Gas spring and gas damper assembly with a releasable axial-locking assembly

摘要

Gas spring and gas damper assemblies can include a gas spring that includes a flexible spring member, a first end member and a second end member that together at least partially define a spring chamber. A gas damper can include a first damper element and a second damper element that are telescopically engaged with one another for reciprocal motion. A releasable axial-locking assembly can be operatively connected between the first and second damper elements that is capable of operating in both locked and released conditions. Gas damper assemblies, suspension systems and methods of manufacture are also included.

主权项

1. A gas spring and gas damper assembly comprising:
a gas spring having a longitudinal axis and including:
a flexible spring member including a flexible wall extending peripherally about said axis and longitudinally between opposing first and second ends such that said flexible spring member at least partially defines a spring chamber;a first end member secured across said first end of said flexible spring member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween; and,a second end member secured across said second end of said flexible spring member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween; and, a gas damper disposed within said gas spring and including:
a first damper element operatively connected along said first end member;a second damper element operatively connected to said second end member and telescopically engaged with said first damper element for reciprocal motion relative to one another upon displacement of said gas spring between an extended condition and a compressed condition; and,a releasable axial-locking assembly operatively connected between said first and second damper elements capable of maintaining said first and second damper elements in a substantially fixed position relative to one another up to a predetermined force threshold and capable of permitting relative movement between said first and second damper elements under conditions in which said predetermined force threshold is exceeded.