Damping valve for air spring suspension systems
US4762308A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 1987 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7885
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An air spring for motor vehicles to absorb road shocks includes first and second axially spaced end members with an intervening flexible sleeve forming a fluid pressure chamber therebetween. An improved two-way damping valve connects the pressure chamber to a fluid reservoir and provides damping for the air spring by restricting fluid flow in one direction, either into or out of the pressure chamber, without materially effecting the fluid flow in the opposite direction. The valve includes a flexible diaphragm formed of reinforced rubber having slots which provide one or more flaps. The diaphragm preferably is mounted on a rigid annular washer having a predetermined size center opening forming a damping orifice. The flaps are drawn automatically into the washer opening to restrict the fluid flow through the orifice when the fluid moves in one direction, with the flaps moving away from the orifice to permit free movement of the fluid therethrough when the fluid is moving in an opposite direction. In another embodiment the damping valve is mounted in a strut-type fluid shock absorber combined with an air spring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.