Energy absorbing unit with improved control valve

摘要

A telescoping energy absorbing unit having inner and outer telescoping cylinders with unitary fluid flow control valve means operatively disposed between contractible and expansible fluid chambers in the unit. The valve progressively opens with increasing loads above a predetermined load to control the flow of fluid from a first of the chambers to a second of the chambers for absorbing impact energy. The valve closes on rebound and has openings therein that meter fluid from the second to the first chamber to reduce the speed of rebound of the cylinders from a telescoped toward an extended position.