GAS SPRING WITH TRAVEL CONTROL

Abstract

In one embodiment, a gas spring having a travel control includes positive and negative chambers and a valve mechanism that controls the fluid communication between the chambers. The valve mechanism includes a valve bore that while only moving a small amount, allows for large changes in gas spring travel length.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/237,333 (Atty. Dock. No. FOXF/0010), filed Sep. 5, 2002, which claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/392,802, filed Jun. 28, 2002, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/391,991, filed Jun. 25, 2002. Each of the aforementioned related patent applications is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/560,403 (Atty. Dock. No. FOXF/0011), filed Nov. 16, 2006, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/372,707 (Atty. Dock. No. FOXF/0014), filed Mar. 10, 2006, which claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/667,495, filed Apr. 1, 2005. Each of the aforementioned related patent applications is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application also claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/038,015 (Atty. Dock. No. FOXF/0022L), filed Mar. 19, 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally related to the field of gas springs. More particularly, the present invention is related to a method and apparatus for altering the travel settings of gas springs and allowing equalization between the various gas chambers of a gas spring. Further included in the invention is a valve mechanism for controlling the fluid communication between the various gas chambers of the gas spring with turning of an adjustment knob or lever. The field of technology of these inventions is related to the technology described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,434 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,962 whose contents are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional automotive vehicles typically have separate suspension springs and separate simple shock absorbers. Simple shock absorbers, which provide damping only, are typically oil-filled cylinders within which a vented piston is mounted. The piston is connected to a shaft which extends out of one end of the cylinder. The outer end of the shaft is mounted to one point on the vehicle; the other end of the cylinder is mounted to another point on the vehicle so that the shock is parallel to the action of the suspension spring.

Another type of shock absorber, which is the type commonly used with motorcycles, off-road vehicles, competition automotive vehicles and off-road bicycles, combines at least part of the suspension function and the shock absorbing function in one unit. This second type of shock absorber commonly uses a spring unit to provide all or part of the suspension function coupled with a damping unit to provide the damping function. Conventional shock absorber designs commonly incorporate an external coil spring, an internal air spring, or an internal bladder to provide the suspension function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to the field of gas springs. In one embodiment, a gas spring assembly for a suspension system includes a tube; a piston assembly slidably displaceable relative to the tube, the piston assembly separating the tube into a positive spring gas chamber and a negative spring gas chamber; and a valve mechanism configured to permit gas flow between the positive and negative spring gas chambers when the gas pressure in the negative spring gas chamber exceeds the gas pressure in the positive gas spring chamber.

In another embodiment, a valve mechanism for a gas spring suspension system having positive and negative spring gas chambers includes a gas passageway extending between the positive and negative spring gas chambers; a valve seat; and a valve displaced toward the valve seat to prevent gas flow through the gas passageway when the pressure in the positive spring gas chamber exceeds the pressure in the negative spring gas chamber, the valve displaced away from the valve seat to permit gas flow through the gas passageway when the pressure in the negative spring gas chamber exceeds the pressure in the positive spring gas chamber.

In another embodiment, a valve assembly for a suspension system includes a housing having a plurality of housing fluid flow paths through a housing wall thereof; a fluid conduit disposed adjacent the housing and having at least one conduit fluid flow path through a conduit wall thereof; a seal, located between two of the housing fluid flow paths and isolating a surface of the conduit wall from a surface of the housing wall; a first position wherein the conduit fluid flow path is in fluid communication with a first of the housing fluid flow paths and isolated from a second of the housing fluid flow paths; and a second position wherein the conduit fluid flow path is in fluid communication with the second of the housing fluid flow paths and isolated from the first of the housing fluid flow paths.

In another embodiment, a multi-position valve assembly includes a first tube having an axial fluid flow path through an interior thereof and a first aperture through a first tube wall and in communication with the flow path; a second tube substantially coaxially disposed relative to the first tube and having a plurality of second apertures through a second tube wall, at least two second apertures being spaced at a first distance apart, the first and the second tubes forming an annulus there between; a plurality of seals disposed in the annulus, at least one each of the seals being located on each side of each of the second apertures thereby forming a discreet annular chamber for each of the second apertures; a first position wherein the first aperture is in fluid communication with a first of the chambers and a second position wherein the first aperture is in fluid communication with a second of the chambers and wherein a distance between the first and second positions is less than half of the first distance.

In another embodiment, a gas spring suspension system includes a tube; a piston assembly disposed within and movable relative to the tube; a first spring gas chamber and a second spring gas chamber; and a valve mechanism selectively permitting gas flow between the first and second spring gas chambers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C depict simplified cross-section static equilibrium views of a gas spring according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A-FIG. 2C depict simplified cross-section dynamic equalization views of the gas spring. FIG. 2B is a cross section along line 2B-2B of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a cross section along line 2C-2C of FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are simplified cross-sections depicting the process of converting the gas spring from long travel to short travel.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are simplified cross-sections that depict the process of converting the gas spring from short travel to long travel.

FIG. 5 are graphs comparing the travel adjustment of the gas spring with the travel adjustment of a gas spring according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C depict simplified schematic static equilibrium views of a gas spring according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C depict detailed assembly views of various flow paths available in a gas spring according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts another method in which dynamic venting may be achieved.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C schematically depict various gas flow paths available in a gas spring according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is another simplified schematic depicting various gas flow paths available in a gas spring according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bicycle fork including the gas spring according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C depict the process of converting a gas spring according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention from long travel to short travel.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C depict the process of converting a gas spring according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention from short travel to long travel.

FIG. 14A-14C depict various configurations for the through hole for the valve rod.

FIG. 15A-15B depict an exemplary check valve used with the gas spring of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16A-16B depict an exemplary check valve with a faster response than the check valve of FIG. 15 and used in the gas spring of FIG. 6.

Finally, the following symbolic conventions have been used throughout the drawings where applicable:

a) dense cross-hatching indicates higher pressures than less-dense cross-hatching;

b) filled circles represent closed valves or openings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Introduction

With reference to the drawings, an exemplary embodiment of a gas spring with travel control will now be described.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C depict simplified cross-section and static equilibrium views of a gas spring 10′ according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This gas spring 10′ is an application for which the valve and valve control unit according to the teachings of the invention would be very suitable.

In particular, these figures depict, in a static state (i.e., at rest), a gas spring 10′ in a variety of travel mode positions. As used herein, “gas spring” may refer to, at least, a rear shock or a subcomponent of a front fork of a bicycle. However, the invention is not so limited. As will be further described, the gas spring will typically comprise a gas spring having a gas tube divided into positive and negative gas chambers by a piston.

Basic Valve Structure

As previously mentioned, the most basic form of the gas spring 10′ is shown in FIGS. 1A-C as well as FIGS. 2A-C and includes a gas spring body 15 having a longitudinal axis and defining an internal gas chamber 20. When the gas spring 10′ is being used in a bicycle fork, gas spring body 15 will be a subcomponent contained within upper leg U of fork F (FIG. 11).

A hollow valve rod 40 having a hollow interior portion or fluid path 41 therein is provided within the internal gas chamber 20 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gas spring body 15. As used herein, “fluid” refers to a gas, such as air or nitrogen. The hollow valve rod 40 is open at both ends and provided with check valve 50a and check valve 50b to selectively seal off the fluid path 41 so that fluid may only leave the fluid path 41 through check valve 50a or check valve 50b, i.e., fluid may not enter fluid path 41 through check valve 50a or check valve 50b. FIG. 15A-15B depict a check valve 50a and check valve 50b, in more detail. In particular, check valve 50a and check valve 50b comprise a small vent hole 52 in fluid communication with fluid path 41 and positioned in a closed head portion 42 of hollow valve rod 40. An elastomeric o-ring 51 surrounded the head portion 42 and when in its relaxed position (FIG. 15A) blocked small vent hole 52. When the pressure of the gas flowing through fluid path 41 and small vent hole 52 is large enough, the pressure causes elastomeric oring 51 to deform/expand (FIG. 15B) and unblock small vent hole 52, thereby allowing gas to escape from fluid path 41.

Accordingly, to accelerate gas flow during equalization stages, the hollow valve rod 40 is also provided with at least one through hole 60 (only one of which is consistently shown herein for clarity purposes and not as an intent to limit the invention in any way), typically located in a depression 61 (see FIG. 2A, 2C) and therefore in the form of a depressed radial through hole 60, to provide for completely open (non-checked) fluid communication between the internal gas chamber 20 and the fluid path 41 of the hollow valve rod 40. In FIGS. 14A-14C, various other potential configurations of through hole 60 are depicted in which through hole 60 is not necessarily radial (the depression 61 is omitted for clarity, as it has been from most of the FIGS herein).

Through any conventional mechanism (not shown), such as a screw mechanism, connected to a conventional adjuster in the form or a knob K (FIG. 11) or lever (not shown) and collectively sometimes referred to herein as a “knob” positioned outside the gas spring body 15 (or fork F), the height of the through hole 60 may be adjusted by the user without having to open the gas spring body 15. While it is possible to have the height of the radial through hole 60 be infinitely and continuously adjustable between the long and short travel mode positions, in reality, there may be a plurality of discrete positions, such as 15 discrete positions within 3.5 rotations of knob K allowing for suspension travel between 90-130 mm, or as large as 110-150 mm (however, any travel range is possible). Thus, in long travel mode (FIG. 1A), the through hole 60 is located deep in the gas spring body 15 and in short travel mode (FIG. 1C), the through hole 60 is located towards the top of the gas spring body 15. For medium-travel mode (FIG. 1B), the through hole 60 may be located anywhere between the short and long travel mode positions.

Piston Assembly Structure

A moveable piston assembly 100 is also provided within the internal gas chamber 20 and divides the internal gas chamber 20 into first variable volume gas chamber 22 and second variable volume gas chamber 27, respectively. Moveable piston assembly 100 is rigidly mounted to lower leg L of fork F and mounted for relative movement with respect to hollow valve rod 40 which is rigidly mounted to upper leg U of fork F. As moveable piston assembly 100 longitudinally moves within internal gas chamber 20 along hollow valve rod 40, one of gas chambers 22, 27 will get larger and the other of gas chamber 22, 27 will get smaller, depending on the direction of movement of moveable piston assembly 100. Moveable piston assembly 100 primarily includes the main piston body 110 and collar portion 115. Moveable piston assembly 100 also includes vent 109, for reasons to be described later. Collar portion 115 of the moveable piston assembly 100 eventually leaves the gas spring body 15 and, in the case of a fork, leaves upper tube U through a seal (not shown) and is affixed to the lower end of lower tube L of fork F (FIG. 11).

As previously mentioned, hollow valve rod 40 and moveable piston assembly 100 are mounted for relative movement with respect to each other and typically that would involve the ability of hollow valve rod 40 to collapse into a bore within the center of the main piston body 110 (See FIGS. 2A-2C) as the upper U and lower L legs of the fork telescope relative to each other. To create a seal between the moveable piston assembly 100 and the hollow valve rod 40 so there is no fluid communication between the first gas chamber 22 and second gas chamber 27 in the area where the moveable piston assembly 110 is mounted on the hollow valve rod 40, a seal, preferably in the form of an o-ring 116 is provided within the bore of the main piston body 110. For reasons to be described later, the thickness of this o-ring 116 may be less than the length of the depression 61 containing through hole 60.

Main piston body 110 has an upper surface 110a and a lower surface 110b. The relative sizes of the surface areas of these two surfaces of the main piston body 110 may be such that the lower surface 110b of the main piston body 110 may have a smaller surface area than the upper surface 110a. Typically, the ratio of upper surface 110a area [π(A1)]² to lower surface 110b area (π[(A1)²−S²]) is approximately 1.5:1 (the attached schematic figures are therefore, not to scale). Accordingly, when the gas spring 10 is in static equilibrium and the forces on both sides of the moveable piston assembly 100 are equal, according to the formula P=F/A, due to the fact that the surface areas on each side of moveable piston assembly 100 are different, the pressure inside the second gas chamber 27 may be higher than the pressure in the first gas chamber 22.

Basic Pressure Equalization

The basic pressure equalization operation of the gas spring 10′ will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C. During compression of the gas spring 10′, the moveable piston assembly 100 will move relative to the hollow valve rod 40 and therefore also with respect to the through hole 60.

Whenever the portion of the hollow valve rod 40 including the through hole 60 travels into the bore of the main piston body 110 to the point where the o-ring 116 overlaps depression 61 and through hole 60 (FIG. 2A, 2C), dynamic venting and equalization occurs. Because depression 61 of through hole 60 may have a larger diameter than the thickness of the o-ring 116, a vent is created that allows for very rapid fluid communication between the first gas chamber 22 and second gas chamber 27. This very rapid fluid communication is represented by arrow Q and may be much faster than that which could be achieved by the possible flow of fluid through fluid path 41 and out check valve 50a and check valve 50b. During this dynamic operation, the high-pressure gas chamber will vent to the lower pressure gas chamber. In the dynamic examples of FIGS. 2A, 2C, first gas chamber 22 is the high pressure chamber and vents to the lower pressure second gas chamber 27 through vent 109. There will be a pressure drop in the first gas chamber 22 and a pressure rise in the second gas chamber 27. According to the formula P=F/A, with force directly proportional to pressure, the decreased pressure on upper surface 110a will result in a decreased force on upper surface 110a and increased pressure on lower surface 110b will result in an increased force on lower surface 110b and therefore there will be an unbalanced force upward, i.e., compression. Thus, the gas spring will expand towards its rest equilibrium position, which occurs when the forces on both sides of main piston body 110 are equal.

Travel Adjust (Long Travel to Short Travel)

FIGS. 3A-3C depict how the gas spring 10′ can be converted from long travel mode to short travel mode using a gas mechanism. FIG. 3A depicts static gas spring 10′ in long travel mode. Accordingly, the moveable piston assembly 100 is located low in the internal gas chamber 20 and through hole 60 is positioned close above it. In the static position, the pressure in the second gas chamber 27 is higher than the pressure in the first gas chamber 22. The user then converts the gas spring 10 to short travel mode by turning an external knob K that results in the moving of the through hole 60 further towards the top of the internal gas chamber 20. However, as the mere moving of the through hole 60 does not directly affect the pressures or forces in either of the first gas chamber 22 or second gas chamber 27, the moveable piston assembly 100 does not move to the new travel mode position without additional assistance. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3B, the user would, for example, preferably pump the moveable piston assembly 100 a few times as symbolized by the double-headed arrow B-B in the FIG. During the downward movement of gas spring body 15 relative to the moveable piston assembly 100:

A. The gas in first chamber 22 increases in pressure and is forced from first gas chamber 22 into through hole 60 and fluid path 41 of the hollow valve rod 40. Since check valve 50a only allows fluid flow out of fluid path 41, the gas then exits the hollow valve rod 40 by opening check valve 50b and enters second gas chamber 27 (whose pressure has temporarily decreased) via vent 109 in the moveable piston assembly 100 (recall this a simplified schematic representation). Accordingly, the pressure in the second gas chamber 27 will increase; and

B. With an increase in pressure in the second gas chamber 27 due to the pumping, an upward force will result on the lower surface 110b of the main piston body 110 and the moveable piston assembly 100 will move upward into the new equilibrium point in a short travel mode position (FIG. 3C) where the pressure in second gas chamber 27 exceeds the pressure in first gas chamber 22.

Travel Mode Adjust (Long Travel to Short Travel)

FIG. 4A-4C depict how the gas spring 10′ can be converted from short travel mode to long travel mode. FIG. 4A depicts static gas spring 10′ in short travel mode. Accordingly, the moveable piston assembly 100 is located high in the internal gas chamber 20 and through hole 60 is positioned close above it. In this static position, the pressure in the second gas chamber 27 is higher than the pressure in the first gas chamber 22. The user then converts the gas spring 10 to long travel mode by turning an external knob K that results in the moving of the through hole 60 further towards the bottom of the internal gas chamber 20. This has the result of moving the through hole 60 from the lower pressure first gas chamber 22 to the higher-pressure second gas chamber 27. Via the vent 109 in the moveable piston assembly 100, the fluid path 41 of the hollow valve rod 40 will have the pressure of the second gas chamber 27. Because the pressure on the first gas chamber 22 side of the check valve 50a will be less than on fluid path 41 side, the check valve 50a will open and gas will flow from the second gas chamber 27 to the first gas chamber 22. This results in a pressure drop in the second gas chamber 27 and a pressure increase in the first gas chamber 22. This ultimately results in a downward force on the upper surface 110a of the main piston body 110 and the moveable piston assembly 100 will accelerate downward to the new equilibrium point in a long travel mode position (FIG. 4C) where the pressure in second gas chamber 27 still will exceed the pressure in first gas chamber 22. Note that unlike the change from long travel mode to short travel mode, the change from short travel mode to long travel mode does not require any pumping on the gas spring 10 since the moving of the through hole 60 into the high pressure second gas chamber 27 creates the necessary pressure differential.

INTRODUCTION TO ANOTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In particular, while it may seem that having a large or infinite number of travel positions between long and short may be optimal, a rider may not need such a wide range of positions. Accordingly, another embodiment involves incorporating a discrete number of predetermined travel mode positions to the gas spring, preferably: long travel (L), medium travel (M), and short travel (S) modes.

Additionally, when the gas spring 10′ has been incorporated in a front fork of a bicycle, the typical distance between through hole 60 in the long travel mode position and short travel mode position may be between 40-45 mm, but can vary widely between manufacturers. Using the maximum available thread pitch that would not mechanically bind, it may still take a plurality of complete turns, such as three, of the adjustment knob K to bring the radial hole from the long travel mode position to the short travel mode position for a 45 mm travel change. Having to make a plurality of complete turns during a ride may be impractical for a rider. Accordingly, another embodiment of the invention additionally involves the ability to make drastic incremental travel adjustments with only a small angular turn of an adjustment knob; preferably 90°, and typically no more than 240° of rotation (since more than 240° would require a release and re-grip of the knob).

The travel mode adjust of another embodiment of the invention may be considered a much more non-linear or non-proportional travel adjust than those of the gas spring 10′. This is depicted by the graph of FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, in the travel adjust of the gas spring 10′ having 15 discrete knob settings corresponding to 15 different and discrete travel levels, the turning of the knob appears to create almost a linear change in the travel of the fork. In FIG. 5, in the travel adjust according to another embodiment, where there are 3 discrete knob settings corresponding to 3 different and discrete travel modes, but covering the same overall amount of linear travel, the turning of the knob creates a much more stepped and non-linear change in the travel of the fork.

Valve Rod

As schematically shown in the static equilibrium views of FIG. 6A-6C, a valve rod assembly 240 may have three through holes, preferably in the form of three preferably radial through holes, 260a, 260b, 260c corresponding to predetermined damper travels, namely: short travel mode, medium travel mode, and long travel modes, respectively. The same variability concerning the structure and number of through holes 60 discussed above applies to through holes 260. However, these through holes: (1) need not be in a depression for reasons to be described below and (2) do not provide direct access to the interior of the valve rod assembly 240 and hollow interior portion or fluid path 241 of the gas spring 10 and as pictorially depicted in the FIGs by the solid fill, at least two of the through holes 260 will always be sealed off from fluid communication with the fluid path 241 of the valve rod assembly 240.

The structure of the valve rod assembly 240 is more clearly shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. In particular, valve rod assembly 240 may comprise: (a) an outer valve rod 242 having a hollow interior and (b) a valve control assembly including: valve tubes 245, valve ring 246, and inner valve rod 255. The valve tubes 245 and valve ring 246 are primarily for structural rigidity of the valve rod assembly 240 and for supporting the seals, as described below. Inner valve rod 255 has generally closed walls that surround fluid path 241 except for at least one valve rod bore 257 and openings at its ends that are sealed off by check valves 250a, 250b (see FIGS. 12A-B, 13A-B, 16A-B), similarly as previously described with respect to the gas spring 10′. However, check valves 250a, 250b are designed to operate much more rapidly than check valve 50a and check valve 50b, and therefore they can be used in place of depression 61 during the equalization process. FIG. 16A-16B depict these check valves 250a, 250b, in more detail. In particular, check valves 250a, 250b may comprise a small ball bearing 252 blocking fluid path 241 of inner valve rod 255. An elastomeric o-ring 251 surrounds the exit to fluid path 241 to create a good seal when the check valve is in its closed position (FIG. 15A) and a spring 253 biases ball bearing 252 into the seat of o-ring 251. When the pressure of the gas flow Q through fluid path 241 is large enough, the spring 253 forces can be overcome and the ball bearing 252 unseated (FIG. 16B), thereby allowing the gas flow Q to escape from fluid path 241. Spring 253, which is highly responsive, coupled with the fairly large flow path that is created when the valve opens results in a check valve that operates more rapidly than that of the check valves 50a,b as well as with less pressure differential across the valve.

Furthermore, as with the gas spring 10′, inner valve rod 255 may rotate and move longitudinally to cause longitudinal movement of the at least one valve rod bore 257 relative to valve tube 242 (compare FIGS. 7A-7C). While the drawings depict only one valve bore 257, one skilled in the art would recognize that there may be more than one valve bore 257, so long as all the valve bores 257 are at substantially the same height.

Each valve tube 245 is trapped in between the outer and inner valve tubes 242, 255 by an outer seal 271 and an inner seal 270. These seals will typically be in the form of o-rings. Each valve tube 245 will also have one or more through bores 280a, 280c, preferably, corresponding to through holes 260a, 260c. Because valve tubes 245 are smaller than the space between the inner valve rod 255 and the outer valve rod 242, gas gaps 285a, 285c that create a venting passageway are formed there between. Finally, as previously mentioned, in between inner seals 270 is valve ring 246. Because valve ring 246 is smaller than the space between the inner valve rod 255 and the outer valve rod 242, a gas gap 285b that creates a venting passageway is formed there between also. However, unless the valve rod bore 257 is aligned to provide fluid communication with a particular gas gap, that gas gap is sealed off from the fluid path 241.

Travel Mode Control

Thus, for example, in FIG. 7 A, gas may enter the valve rod assembly 240 through any of the through holes 260a, 260b, or 260c, flow through their respective through bores 280a, 280b, or 280c, and into their respective gas gaps 285a, 285b, or 285c. For the example of FIG. 7 A, the gas spring is set to medium travel and therefore, valve rod bore 257 is aligned with gas gap 285b. Thus, gas coming into the valve rod assembly 240 from gas gaps 285a, 285c can go no further due to inner seal 270 and outer seal 271 and the fact that valve rod bore 257 does not provide fluid access between gas gaps 285a, 285c and fluid path 241. However, gas may enter the valve rod assembly 240 through hole 260b for the mid travel setting, flow through the valve ring 246, into the gas gap, 285b, and then through valve rod bore 257 into the fluid path 241 of inner valve rod 255. The gas will then travel to the appropriate valve and chamber.

For the examples in FIGS. 7B and 7C, gas also enters the valve rod assembly 240 through all of the through holes 260a, 260b, and 260c, flow through their respective through bores 280a, 280b, and 280c, and into their respective gas gaps 285a, 285b, and 285c. For the example of FIGS. 7B and 7C, however, the gas spring is set to one of either short or long travel modes, respectively, and therefore, valve rod bore 257 is aligned to provide fluid communication between fluid path 241 and gas gap (e.g.) 285a or 285c. Gas may enter the valve rod assembly 240 through hole 260a or 260c for the selected travel setting, flow through the corresponding gas gap, 285a or 285c, and then through valve rod bore 257 into the fluid path 241 of inner valve rod 255. The gas will then travel to the appropriate valve and chamber.

This operation is shown schematically iii FIG. 9A-9C (FIG. 8 described below), which also more clearly shows how the method of the invention allows the function and result of moving a radial bore across a very long travel can be achieved without actually having to do so. That is, through less than one complete turn of the adjustment knob K, and preferably approximately 90° rotation of the knob, what can be achieved is the same as three complete turns of an extremely sharply pitched shaft that would be very close to binding due to the sharpness of the pitch.

In FIG. 9A, the gas spring is configured for short (S) travel mode. Accordingly, a flow path is open between fluid path 241 of inner valve rod 255 and bore 280a.

In FIG. 9B, the gas spring is configured for medium (M) travel mode. Accordingly, a flow path is open between fluid path 241 of inner valve rod 255 and bore 280b.

In FIG. 9C, the gas spring is configured for long (L) travel mode. Accordingly, a flow path is open between fluid path 241 of inner valve rod 255 and bore 280c.

This all is summarily showed in FIG. 10. For the gas spring 10′, the valve rod would have to be rotated a sufficient number of times with a thread pitch sufficient to move the radial hole a longitudinal distance D 1, approximately equal to 45 mm. However, with the design according to another embodiment, the valve rod bore 257 only has to be rotated a sufficient number of times with a pitch sufficient to move the radial hole a longitudinal distance D2, approximately equal to 2.7 mm, substantially less than the longitudinal distance between now fixed bores 280. These distances are also highlighted in FIGS. 7 A-7C. This can be achieved through less than one complete turn of the adjustment knob K, and preferably approximately 90° rotation of the knob and a less severe thread pitch. This makes the ability to make the travel adjustment much more user-friendly.

As previously mentioned, through holes 260 need not be located in depressions in the way that through hole 60 are. Nor, do they have to be larger than oring 116. Rather, it is possible that as shown in simplified FIG. 8, dynamic venting (cf. FIG. 2C) is achieved by the overpressure of second chamber 27 directly entering into fluid path 241 through an open through hole 260 and valve rod bore 257 and then up to and out of check valve 250a and into first chamber 22 (latter part not shown in FIG. 8). This process can occur just as rapidly as the venting through the depression of FIG. 2C due to the quick response of check valves 250a.

Finally, FIGS. 12 and 13, correspond to FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively in that FIGS. 12 and 13 depict how the gas spring according to another embodiment of the invention may be converted from long travel mode to short travel mode (FIG. 12) or short travel mode to long travel mode (FIG. 13). The general operation of the gas springs of FIGS. 12 and 13 only differ from those of FIGS. 3 and 4 in that the valve rod assembly previously described is used instead of a longitudinally moving radial hole 60.

Thus, in conclusion, by:

a) providing a valve rod assembly having an internal fluid path;

b) placing the gas chamber in fluid communication with the fluid path at a plurality of longitudinal positions corresponding to a plurality of different travel modes; and

c) using a valve rod having at least one valve bore to place only one of the longitudinal positions in fluid communication with the fluid path, a method of changing the travel mode of a gas spring having a gas chamber filled with a gas may be provided.

Additionally, it is possible that in the method, the step of using a valve rod may include the step of rotating the valve rod less than one turn.

Additionally, it is further possible in the method that the step of rotating the valve rod moves the valve bore a distance substantially less than the distance between the plurality of different travel modes.

Additionally, it is further possible in the method that the step of rotating the valve rod and moving the valve bore also includes moving the valve bore longitudinally.

The above description is given in reference to exemplary embodiments of an improved gas spring control for a suspension. However, it is understood that many variations are apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the above specification and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the instant invention as defined by the following appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED

U                upper fork leg
F                Fork
K                Knob
L                lower fork leg
Q                gas flow
10               gas spring
15               gas spring body
20               gas chamber
22               first gas chamber
27               second gas chamber
40               valve rod
41               fluid path
42               closed head portion
51               o-ring
52               vent hole
60               through hole
61               depression
50a, 50b         check valve
100              piston assembly
109              vent
110              main piston body
110a, b          piston surfaces
115              collar portion
116              o-ring
240              valve rod assembly
241              fluid path
242              valve tubes
245              valve tubes
246              valve ring
250a, 250b       check valves
251              o-ring
252              ball bearing
253              spring
255              inner valve rod
257              valve rod bore
260a, 260b, 260c through holes
270              outer seals
271              inner seals
280a, 280b, 280c bores
285a, 285b, 285c gas gaps

Claims

1. A gas spring assembly for a suspension system comprising:

a tube;

a piston assembly slidably displaceable relative to the tube, the piston assembly separating the tube into a positive spring gas chamber and a negative spring gas chamber; and

a valve mechanism configured to permit gas flow between the positive and negative spring gas chambers when the gas pressure in the negative spring gas chamber exceeds the gas pressure in the positive gas spring chamber.

2. The gas spring assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve mechanism is a one-way valve mechanism permitting gas flow from the negative spring gas chamber to the positive spring gas chamber.

3. The gas spring assembly of claim 2, further including an axial gas passageway extending from the negative spring gas chamber to the positive spring gas chamber, the passageway selectively conducting gas flow through one of a plurality of ports in a wall of the passageway and between the negative and positive spring gas chambers wherein the valve mechanism limits gas flow though the passageway.

4. The gas spring assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve mechanism comprises a valve seat and a valve displaceable toward the valve seat to prevent gas flow between the positive and negative spring gas chambers when the pressure in the positive spring gas chamber exceeds the pressure in the negative spring gas chamber, the valve displaceable away from the valve seat to permit gas flow between the positive and negative spring gas chambers when the pressure in the negative spring gas chamber exceeds the pressure in the positive spring gas chamber.

5. The gas spring assembly of claim 1, wherein the piston assembly comprises a piston slideably displaceable relative to the tube, the piston including a piston rod, the piston having a gas passageway to allow a gas flow between the positive and negative spring gas chambers.

6. The gas spring assembly of claim 3, wherein the valve mechanism further includes a seal disposed between the valve and the valve seat to prevent gas flow between the chambers when the valve is displaced toward the valve seat.

7. The gas spring assembly of claim 5, wherein the seal is an O-ring.

8. The gas spring assembly of claim 3, wherein the valve is an O-ring.

9. The gas spring assembly of claim 1, wherein the piston assembly comprises a piston slideably displaceable relative to the tube and a piston rod operatively connected to the piston, the piston having a gas passageway to allow gas flow between the positive and negative spring gas chambers.

10. A valve mechanism for a gas spring suspension system having positive and negative spring gas chambers, the valve mechanism comprising:

a gas passageway extending between the positive and negative spring gas chambers;

a valve seat; and

a valve displaced toward the valve seat to prevent gas flow through the gas passageway when the pressure in the positive spring gas chamber exceeds the pressure in the negative spring gas chamber, the valve displaced away from the valve seat to permit gas flow through the gas passageway when the pressure in the negative spring gas chamber exceeds the pressure in the positive spring gas chamber.

11. The valve mechanism of claim 10, further including a seal disposed between the valve head and the valve seat to prevent gas flow between the positive and negative spring gas chambers when the valve is displaced toward the valve seat.

12. The valve mechanism of claim 10, the gas passageway comprising an axially extending tube having a plurality of orifices through a wall thereof.

13. The valve mechanism of claim 11, wherein the seal is an O-ring.

14. The valve mechanism of claim 10, wherein the valve is an O-ring.

15. A valve assembly for a suspension system comprising:

a housing having a plurality of housing fluid flow paths through a housing wall thereof;

a fluid conduit disposed adjacent the housing and having at least one conduit fluid flow path through a conduit wall thereof;

a seal, located between two of the housing fluid flow paths and isolating a surface of the conduit wall from a surface of the housing wall;

a first position wherein the conduit fluid flow path is in fluid communication with a first of the housing fluid flow paths and isolated from a second of the housing fluid flow paths; and

a second position wherein the conduit fluid flow path is in fluid communication with the second of the housing fluid flow paths and isolated from the first of the housing fluid flow paths.

16. The valve assembly of claim 15, further comprising a one way valve blocking fluid flow from entering the fluid conduit.

17. The valve assembly of claim 16, wherein the one way valve comprises a valve member and a valve seat, the valve member biased toward engagement with the valve seat.

18. The valve assembly of claim 17, wherein the valve member comprises an elastomer.

19. The valve assembly of claim 18, further including a seal disposed between the valve member and the valve seat.

20. The valve assembly of claim 18, wherein the valve member is an O-ring.

21. The valve assembly of claim 15, wherein a distance between the first position and the second position is smaller than a distance between the first and second housing fluid flow paths.

22. The valve assembly of claim 21, further comprising a third position wherein the conduit fluid flow path is in fluid communication with a third of the housing fluid flow paths and isolated from the first and second of the housing fluid flow paths.

23. The valve assembly of claim 22, wherein a distance between the third position and the furthest of the first and second positions is less than one half of the distance between the third of the housing fluid flow paths and the furthest of the first and second of the housing fluid flow paths.

24. A multi-position valve assembly comprising:

a first tube having an axial fluid flow path through an interior thereof and a first aperture through a first tube wall and in communication with the flow path;

a second tube substantially coaxially disposed relative to the first tube and having a plurality of second apertures through a second tube wall, at least two second apertures being spaced at a first distance apart, the first and the second tubes forming an annulus there between;

a plurality of seals disposed in the annulus, at least one each of the seals being located on each side of each of the second apertures thereby forming a discreet annular chamber for each of the second apertures;

a first position wherein the first aperture is in fluid communication with a first of the chambers and a second position wherein the first aperture is in fluid communication with a second of the chambers and wherein a distance between the first and second positions is less than half of the first distance.

25. A gas spring suspension system comprising:

a tube;

a piston assembly disposed within and movable relative to the tube;

a first spring gas chamber and a second spring gas chamber; and

a valve mechanism selectively permitting gas flow between the first and second spring gas chambers.

26. The gas spring suspension system of claim 25, further comprising a damper.

27. The gas spring suspension system of claim 26, wherein the damper comprises a chamber containing a liquid and a damping piston within the chamber.

28. The gas spring suspension system of claim 25, wherein the second spring gas chamber is a negative spring gas chamber.

29. The gas spring suspension system of claim 25, wherein the valve mechanism selectively permits gas flow between the first and second spring gas chambers when the gas pressure in the second spring gas chamber exceeds the gas pressure in the first gas spring chamber.

30. The gas spring suspension system of claim 29, wherein the valve mechanism is operated manually and thereby selectively permits gas flow between the first and second spring gas chambers.