Air spring and damper unit with height adjustment

US9079469B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Matthias Dehmel · Pulheim, DE
• Michael Johannes Frantzen · Aachen, DE
• Michael Seemann · Laufenbürg, DE
• Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim · Aachen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 17, 2013
• Grant date: Jul 14, 2015
• Expiry date: Jul 17, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60G2500/30
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle suspension apparatus includes various elements, such as a self-pumping air spring and damper unit operating with compressed air for height adjustment of a vehicle body relative to a wheel suspension of a vehicle. The apparatus further includes at least one spring space filled with compressed air, which is at least partially bounded by at least one movable wall and a damper cylinder, which can be connected to the spring space for fluid transmission by at least one connecting valve. The damper cylinder includes a working space divided by a piston, which moves inside the working space, and fluidly connected by a throttle valve. The connecting valve and the throttle valve are each switchable valves, and one of the working spaces of the damper cylinder can be vented to the surrounding atmosphere via at least one switchable vent valve.