Spring devices – Vehicle – Mechanical spring and nonresilient retarder
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-21
2001-07-03
Oberleitner, Robert J. (Department: 3613)
Spring devices
Vehicle
Mechanical spring and nonresilient retarder
C267S292000, C280S124179
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254072
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to suspension systems for motor vehicles and, more particularly, to a combination spring isolator and jounce bumper for simultaneously controlling the orientation of the springs of the suspension system and providing a stop for maximum suspension displacement.
2. Discussion
Motor vehicles are typically provided with a suspension mechanism to reduce the transfer of vibrations from a driving surface to the vehicle and its occupants. Such suspension mechanisms often include one or more shocks, struts, and/or springs. One type of spring commonly used in suspension mechanisms is a coil spring.
A known characteristic of a coil spring is its tendency to curve or bow upon compression. That is, as the coils of the spring are forced together under an applied pressure, the spring tends to arc relative to its longitudinal axis. Since space within a vehicle underbody is limited, it is critical to prevent such bowing from causing the spring to impinge upon or otherwise interfere with the other components of the suspension system. Currently, no mechanism is provided for controlling the direction of such bowing.
In some suspension mechanisms a resilient disk known in the art as an isolator is inserted between the coil spring and the spring seat. Such isolators serve to dampen the transmittance of vibrations to the springs. While such prior art isolators have proved effective for their intended purpose, there is room for improvement in the art. For example, the isolator may provide a convenient platform for a mechanism dedicated to controlling the bowing direction of the spring.
Some suspension mechanism also employ a discrete member known as a jounce bumper to prevent the vehicle from damage upon maximum deflection of the suspension system. The jounce bumper is interposed between a lower suspension arm and an upper suspension arm. When a large road disturbance is experienced, the lower and upper suspension arms thrust towards one another. The jounce bumper stops the two suspension members at a certain distance from one another to avoid damage. While such jounce bumpers perform well for their intended purpose, there is room for improvement in the art. For instance, the jounce bumper may be formed in combination with the spring isolator.
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a single member for controlling the bowing and maximum compression of the coil springs of a motor vehicle suspension system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects are provided by a combination isolator and jounce bumper. The combination isolator and jounce bumper is disposed on a spring seat of a suspension system and includes a locating member in the form of a projection extending therefrom. The projection is inserted into an aperture in the spring seat so that the isolator assumes a preselected orientation relative to the spring seat when positioned thereon. A coil spring is secured to a spring retaining portion of the combination isolator and jounce bumper. An orientation member in the form of a second projection is provided at a pre-selected location on the spring retaining portion. The second projection engages an end of the coil spring so that the coil spring assumes a preselected orientation relative thereto. The jounce bumper portion of the isolator projects upwardly from the spring retaining portion so as to be coaxially aligned with the coil spring.
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Bono Mark J.
O'Bryan Timothy S.
Calcaterra Mark P.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Oberleitner Robert J.
Siconolfi Robert A.
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