Suspension system, especially cab suspension system

• US 6,619,728 B1
• Filed: 02/25/2002
• Issued: 09/16/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hydac Technology Gmbh (HYDAC International GmbH)
• Original Assignee: Hydac Technology Gmbh (HYDAC International GmbH)
• Inventors: Kummel, Albrecht
• Primary Examiner(s): Pape, Joseph D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CARPENTER, SCOTT A
• Application Number:
  US10/049,425
• Time in Patent Office: 568 Days
• Field of Search: 296/190.04, 296/190.07, 180/89.13
• US Class Current: 296/190.07
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/01908 Acceleration or inclination sensors characterised by the use of gyroscopes B60G21/08
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 33/0608 pneumatic or hydraulic suspension
• CPC Class Codes: F16F 15/027 comprising control arrangements F16F15/0237 takes precedence

Abstract

A suspension system is for vehicles and its components such as vehicle cabs that at least partially form a load. The components are subject to accelerations in the starting and breaking directions. At least one suspension cylinder can be subject to a load. The fluid chambers of the cylinder are connected to a shock-absorbing device in a fluid conveying manner. The shock-absorbing device counteracts the free movement of the load and throttles the fluid flow linked with it. A sensor device is provided for controlling the shock-absorbing device, and is provided with a control mass that is subject to the accelerations. The sensor device acts upon at least one throttling device in such a way that the fluid flow is increasingly throttled when the acceleration is increasing. The suspension system is improved by the sensor device, next to the user-friendly basic suspension, providing a suspension that is able to guarantee safety even in extreme accelerations and helps to prevent dangerous driving conditions.

Claims

1. A spring suspension system for vehicles or components thereof constituting loads subject to acceleration in a starting direction and a deceleration in braking direction, comprising:

at least one load receiving suspension cylinder having first and second fluid chambers separated by a piston;

a dampening mechanism having first and second adjustable throttle valves and being connected to said fluid chambers by fluid conveying lines to restrict fluid flow therein to dampen the motion of the load;

a sensor coupled to and actuating said dampening mechanism, said sensor having a control mass subject to acceleration and mechanically coupled to said first and second throttle valves to increase throttling of the fluid flow therethrough with increased deceleration and acceleration, respectively; and

a hydraulic accumulator in fluid communication with and acting on said fluid chambers when said throttle valves are not actuated to provide a primary suspension.

2. A spring suspension system according to claim 1 wherein

said valves are proportional throttle values.

3. A spring suspension system according to claim 2 wherein

said control mass is coupled directly to and actuates said valves directly;

and

a spring damper is coupled to said control mass.

4. A spring suspension system according to claim 3 wherein

said first and second throttle valves are in fluid communication with said first and second fluid chambers, respectively.

5. A spring suspension system according to claim 1 wherein

said control mass is coupled directly to and actuates said valves directly;

and

a spring damper is coupled to said control mass.

6. A spring suspension system according to claim 5 wherein

said first and second throttle valves are in fluid communication with said first and second fluid chambers, respectively.

7. A spring suspension system according to claim 1 wherein

a vehicle cab is pivotably connected to a vehicle by at least one pivot connection;

and

said cylinder having a housing pivotably connected to said cab-and a piston rod pivotably coupled to said vehicle.

8. A spring suspension according to claim 7 wherein

said throttle valves are connected to one another in a direction toward said cylinder in fluid communication by a connecting line, said connecting line having a return valve therein opening in a direction of said first fluid chamber.

9. A spring suspension according to claim 8 wherein

said dampening mechanism is in fluid communication with a fluid supply reservoir.

10. A spring suspension system according to claim 8 wherein

said control mass comprises separate first and second partial control masses directly connected to said first and second throttle valves, respectively.

11. A spring suspension system according to claim 7 wherein

said control mass comprises separate first and second partial control masses directly connected to said first and second throttle valves, respectively.

12. A spring suspension according to claim 1 wherein

said throttle valves are connected to one another in a direction toward said cylinder in fluid communication by a connecting line, said connecting line having a return valve therein opening in a direction of said first fluid chamber.

13. A spring suspension according to claim 12 wherein

said dampening mechanism is in fluid communication with a fluid supply reservoir.

14. A spring suspension according to claim 1 wherein

said dampening mechanism is in fluid communication with a fluid supply reservoir.

15. A spring suspension system according to claim 1 wherein

said control mass comprises separate first and second partial control masses directly connected to said first and second throttle valves, respectively.