Power plants – Pressure fluid source and motor – Pneumatic motor with gas supply or removal device
Patent
1994-03-11
1995-11-21
Lopez, F. Daniel
Power plants
Pressure fluid source and motor
Pneumatic motor with gas supply or removal device
60412, 60453, 417299, 280711, 280714, F16D 3102
Patent
active
054675952
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to valve means and in particular, although not exclusively, to valve means adapted for controlling the supply of gas to and from gas springs of a vehicle suspension system.
The suspension system of an untracked wheeled vehicle typically comprises four gas suspension units disposed one proximate each respective corner of the vehicle and each suspension unit may have a gas chamber of selectively variable volume whereby the suspension height of the vehicle may be varied independently of load.
In a conventional arrangement two valves are associated with each suspension unit, one to permit exhaustion of gas from a suspension unit and the other to allow pressurised gas to be admitted to that suspension unit.
Whilst the aforedescribed configuration may be arranged to operate effectively, a considerable number of valve components are needed and this adds undesirably to the weight and complexity of the suspension control equipment.
The present invention seeks to provide an improved valve configuration for a vehicle gas suspension system.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention valve means for a vehicle gas suspension system comprises a central chamber to which pressurised gas may be admitted and from which pressurised gas may be exhausted, gas communication paths for extending from said central chamber each to communicate with a respective gas suspension unit, interposed in each gas communication path a valve unit operable to lie either in a closed condition in which an associated gas spring is isolated from the central chamber or to lie in an open position in which the gas spring communicates with said central chamber, and said central chamber and said valve units being formed integrally as part of a valve manifold assembly.
One valve unit may be provided for selectively communicating the central chamber to atmosphere for exhausting pressure from one or more gas suspension units, or for putting the central chamber in communication with a supply of pressurised gas whereby one or more gas suspension units may be selectively pressurised.
As an alternative to providing a single additional valve unit for selective supply of pressurised gas to or from the central chamber, two additional valve units may be provided, one to facilitate supply of pressurised gas to the central chamber and the other for exhausting of pressurised gas.
The supply of pressurised gas may incorporate a drier to remove excess moisture, thereby to prevent undue condensation forming within the valve means and gas suspension units, and that drier may be arranged for operation regeneratively whereby gas exhausting from the central chamber is caused to pass through the drier to facilitate removal of moisture accumulated therein.
Each or at least some of the valve units may be of a pilot operated type. Alternatively all or some may be direct acting solenoids, e g valves known as "intelligent" solenoids and which work on the so-called hit and drop principle.
The valve manifold assembly additionally may incorporate or be interconnected with one or more additional valve units for flow of pressurised gas to or from the central chamber.
For a four wheel vehicle having four gas suspension units it will be understood that in contrast to the conventional provision of at least eight valve units, i e two per gas suspension unit respectively for supply and exhaust of pressurised gas, in accordance with the present invention the number of valve units is reduced to a minimum of five, i e four arranged each to communicate with a respective suspension unit and a fifth for supply of pressurised gas to or from the central chamber. Even if an additional valve unit is provided for separate supply and exhaust control there is still a most useful reduction in the number of valve units, i e six units in contrast to a conventional need for at least eight units.
A suitable type of valve unit is a diaphragm valve.
The valve means may incorporate one or more non-return valves arranged such that in the event of failure of the supply of pressu
REFERENCES:
patent: 1207436 (1916-12-01), Ohlsen
patent: 4504081 (1985-03-01), Shimizu et al.
patent: 4659104 (1987-04-01), Kaltenthaler et al.
patent: 4717117 (1988-01-01), Cook
patent: 4756548 (1988-07-01), Tanaka et al.
patent: 4881753 (1989-11-01), Shima et al.
patent: 4980830 (1990-12-01), Aoki et al.
Dunlop Limited
Lopez F. Daniel
LandOfFree
Valve means does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Valve means, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Valve means will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1129461