Multi-stage telescopic shock absorber

摘要

A multi-stage shock absorber with closed ends has a plurality of tubular shock bodies telescopically interconnected together, and includes a piston arrangement slidably mounted within certain of the shock bodies to define a number of chambers variously containing damping and/or spring elements for enabling damping of shock forces applied to the shock absorber.

主权项

1. A multi-stage telescopic suspension element comprising:
a plurality of tubular shock bodies serially interconnected to provide telescopic movement relative to one another; wherein the shock bodies include a piston arrangement slidably mounted therein to define a number of chambers each containing at least one of damping and spring elements for enabling, damping of shock forces applied to the suspension element; a first tubular shock body having one end which is closed by a first end cap and an opposite end which is open; a second tubular shock body having one end provided with a first piston and an opposite end which is open; a third tubular shock body having one end provided with a second piston and an opposite end closed by a second end cap; the one end of the second shock body being slidably mounted with respect to the first shock body and the one end of the third shock body being slidably mounted with respect to the second shock body; at least a first chamber being defined by the first shock body, the first end cap and the one end of the second shock body; at least a second chamber being defined by the second shock body, the one end of the second shock body and the one end of the third shock body; and at least a third chamber being defined by the third shock body, the one end of the third shock body and the second end cap; wherein the first, second and third chambers each contain a first fluid, a second fluid and a third fluid, respectively, and wherein the first and second pistons are provided with valve arrangements for permitting fluid flow therethrough; wherein a first circumferential passage is defined by the one end of the second shock body, the opposite end of the first shock body, an inner surface of the first shock body and an outer surface of the second shock body; and wherein the outer surface of the second shock body is formed with openings therethrough that are in communication with the valve arrangement of the first piston and the first circumferential passage so that fluid is transferable between the first chamber and the first circumferential passage.