Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A double-cylinder shock absorber, which is particularly suitable for use in a MacPherson strut, includes an inner cylinder having a closed lower end and which is filled with oil. A piston rod extends into the inner cylinder through the upper end thereof. A piston is secured to the lower end of the piston rod and divides the cylinder into upper and lower oil chambers. The piston is provided with a fluid metering device providing a damping force mechanism. A rod guide head closes the upper end of the inner cylinder and is provided with an opening which is slightly spaced from the piston rod to form an annular clearance therebetween. An outer cylinder is coaxially disposed around the inner cylinder and forms therewith an annular reservoir chamber having closed upper and lower ends. The lower portion of the reservoir chamber is filled with oil and the upper portion is filled with gas. A passage way is provided between the upper portion of the reservoir chamber and the inner cylinder and includes the annular clearance between the rod guide head and the piston rod. An integral gas seal is disposed in the passage way and includes a main seal portion sealingly engaging the piston rod at a position above the rod guide head for preventing oil passing through the annular clearance from escaping from the shock absorber. The other end of the gas seal is provided with a gas seal lip portion having a flexible portion for engaging the rod guide head or the inner surface of the outer cylinder. Accordingly, excess oil from the upper oil chamber of the inner cylinder will pass into the reservoir chamber but gas in the reservoir chamber closes the gas seal thereby to seal the passage.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim