VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WITH RESERVOIR FOR AIR SPRING DAMPING

摘要

A suspension system can include an air spring, an air reservoir external to the air spring, and a flow control device which variably restricts flow of air between the air spring and the air reservoir. Flow between the air spring and the air reservoir may be permitted in response to compliance of the suspension system, and the air spring can have an internal air volume at least 2½ times as great may permit flow between the air spring and the air reservoir in response to a predetermined pressure differential level across the flow control device. Multiple air reservoirs can be internal to an axle, or other suspension system or vehicle component, and can be isolated from each other.

主权项

1. A suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle comprising:
at least one air spring; at least one air reservoir external to the air spring, said external reservoir being in fluid communication with said air spring for providing damping characteristics to the air spring, said air reservoir incorporated into a component of the vehicle selected from the group consisting of an axle, a beam of a suspension assembly, a main member of a slider box or vehicle frame, a cross member of a slider box or a vehicle frame, an air spring spacer, and a tank disposed generally adjacent said suspension assembly.