초록 ▼

A shock absorber includes the typical fluid valving in the piston and in the base valve assembly which is designed to provide a firm damping characteristic for the shock absorber. A stepper valve assembly includes a bypass fluid passage between the upper working chamber and the reserve chamber which

A shock absorber includes the typical fluid valving in the piston and in the base valve assembly which is designed to provide a firm damping characteristic for the shock absorber. A stepper valve assembly includes a bypass fluid passage between the upper working chamber and the reserve chamber which when opened provides a soft damping characteristic during an extension movement of the shock absorber. The stepper valve assembly also includes a bypass fluid passage between the lower working chamber and the reserve chamber which when opened provides a soft damping characteristic during a compression movement of the shock absorber. The stepper valve assembly selectively opens and closes the bypass fluid passages to adapt the shock absorber to changing vehicle conditions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An adjustable shock absorber comprising:a pressure tube defining a working chamber;a reserve tube disposed around said pressure tube to define a reserve chamber between said pressure tube and said reserve tube;a piston rod extending through said pressure tube and into sai

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An adjustable shock absorber comprising:a pressure tube defining a working chamber;a reserve tube disposed around said pressure tube to define a reserve chamber between said pressure tube and said reserve tube;a piston rod extending through said pressure tube and into said working chamber;a piston assembly slidably disposed within said pressure tube and connected to said piston rod, said piston assembly dividing said working chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber, said piston assembly including a piston valve assembly for controlling fluid flow between said upper and lower working chambers;a base valve assembly disposed between said reserve chamber and said lower working chamber for controlling fluid flow between said reserve chamber and said lower working chamber;a first bypass valve assembly disposed in a first fluid path extending between said reserve chamber and said upper working chamber, said first bypass valve assembly controlling fluid flow between said upper working chamber and said reserve chamber; anda second bypass valve assembly disposed in a second fluid path extending between said reserve chamber and said lower working chamber, said second bypass valve assembly controlling fluid flow between said lower working chamber and said reserve chamber.