Hydraulic suspension hitch system

摘要

The present disclosure provides a hitch suspension system that reduces a transfer of energy (e.g., provides a smoother ride) between two bodies hitched together, such as between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle/trailer. In an embodiment, the suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder with an extendable rod in fluid communication with a fluid pump. A control valve is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the fluid pump and is configured to adjust an extension length of the rod. Additionally, a variable orifice that adjusts resistance to extension and retraction of the rod is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve. A first fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy ad the rod extends and a second fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy as the rod retracts.

主权项

1. A hitch that couples a towed vehicle to a drive vehicle, the hitch comprising:
a linkage system having first and second pivotable links configured to couple between the towed vehicle and the drive vehicle; and a suspension system coupled to the linkage system and configured to adjust a ride of the towed vehicle with respect to the drive vehicle, the suspension system including;
a hydraulic cylinder with an extendable rod, the hydraulic cylinder and the rod coupled between the first and second pivotable links;a control valve fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the fluid pump, the control valve configured to adjust an extension length of the rod;a variable orifice fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve, the variable orifice configured to adjust resistance to extension and retraction of the rod;a first fixed restrictive element fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy as the rod extends; anda second fixed restrictive element fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy as the rod retracts.