DE102017214383A1 - Spring arrangement with spring rate adjustment - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a spring assembly for a strut of a vehicle, comprising a main spring and an auxiliary spring connected in series with the main spring, and a fluid actuable adjusting device for adjustably limiting a compression travel of the auxiliary spring, and a pumping device which fluidly connected to the adjusting device and is formed by actuation for selectively introducing a fluid into the adjusting device, wherein the pumping device is operatively coupled to the auxiliary spring such that a compression movement and / or a rebound movement of the additional spring causes actuation of the pumping device.
In addition, a suspension strut for a vehicle, in particular for a suspension of the vehicle, described with a corresponding spring arrangement, as well as a suitably equipped vehicle, in particular motorcycle or motorcycle-like vehicle.

Description

The invention relates to a spring arrangement for a strut of a vehicle, in particular for a suspension of the vehicle, and a strut for the vehicle with a corresponding spring arrangement.

In vehicle technology, it is known to hang a wheel of a vehicle by means of a shock absorber on the vehicle structure. The strut usually includes a coil spring and a hydraulic shock absorber disposed within the coil spring. The coil spring and the shock absorber are connected in parallel to each other, so that the shock absorber has in its change in length both an elastic characteristic and an attenuation characteristic. To one end of the strut, the wheel is fixed with its axis and the other end of the strut is attached to the vehicle structure, so that the structure is supported by the strut. In the case of a motorcycle, the structure is formed for example by a vehicle frame.

A yielding of the strut and thus the characteristic of the mounting of the vehicle structure is determined in particular by the spring rate of the coil spring. If the coil spring of the suspension strut has a high spring rate, then the vehicle structure is hard-sprung, whereas the structure is softly sprung when the coil spring of the suspension strut has a low spring rate.
Due to different conditions when driving the vehicle, in particular due to different bumps to be compensated by the strut, and different loads of the vehicle, it is desirable if the shock absorber is adaptable. In particular, it is desirable if the spring rate of the shock absorber is variable.

Especially for motorcycles or motorcycle-like vehicles, this also ensures a higher degree of driving stability and manageability. Even under maximum load with a passenger and luggage remains in this way the full tilt freedom of the motorcycle, which still allows a sporty driving style.

In addition, the adjustment of the spring rate significantly reduces the risk of so-called "breakdown" under extreme loads. Usually there is a variation of the spring rate in known adjustable struts using an electric motor with gear. Thus, an adjustment by changing the damper tuning by simply switching by pressing a button while driving. Likewise, a spring base can be changed. Depending on the system used in each case, this can be done only when the vehicle is stationary or even while driving.

For example, is from the DE 10 2007 015 888 A1 a strut with an adjustable spring assembly is known in which an additional spring is arranged in series with a main spring and the compression travel can be limited adjustable by means of a slider to vary a spring rate.

An object of the invention is to further develop a spring arrangement in an advantageous manner. In particular, an energy consumption for adjusting the spring arrangement should be reduced.

This object is achieved with a spring assembly according to the subject of claim 1 and a strut and a vehicle with the feature combination listed in claim 9 or claim 10. Advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the respective dependent claims.

Accordingly, a spring arrangement for the suspension strut of a vehicle is provided, with a main spring and an additional spring which is connected in series with the main spring, and a fluidbetätigbaren adjusting device for adjustably limiting a compression travel of the auxiliary spring, and a pump device, which fluidly connected to the adjusting device and is formed by actuating for selectively introducing a fluid into the adjusting device. In addition, the pump device is operatively coupled to the auxiliary spring such that a compression movement and / or a rebound movement of the additional spring causes actuation of the pump device.

The spring arrangement is thus provided for the spring strut and for this purpose comprises two spring elements, the main spring and the auxiliary spring, which are arranged in series with each other. If the spring arrangement is unloaded, then it and thus the two spring elements are fully extended. If the spring assembly is compressed by the compression movement, so shortened both the main spring and the auxiliary spring. The resulting spring rate of the spring assembly results from the series connection of the main spring and the auxiliary spring. As a main spring, for example, a coil spring can be used. By contrast, suitable as additional springs, for example (but in no way conclusive to understand) an air spring, coil spring or spring ring. Preferably, a spring rate k1 of the main spring is equal to or smaller than a spring rate k2 of the auxiliary spring. Conversely, the spring rate k2 of the auxiliary spring can be the same or greater, preferably much larger, than the spring rate k1 of the main spring, otherwise a (too) large spring rate change would be effected. For example, k2 may be selected from a range k1 ≦ k2 ≦ 30x k1. In this case, k2 can therefore have the same or at most 30 times the value of k1.

With the aid of the adjusting device, a compression travel of the additional spring can be completely or at least partially restricted. For this purpose, the adjusting device can provide, for example, an adjustable stop, which blocks a compression of the additional spring beyond a predefined compression travel. Depending on the position of the adjusting device, the defined compression travel can accordingly amount to 0% to 100% of the compression travel possible in the non-locked state.

This means that an actual compression travel of the additional spring when compressing the spring assembly is limited to the predetermined value and a further reduction of the additional spring is mechanically prevented by the adjustment. In this limited by the adjustment state, the additional spring is no longer resilient, so that the spring rate of the spring assembly is determined in this state of the main spring.

Until the abutment of the auxiliary spring to the adjusting the spring rate of the spring assembly is determined by both the main spring and the auxiliary spring (unless the defined compression travel of the auxiliary spring is not set by the adjustment to 0%), whereas the spring rate of the spring arrangement after reaching the limit of the compression travel the additional spring is determined only by the main spring.

An adjustment of the adjusting device is preferably carried out by means of a fluid, for example by means of a hydraulic oil. This is initiated for actuating the adjustment of the pumping device in the adjustment, so that the adjusting device is hydraulically actuated or actuated. In principle, however, the use of a pressurized gas, such as compressed air, as a fluid is possible, so that the adjusting device can be pneumatically actuated.

An actuation of the pumping device takes place in any case such that a compression movement and / or a rebound movement of the additional spring causes the actuation of the pumping device. In particular, can be carried out by the compression movement compression of the pumping device, whereby the fluid from the pumping device is introduced into the adjusting device and there causes an adjustment of the adjusting device. Additionally or alternatively, the pumping device may be configured such that the rebounding movement also causes a corresponding pumping action for introducing the fluid into the adjusting device.

This offers in each case the particular advantage that an adjustment of the adjustment can be done passively by the pumping device is actuated by the compression movement and / or the rebound movement. Depending on the extent of the adjustment to be made, a single or multiple compression and / or rebound may be required to bring the adjustment in the desired position. Accordingly, the desired blocking may be delayed until the sufficient number of compression and / or rebound motions have been achieved to provide the desired pumping motion for introducing the sufficient amount of fluid into the recliner. Accordingly, the locking action of the auxiliary spring is not dependent on a required absolute stroke of the compression or the rebound, but the pumping effect can be achieved with one or more small compression movements and / or rebound movements as well as with one or more larger compression movements and / or rebound movements. Only the number of compression movements and / or rebound movements can accordingly differ depending on the respective flow rate.

The compression movement (s) and / or the rebound movement (s) can thus be effected either in the state by the user or even while driving, for example due to the unevenness of the ground, in order to achieve an adjustment of the desired spring rate. In any case, can thus be dispensed with, for example, an electrical actuation of the adjustment. In addition, this way of operation allows a discrete adjustment of the spring rate.

For example, the pump device may for this purpose comprise an actuatable pump piston. This is arranged such that the pump piston is compressed by the compression movement and / or rebound movement and thus pumps the fluid in the direction of the adjusting device. For this purpose, the pump piston may have one or two correspondingly arranged and formed fluid chambers.

In particular, the pump piston can be arranged parallel or coaxial with the additional spring. Accordingly, a compression direction of the auxiliary spring, ie the direction of the compression movement and / or rebound movement, and the compression direction of the pump piston are aligned parallel to each other.

Furthermore, the pump piston can be connected directly or indirectly to a first end with a first spring end and with a first end opposite the first end with a second spring end of the auxiliary spring.

For example, the pump piston may be connected with its first end with a spring plate arranged between the auxiliary spring and the main spring or be acted upon by the spring plate in the compression movement of the auxiliary spring. The spring plate is designed such that a first surface of the spring plate is acted upon by the main spring and a second surface of the spring plate by the first end of the auxiliary spring. Thus, if the entire spring assembly is compressed, the spring plate is moved together with the associated first spring end of the auxiliary spring and causes a simultaneous compression of the pump piston, if both components are already connected to each other.

If the first spring end and the spring plate, for example, firmly connected to each other, so in the rebound movement of the auxiliary spring of the pump piston can be extended accordingly and thus a correspondingly arranged fluid chamber of the pump piston to be actuated compressed.

Alternatively, the connection between the first spring end and the spring plate can be made only after an already partially occurred compression movement, in this state, the spring plate acts as part of this compression movement of the auxiliary spring, the first end of the pump piston and only then connected to this.

Optionally, the adjusting device act on the spring plate at least in an extended state, either already in an uncompressed state of the additional spring, so that it is completely blocked in its range of motion and unfolds no effect. Alternatively, the adjusting device can act on the spring plate only in a partially compressed state and thus at least partially limit its range of motion.

According to one embodiment, the adjusting device comprises an actuatable by means of the fluid slide, in particular an annular piston, which is designed as an adjustable stop for adjustably limiting the compression travel of the auxiliary spring extendable. The adjusting device has, for example, a fluid chamber and the slide or a fluid chamber and the annular piston, which is displaceable by means of the fluid when it is introduced into the fluid chamber of the adjusting in an extended position, so that the compression travel of the auxiliary spring is shortened.

Conversely, by discharging the fluid from the fluid chamber, the slide can be moved back to a retracted position.

Described in other words, the fluid chamber and the slide or the annular piston together form a Stellaktuator, so that the slide or the annular piston is used to lock or release the auxiliary spring. In the locked state thus only the main spring works, in the unlocked state both springs work.

If the adjusting device comprises the annular piston, then it can be arranged in an annular manner around the additional spring and enclose it in its circumferential direction. Alternatively, however, the annular piston can also be arranged within the additional spring. In both cases, the annular piston is preferably arranged coaxially with the additional spring. Of course, instead of a single annular piston, it is also possible to provide a plurality of individual slides or adjusting actuators, each with its own fluid chamber and a respective slide.

Furthermore, a controller for actuating the adjusting device may comprise a compensating container fluid-conductively connected to the adjusting device, which is also fluid-conductively connected to the pumping piston. It is in this way a fluid circuit, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid circuit, created by fluid can be passed from the surge tank in the pump piston, from where the fluid by a compression of the pump piston - as described by a compression movement and / or a rebound movement - if necessary in the adjustment is passed. From the adjusting device, the fluid can be discharged in case of need and flow back into the expansion tank.

To control the fluid flow, the controller has a valve, in particular a two-way check valve, which is arranged between the adjusting device and the expansion tank for controlling a fluid flow from the adjusting device into the expansion tank. If the valve is open for a flow (open state), the fluid from the adjustment device can flow back into the expansion tank. In this case, the adjusting device without effect on the spring assembly, the proposed slider or ring piston is free to move, so that the additional spring is not limited in scope of movement and both spring elements, main spring and auxiliary spring can act together

Conversely, when the valve is in a closed condition, the fluid can not flow back from the recliner into the surge tank. Instead, the adjusting device is locked and acts accordingly as a stop for the additional spring.

It can thus be controlled in a simple manner, the spring rate of the spring assembly discretely only by actuation of the valve. If the valve is designed as a two-way check valve, then a fluid flow is permitted only in one direction and locked in the opposite direction. The actuation of the valve can be done, for example, electrically or manually.

In each of these embodiments of the valve, this also means that the controller and thus also the entire spring arrangement can be designed to be particularly simple and thus cost-effective. On an electrical actuation of the adjustment can be dispensed with accordingly, so that a power requirement is limited to the adjustment of the valve and is not required to carry out the actual adjustment of the adjustment. Thus, the power consumption can be kept very low, which also relieves the electrical system and the on-board electronics.

The described spring arrangement thus enables the provision of a system which, depending on the choice of the spring rate, ie locked state or not locked state of the auxiliary spring, a corresponding reduction of the driving position, ie the vehicle height, allows. This spring movement is particularly suitable for motorcycles or motorcycle-like vehicles not only for a rear suspension, but also for a front suspension. The latter is relieved in particular when accelerating the vehicle due to the corresponding rebound, so that a return to an elevated driving position can be set very quickly.

Furthermore, a spring strut for a vehicle, in particular for a wheel suspension of the vehicle, is provided with a spring arrangement which is designed according to this description. The suspension can be designed for example as a rear suspension or front suspension.

Likewise, a vehicle, in particular a motorcycle or a motorcycle-like vehicle is provided, which is equipped with at least one strut and this is designed according to the description. Motorcycle-like vehicles are in particular all single-track vehicles but also multi-track vehicles each with a corresponding saddle-shaped seat for the user to understand, particularly preferably two-wheeled, three-wheeled or four-wheeled scooters and scooters, but also quads or trikes.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Federanordnung gemäß der Beschreibung in entsperrtem Zustand, 2 die Federanordnung gemäß 1 in gesperrtem Zustand, und
• 3 eine zweite Ausführungsform der Federanordnung.

The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a spring arrangement according to the description in the unlocked state, 2 the spring arrangement according to 1 in locked state, and
• 3 a second embodiment of the spring arrangement.

In both 1 and 2 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a spring arrangement 10 for a strut of a vehicle in unlocked ( 1 ) or locked state ( 2 ).

The spring arrangement 10 includes a main spring 11 and an additional spring 12 , wherein the auxiliary spring 12 in series with the main spring 11 is switched. Furthermore, a fluid-operated adjusting device 13 for adjustably limiting a compression travel (in the direction of a compression movement E) of the additional spring 12 intended.

A pumping device 14 the spring arrangement 10 is fluid-conducting with the adjusting device 13 connected and designed such that by an optional actuation B, a fluid F in the adjustment 13 is directed. The fluid used can preferably be a hydraulic fluid, for example a hydraulic oil, or a pressurized gas, for example compressed air.

This is the pumping device 14 such with the auxiliary spring 12 operatively coupled, that the compression movement E of the additional spring 12 an actuation B of the pumping device 14 causes. For this purpose, the pump device comprises 14 an actuable pump piston 15 parallel to the auxiliary spring 12 (That is, to the longitudinal direction L or the compression direction E) is arranged. A second embodiment for the (additional) use of a rebounding movement E 'for a pumping action is in 3 shown.

The pump piston 15 is with a first end 15a with a first spring end 12a and with a first end 15a opposite second end 15b with a second spring end 12b the additional spring 12 indirectly connected. So the mediate connection is provided by the first end 15a with one between the auxiliary spring 12 and the mainspring 11 arranged spring plate 16 connected is.

The pump piston 15 is aligned in the illustrated embodiment such that the first end 15a from a distal end of a piston rod 15c the pump piston 15 is formed. It is understood that the pump piston 15 could also be arranged in reverse orientation, so that of the piston rod 15c opposite second end 15b the pump piston 15 with the spring plate 16 would be connected (not shown).

The spring plate 16 is formed such that a first surface 16a of the spring plate 16 from the mainspring 11 and a second surface 16b of the spring plate 16 from the first end 12a the additional spring 12 is charged. So if the entire spring arrangement 10 compressed, so is the spring plate 16 together with the associated first spring end 12a the additional spring 12 moves and causes a simultaneous compression of the pump piston 14 , Alternatively, this indirect connection only in the context of compression movement E of the auxiliary spring 12 be prepared by the spring plate 16 the first end 15a only after a partial and thus initially unhindered compression applied.

The adjusting device 13 comprises a slider operable by means of the fluid F, which in the illustrated embodiment acts as an annular piston 13a is executed and which as adjustable stop A for the adjustable limiting the compression travel E of the auxiliary spring 12 (here: contrary to the compression movement E) is formed extendable. The ring piston 13a surrounds the auxiliary spring 12 in the circumferential direction, so that both components 12 , 13a are arranged coaxially with each other. Instead of a single ring piston 13a Of course, a plurality of individual slide or adjusting piston can be provided (not shown).

Furthermore, there is a controller 17 for actuating the adjusting device 13 provided, the one with the adjusting device 13 fluid-conducting connected expansion tank 18 also comprising (via a separate connection) with the pumping piston 15 fluidly connected. Furthermore, the controller has 17 a valve 19 on, which is shown in the illustrated embodiment as a two-way check valve, and which is between the adjusting device 13 and the expansion tank 18 for controlling a fluid flow from the adjusting device 13 in the expansion tank 18 is arranged.

With the help of the controller 17 can one in the expansion tank 18 stored fluid F in the pump piston 15 flow. This can optionally via an intermediate, first check valve 20 done, which is a reflux into the expansion tank 18 should prevent. By a compression movement E of the additional spring 12 becomes the pump piston 15 at least partially compressed, whereby a pumping movement B causes and thus at least a partial amount of the pump piston in the 15 contained fluid F from the pump piston 15 flows out to the adjusting device 13 to be fed. In this case, several, repeated compression movements E can be used in order to increase the quantity of fluid F into the adjusting device by means of a corresponding number of pumping movements B. 13 to pump. Also between the pump piston 14 and the adjusting device 13 Optionally, a second check valve 20 be provided which a reflux into the pump piston 15 should prevent.

In the adjusting device 13 the fluid F enters a fluid chamber 13b the adjusting device 13 and causes a displacement V of the annular piston 13a in an extended position, in which the compression travel E of the auxiliary spring 12 is shortened. Depending on the amount of per pumping movement B of the pump piston 15 provided fluid F, the displacement V of the ring piston 13a Accordingly, take place in one or more steps until the desired final position of the annular piston 13a is reached. If several pumping movements are required, then a range of motion for the compression of the pump piston 15 with each pumping movement B smaller, since the ring piston 13a Each time a piece is further extended and, accordingly, the respective compression travel E of the additional spring 12 limited by a piece further, whereby at the same time the scope of the pumping movement B (ie the pump stroke) is reduced. In other words described, the farther the ring piston 13a is extended, the pump stroke is reduced, so that in the final, extended position of the pump piston 15 no longer works.

This position is in 2 shown and shows a loading of the spring plate 16 through the annular piston 13 a, so that it acts as a stop A and a (further) compression movement E of the auxiliary spring 12 prevented. To extend the ring piston 13a is the valve 19 in a closed position (see 2 ) and blocks further flow of the fluid F into the surge tank 18 , In this way, the adjusting device 13 arrests and locks a (further) compression movement E of the additional spring 12 ,

Conversely, the valve 19 be opened (see 1 ), to a discharge of the fluid F from the fluid chamber 13b in the expansion tank 18 to enable. A blockage of the ring piston 13a is thus canceled, so that this no longer as fixed stop A of the further compression movement E precludes. Rather, the ring piston 13a freely movable and can be at a continuing Jockey movement E back to the in 1 shown retracted position are brought.

In other words, described is in the open position of the valve 19 the adjusting device 13 without effect on the spring arrangement 10 because of the ring piston 13a is freely movable, so that the auxiliary spring 12 in their range of motion E is not limited and both spring elements, main spring 11 and additional spring 12 to be able to work together.

The illustrated spring arrangement 10 is suitable for a strut for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle may be in particular a motorcycle or a motorcycle-like vehicle with at least one corresponding strut.

In 3 is a second embodiment of the spring assembly 10 shown. This is essentially the same as the first embodiment according to FIGS 1 and 2 match, so that reference is made to avoid repetition on the local description for the same or at least equivalent components. In contrast to the first embodiment, the pumping device 14 such with the auxiliary spring 12 operatively coupled, that in addition to the compression movement E of the auxiliary spring 12 also a rebounding movement E 'in the opposite direction also an actuation B of the pumping device 14 causes. For this purpose, for example, in the pump piston 15 two fluid chambers FK1, FK2 arranged accordingly and with the controller 17 via additional valves 20a . 21 a connected to provide in each of the two directions of movement E, E 'the pumping action described and corresponding to fluid F in the adjustment 13 to pump.

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

• DE 102007015888 A1 Résumé

Claims (10)

A suspension assembly (10) for a strut of a vehicle having a main spring (11) and an auxiliary spring (12) connected in series with the main spring (11) and a fluid actuatable adjusting device (13) for adjustably limiting a compression travel (Fig. E) of the auxiliary spring (12), and a pump device (14) which is fluid-conductively connected to the adjusting device (13) and formed by actuating for selectively introducing a fluid (F) in the adjusting device (13), characterized in that the pumping device (14) is operatively coupled to the auxiliary spring (12) such that a compression movement (E) and / or a rebound movement (E ') of the auxiliary spring (12) effects actuation (B) of the pump device (14). Spring arrangement (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the pumping device (14) comprises an actuatable pump piston (15). Spring arrangement (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the pumping piston (15) is arranged parallel or coaxial with the auxiliary spring (12). Spring arrangement (10) according to Claim 2 or 3 characterized in that the pumping piston (15) is provided with a first end (15a) having a first spring end (12a) and a second end (15b) opposite the first end (15a) having a second spring end (12b) of the auxiliary spring (12 ) is directly or indirectly connected. Spring arrangement (10) according to at least one of Claims 2 to 4 , characterized in that the pump piston (15) connected to the first end (15a) with a between the auxiliary spring (12) and the main spring (11) arranged spring plate (16) or within the compression movement (E) of the auxiliary spring (12) of the spring plate (16) can be acted upon. Spring arrangement (10) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the adjusting device (13) by means of the fluid (F) operable slide (13a), in particular an annular piston, which as an adjustable stop (A) for adjustably limiting the compression travel (E) of the auxiliary spring (12) extendable is trained. Spring arrangement (10) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that a control (17) for actuating the adjusting device (13) comprises a with the adjusting device (13) fluidly connected compensating tank (18), which is also fluidly connected to the pump piston (15). Spring arrangement (10) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the controller (17) comprises a valve (19), in particular a two-way check valve, which between the adjusting device (13) and the surge tank (18) for controlling a flow of fluid from the adjusting device (13) in the surge tank (18) is arranged. Strut for a vehicle, in particular for a wheel suspension of the vehicle, with a spring arrangement (10), characterized in that the spring arrangement (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 8th is trained. Vehicle, especially motorcycle or motorcycle-like vehicle, with at least one strut, characterized in that the strut after Claim 9 is trained.

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