IMPROVED HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM

摘要

This invention relates to hydraulic suspension systems and in particular to vehicle oleopneumatic suspension systems employing sliding pillar struts. There is provided a suspension system (15) for a vehicle comprising a plurality of suspension struts (20), each mounted between a vehicle body (10) and a wheel assembly, each comprising: a cylinder (21) having a closed end and an inner bore (22); a piston rod (25) slideable within the inner bore (22) having a proximal end which terminates within the inner bore (22) and a distal end which extends from the inner bore (22). Between the inner bore (22) and the piston rod (25) there is mounted an oil seal (34) which seals a strut volume (59). A hydrostatic bearing (30) is mounted within and vents into the strut volume (59). A hydraulic circuit and associated control system is adapted to control flow of hydraulic fluid between the strut volume (59) and a reservoir (72), thereby providing control of at least the time-averaged axial position of the piston rod (25) relative to its corresponding inner bore (22).