Hydraulic fluid reservoir comprising a flexible housing

Abstract

A hydraulic fluid reservoir is fluidly coupled to a shock absorber. The hydraulic fluid reservoir has a flexible housing, a fluid passage, and a pump disposed along the fluid passage. The flexible housing has a flexible wall that defines a first internal cavity having a variable volume of hydraulic fluid and no air. The fluid passage fluidly couples the first internal cavity with the shock absorber. The pump is configured to flow hydraulic fluid into or out of the flexible housing. The flexible housing is configured to move between a first position and a second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to oil reservoirs, and more specifically to oil reservoirs for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Shock absorbers are used in conjunction with a car's suspension system to absorb unwanted vibrations generated during driving. To absorb these vibrations, a shock absorber is typically connected between the spring section (body) and the unspring section (suspension) of the car. A piston is located within the pressure tube of the shock absorber, and the pressure tube is typically attached to the unspring section of the vehicle. The piston is usually attached to a piston rod that extends through the pressure tube to connect to the spring section of the vehicle. However, it is understood that in some cases, the piston rod may be connected to the unspring section of the vehicle, while the pressure tube may be connected to the spring section. The piston divides the pressure tube into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, both typically filled with hydraulic fluid. Because the piston can restrict the flow of hydraulic fluid between the upper and lower chambers via a valve when the shock absorber is compressed or extended, the shock absorber is able to generate a damping force that counteracts vibrations otherwise transmitted from the unspring section of the vehicle to the spring section. In a twin-tube shock absorber, a fluid reservoir or conservator is defined between the pressure tube and the backup tube. The bottom valve, located between the lower working chamber and the reservoir chamber, also generates a damping force that counteracts vibrations that are otherwise transmitted from the non-springed parts of the vehicle to the springed parts.

[0003] Excess hydraulic fluid within a shock absorber is stored in a hydraulic fluid reservoir. The hydraulic fluid reservoir comprises a rigid housing that defines an inner cavity. The volume of hydraulic fluid within the cavity changes depending on the operation of the shock absorber. The remaining portion of the cavity is filled with gas (e.g., air). A bleed valve can be positioned along the hydraulic fluid reservoir to vent excess air from the inner cavity of the rigid housing. Changing the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the shock absorber results in shocks with varying damping capabilities. When the shock absorber is installed in a vehicle, this, in turn, translates into a variable ride feel (e.g., a rigid or stiff ride versus a floating ride). To achieve a rigid or stiff ride, hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid reservoir can be supplied to the shock absorber. To achieve a floating ride, fluid from the shock absorber can be supplied from the shock absorber to the hydraulic fluid reservoir. Therefore, the ratio of hydraulic fluid to gas can vary within the hydraulic fluid reservoir, and it is understood that gas (e.g., air) is always present in the inner cavity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a hydraulic fluid reservoir fluidly coupled to a shock absorber, the hydraulic fluid reservoir comprising: a flexible housing having a flexible wall defining a first cavity having a variable volume of hydraulic fluid and being free of air; a fluid passage fluidly coupling the first cavity of the flexible housing to the shock absorber, the fluid passage being configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the first cavity of the flexible housing to define the variable volume of hydraulic fluid; and a pump disposed along the fluid passage, the pump being configured to cause hydraulic fluid to flow into or out of the flexible housing; wherein, during operation, the flow of the hydraulic fluid causes the flexible housing to expand and contract between a first position defining a maximum volume of the first cavity and a second position defining a minimum volume of the first cavity, respectively.

[0005] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a hydraulic fluid reservoir fluidly coupled to a shock absorber, the hydraulic fluid reservoir comprising a flexible housing having a flexible wall defining a first inner cavity having a variable volume of hydraulic fluid and being free of air; an outer housing having an outer wall defining a second inner cavity; a fluid passage fluidly coupled to the first inner cavity and configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the first inner cavity of the flexible housing to define a variable volume of hydraulic fluid; and a pump disposed along the fluid passage, the pump being configured to cause hydraulic fluid to flow into or out of the flexible housing, wherein the flexible housing is disposed in the second inner cavity.

[0006] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a hydraulic fluid reservoir comprising: a flexible housing having a flexible housing wall defining an inner cavity; a fluid passage fluidly coupled to the inner cavity and configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the inner cavity of the flexible housing; and a pump disposed along the fluid passage, the pump being configured to cause hydraulic fluid to flow into or out of the flexible housing, wherein, during operation, the hydraulic fluid may flow into or out of the inner cavity of the flexible housing to cause the flexible housing to expand and contract between a first position defining a maximum volume of the inner cavity and a second position defining a minimum volume of the inner cavity, respectively. Attached Figure Description

[0007] This specification provides a complete and effective disclosure, including its best mode, to those skilled in the art, and refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle having at least one shock absorber and at least one hydraulic fluid reservoir fluidly coupled to the at least one shock absorber.

[0009] Figure 2 It is suitable for use as Figure 1A schematic perspective view of an exemplary hydraulic fluid reservoir, which also includes a flexible housing.

[0010] Figure 3 It is applicable for use as Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary hydraulic fluid reservoir, which also includes a flexible housing disposed within an inner cavity on the outer wall. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The aspects of this disclosure generally relate to a hydraulic fluid reservoir having a flexible housing defining an inner cavity. A volume of hydraulic fluid can be contained within the cavity. As used herein, the term "hydraulic fluid" can refer to any suitable fluid configured to transmit force by fluid. As a non-limiting example, the hydraulic fluid can be used to transmit or otherwise generate damping forces. The cavity does not contain air. The hydraulic fluid reservoir can be fluidly coupled to any suitable component and configured to provide and receive hydraulic fluid flow to the component. As a non-limiting example, the hydraulic fluid reservoir can be fluidly coupled to a shock absorber. The hydraulic fluid reservoir can be used in any suitable environment. As a non-limiting example, the hydraulic fluid reservoir can be used in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile with an engine). However, it is understood that the aspects of the disclosure described herein are not limited thereto and can have general applicability within other components that include hydraulic reservoirs. For example, this disclosure can be applied to hydraulic fluid reservoirs in other applications or vehicles and can provide benefits for industrial, commercial, and residential applications.

[0012] As used herein, the term "upstream" refers to a direction opposite to the direction of fluid flow, and the term "downstream" refers to a direction in the same direction as the direction of fluid flow. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "set" or "set of elements" can refer to any number of elements, including a single element.

[0013] All directional references (e.g., radial, axial, proximal, distal, up, down, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, upstream, downstream, forward, backward, etc.) are for identification purposes only to aid the reader in understanding this disclosure and do not impose limitations, particularly regarding the location, orientation, or use of the aspects of this disclosure described herein. Unless otherwise stated, connection references (e.g., attachment, coupling, fixing, fastening, joining, and joining) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between sets of elements and relative movement between elements. Therefore, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and have a fixed relationship with each other. Exemplary figures are for illustrative purposes only, and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative dimensions reflected in the figures may vary.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle 100 having at least one shock absorber and at least one hydraulic fluid reservoir 130 fluidly coupled to the at least one shock absorber. The at least one hydraulic fluid reservoir 130 may be configured to provide or receive a supply of hydraulic fluid from the at least one shock absorber.

[0015] Vehicle 100 may include a body 116, a rear suspension system 112, and a front suspension system 114. The rear suspension system 112 may include a pair of independent suspensions operably supporting a pair of rear wheels 118. Each independent rear suspension is attached to the body 116 via at least one rear shock absorber 120 and a rear coil spring 122. The front suspension system 114 includes a pair of independent suspensions operably supporting a pair of front wheels 124. Each independent front suspension is attached to the body 116 via at least one front shock absorber 126 and a front coil spring 128. As a non-limiting example, the front coil spring 128 may be integrally formed or otherwise formed along the front shock absorber 126, while the rear coil spring 122 may be separable from the rear shock absorber 120. At least one rear shock absorber 120 and at least one front shock absorber 126 are used to suppress relative movement of the non-springed portion of the vehicle 100 (i.e., the front and rear suspension systems 112 and 114, respectively) relative to the springed portion of the vehicle 100 (i.e., the body 116). The vehicle 100 may include a total of four wheels, with shock absorbers operatively coupled to each wheel. As a non-limiting example, the front suspension system 114 may include two front wheels 124 and two corresponding front shock absorbers 126. As a non-limiting example, the rear suspension system 112 may include a rear wheel 118 and two corresponding rear shock absorbers 120. It is understood that the vehicle 100 may include any number of wheels having one or more corresponding shock absorbers. Alternatively, a single shock absorber may be used on multiple wheels. Although vehicle 100 is described as a passenger car having independent front suspension system 114, rear suspension system 112, front shock absorber 126 and rear shock absorber 120, the aspects described herein can be applied to other types of vehicles or other applications with other types of suspension and springs, including but not limited to vehicles using air springs instead of coil springs, leaf springs instead of coil springs, non-independent front suspension and / or non-independent rear suspension systems.

[0016] Vehicle 100 may also include at least one hydraulic fluid reservoir 130 fluidly coupled to at least a portion of the front shock absorber 126 and the rear shock absorber 120. At least one hydraulic fluid reservoir 130 may be fluidly coupled to the front shock absorber 126 and the rear shock absorber 120 via at least one fluid passage 136. Although illustrated as a single hydraulic fluid reservoir 130, it will be understood that any number of hydraulic fluid reservoirs 130 may be present. As a non-limiting example, two separate hydraulic fluid reservoirs 130 may be present; one for the front suspension system 114 (e.g., fluidly coupled to the front shock absorber 126) and the other for the rear suspension system 112 (e.g., fluidly coupled to the rear shock absorber 120). As a non-limiting example, two hydraulic fluid reservoirs 130 may be daisy-chained or connected in parallel to each other, such that they can jointly provide or receive hydraulic fluid supplies from the front shock absorber 126 and the rear shock absorber 120.

[0017] It is understood that additional components may be included within the vehicle 100. As a non-limiting example, an electronic control unit may be provided, communicatively and operatively coupled to at least the front shock absorber 126, the rear shock absorber 120, and at least one hydraulic fluid reservoir 130. The electronic control unit may be used to determine the need for hydraulic fluid in one of the front shock absorber 126, the rear shock absorber 120, and at least one hydraulic fluid reservoir 130, and to operate a portion of the vehicle 100 (e.g., a valve disposed on the fluid passage 136) to supply hydraulic fluid to at least one of the front shock absorber 126, the rear shock absorber 120, or at least one hydraulic fluid reservoir 130.

[0018] During operation of vehicle 100, the front shock absorber 126 and the rear shock absorber 120 can respectively suppress the movement of the front wheel 124 and the rear wheel 118 to limit the movement of the vehicle body 116 during normal use of vehicle 100. The pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the front shock absorber 126 and the rear shock absorber 120 can be changed by supplying or removing hydraulic fluid from at least one hydraulic fluid reservoir 130. Changes in the pressure of the hydraulic fluid can, in turn, affect the ride comfort of vehicle 100. As used herein, “ride comfort” refers to the movement of the vehicle body 116 during operation of vehicle 100. In some cases, a soft ride comfort is preferred, wherein the vehicle body 116 can move and sway a greater distance. This, in turn, can reduce or otherwise mitigate the impact of the movement of wheels 124, 118 on the vehicle body 116. A soft ride comfort can be achieved by reducing the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the front shock absorber 126 and the rear shock absorber 120 by supplying removed hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic fluid reservoir 130. In other cases, a firm ride is preferred, which limits the sway of the body 116. A firm ride can be achieved by maximizing the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the front shock absorber 126 and the rear shock absorber 120 by supplying at least some of the hydraulic fluid from at least one hydraulic fluid reservoir 130 to the front shock absorber 126 and the rear shock absorber 120.

[0019] Figure 2 It is suitable for use as Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an exemplary hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 of hydraulic fluid reservoir 130. Hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 is similar to hydraulic fluid reservoir 130, and therefore similar parts will be identified by similar numbers increasing to the 200 series, but it is understood that, unless otherwise stated, the description of similar parts of hydraulic fluid reservoir 130 applies to hydraulic fluid reservoir 230.

[0020] The hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 can be installed in a vehicle (e.g., Figure 1 The hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 may include a fluid passage 236 that couples fluid from the hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 to a portion of the vehicle. As a non-limiting example, the fluid passage 236 may couple fluid from the hydraulic fluid reservoir to a shock absorber 220 of the vehicle. It is understood that the shock absorber 220 may be any suitable shock absorber within the vehicle (e.g., [missing information]). Figure 1 (Front shock absorber 126 and rear shock absorber 120).

[0021] The hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 is a schematic diagram. As shown, the hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 may include a flexible housing having a flexible wall 232 defining an inner cavity. The flexible wall 232 is shown as a rectangular cube; however, it will be understood that the flexible wall 232 can take any suitable shape. As a non-limiting example, the flexible wall 232 may be a bag. As a non-limiting example, the flexible wall 232 may be any other suitable shape, such as, but not limited to, triangles, circles, ellipses, etc. The flexible wall 232 may be made of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, thermoplastics, rubber, plastics, or metals.

[0022] The cavity 234 can accommodate a certain volume of hydraulic fluid. It is conceivable that the cavity 234 only contains a certain volume of hydraulic fluid. In other words, the cavity 234 does not contain gas (e.g., air). A fluid passage 236 can be fluidly coupled to the cavity 234. A pump 238 can be disposed along the fluid passage 236.

[0023] During operation of the hydraulic fluid reservoir 230, the pump 238 is used to flow hydraulic fluid between the cavity 234 and the shock absorber 220 to increase or decrease the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the shock absorber 220. The pump 238 can be controlled by any suitable method and is responsive to the demand for hydraulic fluid from the shock absorber 220. As a non-limiting example, if the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the shock absorber 220 is too high, the pump 238 can transfer at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid within the shock absorber 220 to the cavity 234 of the hydraulic fluid reservoir 230.

[0024] When hydraulic fluid is moved into or out of the hydraulic fluid reservoir 230, the flexible housing expands and contracts, respectively. The volume of the cavity 234 or the size of the flexible wall 232 is determined by the total amount of hydraulic fluid in the cavity 234. As shown, the hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 can move between a first position 240 and a second position 242. The first position 240 can be defined as the positioning of the flexible wall 232 when the maximum amount of hydraulic fluid is contained in the cavity 234. The second position 242 can be defined as the positioning of the flexible wall 232 when the minimum amount of hydraulic fluid (e.g., no hydraulic fluid) is contained in the cavity 234. The first position 240 can be defined as an expanded position, while the second position 242 can be defined as a contracted position. The flexible wall 232 can move freely between the first position 240 and the second position 242 depending on the amount of hydraulic fluid in the cavity 234.

[0025] When moved between the first position 240 and the second position 242, the flexible wall 232 can expand or contract on at least one plane of motion. As shown, the flexible wall 232 can expand and contract along the first plane of motion 244, the second plane of motion 246, and the third plane of motion 248. Alternatively, the flexible wall 232 can expand or contract along at least one of the first plane of motion 244, the second plane of motion 248, and the third plane of motion 248.

[0026] The cavity 234 does not contain gas. In other words, the cavity 234 contains only hydraulic fluid or nothing at all (e.g., when the flexible wall 232 is in the second position 242 and the hydraulic fluid is completely removed from the cavity 234). Since the flexible wall 232 moves based on the amount of hydraulic fluid in the cavity 234 and there are no other liquids or gases in the cavity 234 besides hydraulic fluid, the size of the flexible wall 232 is related to the total volume of hydraulic fluid in the cavity 234 plus the material of the flexible wall 232. Because the cavity 234 contains only hydraulic fluid and no other liquids or gases, the space required for the hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 is minimized. In other words, the space required for the hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 within the vehicle depends only on the maximum amount of hydraulic fluid contained within the hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 and the material of the hydraulic fluid reservoir 230. For example, if air is always present in cavity 234, the total space required for hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 increases, because the total space required will be the maximum amount of hydraulic fluid that hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 can hold plus the material of hydraulic fluid reservoir 230 plus the total amount of air in cavity 234. Furthermore, if there is no liquid or gas other than hydraulic fluid in cavity 234, the hydraulic fluid in cavity 234 will be in direct contact with the inner cavity of flexible wall 232, thus eliminating the space for hydraulic fluid to move within cavity 234 (e.g., cavity 234 is 100% hydraulic fluid). This, in turn, means that the hydraulic fluid will not slosh around and generate noise within cavity 234.

[0027] Furthermore, the only way for hydraulic fluid to leave or enter the cavity 234 is through the fluid passage 236. The fluid passage 236 is sealed and coupled to the cavity 234, preventing hydraulic fluid from draining from the hydraulic fluid reservoir 230. In other words, hydraulic fluid cannot leak from the hydraulic fluid reservoir 230.

[0028] Figure 3 It is suitable for use as Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 of hydraulic fluid reservoir 130. Hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 is similar to hydraulic fluid reservoirs 130 and 230; therefore, similar parts will be identified by similar numbers increasing to the 300 series. It is understood that, unless otherwise stated, the description of similar parts of hydraulic fluid reservoirs 130 and 230 applies to hydraulic fluid reservoirs 230 and 330.

[0029] The hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 can be installed in a vehicle (e.g.) Figure 1 The hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 may include a fluid passage 336 that couples fluid from the hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 to a portion of the vehicle. As a non-limiting example, the fluid passage 336 may couple fluid from the hydraulic fluid reservoir to a shock absorber (not shown) of the vehicle. The hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 is defined by an axial centerline 358. The hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 may include a flexible housing having a flexible wall 332 configured along at least one plane of motion 344 (e.g., Figure 2 The flexible wall 332 can move (either through a first motion plane 244, a second motion plane 246, or a third motion plane 248). The flexible wall 332 can define a first cavity 334 that is fluid-coupled to the fluid channel 336. Hydraulic fluid can be supplied to and from the first cavity 334 through the fluid channel 336. The flexible wall 332 can expand and contract between a first position and a second position based on the volume of hydraulic fluid in the first cavity 334.

[0030] Flexible wall 332 is similar to flexible wall 232, but it is a corrugated wall. Therefore, during movement along at least one plane of motion 344, flexible wall 232 can fold into or out of itself in an accordion-like motion. Flexible wall 332 can extend between a first end 366 and a second end 368. It is conceivable to fix at least one of the first end 366 or the second end 368 so that when moving between the first and second positions, only one of the first end 366 or the second end 368 moves. As a non-limiting example, the second end 368 can move freely while the first end 366 remains stationary.

[0031] The hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 may also include an outer housing having an outer wall 350. The outer wall 350 may have an outer surface 352 and an inner surface 354. The inner surface 354 may at least partially define a second cavity 356. The flexible housing, and therefore the first cavity 334, may be housed within the second cavity 356. The first cavity 334 and the second cavity 356 are fluidly separated from each other. The outer wall 350 may be any suitable rigid material. In other words, the outer wall 350 does not expand and contract like the flexible wall 332. Alternatively, the outer wall 350 may be disposed around the flexible wall 332 and comprise a flexible material such that the outer wall 350 can expand and contract together with the flexible wall 332. During movement of the flexible wall 332, the inner surface 354 of the outer wall 350 may act as a guide for the movement of the flexible wall 332 along at least one plane of motion 344. Thus, the flexible wall 332 may translate or move within the second cavity 356 along at least one plane of motion 344.

[0032] The outer wall 350 may terminate distally to define at least one opening 364 through which the fluid passage 336 extends. Alternatively, the outer wall 350 may extend into the fluid passage 336 and otherwise define a portion of the fluid passage 336. In other words, at least a portion of the outer wall 350 may define a corresponding portion of the fluid passage 336 such that at least one opening 364 of the outer wall 350 corresponds to the fluid passage 336.

[0033] The hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 may further include a first plate 360 ​​and a second plate 362. The first plate 360 ​​may be operatively coupled to a second end 368 and received within a second cavity 356. The first plate 360 ​​is sized such that it faces (e.g., directly contacts) the inner surface 354 of the outer wall 350. Thus, when the flexible wall 332 moves along at least one plane of motion 344, the first plate 360 ​​may act as a guide for the flexible wall 332 within the second cavity 356. The second plate 362 may be disposed along a portion of the outer wall 350. As a non-limiting example, the second plate 362 may be disposed along a portion of at least one opening 364. The second plate 362 may define a portion of a fluid passage 336. The second plate 362 may be operatively coupled to or otherwise integrally formed with the first end 366 of the flexible wall 332. The second plate 362 may be operatively coupled to or otherwise integrally formed with the outer wall 350. Therefore, the second plate 362 can operatively couple or integrally form the flexible wall 332 with the outer wall 350. The second plate 362 can further fluidly and hermetically couple the fluid channel 336 to the first inner cavity 334.

[0034] By ensuring that the flexible wall 332 is not exposed to any part of the vehicle outside the second inner cavity 356, the hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 can utilize the outer wall 350 as a protective barrier for the flexible wall 332. Furthermore, the outer wall 350 can be mounted to or otherwise integrally formed with a part of the vehicle in which the hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 is disposed. Therefore, the outer wall 350 can be used as a method of mounting the hydraulic fluid reservoir 330. Moreover, since the hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 includes the outer wall 350 and the first plate 360, the outer wall 350 can serve as a guide for the expansion and contraction of the flexible wall, thereby defining the orientation of at least one plane of motion 344.

[0035] The advantages of this disclosure include a more flexible hydraulic fluid reservoir than conventional hydraulic fluid reservoirs. For example, conventional hydraulic fluid reservoirs rely on a rigid structure that houses the hydraulic fluid. When the hydraulic fluid is removed, air is introduced to fill the void. When hydraulic fluid is introduced, air is expelled to make room for the hydraulic fluid. The total volume of the reservoir's interior remains constant. Therefore, the dimensions of the rigid structure of the hydraulic fluid reservoir must be adapted to the volumes of the hydraulic fluid and air. Furthermore, this construction requires additional structures, such as, but not limited to, vent valves configured to release and draw in airflow as needed. However, the hydraulic fluid reservoir described herein comprises a flexible housing adapted to house and solely house the hydraulic fluid. This, in turn, means that additional structures (such as vent valves) are unnecessary, thus reducing the complexity of the hydraulic fluid reservoir compared to conventional ones. Therefore, the hydraulic fluid reservoir described herein is less complex, or simpler, in structure than conventional hydraulic fluid reservoirs. Consequently, the manufacturing burden and cost of hydraulic fluid reservoirs are reduced compared to conventional ones. Furthermore, since the flexible housing contains only hydraulic fluid, the maximum size of the flexible housing is based entirely on the maximum volume of the hydraulic fluid, rather than the maximum volume of hydraulic fluid and air as conventional hydraulic fluid reservoirs are based on.

[0036] A further advantage of this disclosure compared to conventional hydraulic fluid reservoirs includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir configured to receive only a certain volume of hydraulic fluid. For example, as described above, a conventional hydraulic fluid reservoir includes both air and hydraulic fluid. Additional structures, such as vent valves, are required to accommodate the movement of air into and out of the hydraulic fluid reservoir. Because air and hydraulic fluid are present within a conventional hydraulic fluid reservoir, the hydraulic fluid moves freely throughout the reservoir and generates noise when it impacts the internal cavity. Furthermore, in certain situations (e.g., when the vehicle tilts or encounters particularly large bumps), hydraulic fluid can leak from the vent valve. However, the hydraulic fluid reservoir described herein eliminates these noise and leakage problems. For example, the hydraulic fluid reservoir does not contain air within the cavity of a flexible housing, thus eliminating the space for the hydraulic fluid to move freely. This, in turn, significantly reduces the noise associated with the movement of the hydraulic fluid within the reservoir compared to conventional hydraulic fluid reservoirs. Furthermore, since there is no air within the flexible housing, no additional structures (such as vent valves) are required. Therefore, hydraulic fluid cannot leak from the hydraulic fluid reservoir, thus eliminating the leakage problems associated with conventional hydraulic fluid reservoirs.

[0037] Within the scope not yet described, different features and structures of each aspect may be combined and used as needed. The fact that a feature cannot be described in all aspects does not mean it cannot be described, but rather for the sake of brevity. Therefore, various features of different aspects may be mixed and matched as needed to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are explicitly described. The combination or arrangement of features described herein is covered by this disclosure.

[0038] This specification uses examples to illustrate aspects of the disclosure described herein, including best examples, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of this disclosure, including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of aspects of this disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not significantly different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not significantly different from the literal language of the claims.

[0039] For example, various features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention can also be embodied in the following technical solutions defined by the following clauses, and may include any combination of the following concepts:

[0040] A hydraulic fluid reservoir fluidly coupled to a shock absorber includes: a flexible housing having a flexible wall defining a first cavity containing a variable volume of hydraulic fluid and free of air; a fluid passage coupling the fluid of the first cavity of the flexible housing to the shock absorber, the fluid passage being configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the first cavity of the flexible housing to define the variable volume of hydraulic fluid; and a pump disposed along the fluid passage, the pump being configured to cause hydraulic fluid to flow into or out of the flexible housing, wherein, during operation, the flow of the hydraulic fluid causes the flexible housing to expand and contract between a first position defining a maximum volume of the first cavity and a second position defining a minimum volume of the first cavity, respectively.

[0041] The hydraulic fluid reservoir of the former also includes a housing having an outer wall defining a second inner cavity.

[0042] The hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items, wherein the flexible housing is completely disposed within the second inner cavity.

[0043] A hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items, wherein a flexible housing extends between a first end and a second end, and a fluid passage extends through the first end.

[0044] The hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items further includes a first plate operatively coupled to a second end of the flexible housing, wherein at least a portion of the first plate faces the inner cavity portion of the outer wall.

[0045] A hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items, wherein the housing includes an opening, and wherein a fluid passage extends through the opening.

[0046] The hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items further includes a second plate disposed along the first end and including a portion of a fluid passage, wherein the first plate is statically mounted to an opening in the housing.

[0047] A hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items, wherein the outer casing defines an axial centerline, and wherein the first plate and the flexible housing are configured to move axially relative to the axial centerline when moving between a first position and a second position.

[0048] The hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items, wherein the flexible wall is corrugated, such that the flexible housing moves in an accordion-like manner when moving between a first position and a second position.

[0049] A hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items, wherein the flexible wall is a diaphragm configured to expand or contract based on the inflow or outflow of hydraulic fluid.

[0050] A hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items, wherein the flexible housing is configured to expand and contract uniformly along at least one plane of motion.

[0051] A hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items, wherein the flexible housing is configured to expand and contract unevenly along at least one plane of motion.

[0052] The hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items, wherein the hydraulic fluid reservoir is fluidly coupled to the shock absorber for use within a vehicle.

[0053] A hydraulic fluid reservoir fluidly coupled to a shock absorber includes: a flexible housing having a flexible wall defining a first inner cavity containing a variable volume of hydraulic fluid and free of air; an outer housing having an outer wall defining a second inner cavity; a fluid passage fluidly coupled to the first inner cavity and configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the first inner cavity of the flexible housing to define the variable volume of hydraulic fluid; and a pump disposed along the fluid passage, configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow into or out of the flexible housing.

[0054] The flexible shell is located in the second inner cavity.

[0055] The hydraulic fluid reservoir of the former, wherein a flexible housing extends between a first end and a second end, and a fluid passage extends through the first end.

[0056] A hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items, wherein the housing includes an opening, and wherein a fluid passage extends through the opening.

[0057] The hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items further includes:

[0058] A first plate, operatively coupled to a second end of the flexible shell; and

[0059] A second plate is disposed along the first end and includes a portion of a fluid channel, wherein the first plate is statically mounted to an opening in the housing, wherein at least a portion of the first plate faces an inner cavity portion of the outer wall, and wherein the fluid channel extends through the opening.

[0060] The hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items, wherein the flexible wall is corrugated, such that the flexible housing moves in an accordion-like manner when moving between a first position and a second position.

[0061] A hydraulic fluid reservoir of any of the preceding items, wherein the flexible wall is a diaphragm configured to expand or contract based on the inflow or outflow of hydraulic fluid.

[0062] A hydraulic fluid reservoir includes: a flexible housing having a flexible housing wall defining an inner cavity; a fluid passage fluidly coupled to the inner cavity and configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the inner cavity of the flexible housing; and a pump disposed along the fluid passage, the pump being configured to cause hydraulic fluid to flow into or out of the flexible housing, wherein, during operation, the flow of hydraulic fluid can enter or leave the inner cavity of the flexible housing to cause the flexible housing to expand and contract between a first position defining a maximum volume of the inner cavity and a second position defining a minimum volume of the inner cavity, respectively.

Claims

1. A hydraulic fluid reservoir fluidly coupled to a shock absorber, the hydraulic fluid reservoir comprising: A flexible housing having a first end and a second end, and a flexible wall extending between the first end and the second end to define a first inner cavity, the first inner cavity having a variable volume of hydraulic fluid and no air; A fluid channel, which begins at a first end of the flexible housing and fluidly couples a first cavity of the flexible housing to the shock absorber, the fluid channel being configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow in and out of the first cavity of the flexible housing to define the variable volume of hydraulic fluid; as well as A pump, disposed along the fluid passage, configured to allow the hydraulic fluid to flow into or out of the flexible housing; During operation, the flow of the hydraulic fluid causes the flexible housing to expand and contract between a first position defining the maximum volume of the first inner cavity and a second position defining the minimum volume of the first inner cavity. The hydraulic fluid reservoir also includes a second plate disposed along the first end and including a portion of the fluid passage.

2. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 1 further includes a housing having an outer wall defining a second inner cavity.

3. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 2, wherein, The flexible shell is completely disposed within the second inner cavity.

4. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 2, further comprising a first plate operably coupled to a second end of the flexible housing, wherein, At least a portion of the first plate faces the inner cavity portion of the outer wall.

5. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 4, wherein, The housing includes an opening, and the fluid channel extends through the opening.

6. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 5, wherein, The first plate is statically mounted to the opening of the outer casing.

7. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 4, wherein, The outer shell defines an axial centerline, and wherein the first plate and the flexible shell are configured to move axially relative to the axial centerline when moving between the first position and the second position.

8. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 1, wherein, The flexible wall is corrugated, so that the flexible shell moves in an accordion-like manner when moving between the first position and the second position.

9. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 1, wherein, The flexible wall is a diaphragm configured to expand or contract based on the inflow or outflow of the hydraulic fluid.

10. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 1, wherein, The flexible shell is configured to expand and contract uniformly along at least one plane of motion.

11. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 1, wherein, The flexible shell is configured to expand and contract unevenly along at least one plane of motion.

12. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 1, wherein, The hydraulic fluid reservoir is fluidly coupled to the shock absorber for use within the vehicle.

13. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 1, wherein, The fluid channel does not extend into the flexible housing.

14. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 1, wherein, The flexible shell only holds the volume of hydraulic fluid.

15. A hydraulic fluid reservoir fluidly coupled to a shock absorber, the hydraulic fluid reservoir comprising: A flexible housing having a first end and a second end, and a flexible wall extending between the first end and the second end to define a first inner cavity, the first inner cavity having a variable volume of hydraulic fluid and no air; An outer casing having an outer wall defining a second inner cavity; A fluid channel, which begins at a first end of the flexible housing and is fluidly coupled to the first inner cavity, is configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow in and out of the first inner cavity of the flexible housing to define the variable volume of hydraulic fluid; as well as A pump, disposed along the fluid passage, configured to allow the hydraulic fluid to flow into or out of the flexible housing; The flexible shell is disposed within the second inner cavity. The hydraulic fluid reservoir further includes a second plate disposed along the first end and including a portion of the fluid passage.

16. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 15, wherein, The housing includes an opening, and the fluid channel extends through the opening.

17. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 16, further comprising: A first plate, operatively coupled to a second end of the flexible housing, wherein the first plate is statically mounted to an opening in the housing body; Wherein, at least a portion of the first plate faces the inner cavity portion of the outer wall; and The fluid channel extends through the opening.

18. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 15, wherein, The flexible wall is corrugated, so that the flexible shell moves in an accordion-like manner when moving between the first position and the second position.

19. The hydraulic fluid reservoir of claim 15, wherein, The flexible wall is a diaphragm configured to expand or contract based on the inflow or outflow of the hydraulic fluid.

20. A hydraulic fluid reservoir, comprising: A flexible shell having a first end and a second end, and a flexible shell wall defining an inner cavity; A fluid channel, which begins at a first end of the flexible housing and is fluidly coupled to the inner cavity, is configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the inner cavity of the flexible housing; as well as A pump, disposed along the fluid passage, configured to allow the hydraulic fluid to flow into or out of the flexible housing; During operation, the hydraulic fluid can flow into or out of the inner cavity of the flexible housing, causing the flexible housing to expand and contract between a first position defining the maximum volume of the inner cavity and a second position defining the minimum volume of the inner cavity. The hydraulic fluid reservoir further includes a second plate disposed along the first end and including a portion of the fluid passage.

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