Integrated air spring and strut
US6893033B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 17, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G15/12
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A strut for a vehicle suspension includes a hydraulic cylinder housing defining a hydraulic fluid chamber. The hydraulic cylinder includes an air passage adjacent to the chamber and separated therefrom by a first common wall. An air spring is supported on an upper portion of the cylinder housing in fluid communication with the air passage. An air reservoir extends from a portion of the cylinder housing and is in fluid communication with and fluidly connected to the air spring by the air passage. The air reservoir and the chamber are separated by a second common wall. The air reservoir preferably forms at least a portion of the knuckle, which supports the wheel end. In this manner, the knuckle and hydraulic cylinder are preferably integrated into one structure, preferably by a single cast unit. The integrated air reservoir and air passage reduces the size of the air spring and eliminates the need for a remote air chamber and associated hoses and fittings.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.