amount of air absorbed in the air spring is reduced.

Is thus detected, for example, in the context of the aforementioned distance measurement that the unit is undesirably far retracted into the damper cylinder and thus undesirably far absorbed in the damper cylinder, so that, for example, the detected during the path measurement position of the unit relative to the damper cylinder is below a predetermined threshold , An increase in the amount of air absorbed in the air spring is effected by means of the electronic control device. As a result, for example, the unit is extended from the damper cylinder. In particular, the amount of air can be increased in such a way that the unit is extended out of the damper cylinder in such a way that, after extension, the unit assumes a position which corresponds to the threshold value or a desired setpoint position.

In contrast, it is detected, for example, in the course of the distance measurement that the unit is extended excessively far out of the damper cylinder and thus excessively outside the damper cylinder so that, for example, the detected during the path measurement position of the unit relative to the damper cylinder exceeds the predetermined threshold, so can As a result, for example, by means of the electronic control device, the amount of air absorbed in the air spring can be reduced by, for example, air is discharged from the air spring and discharged from the air spring. As a result, for example, a retraction of the unit in the damper cylinder, this retraction, for example, by the weight or by the mass or the weight of the device, in particular the vehicle, is effected. In this case, it is conceivable in particular to discharge the air at least partially from the electronic control device or to discharge such an air quantity from the air spring by means of the electronic control device that the unit, as a result of the described retraction, comes to a position which corresponds to the threshold value or the presettable one Target position corresponds. The amount of air absorbed in the air spring, for example, increased such that air, in particular compressed air, is introduced into the air spring. For example, the air comes from a reservoir and / or from an air compressor.

Based on a vehicle designed for example as a commercial vehicle is possible by adjusting the recorded air spring in the amount of air and thus by setting the desired position to set a desired vehicle height and thus, for example, a desired ground clearance of the vehicle. By reducing the amount of air, i. by retracting the unit into the damper cylinder, it is possible, for example, to move the vehicle or a structure constructed as a self-supporting body or a structure or frame held on a frame of the vehicle itself in the vehicle vertical direction or in the vertical direction, and thus let down or lower so that, for example, the vehicle can be loaded and unloaded in a particularly simple manner and / or so that trained, for example, as a towing vehicle can be driven in a simple manner, for example, as a trailer trained trailer.

For example, by increasing the amount of air taken up in the air spring, and thus extending the unit from the damper cylinder, it is possible to raise the vehicle or body and / or frame itself, i. in the vehicle vertical direction or in the vertical direction to move upwards, which, for example, a particularly large ground clearance of the vehicle can be adjusted. As a result, the vehicle can also drive over large obstacles, without causing undesirable contact between the obstacles and the vehicle. Further, by lifting the vehicle, it is possible to couple the vehicle with the aforementioned trailer and subsequently move the trailer by means of, for example, a towing vehicle, without, for example, components of the trailer undesirably touching a lane.

The invention uses the fact that the position of the unit relative to the damper cylinder along the direction of movement with a respective vehicle height or ground clearance corresponds or related, with a height of the air spring with the vehicle height and the ground clearance and in the sequence with the Position of the unit relative to the damper cylinder along the direction of movement is related. By adjusting the amount of air taken in the air spring, the above-mentioned, also called air spring height height of the air spring is adjusted, so that it is preferably provided that the air spring height is adjusted in dependence on the distance measurement, that is, depending on the respective detected position. In the context of the invention, however, the air spring height is not detected itself, but it is the previously described displacement measurement on the shock absorber, so depending on the distance measurement on the shock absorber, the amount of air absorbed by the air spring and thus, at least indirectly, the air spring height can be adjusted.

The electronic control device comprises, for example, a valve unit, via which air can be introduced into the air spring and air can be discharged from the air spring. For this purpose, the valve unit comprises, for example, at least one valve. Further, it is conceivable that the electronic control device or the valve unit comprises at least one sensor element, by means of which, for example, a pressure prevailing in the air spring and / or recorded in the air spring amount of air, which is for example an air mass or an air volume, can be detected. The valve unit is preferably part of the second module.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an evaluation unit is provided, by means of which a respective vehicle height can be determined from the respective position. The vehicle height corresponds to a respective ground clearance of the vehicle. The evaluation unit is for example part of the measuring device or the electronic control device, which may be an electronic computing device.

It has been found to be particularly advantageous if the electronic control device is designed to adjust the amount of air absorbed in the air spring as a function of the determined vehicle height. For example, if it is determined that the determined vehicle height deviates from a desired target height, for example, the vehicle is too low or too high, the amount of air taken in the air spring - as described above - increased or decreased, causing the vehicle raised or can be lowered. As a result, the vehicle height can be adjusted as the actual height to the desired height, so that the amount of air is adjusted in particular such that the current vehicle height (actual height) corresponds to the desired height.

In order to realize the distance measurement in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the sensor element described above with the piston-piston rod unit is mtibewegbar relative to the damper cylinder along the direction of movement.

It has been found to be particularly advantageous if the sensor element is held on a bell, which surrounds the damper cylinder at a distance from this circumference at least partially, in particular at least predominantly. As a result, the sensor element can be installed or mounted in a particularly cost-effective manner. Preferably, it is provided that the sensor element and the unit or said bell are formed as separately formed and interconnected components. As a result, the sensor element can be arranged or mounted in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner on the bell, in particular after its manufacture or subsequently.

In order to realize the distance measurement in a particularly simple manner, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the sensor element on a damper cylinder, in particular in the radial direction of the shock absorber, facing inner peripheral side surface of the bell, in particular directly held. As a result, the sensor element can be mounted particularly easily.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the aforementioned measuring element, in particular directly, is held on the damper cylinder. It is preferably provided that the damper cylinder and the measuring element are designed as separately formed and interconnected components, so that the measuring element can be arranged particularly simple and inexpensive to the damper cylinder.

In order to keep the costs particularly low, it is finally preferably provided that the measuring element on one of the bell, in particular in the radial direction of the shock absorber, facing outer peripheral side surface of the damper cylinder, in particular directly, is held. As a result, the measuring element can be mounted or installed in a particularly simple and thus cost-effective manner.

Preferably, the displacement measurement is carried out as a non-contact displacement measurement. In other words, for example, the sensor element and the measuring element interact in a contactless or contactless manner. This means that the measuring element and the sensor element do not touch to detect the respective positions. Thus, the respective positions are recorded contactless or contactless.

For example, the measuring element provides at least one received signal, which can be detected by the sensor element, in particular contactless. By detecting the received signal, the respective position can be detected. The received signal includes magnetic forces, for example, so that the measuring element has, for example, at least one magnet. Preferably, the measuring element has a plurality of magnets and / or a plurality of magnetic north and south poles, which are arranged alternately successively, in particular along the direction of movement. In other words, for example, the measuring element can provide the previously described received signal as magnetic forces that can be received by the sensor element. As a result, the respective position can be detected on the basis of the magnetic forces. In this case, the measuring element is designed, for example, as a magnetic tape which, for example, has a longitudinal extension direction which coincides with the direction of movement.

Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the sensor element is designed as an optical sensor, by means of which the measuring element is optically detectable. In order to be able to detect, for example, the positions particularly precisely, the measuring element has, for example, an optically detectable pattern, that is to say an optically detectable coding, such as a bar code or the like. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the measuring element has a toothing, wherein, for example, the aforementioned pattern or the aforementioned coding comprises the toothing. The toothing can be detected, for example, optically and in particular without contact by the optical sensor.

The toothing is for example a tooth structure which has a plurality of teeth and tooth spaces. The teeth and tooth gaps are arranged, for example, alternately successively along the direction of movement, wherein the teeth and tooth spaces can be detected by means of the sensor element. For example, by counting the teeth or the tooth spaces and / or by counting the aforementioned magnetic poles and / or by counting, for example, elements of the aforementioned pattern or the coding, it is possible, the aforementioned path or the respective positions to simple and cost-effective way to capture.

The above-mentioned mutually different magnetic poles or the teeth and tooth gaps are, for example, along a Longitudinal direction of the measuring element arranged alternately successively, wherein preferably the longitudinal direction of extension coincides with the direction of movement. As a result, the distance measurement can be carried out in a particularly simple manner.

In order to be able to carry out the displacement measurement in a particularly simple and inexpensive manner as well as precisely, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the measuring element has a toothing which comprises a plurality of teeth and tooth gaps, which are arranged alternately successively along the direction of movement.

In this case, for example, the sensor element is designed to detect the teeth and / or the tooth gaps, in particular magnetically, wherein the respective position can be detected as a function of the detected teeth and / or tooth gaps. The tooth gaps are recessed, for example, with respect to the teeth, so that differences in height and thus differences in distance, in particular in the radial direction of the shock absorber, result from the toothing, which is arranged, for example, in at least one of the positions in coincidence with the sensor element. These differences in height or distance, for example, lead to changes in a magnetic flux provided by the sensor element, by means of which the toothing, that is to say the tooth gaps and teeth, can be detected. This means, for example, that when the toothing is moved past the sensor element, the magnetic flux is influenced or changed per tooth and tooth gap, as a result of which the teeth and tooth gaps can be detected. In particular, thus, for example, a number of teeth and tooth spaces, which are guided past the sensor element, so then from the number, in particular based on the initial position, said path can be determined.

Further advantages, features and details will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used only in the respectively specified combination, but also in combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention ,

• 1 eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Feder-Dämpfer-Einrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• 2 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Stoßdämpfers der Feder-Dämpfer-Einrichtung gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform;
• 3 ausschnittsweise eine schematische Schnittansicht einer Luftfeder der Feder-Dämpfer-Einrichtung;
• 4 ausschnittsweise eine schematische Schnittansicht des Stoßdämpfers gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform; und
• 5 eine schematische Schnittansicht einer Luftfeder, wobei 5 der Erläuterung des Hintergrunds der Erfindung dient.

The drawing shows in:

• 1 a schematic side view of a spring-damper device according to the invention according to a first embodiment;
• 2 a schematic sectional view of a shock absorber of the spring-damper device according to the first embodiment;
• 3 a detail of a schematic sectional view of an air spring of the spring-damper device;
• 4 a schematic sectional view of the shock absorber according to a second embodiment; and
• 5 a schematic sectional view of an air spring, wherein 5 to explain the background of the invention is used.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a schematic side view of a generally designated 10 spring-damper device which in 1 to 3 is illustrated according to a first embodiment and is used according to the first embodiment of a designed as a vehicle, in particular as a commercial vehicle device. The vehicle is designed for example as a motor vehicle. The vehicle has at least one axle 12 on which via the spring-damper device 10 sprung and muffled is tied to a bodywork. If the vehicle is designed, for example, as a passenger car, then the structure is designed as a self-supporting body. According to the first embodiment, however, the vehicle is a commercial vehicle having a in 1 only schematically illustrated frame 14 and one on the frame 14 has held structure. The frame 14 has two longitudinally spaced vehicle transverse direction of the longitudinal members, of which in 1 the in 1 16 is designated left side member recognizable. Furthermore, the frame comprises 14 at least one cross member, by which the longitudinal members are interconnected. Here is the axis 12 over the spring-damper device 10 to the frame 14 tethered and sprung and muffled on the frame 14 supported. The axis 12 comprises at least two spaced apart in the vehicle transverse direction wheels, of which in 1 this in 1 designated 18 and based on the forward direction left wheel is recognizable. About the wheels, the vehicle is on a ground 20 supported or supported. The floor 20 forms, for example, a roadway. If the vehicle is driven along the road, the wheels roll on or off the road. Overall, it can be seen that the wheels over the spring-damper device 10 sprung and muffled on the frame 14 are supported.

As with the example of the wheel 18 can be seen, the wheels are about an axis of rotation extending in the vehicle transverse direction 22 relative to the frame 14 and relative to the spring-damper device 10 rotatable. In particular, the axis 12 trained as a rigid axle, the previous and following versions, however, can be easily transferred to an independent suspension. In particular, is off 1 recognizable that the spring-damper device 10 can be used in a wheel or axle suspension, via which the axle 12 or the wheels are sprung and damped at least indirectly supported on the structure. However, the foregoing and following embodiments are also applicable to other uses such as vehicle seat mountings and cab mountings.

The axis 12 includes, for example, longitudinal elements 24 and a axle bridge 26 over which the longitudinal elements 24 connected to each other. The longitudinal elements 24 and thus the axle bridge 26 are about the spring-damper device 10 sprung and muffled on the frame 14 supported, with the wheels rotatable on the axle bridge 26 held and therefore on the axle bridge 26 , the longitudinal elements 24 and the spring-damper device 10 sprung and muffled on the frame 14 are supported.

The spring-damper device 10 includes at least one air spring 28 on the one hand to the frame 14 and on the other hand to at least one of the longitudinal elements 24 is connected. Furthermore, the longitudinal element 24 for example, on the frame 14 held console 30 to the frame 14 tethered. In addition, the spring-damper device includes 10 at least one shock absorber 32 , which is designed in particular as a hydraulic shock absorber. The shock absorber 32 is on the one hand at least indirectly hinged to the longitudinal element 24 and on the other hand at least indirectly hinged to the frame 14 Tailored, the shock absorber 32 hinged to the console 30 and over this hinged to the frame 14 is connected. Thus, for example, the shock absorber 32 during rebound and rebound movements of the wheel 18 relative to the axle bridge 26 and relative to the console 30 pivot.

As part of the rebound and rebound movements, the wheel moves 18 , in particular at least substantially in the vehicle vertical direction, relative to the frame 14 , The wheel 18 and the frame 14 are thus respective components which are movable relative to each other. As part of a compression movement, for example, the wheel moves 18 in vehicle vertical direction upwards on the frame 14 to. As part of a rebound movement, for example, the wheel moves 18 , in particular in the vehicle vertical direction, of the frame 14 path. Thus, in the context of the compression and rebound movements relative movements between the components, these relative movements by means of the shock absorber 32 be steamed.

Out 1 to 3 it can be seen that the shock absorber 32 completely or completely outside the air spring 28 arranged and thus not in the air spring 28 is integrated. Here is the shock absorber 32 , in particular in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the air spring 28 spaced and separated from the air spring 28 educated. However, in the fully manufactured state of the device (in the vehicle) is the shock absorber 32 at least indirectly with the air spring 28 coupled.

Especially good in conjunction with 2 it can be seen that the shock absorber 32 a damper cylinder 34 and a piston-piston rod unit 36 which is simply referred to as a unit or piston unit. The unit is along a in 2 by a double arrow 38 illustrated and, for example, with the axial direction of the shock absorber 32 coincident movement direction relative to the damper cylinder 34 translationally movable, that is displaceable. The unit includes one in the damper cylinder 34 recorded piston 40 which is along the direction of movement relative to the damper cylinder 34 is translationally movable. In addition, the unit comprises a piston rod 42 which with the piston 40 connected and thereby with the piston 40 along the direction of movement relative to the damper cylinder 34 translationally mitbewegbar is. At the damper cylinder 34 is a first damper eye 43 provided over which the shock absorber 32 For example, at least indirectly with the axis 12 is coupled articulated. At the piston rod 42 is a second damper eye 44 provided over which the shock absorber 32 at least indirectly articulated with the console 30 or the frame 14 is coupled.

If, for example, the said unit (piston-piston rod unit 36 ) along the direction of movement in an in 2 through an arrow 46 illustrated first direction relative to the damper cylinder 34 moves, then the unit, in particular the piston rod 42 , from the damper cylinder 34 extended. This extension of the unit from the damper cylinder 34 takes place, for example, in a rebound, that is, in rebound movements of the wheel 18 , For example, if the unit is opposite to the direction of movement in one of the first directions and in 2 through an arrow 48 illustrated second direction moves, so the unit, in particular the piston rod 42 , in the damper cylinder 34 retracted. For example, this is the case with the drive-in unit a compression, that is at compression movements of the wheel 18 ,

The damper cylinder 34 forms a working space 50 , which, for example, by the piston 40 in two opposite working chambers 52 and 54 is divided. In the workroom 50 is an in 2 particularly schematically illustrated damping fluid 56 taken, for example, as a liquid, in particular as an oil is formed. The piston 40 has at least two transfer channels 58 and 60 on which of the damping fluid 56 can be flowed through. In the overflow channels 58 and 60 For example, respective valve elements, in particular non-return valves, are arranged, by means of which, for example, one of the transfer channels 58 and 60 flowing amount of the damping fluid 56 is adjustable.

If, for example, it comes to the described extension of the unit from the damper cylinder 34 , so it comes to a reduction in volume of the working chamber 54 and to an increase in volume of the working chamber 52 , As a result, at least a part of the first in the working chamber 54 absorbed damping fluid 56 from the working chamber 54 displaced so that the displaced cushioning fluid 56 for example, by the overflow 58 flow through and thus out of the working chamber 54 in the working chamber 52 can flow in. This becomes the overflow channel 58 flowing damping fluid 56 throttled, whereby the extension or rebound is damped.

If it now comes to the previously described compression, it comes, for example, to a reduction in volume of the working chamber 52 and to an increase in volume of the working chamber 54 , As a result, at least a part of the first in the working chamber 52 absorbed damping fluid 56 from the working chamber 52 displaced, so that the displaced working fluid, for example, the overflow 60 flows through and thereby out of the working chamber 52 in the working chamber 54 flows. Here, the damping fluid 56 by means of the overflow channel 60 throttled, so that the retraction or compression is damped.

The shock absorber 32 also has a bell movable with the unit 62 on, which, for example, with the piston rod 42 connected is. Out 2 is particularly well recognizable that the bell 62 the damper cylinder 34 at least partially, in particular at least predominantly, surrounds the bell 62 , in particular completely, of the damper cylinder 34 is spaced. The bell 62 is used in particular to, from the damper cylinder 34 extending piston rod 42 Protect, especially from dirt, moisture and flying objects.

The air spring 28 is in 3 partially shown in a schematic sectional view. Out 3 is recognizable that the air spring 28 a trained example as a rolling bellows bellows 64 aufwie, which, for example, with a piston 66 the air spring 28 connected is. For example, in compression movements of the wheel 18 is at least a length range of the particular flexible bellows 64 on the piston 66 , in particular on an outer peripheral side surface 68 of the piston 66 , rolled up. If there is then a rebound movement, the initially rolled up length range of the bellows 64 again from the piston 66 unrolled. The one with the piston 66 connected and in particular fluid-tight against the piston 66 sealed bellows 64 On the other hand, for example, is fluid-tight with a cover plate 70 connected. The cover plate 70 , The piston 66 and the bellows 64 limit at least one volume 72 the air spring 28 , In the volume 72 are added air and thus an amount of air, which in the volume 72 and thus in the air spring 28 recorded amount of air is simply referred to as mass and in particular is adjustable. At a compression of the wheel 18 becomes, for example, the volume 72 downsized, causing the in the air spring 28 absorbed air is compressed. in the episode poses the air spring 28 a spring force ready.

In such a compression, the unit is further in the damper cylinder 34 retracted. By means of the spring it is then possible to rebound the wheel 18 to cause the previously in the damper cylinder 34 retracted unit by means of the air spring 28 provided spring force back from the damper cylinder 34 is extended or can be extended. Such rebounding and rebounding occurs, for example, when driving along the roadway, when the roadway has unevenness, so that the wheel 18 Impacts act. These shocks can be achieved by means of the shock absorber 32 be steamed.

However, if the compression results, for example, from the fact that the structure is loaded with cargo, so that the mass or the weight of the vehicle increases, so does the air spring 28 compressed air compressed so that the air spring 28 provides a spring force, but then enough of the air spring 28 provided spring force is not sufficient to rebound the wheel 18 , that is an extension of the unit from the damper cylinder 34 to effect. From the compression of the wheel 18 also results in a reduction of a vehicle height and thus a reduction in ground clearance of the vehicle.

To rebound the wheel after such a compression 18 To cause, for example, in the air spring 28 recorded air mass or Air volume is increased by adding air to the volume 72 is initiated. Further, it is possible by reducing the in the air spring 28 absorbed air quantity to reduce the vehicle height and ground clearance targeted. For example, if the weight of the vehicle remains the same, air will be in the air spring 28 initiated, so are a rebound of the wheel 18 and thus an extension of the unit from the damper cylinder 34 causes, whereby the vehicle height is increased. If, for example, at the same weight of the vehicle at least a part of the first in the air spring 28 absorbed amount of air from the air spring 28 Discharged, so takes a compression of the wheel 18 or a retraction of the unit in the damper cylinder 34 , This compression is caused by the weight or by the weight of the vehicle. In this way, the vehicle height and thus the ground clearance can be adjusted as needed.

To adjust the air volume as needed, is the air spring 28 an electronic control device 74 assigned, which is also referred to as air spring control (LFS). The electronic control device 74 is for example an electronic computing device, which is also referred to as a control unit.

The shock absorber 32 is for example part of a first module, wherein the air spring 28 Part of a second module is. The second module thus includes the air spring 28 and for example the electronic control device 74 for, in particular controlled or regulated, operating the air spring 28 , In addition, the second module comprises in particular by means of the electronic control device 74 , in particular electrically, operable and, for example, designed as a 3/3-way valve valve 76 which is adjustable between a lowered position, a holding position and a lifting position. In the lowered position is over the valve 76 and thus by means of the electronic control device 74 First, part of the air spring 28 absorbed amount of air from the air spring 28 discharged or discharged, causing the in the air spring 28 absorbed amount of air is reduced. In the order to lift air, especially compressed air, over the valve 76 and thus by means of the control device 74 in the air spring 28 initiated, causing the in the air spring 28 absorbed air quantity is increased or increased. The air, which is in the air spring 28 is introduced, for example, provided by a reservoir, in particular by a compressed air tank, and / or by at least one air compressor.

The valve 76 is for example part of a valve sensor module 78 which is part of the control device 74 or the second module can be. The valve sensor module 78 is on the air spring 28 , in particular on the cover plate 70 , so that, for example, the valve sensor module 78 , in particular the control device 74 , and the air spring 28 form the second module. The valve sensor module 78 includes at least one pressure sensor 80 , by means of which, for example, one in the air spring 28 , especially in the volume 72 , ruling and by in the air spring 28 Recorded air quantity bewirkter pressure is detected. In particular, it is conceivable that in the air spring 28 absorbed air quantity by means of the control device 74 depending on the means of the pressure sensor 80 detected pressure is set. Further, an electronics 82 provided which, for example, part of the valve sensor module 78 is and thus for example on the cover plate 70 is held. The Electronic 82 and the pressure sensor 80 are, for example, components of the aforementioned second module. In particular, the electronics comprise, for example, an evaluation unit.

For example, one of the control device 74 Superior air spring control LFS provided, which is realized for example by a control unit. The controller is not part of the second module, but formed separately from this and, for example, via a connection 84 with the control device 74 or with the module and in particular with the electronics 82 connected. Actuation of the valve 76 For example, by means of electronics 82 ,

One, in particular electronic or electrical, communication between the valve sensor module, also referred to as air spring module 78 and the air spring control LFS formed, for example, separately from said second module takes place, for example, via the connection 84 , which is formed for example by at least one cable or at least one line. In 3 is also a compressed air line 86 recognizable, about which, for example, the air in the air spring 28 can be initiated. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable, at least a part of the first in the air spring 28 absorbed air volume via the compressed air line 86 from the air spring 28 remove or discharge.

Due to the fact that at a compression of the wheel 18 The piston 66 on the cover plate 70 moved and the unit (piston-piston rod unit 36 ) in the damper cylinder 34 is retracted, depends also referred to as air spring height FH and extending for example in the vehicle vertical direction height of the air spring 28 with a path or a route together, the unit, in particular based on a starting position, from the damper cylinder 34 extended or in the damper cylinder 34 retracted.

To now a particularly advantageous operation of the spring-damper device 10 , in particular the air spring 28 Being able to realize in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner, is on the shock absorber 32 a particularly good in conjunction with 2 recognizable measuring device 88 provided, which completely outside the air spring 28 arranged and in particular in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the air spring 28 spaced and separated from the air spring 28 is trained. In particular, the measuring device 88 in the shock absorber 32 integrated. The measuring device 88 is for example part of the first module. By means of the measuring device 88 respective positions are detectable which the piston-piston rod unit 36 due to their relative to the damper cylinder extending along the direction of movement relative movements 34 relative to this occupies. As a result of the detection of the respective position, in particular as a function of the abovementioned starting position, the aforementioned path or the aforementioned path is the unit or the unit in the damper cylinder 34 retracted or from the damper cylinder 34 is extended, detectable. Since, as described above, said path is associated with the air spring height FH, the detection of the path can be used, for example, to deduce the air spring height FH. Further, as the air spring height FH and the distance from respective positions that the wheel 18 , in particular in the vehicle vertical direction, relative to the frame 14 occupies, depend, hang the air spring height FH and by means of the measuring device 88 detectable or determinable way with the aforementioned vehicle height or ground clearance together, so that by determining the said path, the vehicle height can be determined. In particular, the vehicle height is dependent on the detected path by means of the measuring device 88 or by means of the electronics 82 or by means of the control device 74 determined. The detection of the positions and thus the way the unit in the damper cylinder 34 retracted or from the damper cylinder 34 is extended, is also referred to as distance or distance measurement.

Overall, it can be seen that the distance measurement by means of the shock absorber 32 or on the shock absorber 32 he follows. The measuring device 88 For example, provides at least one, in particular electronic or electrical, signal that characterizes the respective detected positions and thus, for example, the determined path. This signal is, in particular via an example designed as a cable or line line element 90 from the measuring device 88 to the controller 74 , in particular to the electronics 82 , transfer.

The control device 74 receives the signal and, depending on the signal and thus, for example, depending on the determined positions or depending on the determined path in the air spring 28 absorbed air quantity, so that, for example, in the sequence by means of the control device 74 the vehicle height and the ground clearance and thus the air spring height LH and said path or the position of the unit relative to the damper cylinder 34 be adjusted depending on the signal. The respective detected position is thus a variable which on the shock absorber 32 captured and used for the operation of one of the shock absorbers 32 different component in the form of the air spring 28 is being used. By integrating the distance measurement in the shock absorber 32 the distance measurement can be done in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

Out 2 it can be seen that the measuring device 88 at least one measuring element in the first embodiment 92 which is formed in the first embodiment as a magnetic tape and having a plurality of mutually different magnetic poles S and N. The magnetic poles S and N are along a longitudinal extension direction of the measuring element 92 arranged alternately successively, wherein the longitudinal extension direction of the measuring element 92 with the direction of movement (double arrow 38 ) coincides. The measuring element 92 thus provides magnetic forces by which the positions can be detected.

Furthermore, the measuring device comprises 88 at least one with the measuring element 92 corresponding sensor element 94 , by means of which, for example, that of the measuring element 92 provided magnetic forces are detectable. In particular, it is possible, for example, for translational relative movements between the unit and the damper cylinder 34 the magnetic poles S and N by means of the sensor element 94 to count, whereupon, in particular in dependence on said starting position, the path which the piston-piston rod unit 36 from the damper cylinder 34 extended or retracted into this can be determined.

For this purpose, the measuring element 92 at least indirectly, especially directly, on the damper cylinder 34 attached and in particular to the damper cylinder 34 established. The sensor element 94 is, in particular at least indirectly or directly, on the piston-piston rod unit 36 held and with this along the direction of movement relative to the damper cylinder 34 and thus relative to the measuring element 92 translatory mitbewegbar. Out 2 it can be seen that the sensor element 94 , especially directly, on the bell 62 kept and especially at the bell 62 is fixed.

Preferably, the measuring element 92 and the damper cylinder 34 separately formed and interconnected components, so that the measuring element 92 simple and inexpensive to the damper cylinder 34 can be mounted. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor element 94 and the bell 62 formed as separately formed and interconnected components, so that the sensor element 94 in a simple and inexpensive way to the bell 62 held or with the piston-piston rod unit 36 can be connected. Furthermore, it can be seen that the displacement measurement with respect to the measuring element 92 and the sensor element 94 contactless, so that the measuring element 92 and the sensor element 94 do not touch to capture the positions and thus the way. In particular, it is provided in the first embodiment that the measuring element 92 is designed as a magnetic tape.

In other words, for example, the signal characterizing the detected positions, in particular directly, to the air spring module (valve sensor module 78 ) and in particular to the control device 74 and, for example, to the electronics 82 transmitted, in particular bypassing the air spring control LFS, so that the signal is not via the air spring control LFS to the controller 74 is transmitted, but the signal is sent directly to the on the air spring 28 , in particular directly, held control device 74 transmitted and received by this.

In the first embodiment, the measuring element is 92 at one of the bell 62 in the radial direction of the shock absorber 32 facing, outer peripheral side surface 96 of the damper cylinder 34 arranged. The radial direction of the shock absorber runs 32 For example, at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement, which in the axial direction of the shock absorber 32 runs. The sensor element 94 is for example in an opening formed in particular as a passage opening 98 the bell 62 used, with the opening 98 for example, an inner circumferential side surface 100 the bell 62 penetrates. Here, the inner peripheral side surface is 100 , in particular in the radial direction of the shock absorber 32 , the damper cylinder 34 and in particular, the outer peripheral side surface 96 facing. For example, the sensor element 94 flush with the inner circumferential side surface 100 arranged or the sensor element 94 is in the radial direction inwards, that is in the direction of the damper cylinder 34 over the inner circumferential side surface 100 above. As a result, the respective position can be detected particularly precisely. In particular, it is conceivable that the measuring device 88 wirelessly and thereby, for example, by radio with the control device 74 is connected so that the signal, for example, wirelessly transmitted and received.

4 shows a second embodiment of the spring-damper device 10 , The second embodiment differs in particular from the first embodiment that the measuring element 92 a gearing 102 or has a tooth structure. The gearing 102 is formed for example of a metallic material. The gearing 102 has several teeth 104 and each interposed tooth gaps 106 on, with the teeth 104 and the tooth gaps 106 , Especially in the longitudinal direction of the measuring element 92 , alternately follow one another. Thus, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the measuring element 92 between every two exactly the tooth gaps 106 exactly one of the teeth 104 , Here is the sensor element 94 designed as a magnetic sensor, by means of which the respective teeth 104 and the respective tooth gaps 106 can be detected. For example, by means of the sensor element 94 the alternately successively arranged teeth 104 and tooth gaps 106 detected and counted while the unit along the direction of movement relative to the damper cylinder 34 is shifted so that the gearing 102 on the sensor element 94 vorbe past, so this can be detected in particular as a function of the aforementioned starting or reference position, the respective position and in particular the previously described way. As a result, a particularly cost-effective distance measurement can be realized.

5 shows an air spring 28 into which a shock absorber 32 is integrated. According to 5 thus form the air spring 28 and the shock absorber 32 a coherent or assembled module. In contrast, it is provided in the first embodiment or the second embodiment that the shock absorber 32 and the air spring 28 formed separately from each other and in particular form the independently produced modules, which are not integrated with each other, but, in particular in the vehicle longitudinal direction, arranged spaced from each other and in particular formed separately from each other. By this separate configuration or arrangement of the shock absorber 32 from the air spring 28 the previously described displacement measurement can be carried out particularly cost-effectively.

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 1985886 A2 [0005]

Claims (12)

Spring-damper device (10), in particular for a vehicle, with at least one air spring (28), and with at least one completely outside the air spring (28) arranged shock absorber (32), which has a damper cylinder (34) and a relative to the Damper cylinder (34) along a direction of movement (38) translationally movable piston-piston rod unit (36) having a in the damper cylinder (34) received piston (40) and one connected to the piston (40) and thereby with the piston ( 40) relative to the damper cylinder (32) along the direction of movement (38) translatorisch mitbewegbewegbare piston rod (42), characterized in that on the shock absorber (32) at least one measuring device (88) is provided by means of which positions can be detected, the Piston-piston rod unit (36) due to relative to the movement direction (38) extending relative movements between the piston-piston rod unit (36) and the damper cylinder ( 34) occupies relative to this. Spring damper device (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the measuring device (88) is designed to provide at least one, in particular electrical, signal which characterizes the respective detected position. Spring damper device (10) after Claim 2 , characterized in that the air spring (28) is associated with an electronic control device (74) which is adapted to receive the signal and to adjust an amount of air in the air spring (28) in response to the signal. Spring-damper device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an evaluation unit (82), in particular the electronic control device (74) is provided, by means of which from the respective position, a respective vehicle height can be determined. Spring damper device (10) after the Claims 3 and 4 , characterized in that the electronic control device (74) is adapted to adjust the amount of air taken in the air spring (28) in dependence on the determined vehicle height. Spring-damper device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device (88) at least one with the piston-piston rod unit (36) relative to the damper cylinder (34) mitbewegbares sensor element (94) for detecting the has respective position. Spring damper device (10) after Claim 6 , characterized in that the sensor element (94) on a bell (62) is held, which surrounds the damper cylinder (34) at a distance to this outer peripheral side at least partially. Spring damper device (10) after Claim 7 , characterized in that the sensor element (94) on a the damper cylinder (34), in particular in the radial direction of the shock absorber (32), facing inner peripheral side shell surface (100) of the bell (62), in particular directly, is held. Spring damper device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device (88) has at least one, in particular directly, on the damper cylinder (34) held measuring element (92) for detecting the respective position. Spring damper device (10) after Claim 9 in its reference back to Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that the measuring element (92) on one of the bell (62), in particular in the radial direction of the shock absorber, facing outer peripheral side surface (96) of the damper cylinder (34), in particular directly, is held. Spring-damper device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring element (92) has a toothing (102) which comprises a plurality of teeth (104) and tooth spaces (106) which are along the direction of movement ( 38) are arranged alternately successively. Spring damper device (10) after Claim 11 , characterized in that the sensor element (94) is adapted to detect the teeth (104) and / or the tooth gaps (106), wherein in dependence on the detected teeth (104) and / or tooth gaps (106) the respective position is detectable.

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