Suspension control unit and control valve
US6296091A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 11, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 11, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF15B2211/7053
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A suspension control unit as well as a control valve for such unit are provided which are incorporated in a computerized suspension system which automatically and continuously monitors and control's a vehicle's ride performance. The suspension control unit is composed of an actuator and a fluid control unit. A valve is coupled to the actuator for controlling the fluid pressure within the actuator. The valve has an annular body having a side inlet passage and an outlet opening in communication with the reservoir. A poppet driven by a solenoid is slideably fitted within the body wherein the poppet can slide between a first position blocking flow to the outlet opening and a second position not blocking the flow to the outlet opening. The poppet has a shoulder that is exposed to the inlet. Fluid pressure to the inlet of the valve acts on the differential area of the poppet to produce an poppet retracting force which is opposed by the force of an electrically adjustable solenoid. When pressure reaches the solenoid setting, the poppet is retracted to the open position, permitting flow through the valve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.