DAMPER ROD BUSHINGS AS WELL AS GAS SPRING AND DAMPER ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS INCLUDING SAME

摘要

A damper rod bushing operatively connects an end member of a gas spring and a damper rod of a damper to at least partially form a gas spring and damper assembly. The damper rod bushing is constructed for exposure to gas pressure within a spring chamber of a gas spring and damper assembly such that pre-load forces due to gas pressure within said spring chamber act on said damper rod bushing. The damper rod bushing can include an outer support element, an inner support element and an elastomeric connector element operatively connected between the outer and inner support elements such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. A gas spring and damper assembly including such a damper rod bushing, as well as a suspension system including one or more of such gas spring and damper assemblies and a method of assembly are also included.

主权项

1. A gas spring and damper assembly comprising;
a gas spring having a longitudinal axis and including:
a first end member;a second end member spaced axially from said first end member; and,a flexible spring member extending peripherally about said longitudinal axis between opposing first and second ends, said first end secured on said first end member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween and said second end secured on said second end member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween with a spring chamber at least partially defined by said flexible spring member and said first and second end members; a damper extending longitudinally between and operatively connecting said first and second end members such that at least a portion of said damper extends through said spring chamber, said damper including:
a damper housing operatively connected to said first end member and including a housing wall that at least partially defines a damping chamber; and,a damper rod assembly including a damper rod and a damper piston, said damper rod extending axially between a first end and a second end, said damper piston operatively secured to said second end of said damper rod;said damper rod assembly operatively engaged with said damper housing such that said damper piston is disposed within said damping chamber with at least said first end of said damper rod projecting outwardly from said damper housing and such that said damper rod assembly and damper housing can undergo reciprocal motion relative to one another; and, a damper rod bushing operatively connecting said second end member of said gas spring and said first end of said damper rod assembly of said damper with at least a portion of said damper rod bushing disposed in fluid communication with said spring chamber such that pre-load forces due to gas pressure within said spring chamber act on said damper rod bushing.