U.S. patent application number 16/585601 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-01 for fluid damper.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Bosch GmbH. Invention is credited to John P. Casari, Josue I. Chavez Mendoza, Emmanuel A. Guzman Escalante, Shari Stottler.
Application Number | 20210095806 16/585601 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004395423 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-01 |
![](/patent/app/20210095806/US20210095806A1-20210401-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20210095806/US20210095806A1-20210401-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20210095806/US20210095806A1-20210401-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20210095806/US20210095806A1-20210401-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20210095806/US20210095806A1-20210401-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20210095806/US20210095806A1-20210401-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20210095806/US20210095806A1-20210401-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20210095806/US20210095806A1-20210401-D00007.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20210095806 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stottler; Shari ; et
al. |
April 1, 2021 |
FLUID DAMPER
Abstract
A fluid damper includes a body defining a fluid chamber and a
first opening. The body is formed by a first cover and a second
cover joined along an axial direction. A damping device is
suspended inside the fluid chamber to damp pressure pulsations. The
damping device is constrained by a peripheral edge. The damping
device divides the fluid chamber into first and second
sub-chambers. The first cover has a first wall portion into which a
second wall portion of the second cover is received. A hermetic
seal is formed between the first and second wall portions. The
second cover has a terminal edge lying within the first wall
portion of the first cover, the terminal edge being segmented into
a plurality of fingers that cooperate with a ledge surface of the
first cover to pinch the peripheral edge of the damping device.
Inventors: |
Stottler; Shari; (Honeoye
Falls, NY) ; Guzman Escalante; Emmanuel A.; (San Luis
Potosi, MX) ; Chavez Mendoza; Josue I.; (San Luis
Potosi, MX) ; Casari; John P.; (Manchester,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Robert Bosch GmbH |
Stuttgart |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004395423 |
Appl. No.: |
16/585601 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 55/05 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 55/05 20060101
F16L055/05 |
Claims
1. A fluid damper comprising: a body defining a fluid chamber and a
first opening configured to receive pressurized fluid into the
fluid chamber, wherein the body is formed by a first cover and a
second cover joined along an axial direction; and a damping device
suspended inside the fluid chamber and configured to damp fluid
pressure pulsations, the damping device being constrained by a
peripheral edge thereof to the body, wherein the damping device
divides the fluid chamber into first and second sub-chambers,
wherein the first cover has a first wall portion into which a
second wall portion of the second cover is received, a hermetic
seal being formed between the first and second wall portions of the
first and second covers, wherein the second cover has a terminal
edge lying to the inside of the first wall portion of the first
cover, the terminal edge being segmented into a plurality of
fingers that cooperate with a ledge surface of the first cover to
pinch the peripheral edge of the damping device, and wherein the
second cover is provided as a continuous material sheet to include:
an end wall axially spaced from the damping device by the second
sub-chamber, the second wall portion, which extends from a radially
outer part of the end wall and along an interior side of the first
wall portion of the first cover, and the plurality of fingers, each
of which extends inward from the second wall portion.
2. The fluid damper of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fingers
are separated by a corresponding plurality of notches in the
terminal edge, the plurality of notches establishing fluid
communication passages between the first and second sub-chambers,
around the peripheral edge of the damping device.
3. The fluid damper of claim 1, wherein the end wall of the second
cover defines a solid end wall with no openings such that the
second sub-chamber is a dead-end chamber.
4. The fluid damper of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fingers
are evenly distributed around an entire periphery of the second
cover.
5. The fluid damper of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fingers
are under elastic deflection to exert a constraining force on the
peripheral edge of the damping device.
6. The fluid damper of claim 1, wherein the body is cylindrical in
shape.
7. The fluid damper of claim 1, wherein the hermetic seal is formed
by a weld seam extending along a terminal edge of the first wall
portion of the first cover.
8. The fluid damper of claim 1, wherein the damping device is
formed of first and second membranes joined along the peripheral
edge, a gas-containing chamber being defined between the first and
second membranes.
9. The fluid damper of claim 1, wherein the damping device is
shaped with a series of convolutions concentric about a central
axis thereof.
10. The fluid damper of claim 1, wherein the end wall of the second
cover extends transverse to the axial direction, and wherein an
interior surface of the end wall includes at least one concavity
configured to extend the fluid volume of the second
sub-chamber.
11. A fluid damper comprising: body defining a fluid chamber and a
first opening configured to receive pressurized fluid into the
fluid chamber, wherein the body is formed by a first cover and a
second cover, each having a sheet construction; and a damping
device including at least one membrane suspended inside the fluid
chamber, the damping device being constrained by a peripheral edge
thereof to the body, wherein the damping device divides the fluid
chamber into first and second sub-chambers, wherein the first cover
has an outer wall into which an outer wall of the second cover is
received, a hermetic seal being formed between the first and second
covers, wherein the outer wall of the second cover terminates in a
plurality of inward-extending fingers that are elastically
deflected to exert a constraining force that pinches the peripheral
edge of the damping device against the first cover, and wherein the
second cover is provided as a continuous material sheet to include:
an end wall spaced from the damping device by the second
sub-chamber, the outer wall, which extends from a peripheral part
of the end wall and along an interior side of the outer wall of the
first cover, and the plurality of fingers, each of which extends
inward from the outer wall of the second cover.
12. The fluid damper of claim 11, wherein the plurality of fingers
are separated by a corresponding plurality of notches, the
plurality of notches establishing fluid communication passages
between the first and second sub-chambers, around the peripheral
edge of the damping device.
13. The fluid damper of claim 11, wherein the end wall of the
second cover defines a solid end wall with no openings such that
the second sub-chamber is a dead-end chamber.
14. The fluid damper of claim 11, wherein the plurality of fingers
are evenly distributed around an entire periphery of the second
cover.
15. The fluid damper of claim 11, wherein the body is cylindrical
in shape.
16. The fluid damper of claim 11, wherein the hermetic seal is
formed by a weld seam extending along a terminal edge of the first
cover.
17. The fluid damper of claim 11, wherein the damping device is
formed of first and second membranes joined along the peripheral
edge, a gas-containing chamber being defined between the first and
second membranes.
18. The fluid damper of claim 11, wherein the damping device is
shaped with a series of convolutions concentric about a central
axis thereof.
19. The fluid damper of claim 11, wherein the end wall of the
second cover extends transverse to the outer wall thereof, and
wherein an interior surface of the end wall includes at least one
concavity configured to extend the fluid volume of the second
sub-chamber.
20. The fluid damper of claim 11, wherein the first cover, the
second cover, and the damping device are all constructed of
stainless steel.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to fluid dampers, for example
used in a fuel injection system, or pressurized lubrication system,
among other applications.
SUMMARY
[0002] In one aspect, the invention provides a fluid damper
including a body defining a fluid chamber and a first opening
configured to receive pressurized fluid into the fluid chamber. The
body is formed by a first cover and a second cover joined along an
axial direction. A damping device is suspended inside the fluid
chamber and configured to damp fluid pressure pulsations. The
damping device is constrained by a peripheral edge thereof to the
body. The damping device divides the fluid chamber into first and
second sub-chambers. The first cover has a first wall portion into
which a second wall portion of the second cover is received, and a
hermetic seal is formed between the first and second wall portions
of the first and second covers. The second cover has a terminal
edge lying within the first wall portion of the first cover, the
terminal edge being segmented into a plurality of fingers that
cooperate with a ledge surface of the first cover to pinch the
peripheral edge of the damping device.
[0003] In another aspect, the invention provides a fluid damper
including a body defining a fluid chamber and a first opening
configured to receive pressurized fluid into the fluid chamber. The
body is formed by a first cover and a second cover, each having a
sheet construction. A damping device including at least one
membrane is suspended inside the fluid chamber, the damping device
being constrained by a peripheral edge thereof to the body. The
damping device divides the fluid chamber into first and second
sub-chambers. The first cover has an outer wall into which an outer
wall of the second cover is received, a hermetic seal being formed
between the first and second covers. The outer wall of the second
cover terminates in a plurality of inward-extending fingers that
are elastically deflected to exert a constraining force that
pinches the peripheral edge of the damping device against the first
cover.
[0004] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a fuel
injection system including a fuel manifold and a damper for damping
fuel pressure pulsations.
[0006] FIG. 2 is an end view of the manifold and the damper.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the manifold and damper
taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
[0008] FIG. 3A is a detail view of an edge portion of the damper
shown in FIG. 3.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a back cover of the damper
shown in FIGS. 1-3.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of a damper according to a
second construction of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the inside of a
first cover of the damper of FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second cover of a damper
according to a third construction of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a damper having the second
cover of FIG. 7 coupled with a pressure sensor. An opposite end of
the damper body is coupled to a fuel rail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a fuel system 10 that can be used to
provide fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel system 10
includes a manifold 14 for receiving and distributing fuel from a
fuel supply. A damper 18 communicates with the manifold 14 to damp
pressure pulsations in the fuel, e.g., introduced from one or more
fuel pumps and/or the opening and closing of fuel injection valves
(not shown). In some constructions, the fuel system 10 can include
a high-pressure fuel rail containing fuel pressurized to 200-350
bar, e.g., by a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) that receives fuel
from a fuel tank via a primary or low-pressure fuel pump. However,
in other constructions, there is only the manifold 14 and no
separate fuel rail. The fuel pressure in a system without a fuel
rail or HPFP may be 3-7 bar. A mounting bracket 22 is coupled with
the manifold 14 for securing the manifold 14 to a support surface.
The manifold 14 includes two outlet ports 26, 30. In other
embodiments, more outlet ports may be present. Hoses 34, 38 are
coupled to the respective outlet ports 26, 30 to transfer fuel from
the manifold 14 to respective injector mounting structures 42, 46,
for example each including a barb block with a hose barb and an
injector cup for receiving an upstream end of an
electrically-operated injection valve or "injector." An adapter 48,
for example a threaded adapter or other form of connector, is
provided on the manifold 14, opposite the damper 18 as illustrated,
for fluid and mechanical connection with another fuel supply
structure.
[0016] Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 3A, the damper 18 is
an assembly formed from a select few parts, including a two-piece
body 52 (first cover 52A and second cover 52B) defining a fluid
chamber 56, and a damping device 60 positioned inside the fluid
chamber 56. As illustrated, the body 52 is cylindrical, as is the
fluid chamber 56 defined therein. The body 52 includes an opening
64 configured to receive pressurized fluid, in one example liquid
such as gasoline or diesel fuel, among others, into the fluid
chamber 56. As shown and as described in further detail below, the
first cover 52A and the second cover 52B are joined along an axial
direction defined by a central axis A. The damping device 60 is a
flexible damping device suspended inside the fluid chamber 56 and
configured to damp (i.e., suppress, attenuate, diminish, etc.)
fluid pressure pulsations. The illustrated embodiment shows one
particular configuration of the damping device 60, although those
of skill in the art will appreciate that the damping device 60 can
take various forms. As illustrated, the damping device 60 is formed
of first and second diaphragms or membranes 60A, 60B joined along
peripheral edges thereof to define a peripheral edge 68 of the
damping device 60. Although the membranes 60A, 60B can be of metal
(e.g., stainless steel) construction, they are thinner than the
material of the covers 52A, 52B and may be configured for elastic
deflection under the system's operating conditions. The damping
device 60 (e.g., each membrane 60A, 60B) is shaped with a series of
convolutions concentric about the central axis A. A gas-containing
chamber 70 is defined inside the damping device 60 between the
first and second membranes 60A, 60B. The damping device 60, along
with the body 52, may be constructed of stainless steel in some
constructions. The damping device 60 is constrained by the
peripheral edge 68 thereof to the body 52. Further, the damping
device 60 divides the fluid chamber 56 into first and second
sub-chambers 56A, 56B. The membrane(s) 60A, 60B may flex and/or the
gas within the chamber 70 may compress during operation in response
to pressure pulsations incident within the surrounding liquid
medium, which is fuel in the construction of the fuel system 10.
However, dissipation or damping of the pressure pulsations may
occur primarily in the fluid of the sub-chambers 56A, 56B or areas
leading to them. The fluid is exchanged in and out of the chamber
56, and in between the sub-chambers 56A, 56B during operation of
the system as fluid moves around the peripheral edge 68 of the
damping device 60. In some constructions, there may be turbulent
flow between the sub-chambers 56A, 56B, resulting in eddy
formation. In other constructions, the flow between sub-chambers
56A, 56B is laminar.
[0017] Each of the first and second covers 52A, 52B has a sheet
construction. The first cover 52A has a wall portion 74 into which
a wall portion 76 of the second cover 52B is received. Both wall
portions 74, 76 extend parallel to the central axis A. Both wall
portions 74, 76 are outer walls of their respective covers 52A, 52B
with respect to the central axis A. In the illustrated
constructions, both wall portions 74, 76 are cylindrical walls.
However, the wall portions 74, 76 may be other shapes such as
elliptical or polygonal in other constructions as long as the two
are matched in size and shape to join tightly together. A hermetic
seal 80 is formed between the respective wall portions 74, 76 of
the first and second covers 52A, 52B along an entire peripheral or
circumferential joint formed therebetween. The hermetic seal 80 is
formed by a weld seam extending along a terminal or distal edge 74A
of the wall portion 74 of the first cover 52A. The covers 52A, 52B
can be welded by laser welding, MIG welding, TIG welding, or
alternately bonded with adhesive (e.g., glue, epoxy).
[0018] The second cover 52B has a terminal or distal edge 78 lying
within the wall portion 74 of the first cover 52A. The terminal
edge 78 of the second cover 52B is segmented into a plurality of
fingers 84, which can be evenly distributed or provided in another
alternate array or pattern. The fingers 84 extend inward from the
wall portion 76. The fingers 84 are separated by a corresponding
plurality of notches 86. The notches 86 establish fluid
communication passages between the first and second sub-chambers
56A, 56B, around the peripheral edge 68 of the damping device
60--at least at certain peripheral locations such as at the top of
FIG. 3. The fingers 84 cooperate with a ledge surface 88 of the
first cover 52A to pinch the peripheral edge 68 of the damping
device 60 to retain its position. In particular, the ledge surface
88 is located to extend along a common radial position with the
fingers 84. FIG. 3A illustrates the finger 84 in an interference
position that represents the natural (non-deflected) state or
shape, prior to deflection during assembly of the damper 18. Upon
assembly, the fingers 84 can be under elastic deflection to exert a
constraining force on the peripheral edge 68 of the damping device
60.
[0019] The ledge surface 88 of the first cover 52A can be
discontinuous, a particular configuration of which is shown in the
alternate embodiment of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 3A, the ledge
surface 88 can be formed into a raised offset position with respect
to the adjacent wall of the first cover 52A by deformations 92
(e.g., pressed or embossed concavities) in the exterior side of the
first cover 52A. In some constructions, the ledge surface 88 and
the fingers 84 can be reversed such that the first cover 52A
(having the fingers) fits into the second cover 52B (having the
ledge surface). According to the disclosed construction, the
damping device 60 is held directly by the two covers 52A, 52B
forming the damper body 52 (e.g., exclusively between the ledge
surface 88 of the first cover 52A and the fingers 84 of the second
cover 52B), without any additional retainers, fasteners, clips,
etc. Thus, it is not possible to introduce an error of manufacture
by misassembling or omitting a component necessary for damping
device retention. Although the damper 18 is constructed without any
separate, dedicated components for restraint of the damping device
60, there remains a functional separation between the body joining
function (hermetic seal 80 formed by weld seam) and the damping
device clamping function (fingers 84 and ledge surface 88). In
other words, these functions remain decoupled.
[0020] Segmenting the spring features provided by the fingers 84
assists self-alignment of the covers 52A, 52B during assembly, and
the process for pressing the body 52 together can be repeatable and
precise. Further, segmentation of the holding forces through the
fingers 84 creates a more robust amount of holding force through
increased degrees of freedom allowed to the spring feature. The
spacing of the fingers 84 and rigidity of the damping device 60
spreads the loading force effectively constraining the damping
device 60 in position. Also the heat transfer from the sealing
welding to the damping device 60 is limited to the contact area of
the fingers 84. This protects the damping device 60 from exposure
to damaging amounts of heat that could temper the material and
affect the performance.
[0021] In the illustrated construction, the second cover 52B
defines a solid end wall 96 (FIG. 4) with no openings such that the
second sub-chamber 56B is a dead-end chamber that only communicates
with the rest of the fuel in the system via the first sub-chamber
56A. The end wall 96 extends transverse to the central axis A. An
interior surface of the end wall 96 includes at least one concavity
98. The at least one concavity 98 adds structural stiffness or
rigidity to the end wall 96, and is also configured to extend the
fluid volume of the second sub-chamber 56B. As illustrated, the
concavity 98 is formed in a "Y" shape or three-pointed star, but
other shapes are optional. The concavity(ies) 98 may be configured
to extend the fluid volume of the second sub-chamber 56B by at
least 10 percent compared to an otherwise identical second cover 52
without the concavity(ies) 98.
[0022] The damper 18, for example as part of the fuel system 10,
may be used in a variety of applications, including but not limited
to engines for on and off-road vehicles. However, the damper 18 may
find further use not limited to fuel systems, where other fluids
operate within a system subject to pressure spikes of fluctuations
(often where pumped to high pressures). For example, the damper 18
can be coupled to an oil supply system that lubricates moving parts
(e.g., within an internal combustion engine), or within a liquid
cooling system having a coolant circuit. Further, when used in a
fuel system, the construction is not limited to that of FIG. 1, nor
is the attachment of the damper 18 to the fuel system so limited.
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a modified damper 118 that is similar in
most respects to the damper 18 of the preceding disclosure. Like
reference numbers are used where appropriate and an extended
discussion of similar features is not repeated herein. Rather,
reference is made to the above description of FIGS. 1-4. The damper
118 includes a body 152 formed by first and second covers 152A,
52B. The second cover 52B may be similar or identical to the cover
52B of the damper 18, including the array of fingers 84. However,
the first cover 152A is modified with an alternate opening 164 in
an end wall 166 thereof. The opening 164 is smaller than the
opening 64 of the first cover 52A. Furthermore, the opening 164 is
formed in a stub or stem that projects axially outward from the
fluid chamber 56 for insertion into an adjoining component or
vessel (e.g., fuel rail 155). This is merely one example of
adaptation of the damper 18 to a particular application or
surrounding system.
[0023] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate yet another damper 218, again
similar to the dampers 18, 118, such that similar reference numbers
are used and a repeat discussion of similar features is not
provided. The damper 218 includes a second cover 252B that, in
addition to the opening 164 in the first cover 152A, includes a
second opening 264. The second opening 264 can be constructed as an
internally threaded boss, among other constructions, and may form
an adapter for attachment of a system component such as a pressure
sensor 275. The pressure sensor 275 may be of a known construction
including a sensing element that converts pressure into an
electrical signal, e.g., voltage that changes in correspondence to
pressure change.
[0024] Various aspects of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *