STEERING GEAR WITH TUNABLE HYDRAULIC BUSHINGS

摘要

A tunable hydraulic bushing mounts a steering gear to a vehicle frame member. The bushing is filled with a fluid and includes an inertia track and a pressure valve separating first and second fluid chambers or cavities. The inertia track provides uninterrupted fluid communication between the first cavity and the second cavity. The pressure valve is movable between an open position, which allows fluid communication though the pressure valve between the first cavity and the second cavity, and a closed position, which blocks fluid communication though the pressure valve between the first cavity and the second cavity. The pressure valve may be configured to be closed during loads induced by smooth road shake and open during loads greater than smooth road shake.

主权项

1. A steering assembly for a vehicle, the steering assembly comprising:
a frame member; a steering gear; at least one bushing mounting the steering gear to the frame member, wherein the bushing is filled with a fluid and includes:
a housing;a central body within the housing;a first cavity defined between the central body and the housing;a second cavity defined between the central body and the housing;an inertia track providing uninterrupted fluid communication between the first cavity and the second cavity;a pressure valve separating the first cavity and the second cavity, wherein the pressure valve is movable between an open position, which allows fluid communication though the pressure valve between the first cavity and the second cavity, and a closed position, which blocks fluid communication though the pressure valve between the first cavity and the second cavity.