초록 ▼

In an air suspension system of a vehicle the height of the vehicle platform is maintained in use by height control valves. To facilitate loading, the height may be adjusted by an operator by overriding the height control valves by means of a selector valve. The height may then be adjusted by a Raise

In an air suspension system of a vehicle the height of the vehicle platform is maintained in use by height control valves. To facilitate loading, the height may be adjusted by an operator by overriding the height control valves by means of a selector valve. The height may then be adjusted by a Raise/Lower valve. If the operator omits to return the selector valve and/or the Raise/Lower valve to their normal condition, the selector valve is reverted to its normal condition by a pilot line connected to a service brake line so that the vehicle automatically returns to its normal ride height on the first brake application. Alternatively the valve may be operated by a solenoid connected to the brake light circuit so that the service brake line is not affected. In an alternative arrangement, the suspension system height is adjusted by two manually-operable spring-return valves. Again, a selector valve reverts to a condition in which ride height is attained on application of the service brake.

대표청구항 ▼

An air suspension system for a load carrying vehicle, said system comprising air springs (1, 1A; 2, 2A; 3, 3A), a height control valve means (6, 7) connected to said air springs and adapted to be pneumatically connected to a pressure air supply, a first valve means (5, 5a, 61, 62; 90L, 90R, 95, 96;

An air suspension system for a load carrying vehicle, said system comprising air springs (1, 1A; 2, 2A; 3, 3A), a height control valve means (6, 7) connected to said air springs and adapted to be pneumatically connected to a pressure air supply, a first valve means (5, 5a, 61, 62; 90L, 90R, 95, 96; 101, 102, 103, 104) whereby said height control valve means can be overridden, or by-passed, in use selectively to raise or lower a load-carrying platform of the vehicle relative to an axle of the vehicle from a normal ride height, wherein said first valve means is connected via second valve means (9, 11; 12, 13; 45, 65, 66) to said air springs, said second valve means having first and second operating conditions and being connected to said height control valve means whereby in said first operating condition said air springs are enabled to be inflated/deflated via said height control valve means and in said second operating condition said air springs are connected to said first valve means whereby said air springs may be inflated/deflated, and wherein remote operating means is provided to cause said second valve means to be operated to said second operating condition, said remote operating means comprising a selected valve (8), said selector valve having first and second operating conditions and being adapted to be connected to the pressure air supply and being in pressurized fluid communication with said second valve means for remote operation thereof when said selector valve is operated to its first operating condition and wherein means (51; 67) is provided to operate said selector valve to its second operating conditions whereby said second valve means operates in its said first operating condition and inflation/deflation of said air springs is controlled by said height control valve means.