DE10352186B4 - Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having at least one sensor device for detecting predetermined accident parameters as an accident signal in advance of a possible accident, with at least one control device which processes an accident signal detected by the sensor device as a function of the detected accident parameters into a control signal. 41, 72) can be raised and / or lowered as required by means of a suspension and / or damping device (40, 69), the vehicle having a suspension for each vehicle wheel for suspending the respectively assigned vehicle wheel, and the suspension and / or damping device (40; 69) is respectively arranged between the wheel suspension of the vehicle wheel and the vehicle body (41; 72), wherein at least one valve control device (58) is provided which is connected to the suspension and / or damping device (40; ) and on the other hand with the at least a control device is coupled such that the valve control device (58) in accordance with the present control signal of the control device, raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body (41; 72) by means of the suspension and / or damping device (40; 69), wherein the suspension and / or damping device (40; 69) a cylinder-piston unit (44; 71) ...

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the DE 199 23 708 A1 For example, a motor vehicle is known which has a wheel suspension for the suspension of the respectively associated vehicle wheel for each vehicle wheel. A suspension and / or damping device is arranged in each case between the wheel suspension of a vehicle wheel and a vehicle body. In addition, at least one sensor device is provided for detecting predetermined accident parameters, in particular predetermined collision parameters of a potential collision opponent, as an accident signal in advance of a possible accident, in particular a possible collision with the collision opponent. At least one control device processes the accident signal detected by the sensor device as a function of the detected accident parameters into a control signal to which the vehicle body can be raised and / or lowered if necessary by means of the suspension and / or damping device into an optimal accident position.

Specifically, in this motor vehicle lifting and / or lowering of the vehicle body by means of the suspension and / or damping device is performed. In this case, the collision area of the motor vehicle with a collision counterpart before the collision is determined by means of the sensor device, so that a positional adjustment of the vehicle body is effected at least on the collision side in accordance with the determined collision area. As a collision parameter, the direction of movement, the distance and / or the speed of a vehicle approaching the other vehicle or other object are detected by means of the sensor device and processed as a collision signal in the control device with a correspondingly programmed logic circuit to the control signal. Thus, the vehicle body can be raised and / or lowered in the optimum collision position, thereby the passive safety devices arranged on the motor vehicle, such. B. the side members in a head-on collision or side skirts in a side collision, can develop their optimal effect.

Furthermore, from the DE 100 64 249 A1 a motor vehicle is known, which has a similar structure as the generic motor vehicle described above. Again, by means of a control device, the distance of the vehicle body to the vehicle wheels in the presence of a corresponding signal, which was generated by the sensor device due to detected collision parameters set, so that thus a selected collision point and a selected orientation of the vehicle body can be achieved. Thus, the passive safety devices of the motor vehicle can also be used optimally here.

From the WO 99/38718 a motor vehicle with a suspension and / or damping device is known, which can be hardened or blocked at least for individual vehicle wheels in case of concern of an out of regular driving acceleration signal. Thus, a so-called. Aufschaukeleffekt the vehicle body, as can occur, for example, in a full braking by an extremely negative acceleration prevented. Any adverse reactions caused by the Aufschaukeleffekt the vehicle body or the entire motor vehicle can thus be avoided.

From the DE 600 10 314 T2 a generic vehicle is known in which by means of a sensor device predetermined accident parameters are detected as an accident signal in advance or in the course of a possible accident. On this basis, the vehicle body is raised or lowered by means of a control device by means of a spring and / or damping device in an optimal accident position.

Such a vehicle is also from the DE 198 41 751 A1 and from the DE 36 44 942 A1 known.

From the DE 36 31 876 A1 Vehicle suspension for a motor vehicle is known. This has a shock absorber, which is designed as a semi-active suspension in which the damper constant is variable by an electrical signal by means of a solenoid valve.

The object of the invention is to provide a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with which in a potential collision of the vehicle with another vehicle or an object functionally reliable and with simple means lifting and / or lowering of the vehicle body is possible.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims.

According to the invention, at least one valve control device is provided, which is coupled on the one hand with the suspension and / or damping device and on the other hand with the at least one control device. In this case, the valve control device causes in accordance with the present control signal of the control device, a raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body by means of Suspension and / or damping device. In this case, the valve control device for raising the vehicle body by means of the suspension and / or damping device in a lifting position or for lowering the vehicle body by means of the suspension and / or damping device in a lowered position switchable.

It is advantageous in the case of this motor vehicle that the valve control device reliably and reliably effects raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body. Preferably, by means of the valve control device, a simple and reliable switching over from a basic position into the lifting position or lowered position is possible, so that a functionally reliable raising or lowering of the vehicle body can be carried out in accordance with the present control signal of the control device. Thus, for example, in an imminent side collision, which is detected by means of the sensor device by a correspondingly generated collision signal, the vehicle can be reliably raised due to the switching of the valve control device from the basic position to the raised position of the vehicle body of the motor vehicle by means of the suspension and / or damping device, so that the sill area of the motor vehicle is hit by the collision opponent and thus the main load path of the collision opponent, which is formed by the front bumper and the two side members, meet the sill area of the motor vehicle for optimal energy absorption, whereby the occupant load can be advantageously reduced. Thus, by raising and / or lowering the vehicle body in the optimal collision position, the relevant load paths of the passive safety devices are activated, so that, for example, an over or under driving the side members or sill areas is avoided. During normal driving operation of the motor vehicle, the valve control device is in the basic position, so that by means of the suspension and / or damping device, a suspension / damping can be carried out in a conventional manner.

By means of the sensor device, for example, the direction of movement and / or the distance and / or the speed of another vehicle or other object approaching the motor vehicle can be detected as a collision parameter. But also the object angle and / or geometric parameters of the object can be sensed as collision parameters by the sensor device.

In addition to the collision parameters dependent on a collision opponent, overall accident parameters can be detected by means of the at least one sensor device, so that with the vehicle according to the invention all conceivable accident situations, such as a rollover as a rollover, can be increased and / or lowered as needed can be reacted to an optimal accident position. Since the accident parameters can also be detected in advance of a possible accident, for example, with corresponding pre-crash sensors as a sensor device, by raising and / or lowering the vehicle also avoiding the accident can be achieved. If, for example, an imminent rollover of the vehicle is detected by the sensor device, the center of gravity of the vehicle can be lowered in the direction of the roadway by lowering the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle stability is increased, so that the upcoming rollover can be avoided. Basically, a reduction of the vehicle body could occur in critical driving situations to avoid possible accident. In the further embodiments, a collision with a collision opponent is preferably mentioned by way of example, but a corresponding transmission to any other conceivable accident situation, even without a foreign participation, is included.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one valve control device can be pneumatically and / or hydraulically and / or magnetically and / or electrically actuated. Thus, regardless of the choice of actuation of the valve control device, a functionally reliable switching from the basic position into the lifting position or into the lowered position of the valve control device can be carried out. In order to be able to set the optimum collision position of the vehicle body as individually as possible, the suspension and / or damping device of each vehicle wheel can be coupled with a valve control device in a preferred embodiment so that, for example, only a raising or lowering of the vehicle body as a function of the present control signal of the control device is performed on a vehicle wheel. It is also conceivable that, for example, the vehicle body is lowered on a vehicle wheel and the vehicle body is raised accordingly on another vehicle wheel. Overall, should be achieved with the raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body by means of the suspension and / or damping device optimum collision position of the motor vehicle, so that the occupant load can be correspondingly advantageous reduced. If a collision with a pedestrian is detected, then the alignment of the optimal collision position can be selected accordingly by means of the control device so that the vehicle body is optimally aligned for the pedestrian, so that accordingly the loads for the pedestrian can be reduced.

According to the invention, the suspension and / or damping device comprises a cylinder-piston unit which comprises a cylinder in which a piston is slidably received. Within the cylinder, a piston-bottom working space and a piston-rod working space are respectively formed adjacent to the piston. Thus, a regularly used cylinder-piston unit is proposed for the suspension and / or damping device, which can be controlled either hydraulically or pneumatically.

According to the invention, an overflow line is provided on the cylinder, by means of which the piston-head working space and the piston rod working space are flow-connected. The overflow line can have an overflow valve, which can be closed when lifting or lowering the vehicle body. Thus, when switching over the valve control device from the basic position, for example, in the lowered position by closing the spill valve in the overflow a functionally reliable lowering of the vehicle body can be performed. During a normal driving operation of the motor vehicle, the overflow valve may be fully or partially open, so that thereby springs / dampening of the vehicle body is possible. In principle, the suspension / damping of the cylinder-piston unit can be adjusted here by a controlled opening or closing of the overflow valve.

According to the invention, a lifting line and a lowering line must be flow-connected to the cylinder. The lifting line can have a lifting valve as part of the valve control device and the lowering line a lowering valve as part of the valve control device. Thus, in response to the control signal of the control device by means of the raising valve and the lowering valve, the raising or lowering of the vehicle body feasible. Thus, if the valve control device is switched, for example, from the basic position, in which both the lifting valve and the lowering valve are closed, into the lowered position, then at least the lowering valve of the lowering line is opened, so that by means of the cylinder-piston unit and a corresponding displacement of the piston Within the cylinder, a lowering of the vehicle body can be performed.

In a preferred embodiment, the suspension and / or damping device can additionally be used for a level control and / or for a pitch and / or roll compensation of the vehicle. In this case, it is possible to switch over from a basic position to a raised position or a lowered position for a level control of the vehicle by means of the valve control device. For a level control, the volumetric flow released by means of the valve control device is advantageously kept relatively low, with a relatively large volumetric flow being released for a collision-induced raising or lowering of the vehicle body for a correspondingly rapid raising or lowering. Similarly, a pitch and / or roll compensation for the vehicle by means of the valve control device correspondingly driven suspension and / or damping device is possible. In principle, in addition to the suspension and / or damping device component components may be provided which are necessary for the operation of the level control and / or the pitch and / or roll compensation.

In a further refinement, a relatively low flow resistance of the valve control device can be adjustable directly at the beginning of the collision-related lifting and / or lowering of the vehicle body. Immediately at the end of the lifting and / or lowering of the vehicle body, a relatively large flow resistance of the valve control device can be adjustable. Thus, a raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body due to the low flow resistance of the valve control device is possible immediately in the presence of a corresponding control signal of the control device. Shortly before completion, for example, of the lifting of the vehicle body, the flow resistance of the valve control device is increased, so that a ringing of the vehicle body at the end of the lifting movement hereby can be advantageously avoided. In order to determine the time-based end of the raising or lowering movement, preferably a timer can be coupled to the valve control device accordingly.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one sensor device can be formed by a pre-crash sensor and / or by an early-crash sensor. For a functionally reliable detection of an imminent collision, for example, a sensor device which operates on the radar principle can be used. In principle, any type of sensor device with which a functionally reliable detection of the predetermined collision parameters of the potential collision opponent is possible can be used. The detection of the respectively given collision parameters of the potential collision opponent already takes place shortly before the collision, so that at the time of the collision the vehicle body has already been raised and / or lowered into the optimum collision position. The sensor device can, for example, also operate on the infrared principle and / or with cameras with image processing and / or on the laser principle. If cameras are used as sensor devices, these can be formed by 3D cameras.

In a development, the lifting and / or lowering of the vehicle body can be reversible and / or partially reversible and / or irreversible. Depending on the embodiment of the suspension and / or damping device with correspondingly assigned valve control device, after a lifting and / or lowering of the vehicle body, for example by partial replacement of components, the operational readiness of the suspension and / or damping device for a next raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body be restored. For example, if the energy storage device is designed as a gas generator, so after a lifting and / or lowering of the vehicle body of the gas generator can be replaced so that so that the suspension / damping device for a next raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body can be used again, so that the suspension - And / or damping device is partially reversible.

In a further embodiment, the at least one control device can determine a second control signal for a braking device of the vehicle in addition to a first control signal for the suspension and / or damping device. Thus, in addition to raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body, a deceleration of the vehicle is feasible. If a second control signal for the braking device of the vehicle is determined in the presence of a collision signal sensed by the sensor device in addition to the first control signal for the suspension and / or damping device, the vehicle speed can be lowered such that the severity of the accident is reduced, for example during an imminent frontal collision This is advantageously reduced. If an imminent side collision is detected, the impact of the collision opponent, for example, from the passenger compartment into the area of the front fender can be moved by the initiated braking process, whereby the load on the occupants is advantageously lowered. In this case, a compensation of the brake nod is additionally possible by a corresponding control of the valve control device and thus by means of the suspension and / or damping device.

In a next embodiment, communication means may be provided on the vehicle, with which a communication between the vehicle and a potential collision opponent is feasible. Thus, as a function of this communication result between the vehicle and the collision opponent, a lifting and / or lowering decision can be made for the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, this communication may be formed in particular by a radio communication. As a result, a detection of the potential collision opponent is possible if this is still in a hidden area seen from the vehicle, in which, for example, with optical sensors detection is not yet possible. Thus, a corresponding raising and / or lowering of the vehicle take place at an early stage, so that the vehicle is already in the optimum collision position at the time of the collision.

In a further development, the communication means can be integrated in a radio device and / or in a navigation device and / or in a car phone. In principle, integration is also possible in a position-determining device or in an Internet system installed in the car. If the position-determining device is equipped with a so-called differential measuring system, then the distance and the relative speed of the potential collision opponent can be detected accordingly. Regardless of the type of communication or with which communication means the communication between the vehicle and the potential collision opponent takes place, it is ensured on the basis of the communication result that the vehicle is brought into the correspondingly optimal collision position only in the necessary case.

According to a further embodiment, a valve control device can be assigned to each vehicle wheel. By means of the control device, the valve control device of each vehicle wheel can be controlled independently and / or with a time delay. Thus, depending on the detected collision parameters, a control of each individual valve control device, which is assigned in each case to a vehicle wheel, is possible. For example, in order to achieve an optimum collision position for the vehicle, only the valve control device of a single vehicle wheel can be activated. In principle, a control of the valve control devices only on the two front wheels or only on the two rear wheels or only on the two wheels of a vehicle side or only diagonally arranged on the vehicle wheels is possible. The control of several vehicle wheels can take place one after the other in terms of time, so that thereby the collision position can be positively influenced. As a result, for example, in the case of a detected collision with a pedestrian, a lowering of the vehicle on the two front wheels is possible, so that the pedestrian is not translationally displaced during the collision, but can advantageously roll on the engine hood. This is facilitated by the inclination of the vehicle for the pedestrian, so that thereby the possible injury severity of the pedestrian can be reduced.

In addition to the sensor device detecting the collision parameters, at least one further sensor device can be provided with which On-board driving parameters are detectable. Thus, depending on the detected driving parameters, a lifting and / or lowering decision can be made for the vehicle. As driving parameters that can be detected by the sensor device, for example, a large and / or fast steering angle change and / or the inclination angle of the vehicle and / or the amount of the upcoming brake pressure of a vehicle braking device to call. In addition, the build speed of the brake pressure can be determined. Furthermore, the pedal position of the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal can be detected and / or acting on the vehicle lateral and / or longitudinal accelerations can be detected. By evaluating these detected driving parameters can be reliably detected extreme driving situations of the vehicle, so that, for example, a lowering of the vehicle by the suspension / damping device, whereby a shift of emphasis of the vehicle takes place in the direction of the road, which causes a higher driving stability for the vehicle. Thus, for example, a possible vehicle overturn can be avoided. Also, the data regularly installed in the vehicle systems, such as a driving stability program (ESP) or anti-lock braking system (ABS) of the braking device can be used as driving parameters. In addition, a so-called "lane departure warning system" can be installed in the vehicle, which detects a possible agreement from the roadway, so that corresponding signals of the "lane departure warning system" can also be processed as driving parameters. Thus, for example, in the event of an agreement of the vehicle from the roadway due to the signals of the "lane departure warning system", a lowering of the vehicle can be carried out, so that a possible vehicle overturning could be avoided by the associated lowering of the vehicle's center of gravity. In principle, a system for detecting fatigue of the driver of the vehicle is also conceivable, so that on the basis of this ascertained data of the driver, a corresponding reaction with respect to a raising and / or lowering of the vehicle can take place.

Reference to a drawing, the invention is explained in detail.

Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a suspension / damping device with a valve control device in a first comparative form, which is not covered by the invention,

2 a schematic representation of an arrangement of the suspension / damping device of 1 on a vehicle,

3 1 is a schematic representation of a suspension / damping device with a valve control device in a basic position in a second comparative form, which is not included in the invention,

4 a schematic representation of the suspension / damping device of 3 with the valve control device in a raised position,

5 a schematic representation of the suspension / damping device of 3 with the valve control device in a lowered position,

6 a schematic representation of a suspension / damping device of 2 with a gas generator,

7 a schematic representation of the suspension / damping device of 3 on a vehicle,

8th a schematic representation of the suspension / damping device of 3 in a further development,

9 a schematic representation of the suspension / damping device of 3 in a further development,

10 a schematic representation of a suspension / damping device with a valve control device in an embodiment according to the invention,

11 a schematic representation of a suspension / damping device with a valve control device in an embodiment according to the invention,

12 1 is a schematic representation of a circuit diagram of an arrangement of a suspension / damping device on a vehicle,

13 a schematic representation of a circuit diagram of the arrangement of 12 in a first development,

14 a schematic representation of a circuit diagram of the arrangement of 12 in a second development,

15 a schematic representation of a circuit diagram of the arrangement of 12 in a third development,

16 a schematic representation of an arrangement of a suspension / damping device on a vehicle,

17 a schematic representation of a circuit diagram of an arrangement in a further embodiment of a suspension / damping device on a vehicle, and

18 a schematic representation of a circuit diagram of a further arrangement of a suspension / damping device on a vehicle.

In 1 schematically is a suspension / damping device as an air spring device 1 shown. The air spring device 1 can be arranged on each vehicle between a suspension of the vehicle wheel and a vehicle body, which is not shown here for reasons of clarity. About a line 2 is the air spring device 1 with a valve control device 3 connected. The valve control device 3 is in 1 in a basic position 4 shown for normal driving. By means of a compressor 5 who has a lead 6 is connected to the valve control device, the air spring device 1 If necessary, be supplied with compressed air. Thus, in a normal driving in the usual way suspension / damping of the vehicle body is possible. Furthermore, the valve control device 3 over a line 7 with a pressure vessel 8th connected. As a further part of the valve control device 3 is at the air spring device 1 a drain valve 9 educated.

In addition, the valve control device 3 coupled with a control device not shown here, so that in accordance with a presence of a control signal of the control device, the valve control device 3 from the basic position 4 in a lifting position 10 or in a lowered position 11 can be switched. If there is a control signal for lifting the vehicle body from the control device, then the valve control device 3 in the lifting position 10 switched so that from the pressure vessel 8th stored compressed air via the line 7 through the valve control device 3 and over the line 2 to the air spring device 1 flows, so that the vehicle body can be raised accordingly. For the restoration of the operational readiness of the air spring device 1 for a next lift of the vehicle body, the valve control device 3 in a storage position 12 be switched in by means of the compressor 5 Compressed air in the pressure vessel 8th can be stored. If the control device has a corresponding control signal for lowering the vehicle body, then the valve control device becomes 3 in the lowered position 11 , the basic position 4 in this embodiment corresponds, switched, in which case the compressor 5 is turned off. At the same time the drain valve 9 , the part of the valve control device 3 is and thus also coupled to the control device, open, so that air from the air spring device 1 can escape for a lowering of the vehicle body. To accelerate the lowering movement, the air from the air spring device can be additionally sucked with a suction device not shown here.

Is the air spring device 1 coupled with a telescopic shock absorber, which is also disposed between the suspension and the vehicle body, so may at a raising or lowering of the vehicle body by means of the air spring means 1 the telescopic shock absorbers are disengaged from its receptacles on the wheel suspension and / or on the vehicle body and after a corresponding increase and / or reduction of the vehicle body by means of the air spring device 1 be latched again. Thus, when driving a suspension / damping in addition to the air spring device 1 ensured with the telescopic shock absorber and at a raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body by means of the air spring device 1 represents the telescopic shock absorber due to the guided notching on a recording of the telescopic shock absorber on the suspension and / or on the vehicle body is not a hindrance to the raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body.

In 2 is a schematic arrangement of the air spring device 1 from 1 represented on a vehicle in the manner of a circuit diagram, wherein like components are provided with the same reference numerals. Each vehicle wheel (not shown here) is an air spring device 1 assigned. The valve control device 3 is constructed in two parts in the illustrated embodiment, namely with a central lifting valve 59 and four lowering valves 60 , each one an air spring device 1 assigned. By means of a valve control unit 61 can the lift valve 59 and the lowering valves 60 be controlled so that the respective desired increase or decrease of the vehicle body can be performed. There is also a damper control 62 each with the air spring devices 1 connected, so that thereby a damping control is possible.

In 6 is an air spring device 1 shown schematically, in which a cold gas generator 63 by way of example as a gas generator with the air spring device 1 connected is. For raising or lowering the vehicle body, the cold gas generator 63 activated accordingly, so that, for example, an increase in the vehicle body can be carried out by the resulting gas.

In 3 schematically a suspension / damping device is shown, which is a telescopic shock absorber 15 includes. The telescopic shock absorber 15 has a cylinder 16 in which one piston 17 slidably received, on which a piston rod 18 is arranged out of the cylinder 16 led out. The cylinder 16 is for example connected to a not shown with the suspension and the piston rod 18 is connected to a not shown with vehicle structure, so that by means of the telescopic shock absorber 15 at least one damping of vibrations of the vehicle body is possible. On the piston 17 are flow openings 19 formed by means of damper valves 20 can be closed. The damper valves can be regulated or controllable, but also without a control function only in the manner of a throttle on the piston 17 be arranged. Thus, by means of the damper valves 20 the movement of the piston 17 inside the cylinder 16 concerning the piston 17 acting resistance during the sliding movement are set.

About a line 21 is the telescopic shock absorber 15 with a valve control device 22 connected. From the valve control device 22 is a lead 23 to a surge tank 24 led, from which a line 25 in which a pump device 26 is arranged to a pressure vessel 27 is performed as an energy storage device. The pump 26 can have a dual function, namely on the one hand to build up pressure in the pressure vessel 27 and on the other hand, for example, as an ABS pump. In this case, a corresponding coupling is installed, that a functionally reliable switching between the individual functions of the pump 26 can be done. The pressure vessel 27 is over a line 28 with the valve control device 22 connected. Thus, a hydraulic circuit is provided in the hydraulic fluid according to the position of the valve control device 22 in the cylinder 16 of the telescopic shock absorber 15 can be supplied or from the cylinder 16 of the telescopic shock absorber 15 can be dissipated. The pressure vessel 27 is two-chambered, wherein in a first pressure vessel chamber 29 Hydraulic fluid can be stored and in a second pressure vessel chamber 30 a compressible gas cushion is provided. The first pressure vessel chamber 29 and the second pressure vessel chamber 30 are through a membrane element 31 separated from each other. One often inside the cylinder 16 arranged air chamber for pressure equalization is in this embodiment of the telescopic shock absorber 15 in one on the line 21 connected container 32 arranged.

The valve control device 22 is from a basic position 33 , in the 3 is shown in a lifting position 34 , in the 4 is shown, or in a lowered position 35 , in the 5 is shown, switchable. The construction of the telescopic shock absorber 15 and the hydraulic circuit in the 4 and 5 corresponds to the 3 described, so that the same reference numerals are used for the same components.

In 3 are located the valve control device 22 in the basic position 33 , which is set during a normal driving operation of the motor vehicle. It can by means of the telescopic shock absorber 15 in the usual way at least one damping of vibrations of the vehicle body can be achieved. If there is a control signal generated correspondingly by the control device when the collision is sensed by the sensor device, so that the vehicle structure must be raised in accordance with the control signal for an optimal collision position, the valve control device becomes 22 accordingly in the lifting position 34 , in the 4 is shown, switched. This allows hydraulic fluid from the pressure vessel 27 or from the first pressure vessel chamber 29 , is stored in the hydraulic fluid, through the valve control device 22 in the cylinder 16 of the telescopic shock absorber 15 overflow, leaving the piston together with the piston rod 18 in the arrow direction of an arrow 36 is displaced in the direction out of the cylinder. As a result, the vehicle body is raised accordingly. That in the second pressure vessel chamber 30 compressed gas is thereby released, so that over the membrane element 31 transferred, the energy released during the expansion of the gas at the second pressure vessel chamber 30 is transferred to the hydraulic fluid, thus allowing the transfer of hydraulic fluid into the telescopic shock absorber 15 at least supported. Should after lifting the vehicle body with a correspondingly associated relaxation of the gas in the second pressure vessel chamber 30 the telescopic shock absorber 15 be prepared for a next lift the vehicle body again, so on the one hand, the piston 17 in the cylinder 16 is lowered to a position for normal driving and on the other hand by means of the pump means 26 Hydraulic fluid from the expansion tank 24 in the first pressure vessel chamber 29 of the pressure vessel 27 pumped so that thereby under appropriate elongation of the membrane element 31 , the gas in the second pressure vessel chamber 30 is compressed under storage of "energy". In this case, the valve control device 22 either in the basic position 33 or in the lowered position 35 , After completion of the pumping operation of the pump device 26 lies in the pressure vessel 26 a corresponding amount of hydraulic fluid in the first pressure vessel chamber 29 for a next lifting of the vehicle body by transferring the hydraulic fluid into the telescopic shock absorber 15 in front. The gas in the second pressure vessel chamber 30 is so far compressed that at a next switching the valve control device 22 in the lifting position 34 the Hydraulic fluid and the relaxation of the gas of the second pressure vessel chamber 30 in the telescopic shock absorbers 15 for lifting the vehicle body is transferred.

If a control signal generated by the control device for lowering the vehicle body before, so the valve control device 22 from the basic position 33 in the in 5 illustrated lowered position 35 switched. This hydraulic fluid is from the cylinder 16 of the telescopic shock absorber 15 out through the valve control device 22 in the expansion tank 24 transferred. Thereby, the vehicle body becomes the direction of an arrow 37 lowered.

Basically, the telescopic shock absorber 15 together with the valve control device 22 also be used for a level control of the motor vehicle during normal driving. In this case, the valve control device 22 according to the desired level control either in the raised position 34 or in the lowered position 35 each from the basic position 33 switched over. In this case, by the valve control device 22 flowing volume flow of hydraulic fluid can be reduced accordingly, so that a controlled raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body by means of the telescopic shock absorbers 15 is possible. If a collision-induced raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body is to be carried out, then the volume flow of the valve control device becomes 22 set to maximum flow, that a correspondingly fast raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body is possible.

In 7 is the one in the 3 to 5 explained telescopic shock absorbers 15 arranged schematically on a vehicle. Each vehicle wheel (not shown here) is assigned a telescopic shock absorber. The valve control device 22 is constructed as a lift valve and lowering valve, and the pressure vessel 27 are centrally located and connected to all telescopic shock absorbers. The container 32 as a low-pressure accumulator and expansion tank is also centrally located and according to flow with the valve control device 22 and connected to the telescopic shock absorbers. 7 shows the driving position as a basic position or the lowered position of the valve control device 22 , Will the valve control device 22 switched to the right, so is switched to the lifting position accordingly.

At the in 8th illustrated variant of a telescopic shock absorber 64 is an air cushion 65 with in the telescopic shock absorber 64 integrated. The rest of the construction corresponds to that of the 3 - 5 described, so that the same components are provided with the same reference numerals. Because the air cushion 65 inside the telescopic shock absorber 64 are arranged in addition to the damper valves 20 in the piston 17 bottom valves 66 in the telescopic shock absorber 64 arranged. Alternatively, a corresponding bypass line can be provided. If the vehicle body, for example, be raised, so the air cushion 64 via corresponding lines (not shown here) from the working space of the cylinder 16 be led out and then the working space of the cylinder 16 be flooded with hydraulic fluid to increase the vehicle body.

9 schematically shows an analog structure as in 8th described, with the difference that the air cushion 65 with a membrane 67 separated in the cylinder 16 is included. The pressure balance within the working space of the cylinder 16 takes place here via a bypass line 68 , In addition, the outsourced air cushion in the container 32 arranged.

In 10 schematically is a suspension / damping device according to the invention 40 shown between a vehicle body 41 and a suspension 42 is arranged. On the suspension 42 is a vehicle wheel 43 suspended. The vehicle construction 41 is only schematically in the connection region of the suspension / damping device 40 in 10 shown.

The suspension / damping device 40 includes a cylinder-piston unit 44 and a schematically illustrated spiral spring element 45 , The cylinder-piston unit 44 has a cylinder 46 on, in which a piston displaceable 47 is included. On the piston 47 is a piston rod 48 Arranged out of the cylinder 46 led out. Inside the cylinder 46 are directly adjacent to the piston 47 a piston floor working space 49 and a piston rod working space 50 educated. In addition, there is an air chamber in the cylinder 51 provided for pressure equalization. The piston floor working space 49 and the piston rod working space 50 are over an overflow line 52 in which an overflow valve 53 is arranged, connected to each other flow. Over the overflow line 53 is a pickup line 54 indirectly with the piston crown working space 49 flow-connected and via the overflow line 52 is a drop line 55 indirectly with the piston rod working space 50 flow-connected. In the pick-up line 54 is a lift valve 56 arranged and in the lowering line 55 is a lowering valve 57 arranged. Both the overflow valve 53 as well as the lift valve 56 and the lowering valve 57 are components of a valve control device 58 depending on the position of the three valves 53 . 56 . 57 between a basic position and a lifting position or Absenkstellung can be switched. In normal driving operation of the motor vehicle, the lifting valve 56 and the lowering valve 56 closed, with the overflow valve 53 at least partially open. Depending on the degree of opening of the overflow valve 53 can the effect of the cylinder-piston unit 44 be adjusted with respect to a shock absorption. If the vehicle body is to be raised as a function of a present control signal of a control device which is not shown here, the lifting valve will be raised 56 opened and, for example, in a pneumatic control of the cylinder-piston unit 44 By means of a compressor, which is not shown here, compressed air via the lifting line 57 in the piston rod working space 50 blown. The overflow valve 53 is closed and the lowering valve 57 open so far that the out of the piston floor working space 49 displaced air can escape. As a result, the vehicle body is lowered in accordance with the control signal. For raising the vehicle body an analogous procedure is carried out, in which case the compressed air through the open lifting valve 56 over the lift line 54 in the piston bottom working space 49 is blown, so that the piston 47 together with the piston rod 48 in the direction of the cylinder 46 is led out, whereby the vehicle body is raised accordingly.

Basically, also to the air chamber 51 be connected to a line, allowing for a displacement of the piston 47 inside the cylinder 46 Air in the air chamber 51 can be blown or sucked.

In 11 is schematically a suspension / damping device 69 shown. The suspension / damping device 69 is designed as an air spring device, the air spring bellows 70 and a cylinder-piston unit 71 includes. The suspension / damping device 69 is between a vehicle body 72 and a suspension 73 arranged, the vehicle body 72 only schematically in the connection region of the suspension / damping device 69 and the suspension 73 is shown and wherein the suspension 73 only schematically by a wishbone, on which a vehicle 74 is arranged, is shown.

The cylinder-piston unit 71 includes a cylinder 75 in which a piston 76 slidably received. On the piston 76 is a piston rod 77 Arranged out of the cylinder 75 led out. Inside the cylinder 75 are each adjacent to the piston 76 a piston floor working space 78 and a piston rod working space 79 educated. The cylinder 75 is with the vehicle body 72 connected, the piston rod 77 with the suspension 73 connected is. The piston floor working space 78 is with the piston rod working space 79 by means of an overflow line 80 fluidly connected, wherein the overflow line 80 an overflow valve 81 having. A pick-up line 82 is with the piston crown working space 78 fluidly connected and a lowering line 83 is with the piston rod working space 79 flow-connected. In the pick-up line 82 is a lift valve 84 and in the lowering line 83 is a lowering valve 85 arranged. In addition, the air bag 70 with an air spring line 86 in which an air spring valve 87 is arranged, flow-connected, so that through the air spring line 86 with appropriately opened air spring valve 87 Air directly into the air bag 70 can be blown. Basically, also by the air spring line 86 for example, for a desired lowering of the vehicle body 72 Air from the bellows 70 be sucked off.

If, for example, an imminent collision is detected by means of a sensor device not shown here, a collision signal is determined by the sensor device as an accident signal as a function of the detected collision parameters of the collision counterpart, which is processed into a control signal in a control device not shown, so that in dependence on the Control signal of the vehicle body 72 can be raised or lowered. For this purpose, the overflow valve 81 the cylinder-piston unit 71 closed and, for example, for lifting the vehicle body 72 the lift valve 84 open, so that for example by means of a compressor not shown with air in the piston head working space 78 can be blown. At the same time the lowering valve 85 open, leaving the piston rod working space 79 displaced air can escape, for example, in a not shown with expansion tank. Basically, the cylinder-piston unit 71 be controlled hydraulically in addition to a pneumatic control. In normal driving is the overflow valve 81 in the overflow line 80 open, so that by means of the suspension / damping device 69 In the usual way a suspension / damping can be performed. Thus, by the use of additional line 80 . 82 . 83 and 86 or of additional valves 81 . 84 . 85 and 87 a crash-active suspension created by means of the function of the detected accident parameters a functionally reliable lifting and / or lowering of the vehicle body 72 can be carried out.

In 12 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement of a suspension / damping device 88 . 89 shown on a vehicle. The two suspension / damping devices 88 are the vehicle wheels of a front axle and the two suspension / damping devices 89 assigned to the vehicle wheels of a rear axle of the vehicle. All suspension / damping devices 88 and 89 are here only exemplary and schematically by cylinder-piston units 90 represented by a cylinder 91 in which a piston is displaceable 92 is included. In the piston 92 are piston valves 92 arranged by the case of a displacement of the piston 92 inside the cylinder 91 in the cylinder 91 arranged hydraulic fluid can flow over. In addition, on the cylinder 91 in the area of a cylinder bottom bottom valves 94 educated. By means of cables 95 are the cylinders 75 each with a valve control device 96 flow-connected. Thus, all four cylinder-piston units 90 the respective suspension / damping devices 88 and 89 with the valve control device 96 flow-connected.

In addition, on the valve control device 96 over a line 97 a low pressure accumulator 98 fluidly coupled. Next is in the line 97 a pump 99 integrated, by means of which the pressure in a high-pressure accumulator 100 who is also on the line 97 fluidly coupled, can be increased. About the line 97 is the high-pressure accumulator 100 also with the valve control device 96 flow-connected. In the in 12 illustrated position of the valve control device 96 can both a normal driving operation as well as a lowering of the suspension / damping devices 88 and 89 respectively. When switching the valve control device 96 in which the valve control device 96 in the in 12 illustrated embodiment is shifted to the right, is correspondingly a lifting of the vehicle body by means of the suspension / damping devices 88 and 89 possible. It is characterized by in the high-pressure accumulator 100 pressurized hydraulic fluid via the valve control device 96 and the corresponding lines 97 and 95 into the individual cylinder-piston units 90 transferred, so that thereby raising the vehicle body can be done.

In 13 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of 12 shown in a corresponding development. Identical components are provided with the same reference numerals. It can be seen that in addition to the first valve control device 96 a second valve control device 101 is provided, wherein the valve control device 96 the suspension / damping devices 88 the front axle and the valve control device 101 the suspension / damping devices 89 associated with the rear axle. In addition to the first high-pressure accumulator 100 is a second high-pressure accumulator 102 provided, with an assignment of the high-pressure accumulator 100 to the front axle and the high-pressure accumulator 102 to the rear axle takes place. Basically, the principle of raising or lowering corresponds to the in 12 described here, due to the two valve control devices 96 and 101 a separate variable control of the two vehicle axles is possible.

In 14 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of 12 shown in a further development. Identical components are provided with the same reference numerals. As already in 13 explained, are two valve control devices 96 and 101 each with associated high-pressure accumulators 100 and 102 intended for the two vehicle axles. In contrast to 13 is here in 14 each vehicle axle associated with a separate low pressure accumulator, wherein the low pressure accumulator 98 to the front axle and the second low-pressure accumulator 103 belonging to the rear axle. With the low pressure storage 98 and 103 is a kind of buffering and cushioning possible.

In 15 schematically is a circuit diagram analogous to that in 14 explained, in addition, a level control is provided for the rear axle. For this is a level control valve control device 104 with in the line 97 fluidly installed, which also with a surge tank 105 is coupled. The expansion tank 105 is arranged so that the pump 99 accordingly from the expansion tank 105 sucks. Furthermore, there is a pressure relief valve 106 installed in the front axle associated piping circuit, which also with the expansion tank 105 is coupled. By a corresponding switching of the level control valve control device 104 or the valve control devices 101 and 96 In addition to raising and / or lowering the vehicle body, a level control for the rear axle is possible.

In 16 schematically is a circuit diagram of another arrangement of suspension / damping devices 88 and 89 shown on the vehicle. Basically, the structure corresponds to the in 16 illustrated arrangement of the 13 , so that the same reference numerals are used for the same components. In addition, in the line 97 between the low-pressure accumulator 98 and the pump 99 a surge tank 107 arranged by means of a pressure relief valve 108 from the valve control devices 96 and 101 is separated by flow. The arrangement shown here has already been tested in a test vehicle, by means of the suspension / damping devices 88 and 89 a functionally reliable lifting and / or lowering of the vehicle body can be performed. In this arrangement, a separate lifting and / or lowering on the front axle and the rear axle is possible.

In 17 schematically a circuit diagram of a further arrangement is shown, which is essentially the structure shown in 15 is described equivalent. The same components are provided with the same reference numerals. In addition, the piston valves 93 the suspension / damping device 88 be controlled on the front axle (not shown here). The valve control device 96 is extended by an additional switch position and via a line 109 is another connection between the suspension / damping devices 88 and the valve control device 96 created, so that a flow connection from the valve control device 96 each to the working space in the cylinder 19 on both sides of the piston 92 consists. By a corresponding control of the piston valves 93 is a so-called "pop down" of the suspension / damping device 88 possible, with a lowering due to gravity takes place.

In 18 is a schematic representation of a circuit diagram shown, the principle of the arrangement of 17 equivalent. At the front axle are suspension / damping devices 112 via throttles / valves 111 with the valve control device 96 coupled so that in the 17 drawn piston valves 93 in the suspension / damping device 112 can be omitted. Thus, at the in 17 shown embodiment, a damping member as a piston valve 93 inside the cylinder 91 arranged and at the in 18 shown embodiment, a damping part as throttles / valves 111 outside the cylinder 91 arranged. Through the throttles / valves 111 is also in addition to the lifting and / or lowering on the front axle, a "pop down" of the suspension / damping device 112 possible.

Basically, those in the 17 and 18 explained controls the suspension / damping devices 88 respectively. 110 in each case at the front axle also on the rear axle transferable or it can be both on the front axle and on the rear axle, a corresponding suspension / damping device 88 respectively. 110 , which can be controlled separately, be provided.

Basically, those in the 12 to 18 described arrangements of suspension / damping devices 88 . 89 . 110 and 112 in each case a separate valve control device 96 respectively. 101 characterized in that thereby for each vehicle separately lifting and / or lowering of the corresponding vehicle body region is possible. In simpler versions but only two valve control devices 96 and 101 be provided, which are each associated with a vehicle axle, so that raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body is carried out according achs zugeordnet. Is only a valve control device 96 provided, the entire vehicle can be raised and / or lowered. In addition, in addition to the possibility of raising and / or lowering the vehicle body, a level control, which has already been described above, and / or a pitch and / or roll compensation can be performed. Be the suspension / damping devices 88 . 89 . 110 and 112 Controlled with air, it is lowered to lower air from the cylinder of the corresponding suspension / damping device. For lifting, air can be blown in accordingly. When using hydraulic fluid in the suspension / damping devices 88 . 89 . 110 and 112 can be provided by means of lines a kind of circuit for the hydraulic fluid, so that the hydraulic fluid is let out for lowering from the cylinder. In addition, for an acceleration of the lowering at the outlet for the hydraulic fluid corresponding to the opposite end of the cylinder hydraulic fluid can be pressed. To lift the vehicle hydraulic fluid is drained or pressed in accordance with the reverse manner.

Overall, regardless of the design of the suspension / damping device 1 . 15 . 40 . 69 . 88 . 89 . 110 . 112 due to the respective valve control device 3 . 22 . 58 . 96 . 101 a functionally reliable lifting and / or lowering of the vehicle body as a function of the present control signal of the control device feasible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Air spring device

2

management

3

Valve control device

4

default

5

compressor

6

management

7

management

8th

pressure vessel

9

drain valve

10

Anhebstellung

11

lowered position

12

storage position

15

Telescopic shock absorbers

16

cylinder

17

piston

18

piston rod

19

flow-through

20

damper valve

21

management

22

Valve control device

23

management

24

surge tank

25

management

26

pump means

27

pressure vessel

28

management

29

first pressure vessel chamber

30

second pressure vessel chamber

31

membrane element

32

container

33

initial position

34

Anhebstellung

35

lowered position

36

arrow

37

arrow

40

Suspension / damping device

41

vehicle body

42

Arm

43

vehicle

44

Cylinder-piston unit

45

Spiral spring element

46

cylinder

47

piston

48

piston rod

49

Piston base workspace

50

Rod workspace

51

air chamber

52

overflow

53

overflow

54

Anhebleitung

55

Absenkleitung

56

Anhebventil

57

lowering valve

58

Valve control device

59

lift valve

60

lowering valve

61

Valve control unit

62

damper control

63

Cold gas generator

64

Telescopic shock absorbers

65

bubble

66

bottom valve

67

membrane

68

bypass line

69

Suspension / damping device

70

suspension bellows

71

Cylinder-piston unit

72

vehicle body

73

Arm

74

vehicle

75

cylinder

76

piston

77

piston rod

78

Piston base workspace

79

Rod workspace

80

overflow

81

overflow

82

Anhebleitung

83

Absenkleitung

84

Anhebventil

85

lowering valve

86

Air spring line

87

Leveling valve

88

Suspension / damping device

89

Suspension / damping device

90

Cylinder-piston unit

91

cylinder

92

piston

93

piston valve

94

bottom valve

95

management

96

Valve control device

97

management

98

Low-pressure accumulator

99

pump

100

High-pressure accumulator

101

Valve control device

102

High-pressure accumulator

103

Low-pressure accumulator

104

Level regulating valve control device

105

surge tank

106

Pressure relief valve

107

surge tank

108

Pressure relief valve

109

management

110

Suspension / damping device

111

Choke / valve

112

Suspension / damping device

Claims (11)

Vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having at least one sensor device for detecting predetermined accident parameters as an accident signal in advance of a possible accident, with at least one control device which processes an accident signal detected by the sensor device as a function of the detected accident parameters into a control signal. 41 ; 72 ) if necessary by means of a suspension and / or damping device ( 40 ; 69 ) in an optimal accident position can be raised and / or lowered, wherein the vehicle with a suspension for each vehicle wheel for suspending the respective associated vehicle wheel, and the suspension and / or damping device ( 40 ; 69 ) between the wheel suspension of the vehicle wheel and the vehicle body ( 41 ; 72 ), wherein at least one valve control device ( 58 ) is provided, on the one hand with the suspension and / or damping device ( 40 ; 69 ) and on the other hand coupled to the at least one control device such that the valve control device ( 58 ) in accordance with the present control signal of the control device lifting and / or lowering the vehicle body ( 41 ; 72 ) by means of the suspension and / or damping device ( 40 ; 69 ), wherein the suspension and / or damping device ( 40 ; 69 ) a cylinder-piston unit ( 44 ; 71 ) comprising a cylinder ( 46 ; 75 ), in which a piston ( 47 ; 76 ) is slidably received, wherein within the cylinder ( 46 ; 75 ) each adjacent to the piston ( 47 ; 76 ) a piston bottom working space ( 49 ; 78 ) and a piston rod working space ( 50 ) are formed, characterized in that on the cylinder ( 46 ; 75 ) an overflow pipe ( 52 ; 80 ) is provided, by means of the piston crown working space ( 49 ; 78 ) and the piston rod working space ( 50 ; 79 ) are flow-connected, and that the overflow line ( 52 ; 80 ) an overflow valve ( 53 ; 81 ) when lifting or lowering the vehicle body ( 41 ; 72 ) is closable, that with the cylinder ( 46 ; 75 ) a lifting line ( 54 ; 82 ) and a lowering line ( 55 ; 83 ) are flow-connected, and that the lifting line ( 54 ; 82 ) a lift valve ( 56 ; 84 ) as part of the valve control device ( 58 ) and the lowering line ( 55 ; 83 ) a lowering valve ( 57 ; 85 ) as part of the valve control device ( 58 ) in such a way that in dependence on the control signal of the control device by means of the lifting valve ( 56 ; 84 ) and the lowering valve ( 57 ; 85 ) the raising or lowering of the vehicle body ( 41 ; 72 ) is feasible. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one valve control device ( 58 ) is pneumatically and / or hydraulically and / or magnetically and / or electrically operable. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the suspension and / or damping device ( 40 ; 69 ) is additionally used for a level control and / or for a pitch and / or roll compensation of the vehicle. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that immediately at the beginning of the collision-induced lifting and / or lowering of the vehicle body ( 41 ; 72 ) a relatively low flow resistance of the valve control device ( 58 ) is adjustable and immediately at the end of the raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body ( 41 ; 72 ) a relatively large flow resistance of the valve control device ( 58 ) is adjustable. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one sensor device is formed by a pre-crash sensor and / or by an early-crash sensor according to the radar principle and / or according to the infrared principle and / or works with cameras with image processing and / or laser principle. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body ( 41 ; 72 ) is reversible and / or partially reversible and / or irreversible. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one control device in addition to a first control signal for the suspension and / or damping device ( 40 ; 69 ) determines a second control signal for a braking device of the vehicle such that in addition to raising and / or lowering of the vehicle body ( 41 ; 72 ) a deceleration of the vehicle is feasible. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that communication means are provided on the vehicle, with which a communication between the vehicle and a potential collision opponent is feasible, so that depending on the communication result, a lifting and / or lowering decision for the Vehicle is traceable. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the communication means are integrated in a radio and / or in a navigation device and / or in a car telephone and / or in a position-determining device and / or in an Internet system. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each vehicle (valve control means 58 ), and in that by means of the control device the valve control device ( 58 ) of each vehicle wheel can be controlled independently and / or with a time delay. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one further sensor device is provided, with the vehicle's own driving parameters, such as a change in steering angle and / or the inclination angle of the vehicle and / or the amount of the upcoming brake pressure of a vehicle braking device and / or a pedal position and / or acting on the vehicle transverse and / or longitudinal accelerations can be detected, so that depending on the detected driving parameters, a lifting and / or lowering decision for the vehicle can be made.

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