초록 ▼

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention as described an engine bonnet is articulated to the framework of a motor car. A gas spring is articulated to both the framework and the bonnet. The gas spring balances part of the weight of the bonnet when the bonnet is to be opened by hand. In case of

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention as described an engine bonnet is articulated to the framework of a motor car. A gas spring is articulated to both the framework and the bonnet. The gas spring balances part of the weight of the bonnet when the bonnet is to be opened by hand. In case of an accident the framework and/or the bonnet may be crushed in longitudinal direction of the car. In such case the piston rod of the gas spring is pushed inward of the cylinder beyond the normal innermost operational position and a retaining device becomes effective so as to prevent the piston rod from returning towards its outermost operational position.

대표청구항 ▼

In a motor vehicle construction assembly comprising: a frame unit (20); a movable unit (21) mounted on said frame unit (20) for movement with respect thereto between a first and a second terminal position, at least part of such movement being subject to gravitational forces; at least one gas spring

In a motor vehicle construction assembly comprising: a frame unit (20); a movable unit (21) mounted on said frame unit (20) for movement with respect thereto between a first and a second terminal position, at least part of such movement being subject to gravitational forces; at least one gas spring unit balancing at least part of said gravitational forces, said gas spring unit including a cylinder member (1) having an axis and two ends and defining a cavity therein and a piston rod member (2) sealingly guided through at least one of said ends, one (1) of said members (1, 2) being connected to one (20) of said units (20, 21), the other (2) of said members (1, 2) being connected to the other (21) of said units (20, 21), said piston rod member (2) being axially movable with respect to said cylinder member (1) between a fully retracted operational position corresponding to said first terminal operational position and a fully extended operational position corresponding to said second terminal operational position, a pressurized gas contained within said cavity providing a biasing force for biasing said piston rod member (2) towards said fully extended operational position, the improvement comprising: said piston rod member (2) being retractable beyond said fully retracted operational position in response to deformation of at least one of said units (20, 21), biasing force compensating means being provided for compensating for said biasing force in response to said piston rod member (2) being retracted beyond said fully retracted operational position.