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WO1988000535A1 - Suspension de vehicule comprenant un dispositif fonctionnant par pression de fluide - Google Patents

Suspension de vehicule comprenant un dispositif fonctionnant par pression de fluide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1988000535A1
WO1988000535A1 PCT/GB1987/000486 GB8700486W WO8800535A1 WO 1988000535 A1 WO1988000535 A1 WO 1988000535A1 GB 8700486 W GB8700486 W GB 8700486W WO 8800535 A1 WO8800535 A1 WO 8800535A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pressure
fluid
chamber
vehicle
liquid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB1987/000486
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Adrian Tucker-Peake
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
GKN Technology Ltd
Original Assignee
GKN Technology Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by GKN Technology Ltd filed Critical GKN Technology Ltd
Publication of WO1988000535A1 publication Critical patent/WO1988000535A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/002—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load by temperature regulation of the suspension unit, e.g. heat operated systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
    • B60G17/0152—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the action on a particular type of suspension unit
    • B60G17/0155—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the action on a particular type of suspension unit pneumatic unit
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/02—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means
    • B60G17/04—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means fluid spring characteristics
    • B60G17/0416—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means fluid spring characteristics regulated by varying the resiliency of hydropneumatic suspensions
    • B60G17/0424—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means fluid spring characteristics regulated by varying the resiliency of hydropneumatic suspensions by varying the air pressure of the accumulator
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2500/00—Indexing codes relating to the regulated action or device
    • B60G2500/30—Height or ground clearance
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2600/00—Indexing codes relating to particular elements, systems or processes used on suspension systems or suspension control systems
    • B60G2600/02—Retarders, delaying means, dead zones, threshold values, cut-off frequency, timer interruption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2600/00—Indexing codes relating to particular elements, systems or processes used on suspension systems or suspension control systems
    • B60G2600/22—Magnetic elements
    • B60G2600/26—Electromagnets; Solenoids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2600/00—Indexing codes relating to particular elements, systems or processes used on suspension systems or suspension control systems
    • B60G2600/72—Cooling or warming means

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus for effecting a change in an operative condition of a vehicle suspension, by changing the pressure of the fluid in a fluid pressure operating device.
  • Vehicle suspensions are known wherein springing is provided by fluid pressure devices which are, in effect, gas springs.
  • the devices which may be in the form of bellows or bags, or possibly rolling diaphragm units, are connected between the chassis or main structure of the vehicle and appropriate suspension components in such a way that downwards movement of the vehicle structure relative to the wheels and the ground on which the vehicle stands causes compression of the gas in the device so that such movement is resiliently resisted. If vehicle load is increased, however, this would cause the vehicle structure to assume a lower position, both when stationary and in terms of the mean position about which the suspension operates when the vehicle is being driven. If the additional load is added at one part only of the vehicle, e.g. the rear, the attitude of the vehicle would change, possibly to an undesirable extent.
  • a compressor may be provided, possibly driven by an electric motor under the control of a suitable control system, in order to increase the pressure in the suspension devices by pumping.
  • a compressor is a relatively bulky piece of equipment to be accommodated on the vehicle.
  • a motor driven compressor may be noisy in operation.
  • a fluid pressure operating device or devices may find application other than as the main springing means as above described.
  • a device may be used to assist another springing means, but again may be required to undergo a change in operating pressure to change its characteristics.
  • the present invention although described hereafter in relation to its application to a particular type of fluid pressure device, is applicable more generally wherever analogous requirements arise.
  • apparatus for changing an operative condition of a vehicle suspension comprising a device operable by a fluid under pressure; a chamber containing a quantity of a vaporisable liquid; heating means operable upon the liquid in the chamber to cause the liquid to generate vapour at an increased pressure; means for communicating the pressure of the vapour in the chamber to the fluid; conduit means for flow of the fluid under said pressure to or from the device; and valve means for controlling flow of the fluid in the conduit means.
  • heating of the liquid in the chamber to generate vapour thereof at an increased pressure, and communication of such pressure to the fluid for the fluid pressure device effects a change in the operating conditions of the vehicle suspension equivalent to the change which could be effected by use of a motor driven compressor, but without the complexity, weight, bulk, and noise in operation, of such a compressor.
  • a suitable vapourisable liquid examples and desirable characteristics of which are described hereafter, pressure changes of the same order of magnitude as those achievable by a compressor, can readily be achieved.
  • valve means it is not necessary continuously to maintain operation of the heating means.
  • the fluid for the fluid pressure device is preferably a gas and the device is one which operates as a gas spring, either alone or in combination with other springing means in the suspension.
  • the heating means preferably comprises an electrical heater, conveniently a resistance element disposed in a part of the chamber in contact with the liquid therein.
  • the means for communicating the pressure of the vapour to the fluid may comprise a piston slidable within the chamber, or a flexible diaphragm separating a part of the chamber containing the liquid and its vapour from a part of the chamber containing the fluid and in communication with the conduit means.
  • the valve means for controlling the flow of fluid in the conduit means is preferably electrically operable. This gives the possibility of providing a vehicle suspension in which compensation for varying load conditions of the vehicle is automatic. If a suitable sensor or sensors is provided to detect the operative position of one or more fluid pressure devices, this can provide an input signal to an automatic control circuit which controls operation of the heating means and valve means until the required vehicle position or attitude is achieved.
  • the fluid may be provided means for introduction of the fluid to the device and conduit means from an external source, or release thereof. This enables maintenance and correction for possible leakage of the fluid, or facilitates compensation for a greater change in vehicle loading than can be achieved by operation of the heating means of the apparatus according to the invention. It will be appreciated that, in most suspension systems, the fluid will normally be at an initial pressure above atmospheric pressure.
  • the illustrated apparatus comprises the main elements of a pressure generator 10, a fluid pressure operating device in the form of a rolling diaphragm actuator unit 12, and conduit means in the form of pipe 30 connecting the pressure generator 10 with the actuator 12.
  • Valve assemblies 48 and 32 are provided in the pipe 30 between the pressure generator and actuator.
  • a further actuator 12a is connected in parallel with the actuator 12 since in many applications of vehicle suspension two or more such actuators would be provided, e.g. one at each side of the vehicle.
  • the pressure generator 10 comprises a closed chamber 14 containing a slidable piston 16 which divides the chamber 14 into an upper portion 18 containing a gas and a lower portion 20 containing a volatile liquid 22.
  • an electrical heater 28 illustrated as a resistance heating coil.
  • the piston 16 is slidable between a lower position indicated generally at 24 and an upper position indicated generally at 26, but although the movement of the piston is illustrated as vertical for convenience of illustration, it could be in any orientation suitable for accommodating the pressure generator in a motor vehicle.
  • a flexible diaphragm could be provided to separate the part of the chamber containing the liquid 22 from the upper part 18 containing the gas.
  • a diaphragm is provided or a piston as illustrated, it preferably is constructed so as to minimise heat transfer between the two parts of the chamber.
  • the actuator 12 is a rolling diaphragm strut unit, having a part 34 telescopically movable relative to a housing 36 and sealed by a rolling diaphragm 42.
  • the • part 34 is movable from a retracted position to an ; extended position as indicated in broken lines at 40.
  • the part 34 contains a damping assembly of generally known type.
  • actuator 12 In use, actuator 12 would be connected in a vehicle suspension so as to be movable between its retracted and extended conditions by movement of the vehicle's wheel or wheels relative to the chassis or other structure of the vehicle. Level or position sensors may be associated with the or each actuator 12 to provide signals, in generally known manner, to a suitable control circuit for controlling operating of the apparatus in the manner described hereafter.
  • the valve 32 in the pipe 30 is normally biased by springs 50 to a position wherein the valve is closed.
  • the valve 30 is openable in one sense by a solenoid 46, and in the other sense by a pilot actuator 60.
  • the latter provides for connection between the pipe 30 and a connector 44 which is connectable to an external source of pressurised fluid, e.g. a compressed air line or a source of compressed inert gas.
  • the solenoid 46 is operable to open the valve to permit flow through the pipe 30, but not provide communication with the connector 44.
  • the valve 48 is normally open and is biased by a spring 52 to this condition, so that connection is provided between the space 18, above the piston 16 in the chamber 14, and the pipe 30.
  • the valve 48 is operable by a solenoid 54 to provide communication between the pipe 30 and a port 56 leading to the external atmosphere.
  • valve 32 Introduction of gas under the pre-charged pressure is provided through the valve 32 by connecting an external source of pressurised gas to the connector 44, which pressure applied through the pilot actuator 60 causes the external source of gas to be connected to the pipe 30 and to the space above the piston 16 in the chamber 14. Disconnection of the external source of pressurised gas from the connector 44 will de-actuate the pilot actuator 60, so that valve 32 resumes its closed position, hence sealing the gas under pre-charge pressure in the pipe 30, actuators 12, and chamber 14.
  • the apparatus is operated in the following manner to restore the actuator to its previous condition of extension and hence the vehicle to its previous attitude.
  • heater 28 is operated to increase the temperature of liquid 22 and the vapour pressure thereof.
  • solenoid 46 is energised so that valve 32 opens to provide communication for flow of gas between the actuator 12 and the pressure generator 10 by way of pipe 30.
  • the gas pressure in actuator 12 is increased to reach a state of equilibrium at a suspension position corresponding to that before the vehicle was loaded.
  • solenoid 46 is de-energised and the heater 28 brought out of operation.
  • Valve 32 is closed by de-energisation of solenoid 46, so that the gas in the actuators 12 remains at the increased pressure which compensates for the increased vehicle load.
  • the pressure generator as it cools the vapour generated from liquid 22 will condense and the piston 16 returned to its starting position.
  • solenoid 46 is energised without the heater 28 having been brought into use, so that gas will flow back to the pressure generator 10.
  • Valve 48 may also or in addition be used for such maintenance purposes. Valve 48 is normally spring biased to its condition wherein port 56 is not connected to the rest of the system, but when solenoid 54 is actuated the port 56 is so connected. If solenoid 54 is actuated to connect the port 56 to the system, whilst piston 16 is at its lowermost position, the space above the piston 16 will be filled with gas at atmospheric pressure.
  • solenoid 54 is de-energised to close port 56, and then solenoid 46 energised to open the valve 32 whilst the heater 28 is operated, the piston 16 will be driven up to displace the charge of air into the actuator 12. Successive such operations, each followed by closing of valve 32 and opening the port 56 will pump successive quantities of air into the actuator.
  • the volume of the space 18 above the piston 16 when in its lowermost position will be of the same order as the total volume of the gas normally contained above the diaphragms of actuator or actuators 12, 12A.
  • the liquid used in the pressure generator 10 may be pentane or dimethyl-acetylene, or similar organic liquids or mixtures of liquids which have boiling points at atmospheric pressure of less than 100 degrees C. and have a normal liquid state at atmospheric pressure and in a temperature range of, for example, -40 degrees C to +40 degrees C. Such liquids must have a vapour pressure sufficiently high to operate the apparatus at temperatures easily achieved in safety, e.g. up to 140 degrees C. Such liquids must, of course, be chemically neutral with respect to the material of the chamber 14 and piston 16, and safe from the health point of view in case of accidental leakage thereof. It is contemplated that the pressure generator may operate at pressures up to about 8 atmospheres. Desirably, a safety valve or other safety device would be provided in association with the pressure generator 10. If a liquid having an appropriate operating temperature range is chosen, the pressure generator 10 may be able to be constructed from plastics materials, for economy in production and light weight.
  • the heating means 28 would be designed to operate so that the suspension can compensate for vehicle loading in a reasonable time period, e.g. of several seconds. Faster operation could be achieved by use of a more powerful heating means, but this is not generally required in a typical motor vehicle.
  • the heating means, and valves, of the apparatus may be automatically controlled in response to signals provided by suitable level or position sensing devices provided in association with the vehicle suspension.
  • suitable level or position sensing devices provided in association with the vehicle suspension.
  • Such control circuits are known in suspensions wherein correction for vehicle load is achieved by means other than the present invention, and may readily be adapted for use with the present invention. Alternatively or in addition, manual control may be provided for.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)

Abstract

Un appareil, servant à modifier une condition de fonctionnement d'une suspension de véhicule et notamment à niveler un véhicule afin de compenser une modification du chargement du véhicule, comprend un dispositif (12) fonctionnant sous l'action d'un fluide sous pression, une chambre (14) contenant une quantité (22) d'un liquide vaporisable, un organe de chauffage (28) pouvant être appliqué au liquide contenu dans la chambre afin de permettre audit liquide de produire de la vapeur à une pression plus grande, un organe tel qu'un piston (16) destiné à communiquer au fluide la pression de la vapeur dans la chambre, un conduit (30) pour l'écoulement du fluide sous pression en direction ou en provenance du dispositif (12) et un organe de soupape (32) servant à réguler l'écoulement du fluide dans le conduit.
PCT/GB1987/000486 1986-07-15 1987-07-10 Suspension de vehicule comprenant un dispositif fonctionnant par pression de fluide Ceased WO1988000535A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB868617142A GB8617142D0 (en) 1986-07-15 1986-07-15 Vehicle levelling apparatus
GB8617142 1986-07-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1988000535A1 true WO1988000535A1 (fr) 1988-01-28

Family

ID=10601043

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1987/000486 Ceased WO1988000535A1 (fr) 1986-07-15 1987-07-10 Suspension de vehicule comprenant un dispositif fonctionnant par pression de fluide

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB8617142D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1988000535A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0604867A1 (fr) * 1992-12-29 1994-07-06 VELA S.r.L. Elément d'amortissement des vibrations
RU2160189C1 (ru) * 1999-07-12 2000-12-10 Военный автомобильный институт Гидропневматическая подвеска транспортного средства
EP2052889A1 (fr) * 2007-10-26 2009-04-29 Curtiss-Wright Antriebstechnik GmbH Dispositif hydropneumatique à ressort-amortisseur et procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif hydropneumatique à ressort-amortisseur

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997023740A1 (fr) * 1995-12-22 1997-07-03 Danfoss Ab Actionneur thermique
GB2312033B (en) * 1996-04-11 2000-01-19 Draftex Ind Ltd Fluid pressure springs
DE102004034706B3 (de) * 2004-07-17 2006-02-23 Stabilus Gmbh Fluidfeder

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE556891A (fr) * 1956-06-25
CH327407A (de) * 1952-07-04 1958-01-31 Gaebler Gustav Adolf Ing Dr Lastabhängig sich regelnde Federung
DE1921502A1 (de) * 1969-04-26 1970-11-05 Blind Dr Wolfram Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Niveauregulierung von Automobilen
DE1655981A1 (de) * 1968-02-17 1971-07-01 Bilstein August Fa Hydropneumatisches Federbein mit selbsttaetiger Niveauregulierung,insbesondere fuer Kraftfahrzeuge
US4057212A (en) * 1975-08-15 1977-11-08 Barry Wright Corporation Fluidic vibration isolator
FR2552513A1 (fr) * 1983-09-26 1985-03-29 Nhk Spring Co Ltd Appareil de suspension de vehicule
FR2566716A1 (fr) * 1984-06-30 1986-01-03 Mitsubishi Motors Corp Suspension pour vehicule automobile

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1380900A (en) * 1970-12-29 1975-01-15 Girling Ltd Suspension systems

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH327407A (de) * 1952-07-04 1958-01-31 Gaebler Gustav Adolf Ing Dr Lastabhängig sich regelnde Federung
BE556891A (fr) * 1956-06-25
DE1655981A1 (de) * 1968-02-17 1971-07-01 Bilstein August Fa Hydropneumatisches Federbein mit selbsttaetiger Niveauregulierung,insbesondere fuer Kraftfahrzeuge
DE1921502A1 (de) * 1969-04-26 1970-11-05 Blind Dr Wolfram Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Niveauregulierung von Automobilen
US4057212A (en) * 1975-08-15 1977-11-08 Barry Wright Corporation Fluidic vibration isolator
FR2552513A1 (fr) * 1983-09-26 1985-03-29 Nhk Spring Co Ltd Appareil de suspension de vehicule
FR2566716A1 (fr) * 1984-06-30 1986-01-03 Mitsubishi Motors Corp Suspension pour vehicule automobile

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0604867A1 (fr) * 1992-12-29 1994-07-06 VELA S.r.L. Elément d'amortissement des vibrations
RU2160189C1 (ru) * 1999-07-12 2000-12-10 Военный автомобильный институт Гидропневматическая подвеска транспортного средства
EP2052889A1 (fr) * 2007-10-26 2009-04-29 Curtiss-Wright Antriebstechnik GmbH Dispositif hydropneumatique à ressort-amortisseur et procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif hydropneumatique à ressort-amortisseur
US8196721B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2012-06-12 Stromsholmen Ab Hydropneumatic spring and damper system
EP2052889B1 (fr) 2007-10-26 2016-06-15 Strömsholmen AB Dispositif hydropneumatique à ressort-amortisseur et procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif hydropneumatique à ressort-amortisseur

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2194047A (en) 1988-02-24
GB8716179D0 (en) 1987-08-12
GB8617142D0 (en) 1986-08-20

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