Height control valve with spring return actuator

US4726571A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Lear Siegler, Inc. · US

Inventors

• John P. Smith · Grand Rapids, US
• Lyle M. Hagan · North Muskegon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 17, 1986
• Grant date: Feb 23, 1988
• Expiry date: Mar 17, 2006

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60G2500/2022
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A height control valve with a spring return actuator for use in an air spring suspension has a damping chamber, an air control chamber and an actuator controlled spring return housing with mutually perpendicular lateral and axial bores. An actuator shaft extends into the damping chamber, the air control chamber and the lateral bore of the spring return housing. The spring return housing is rotatably mounted to the actuator shaft. A spring cup is reciprocably guided in the axial bore and is biased in contact with a flattened portion of the actuator shaft. The spring cup has two axially spaced cylindrical exterior surfaces of essentially zero draft angle and of slightly different diameter. The axial bore cylindrical surfaces are in registry with the spring cup cylindrical surface. The registering cylindrical surfaces of the spring cup and axial bore have dimensions of close correspondence to ensure a snug fit of the spring cup within the axial bore. A thin lubricating shim is provided between an actuator shaft and the interior walls of the air control chamber.