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WO2003014590A2 - Ressort a gaz ameliore - Google Patents

Ressort a gaz ameliore Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003014590A2
WO2003014590A2 PCT/US2002/024768 US0224768W WO03014590A2 WO 2003014590 A2 WO2003014590 A2 WO 2003014590A2 US 0224768 W US0224768 W US 0224768W WO 03014590 A2 WO03014590 A2 WO 03014590A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
seal
piston assembly
cylinder
movable object
gas
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2002/024768
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2003014590A3 (fr
Inventor
James T. Bertram
Original Assignee
Arvinmeritor, Inc.,
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arvinmeritor, Inc., filed Critical Arvinmeritor, Inc.,
Priority to AU2002323007A priority Critical patent/AU2002323007A1/en
Publication of WO2003014590A2 publication Critical patent/WO2003014590A2/fr
Publication of WO2003014590A3 publication Critical patent/WO2003014590A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
    • F16F9/02—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum
    • F16F9/0209—Telescopic
    • F16F9/0245—Means for adjusting the length of, or for locking, the spring or dampers
    • F16F9/0254—Means for adjusting the length of, or for locking, the spring or dampers mechanically lockable, e.g. by use of friction collar
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
    • F16F9/32—Details
    • F16F9/36—Special sealings, including sealings or guides for piston-rods
    • F16F9/368—Sealings in pistons

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an improved gas spring, and more particularly, to an improved multiple stop gas spring where the movement of the gas spring shaft may be selectively stopped at an infinite number of intermediate positions between its fully extended and fully compressed positions, while still providing assistance in moving an object.
  • Gas springs have been used in many fields to facilitate and control the movement of movable objects with respect to relatively fixed objects.
  • One field in which gas springs have found widespread utility is the automotive field where they have been employed to facilitate and control the movement of hoods, trunks, hatches, lids and lift gates.
  • gas springs include, among other components: a tube or cylinder that defines an internal tubular cavity extending between the ends of the tube; a metering piston assembly, which is reciprocally moveable within and which divides the tubular cavity into compression and extension working chambers; a shaft connected moveable with the piston assembly, with one end of the shaft projecting out of an end of the tubular cavity; and end closures or caps for closing the ends of the tubular cavity, with one of the end closures also including a bushing seal for the reciprocally moveable shaft as it moves with respect to the tube.
  • Conventional gas springs are designed to move between two positions, namely a fully compressed position and a fully extended position.
  • an external latching mechanism such as a trunk latch on an automobile, is used to normally maintain the movable object, e.g. the trunk lid, at its closed position.
  • the gas spring When the trunk lid is closed, the gas spring is at its fully compressed position.
  • the trunk lid can be opened by releasing the latch.
  • the gas spring acts on the lid to bias it towards its open position.
  • the gas spring is designed to lift the lid when the latch is released.
  • the gas spring is designed to assist the operator in lifting the lid.
  • a tanning bed it is desirable for the user to be able to position the top portion, i.e., the lid, of the bed at various heights.
  • conventional gas springs do not provide multiple open positions.
  • known gas springs that are capable of providing multiple open positions typically rely on additional component, and/or extensive internal modifications that increase the price of the gas spring system dramatically.
  • a gas spring is connectable between a movable object and a relatively fixed object for assisting in moving the movable object between a first position and a second position.
  • the gas spring includes a cylinder having a closed end and an open end. The closed end of the cylinder is configured for connection with either of the movable object or the relatively fixed object.
  • a piston rod extends into the cylinder through the open end in a sealing relationship thereto for axial movement relative to the cylinder.
  • the piston rod has an external end configured for connection with the other of the movable object or the relatively fixed object.
  • the cylinder contains a gas under pressure.
  • a piston assembly is carried by the rod for axial movement within the cylinder.
  • the piston and the rod move axially in a compression direction when the movable object is moved towards its first position and an extension direction when the movable object is moved towards its second position.
  • the gas spring includes a means carried by the piston assembly for maintaining the movable object at any point between its first and second positions.
  • the means may comprise a resilient seal having a flexible, annular outer portion configured to provide a gas seal between the piston assembly and the cylinder sufficient to maintain the movable object at a stopped position at any point between its first and second positions.
  • the resilient seal may include a central body portion and an annular lip portion which extends radially outwardly from the body portion and sealing engages with the inner diameter of the cylinder.
  • the output force of the gas spring may be matched to the application by adjusting, e.g., during manufacture, the charge pressure such that the output force does not auto lift the movable object from the compressed position, but does provide sufficient force to maintain the movable object at infinite positions intermediate the fully extended and fully compressed positions.
  • a backing member may be disposed adjacent to the body portion of the resilient seal to support the body portion.
  • the backing portion has an outer diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the resilient seal so that the lip portion can flex inwardly relative to the inner diameter of the cylinder to allow gas to bypass between the piston assembly and the cylinder when an external force of a predetermined magnitude is exerted on the piston rod in one of the compression and extension directions.
  • Figures 1-3 illustrate the use of an embodiment of an improved gas spring according to certain aspects of the present invention, where the gas spring is connected to operate the lift gate of a hatchback style automobile.
  • Figure 1 shows the lift gate at its fully closed position.
  • Figure 2 shows the lift gate stopped at an intermediate position.
  • Figure 3 shows the lift gate at its fully open position.
  • Figure 4 is an axial, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an improved gas spring according to certain aspects of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the piston assembly of the gas spring of Figure 4, showing the flow path of the gas passing across the piston assembly during an extension stroke of the gas spring.
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 5, showing the flow path of gas passing across the piston assembly during a compression stroke of the gas spring.
  • FIG 1 through 3 illustrate an embodiment of a gas spring 20 according to certain aspects of the present invention, where the gas spring 20 is connected to assist in opening the lift gate 22 of a hatchback style automobile 24.
  • the gas spring 20 has one end connected to the automobile's body and the other end connected to its lift gate 22.
  • the gas spring (not shown in Figure 1) is at or near its fully compressed position.
  • the lift gate 22 is stopped at an intermediate position (see, e.g., Figure 2), the gas spring 20 is at a position that is less than its fully extended stroke position.
  • the lift gate 22 at its fully open position (see Figure 3)
  • the gas spring 20 is at or near its fully extended stroke position.
  • the lift gate 22 is normally maintained in a fully closed position ( Figure 1) by a latch (not shown).
  • the lift gate 22 can be opened by releasing the latch and lifting on the bottom of the lift gate 22.
  • the gas spring 20 extends towards its fully extended position to assist in moving the lift gate 22 towards its fully open position.
  • the gas spring 20 operates to assist in moving the lift gate from its closed position towards its open position, and also to maintain the lift gate at its fully opened position (Figure 1) and at an infinite number of intermediate or partially opened positions (one shown in Figure 2).
  • the ability to maintain the lift gate 22 at intermediate positions is a desirable feature because, for example, it permits persons of shorter stature to be able to easily lift the lift gate 22 to a position where ready access can be obtained to the rear compartment of the automobile 24 while not having to strain to reach the lift gate when trying to close the gate.
  • This intermediate stop position feature is also beneficial in numerous other applications, such as tool box lids and tanning beds, where it is desirable to provide multiple stop positions between the fully extended and fully compressed positions while still providing lift assistance.
  • FIGS 4-6 illustrate the gas spring 20 in greater detail.
  • the gas spring 20 a cylindrical tube 28 that has a first end 32 and a second end 34.
  • the tube 28 includes a tubular cavity 36, which is filled with gas under pressure as is conventional in the gas spring art.
  • a conventional end cap 38 closes and seals the first end 32 of the tube 28.
  • the gas spring 20 also includes a reciprocally moveable shaft 42.
  • the shaft 42 is disposed, in part, in the tubular cavity 36 so that the longitudinal axes of the shaft and the tubular cavity are coaxial.
  • the shaft 42 has a first end 44, which is positioned within the tubular cavity 36, and a second end 46, which projects out of the tube 28.
  • a conventional bushing assembly 48 is disposed adjacent the second end 34 of the tube 28.
  • the bushing assembly 48 surrounds the shaft 42 so as to provide a gas and oil seal for the shaft as the shaft reciprocally moves within the tube 28 in a conventional manner.
  • the bushing assembly 48 includes a front bushing 52, a washer 56, an annular front seal 58, all of which are disposed about the shaft 42.
  • the bushing 52 is generally cylindrical-shaped, with one side of the bushing facing outside of the gas filled cavity 36 to the left in Figure 4, and the opposite side facing into the gas filled cavity to the right in Figure 4.
  • the washer is generally cylindrical-shaped, with one side of the bushing facing outside of the gas filled cavity 36 to the left in Figure 4, and the opposite side facing into the gas filled cavity to the right in Figure 4.
  • the bushing assembly 48 may take numerous other forms.
  • the bushing assembly may include an "O" ring positioned between the bushing 52 and the ID of the tubular cavity 36.
  • a piston assembly 64 is connected with and moveable with the first (or inner) end 44 of the shaft 42.
  • the piston assembly 64 is mounted on a reduced diameter portion 60 formed in the first end 44 of the shaft 42.
  • the piston assembly 64 divides the tubular cavity 36 into an extension chamber 65, which is located between the piston assembly 64 and the second end 34, and a compression chamber 67, which is located between the piston assembly 64 and the first end 32.
  • the sizes of the chambers 65, 67 vary depending on the location of the piston assembly 64 within the tubular cavity 36.
  • the piston assembly 64 functions to meter the flow of gas past the piston assembly 64 as the assembly 64 moves within in the tubular cavity 36.
  • the piston assembly 64 includes an orifice plate 68, a valve body 70, an annular, resilient lip seal 72 and a washer 74.
  • the orifice plate 68 is secured, e.g., by formed rivet 50, on the distal end of the reduced diameter shaft portion 60.
  • the valve body 70 is mounted on the reduced diameter shaft portion 60, between the orifice plate 68 and an annular flange (or shoulder) 76, which is formed at the proximal end of the portion 60.
  • the valve body 70 includes an enlarged diameter portion 77, which is positioned adjacent to the shoulder 76, and a reduced diameter portion 78, which faces toward the orifice plate 68 (and the end 32 of the tube 28).
  • OD of the portion 77 is slightly less than the inner diameter (ID) of the tube so as to permit fluid flow therebetween.
  • a backing portion 80 is formed on the valve body 70 at the proximal end of the reduced diameter portion 78, that is, on the end of the portion 78 closest to the second end 34 of the tube 28.
  • the backing portion 80 is integrally formed with the valve body 70. It will be appreciated, however, that the backing portion 80 could be separately formed from the valve body 70, in which case the backing portion 80 would be mounted on the reduced diameter portion 78.
  • the lip seal 72 is mounted about the reduced diameter portion 78, adjacent to the backing portion 80.
  • the washer 74 is mounted on the reduced diameter portion
  • the lip seal 72 and the washer 74 are sized so that they can move relatively freely (or shuttle axially) along the reduced diameter portion 78, between the backing member 80 and the orifice plate 68.
  • the OD of the backing portion 80 is less than the OD of the lip seal 72 so that when the seal 72 and backing portion 80 are in contact with each other, the backing portion 80 supports and reinforces a central portion 82 of the seal 72.
  • the annular outer portion 84 of the seal 72 is flexible and includes an axially extending, radially outwardly extending lip 86.
  • the lip portion 86 is angled towards the second end 34 of the tube.
  • the outer surface of the lip portion 86 engages in sealing contact with the ID of the cylindrical tube 28.
  • the backing portion 80 presents an angled surface 90 which engages against a mating angled surface 92 formed on the lip seal 72.
  • Figures 5 and 6 illustrate how the gas in the tubular cavity 36 may pass across both the piston assembly 64 when the shaft is moved in the extension direction
  • the shaft 42 and the valve body 70 will move a short distance in the compression direction until the lip seal 72 engages against the backing portion 80 of the valve body 70, thereby blocking the flow of gas between the lip seal and the valve body.
  • the interface between the lip seal 72, the backing portion 80 and the ID of the tube 28 serve to prevent further movement in the compression direction (i.e., to maintain the piston in the intermediate position) until sufficient external force is exerted on the shaft 42 in the compression direction to overcome the pressure differential caused by the contact between the lip portion 86 of the seal 72 and the ID of the tube 28.
  • the output force of the spring 20 is preferably matched to the specific application, e.g., the lift gate 22 in the illustrated embodiment, such that the spring 20 does not auto lift the lid 22 absent an external lifting force, e.g., from a person when a person applies a small external lifting force to the lid 22, the gas spring extends to assist in lifting the lid.
  • the gas pressure in combination with the lip seal, maintains the lid at that location.
  • the piston assembly 64 can be moved in the compression direction (i.e., to the right in Figure 6) by exerting an external compression force on the shaft 42, e.g., by pushing down on the lift gate 22 in Figure
  • the lip seal 72 may be made from a material that has a predictable force/pressure balance to counter a differential pressure applied across it. Such materials may include Nitrile, EPDM, elastomeric material, rubber, TPR, etc. Any material used for the seal 72 should provide a near absolute seal when the piston is stopped at an intermediate position within the tubular cavity 36.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid-Damping Devices (AREA)
  • Sealing Devices (AREA)
  • Actuator (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ressort à gaz pouvant être relié entre un objet mobile et un objet relativement fixe, ce ressort participant au déplacement de l'objet mobile entre une première position et une deuxième position. Le ressort à gaz selon l'invention comprend un cylindre pourvu d'une extrémité fermée et d'une extrémité ouverte. Une tige de piston s'étend dans le cylindre, à travers son extrémité ouverte, dans une relation de fermeture hermétique, de sorte à effectuer un mouvement axial par rapport au cylindre. Ce cylindre contient du gaz sous pression. Un ensemble piston est supporté par la tige pour effectuer un mouvement axial à l'intérieur du cylindre. Le piston et la tige se déplacent dans une direction de compression lorsque l'objet mobile se déplace vers sa première position et dans une direction d'extension lorsque l'objet mobile se déplace vers sa deuxième position. Un joint annulaire souple supporté par l'ensemble piston présente une partie extérieure flexible configurée pour constituer entre l'ensemble piston et le cylindre un joint étanche au gaz suffisant pour maintenir l'objet mobile en position arrêtée, à n'importe quel endroit entre sa première et sa deuxième position. Le joint souple comprend une partie corps centrale et une partie bec annulaire qui s'étend radialement, vers l'extérieur à partir de la partie corps, le joint venant en contact avec le diamètre intérieur du cylindre. Un élément de support est disposé adjacent à la partie corps du joint souple, de sorte à soutenir la partie corps. La partie de support présente un diamètre extérieur inférieur au diamètre extérieur du joint souple, de sorte que la partie bec peut fléchir vers l'intérieur par rapport au diamètre intérieur du cylindre, pour permettre au gaz de dévier entre l'ensemble piston et le cylindre lorsqu'une force extérieure d'amplitude prédéterminée s'exerce sur la tige de piston, dans la direction de compression ou dans la direction d'extension.
PCT/US2002/024768 2001-08-08 2002-08-06 Ressort a gaz ameliore WO2003014590A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002323007A AU2002323007A1 (en) 2001-08-08 2002-08-06 Improved gas spring

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US31104101P 2001-08-08 2001-08-08
US60/311,041 2001-08-08

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003014590A2 true WO2003014590A2 (fr) 2003-02-20
WO2003014590A3 WO2003014590A3 (fr) 2003-09-25

Family

ID=23205128

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2002/024768 WO2003014590A2 (fr) 2001-08-08 2002-08-06 Ressort a gaz ameliore

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2002323007A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003014590A2 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7614616B2 (en) 2005-06-16 2009-11-10 Avm Industries, Llc Gas spring assembly with selectable intermediate stop
NL2002252C2 (nl) * 2008-11-25 2010-05-26 B J Kroese Holding B V Kantelraam voorzien van typische gasveer.
CN102878046A (zh) * 2011-07-11 2013-01-16 鸿准精密模具（昆山）有限公司 排液装置
WO2013186582A1 (fr) * 2012-06-15 2013-12-19 Faringosi Hinges S.R.L. Amortisseur pour charnières
GB2576177A (en) * 2018-08-07 2020-02-12 Titus D O O Dekani Improvements in dampers
US20230033814A1 (en) * 2021-07-27 2023-02-02 Zf Active Safety Gmbh Pneumatic brake pedal module

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2659491A1 (de) * 1976-12-30 1978-07-13 Stabilus Gmbh Belastungsabhaengig absperrbare gasfeder
GB2303193B (en) * 1995-07-13 1998-10-14 Draftex Ind Ltd Gas spring
DE29610915U1 (de) * 1996-06-21 1996-08-29 Hörauf & Kohler KG, 86199 Augsburg Pneumatischer Bewegungsdämpfer
DE19938249C2 (de) * 1999-08-12 2002-03-07 Stabilus Gmbh Axial beweglicher Schaltring innerhalb einer Nut

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7614616B2 (en) 2005-06-16 2009-11-10 Avm Industries, Llc Gas spring assembly with selectable intermediate stop
NL2002252C2 (nl) * 2008-11-25 2010-05-26 B J Kroese Holding B V Kantelraam voorzien van typische gasveer.
CN102878046A (zh) * 2011-07-11 2013-01-16 鸿准精密模具（昆山）有限公司 排液装置
WO2013186582A1 (fr) * 2012-06-15 2013-12-19 Faringosi Hinges S.R.L. Amortisseur pour charnières
CN104411997A (zh) * 2012-06-15 2015-03-11 法林高斯铰链有限责任公司 适于铰链的阻尼器
US9534435B2 (en) 2012-06-15 2017-01-03 Faringosi Hinges S.R.L. Damper for hinges
GB2576177A (en) * 2018-08-07 2020-02-12 Titus D O O Dekani Improvements in dampers
WO2020030531A1 (fr) * 2018-08-07 2020-02-13 Titus D.O.O. Dekani Perfectionnements apportés à des amortisseurs
CN112469920A (zh) * 2018-08-07 2021-03-09 泰特斯(德卡尼)有限责任公司 阻尼器的改进
US20230033814A1 (en) * 2021-07-27 2023-02-02 Zf Active Safety Gmbh Pneumatic brake pedal module

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2003014590A3 (fr) 2003-09-25
AU2002323007A1 (en) 2003-02-24

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