Strut assembly including twist lock dust cover

Abstract

The invention relates to a strut assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle. The strut assembly includes: a damper including an outer tube and a piston rod extending from the outer tube; a striker cap on the outer tube and defining a bore through which the piston rod extends, the striker cap including a plurality of retention tabs each having an inclined surface extending to a retention surface that is non-orthogonal to the inclined surface; a spring extending around the piston rod; and a dust cover extending around the piston rod and disposed between the spring and the piston rod, the dust cover including a plurality of dust cover locking tabs configured to cooperate with the plurality of retention tabs to lock the dust cover to the striker cap.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors and aspects of the description that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a strut assembly including a twist-lock dust boot. Background Art

[0004] A vehicle suspension system typically includes a strut assembly configured to damp vibrations. The strut assembly typically includes a damper having a housing and a piston rod disposed in the housing. The housing includes a fluid configured to dampen the movement of the piston rod. The piston rod is covered by a protective dust cover. Summary of the invention

[0005] Various features of the present disclosure include a strut assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle. The strut assembly includes: a damper including an outer tube and a piston rod extending from the outer tube; a striker cap on the outer tube and defining a hole through which the piston rod extends, the striker cap including a plurality of retaining tabs, each of the plurality of retaining tabs having an inclined surface extending to a retaining surface that is non-orthogonal to the inclined surface; a spring extending around the piston rod; and a dust cover extending around the piston rod and disposed between the spring and the piston rod, the dust cover including a plurality of dust cover locking tabs configured to cooperate with the plurality of retaining tabs to lock the dust cover to the striker cap.

[0006] In further features, the striker cap includes a top surface defining the aperture and a circular sidewall extending from the top surface; and a plurality of retaining tabs are spaced about the circular sidewall.

[0007] In further features, the angled surface of each of the plurality of retaining tabs extends non-orthogonally relative to a plane extending along the top surface; and the retaining surface of each of the plurality of retaining tabs extends parallel to the plane extending across the top surface.

[0008] In further features, each of the plurality of retention tabs further includes a stop flange between the retention surface and the top surface of the striker cap.

[0009] In further features, each of the plurality of retention tabs includes an upper tip at an upper end of the plurality of retention tabs, and the retention surface is at a lower end of the plurality of retention tabs.

[0010] In further features, the striker cap also includes a plurality of stop tabs spaced about a bottom end of the circular sidewall opposite the top surface.

[0011] In further features, the plurality of stop tabs are laterally spaced apart and offset from the retention tabs such that each of the plurality of stop tabs is located between two of the plurality of retention tabs.

[0012] In further features, each of the plurality of dust cover locking tabs is inside the dust cover and is configured to slide along the inclined surface to cooperate with the retaining surfaces of the plurality of retaining tabs to rotate the dust cover and lock the dust cover to the striker cap.

[0013] In further features, each of the plurality of dust cover locking tabs includes a distal tip.

[0014] In further features, each of the plurality of dust cover locking tabs includes a chamfered surface configured to abut a circular sidewall of the striker cap.

[0015] In further features, the dust cover includes a cover flange configured as an integrated upper spring isolator at an upper end of the dust cover.

[0016] Among other features, the present disclosure also includes a strut assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle. The strut assembly includes a damper including an outer tube and a piston rod slidably movable within the outer tube; a striker cap on the outer tube, the striker cap including a top surface defining a hole through which the piston rod extends; a circular sidewall extending from the top surface, the circular sidewall including a bottom end opposite the top surface; and a plurality of retaining tabs evenly spaced about the circular sidewall, each of the plurality of retaining tabs including an inclined surface extending to a retaining surface that is non-orthogonal to the inclined surface, the inclined surface being non-orthogonal to a plane extending along the top surface, and the retaining surface being closer to the bottom end than the top surface. The support assembly also includes: a spring extending around the piston rod; and a dust cover extending around the piston rod and arranged between the spring and the piston rod, the dust cover including a plurality of cover locking tabs located inside the dust cover, and the plurality of cover locking tabs are constructed to cooperate with a plurality of retaining tabs to lock the dust cover to the striker cap.

[0017] In further features, the retaining surface is located below the inclined surface.

[0018] In further features, each of the plurality of retention tabs further includes a stop flange between the retention surface and the top surface of the striker cap.

[0019] In further features, each of the plurality of retention tabs also includes an upper tip at an upper end of the plurality of retention tabs, the stop flange being below the upper tip and between the upper tip and the retention surface.

[0020] In a further feature, the striker cap also includes a plurality of stop tabs spaced apart around the bottom end of the circular side wall, the plurality of stop tabs being laterally spaced apart from the retaining tabs and vertically offset from the retaining tabs such that each of the plurality of stop tabs is located between two of the plurality of retaining tabs.

[0021] In further features, the dust cover includes a cover flange configured as an integrated upper spring isolator at an upper end of the dust cover.

[0022] Among other features, the present disclosure also includes a strut assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle. The strut assembly includes: a damper including an outer tube and a piston rod slidably movable within the outer tube; a top mount mating with a distal end of the piston rod; a striker cap on the outer tube, the striker cap including: a top surface defining a hole through which the piston rod extends; a circular sidewall extending from the top surface, the circular sidewall including a bottom end opposite the top surface; a plurality of retaining tabs evenly spaced about the circular sidewall, each of the plurality of retaining tabs including an inclined surface extending to a retaining surface that is non-orthogonal to the inclined surface, the inclined surface being non-orthogonal to a plane extending along the top surface, and the retaining surface being closer to the bottom end than the top surface; and a plurality of stop tabs spaced about the bottom end of the circular sidewall, the plurality of stop tabs laterally offset from the retaining tabs. The support assembly also includes: a spring extending around the piston rod; and a dust cover extending around the piston rod and arranged between the spring and the piston rod, the dust cover including: a flange located at the top end of the dust cover, the flange being constructed as an integrated upper spring isolator, the integrated upper spring isolator being constructed to cooperate with the spring; a first plurality of dust cover locking tabs within the dust cover, each of the first plurality of dust cover locking tabs being constructed to slide along the inclined surface to cooperate with the retaining surfaces of the plurality of retaining tabs to rotate the dust cover and lock the dust cover to the striker cap; and a second plurality of dust cover locking tabs within the dust cover, each of the second plurality of dust cover locking tabs being constructed to be vertically aligned with one of the plurality of stop tabs when the first plurality of dust cover locking tabs cooperate with the retaining surfaces of the plurality of retaining tabs.

[0023] The present invention also includes the following scheme:

[0024] Solution 1. A pillar assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle, the pillar assembly comprising:

[0025] a damper, the damper comprising an outer tube and a piston rod extending from the outer tube;

[0026] a striker cap on the outer tube and defining a hole through which the piston rod extends, the striker cap including a plurality of retaining tabs each having an inclined surface extending to a retaining surface that is non-orthogonal to the inclined surface;

[0027] a spring extending around the piston rod; and

[0028] A dust cover extends around the piston rod and is disposed between the spring and the piston rod, the dust cover including a plurality of dust cover locking tabs configured to cooperate with the plurality of retaining tabs to lock the dust cover to the striker cap.

[0029] Option 2. A support assembly according to Option 1, wherein:

[0030] The striker cap includes a top surface defining the aperture and a circular sidewall extending from the top surface; and

[0031] The plurality of retention tabs are spaced apart around the circular sidewall.

[0032] Option 3. A support assembly according to Option 2, wherein:

[0033] an inclined surface of each of the plurality of retention tabs extending non-orthogonally to a plane extending along the top surface; and

[0034] A retaining surface of each of the plurality of retaining tabs extends parallel to a plane extending across the top surface.

[0035] Option 4. The strut assembly of Option 2, wherein each of the plurality of retaining tabs further comprises a stop flange between the retaining surface and the top surface of the striker cap.

[0036] Option 5. The pillar assembly according to Option 2, wherein each of the plurality of retaining tabs includes an upper tip at an upper end of the plurality of retaining tabs, and the retaining surface is at a lower end of the plurality of retaining tabs.

[0037] Option 6. The strut assembly of Option 2, wherein the striker cap further comprises a plurality of stop tabs spaced apart around a bottom end of the circular side wall opposite the top surface.

[0038] Option 7. A strut assembly according to Option 6, wherein the plurality of stop tabs are laterally spaced apart from and offset from the retaining tabs such that each of the plurality of stop tabs is between two of the plurality of retaining tabs.

[0039] Option 8. A strut assembly according to Option 1, wherein each of the multiple dust cover locking tabs is located inside the dust cover and is constructed to slide along the inclined surface to cooperate with the retaining surfaces of the multiple retaining tabs, thereby rotating the dust cover and locking the dust cover to the striker cap.

[0040] Embodiment 9. The strut assembly of embodiment 8, wherein each of the plurality of dust cover locking tabs comprises a distal tip.

[0041] Embodiment 10. The strut assembly of embodiment 8, wherein each of the plurality of dust cover locking tabs includes a chamfered surface configured to abut a circular sidewall of the striker cap.

[0042] Embodiment 11. The strut assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the dust cover includes a cover flange configured as an integrated upper spring isolator located at an upper end of the dust cover.

[0043] Solution 12. A strut assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle, the strut assembly comprising:

[0044] a damper comprising an outer tube and a piston rod slidably movable within the outer tube;

[0045] The striker cap on the outer tube comprises:

[0046] a top surface defining a bore through which the piston rod extends;

[0047] a circular sidewall extending from the top surface, the circular sidewall including a bottom end opposite the top surface; and

[0048] a plurality of retaining tabs evenly spaced about the circular sidewall, each of the plurality of retaining tabs including an inclined surface extending to a retaining surface that is non-orthogonal to the inclined surface, the inclined surface being non-orthogonal to a plane extending along the top surface, and the retaining surface being closer to the bottom end than the top surface;

[0049] a spring extending around the piston rod; and

[0050] A dust cover extends around the piston rod and is arranged between the spring and the piston rod, the dust cover including a plurality of cover locking tabs located inside the dust cover, the plurality of cover locking tabs being configured to cooperate with the plurality of retaining tabs to lock the dust cover to the striker cap.

[0051] Option 13. A strut assembly according to Option 12, wherein the retaining surface is below the inclined surface.

[0052] Embodiment 14. The strut assembly of embodiment 13, wherein each of the plurality of retaining tabs further comprises a stop flange between the retaining surface and the top surface of the striker cap.

[0053] Option 15. A support assembly according to Option 14, wherein each of the plurality of retaining tabs further comprises an upper end at the upper end of the plurality of retaining tabs, the stop flange being below the upper end and between the upper end and the retaining surface.

[0054] Option 16. A pillar assembly according to Option 12, wherein the striker cap further comprises a plurality of stop tabs spaced apart around the bottom end of the circular side wall, the plurality of stop tabs being laterally spaced apart from the retaining tabs and vertically offset from the retaining tabs such that each of the plurality of stop tabs is between two of the plurality of retaining tabs.

[0055] Embodiment 17. The strut assembly of embodiment 12, wherein the dust cover includes a cover flange configured as an integrated upper spring isolator at an upper end of the dust cover.

[0056] Embodiment 18. A strut assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle, the strut assembly comprising:

[0057] a damper comprising an outer tube and a piston rod slidably movable within the outer tube;

[0058] a top mounting member cooperating with the distal end of the piston rod;

[0059] The striker cap on the outer tube comprises:

[0060] a top surface defining a bore through which the piston rod extends;

[0061] a circular sidewall extending from the top surface, the circular sidewall including a bottom end opposite the top surface;

[0062] a plurality of retaining tabs evenly spaced about the circular sidewall, each of the plurality of retaining tabs including an inclined surface extending to a retaining surface that is non-orthogonal to the inclined surface, the inclined surface being non-orthogonal to a plane extending along the top surface, and the retaining surface being closer to the bottom end than the top surface; and

[0063] a plurality of stop tabs spaced about the bottom end of the circular sidewall, the plurality of stop tabs laterally offset from the retaining tab;

[0064] a spring extending around the piston rod; and

[0065] A dust cover extending around the piston rod and arranged between the spring and the piston rod, the dust cover comprising:

[0066] a flange at a top end of the dust cover, the flange being configured as an integrated upper spring isolator configured to mate with the spring; a first plurality of dust cover locking tabs within the dust cover, each of the first plurality of dust cover locking tabs being configured to slide along the inclined surface to mate with a retaining surface of the plurality of retaining tabs to rotate the dust cover and lock the dust cover to the striker cap; and

[0067] A second plurality of dust cover locking tabs within the dust cover, each of the second plurality of dust cover locking tabs being configured to vertically align with one of the plurality of stop tabs when the first plurality of dust cover locking tabs engage the retention surfaces of the plurality of retention tabs.

[0068] Embodiment 19. The strut assembly of embodiment 18, wherein each of the plurality of dust cover locking tabs comprises a distal tip and a chamfered surface configured to abut the circular sidewall of the striker cap.

[0069] Option 20. The support column assembly according to Option 18, wherein:

[0070] The inclined surface extends from an upper end to the retaining surface; and

[0071] The retaining surface is below the inclined surface.

[0072] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0074] Figure 1 is a side view of a strut assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0075] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of a striker cap of a strut assembly;

[0076] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the striker cap;

[0077] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a dust cover of a strut assembly;

[0078] Figure 5A illustrates the interaction between the retaining tabs of the dust cover and the inclined surfaces of the striker cap as the dust cover is pressed onto the striker cap to lock the dust cover to the striker cap with a twist lock;

[0079] Figure 5B The dust cover is shown further pressed onto the striker nut and locked to the striker nut;

[0080] Figure 6 schematically illustrates the interaction between the retaining tabs of the dust cover and the inclined surfaces of the striker cap; and

[0081] Figure 7 The cooperation between another dust cover and another striker cap according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0082] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] Figure 1 An exemplary strut assembly 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The strut assembly 10 is configured to be mounted to any suitable vehicle. The strut assembly 10 is configured to absorb and dampen shock pulses caused by the vehicle traveling over rough terrain, thereby improving ride quality and vehicle handling. The strut assembly 10 is configured for installation in any suitable passenger car, commercial vehicle, public transportation vehicle, utility vehicle, construction vehicle, military vehicle, etc. The strut assembly 10 can also be configured for use in any suitable non-vehicle application. For example, the strut assembly 10 can be configured for use with any suitable manufacturing equipment, construction equipment, military equipment, etc.

[0084] The strut assembly 10 includes a damper 20. The damper 20 has an outer tube 22 and a piston rod 24 disposed within the outer tube 22 (see Figure 2). The piston rod 24 is slidably movable within the outer tube 22 and extends from the outer tube 22. The outer tube 22 includes any fluid suitable for damping the movement of the piston rod 24. At the bottom end of the damper 20 is a bottom mount 30. At the distal end of the piston rod 24 is a top mount 32. The bottom mount 30 and the top mount 32 are configured to mount the strut assembly 10 in any suitable mounting location, such as to a vehicle suspension system. The bottom mount 30 and the top mount 32 may also be configured to mount the strut assembly 10 in any other suitable mounting location.

[0085] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in, for example, strut assembly 10 further includes a striker cap 40. Striker cap 40 is disposed on the end of outer tube 22 opposite bottom mount 30. In other words, striker cap 40 is disposed at the upper end of outer tube 22 where piston rod 24 extends from within outer tube 22. Piston rod 24 extends through striker cap 40, as further explained herein.

[0086] The strut assembly 10 also includes a dust cover 50. The dust cover 50 extends around the piston rod 24 to cover the piston rod 24 and protect it from dust, dirt and other debris. The dust cover 50 also extends around the striker cap 40.

[0087] The strut assembly 10 further includes a spring 60 extending around the dust cover 50, the piston rod 24 covered by the dust cover 50, the striker cap 40 and at least the upper portion of the outer tube 22. The lower end of the spring 60 is seated on a spring seat 62, such as Figure 1 . The upper end of the spring 60 cooperates with the flange 52 of the dust cover 50. The flange 52 is configured as an integrated upper spring isolator, which is configured to cooperate with the upper end of the spring 60. Fastening the top mount 32 to the flange 52 presses the flange 52 against the spring 60, which restricts the rotation of the flange 52 together with the upper area of ​​the dust cover 50 near the flange 52. The lower end (distal end) of the dust cover 50 is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the dust cover 50, while the flange 52 and the upper area of ​​the dust cover 50 remain rotationally fixed due to the cooperation between the flange 52 and the spring 60.

[0088] Re-reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The striker cap 40 will now be described in greater detail. The striker cap 40 generally includes a top surface 70 defining a hole 72 at the center of the top surface 70. A circular sidewall 74 extends downwardly from the top surface 70. The circular sidewall 74 includes a bottom end 76 opposite the top surface 70.

[0089] A plurality of retaining tabs 80 are evenly spaced around the circular sidewall 74. Each of the retaining tabs 80 includes an inclined surface 82, a retaining surface 84, and an upper end 86. The inclined surface 82 is not orthogonal (not perpendicular) to the plane X extending through the top surface 70. The inclined surface 82 is between the retaining surface 84 and the upper end 86. The retaining surface 84 is closer to the bottom end 76 than the upper end 86. The upper end 86 is closer to the top surface 70 than the retaining surface 84. The retaining surface 84 extends non-orthogonally to the inclined surface 82. In the example shown, the retaining surface 84 extends in a plane that is generally parallel to the plane X extending along the top surface 70. Between the retaining surface 84 and the upper end 86 is a stop flange 88. In the example shown, the stop flange 88 extends parallel to the retaining surface 84 and is located below the upper end 86. The striker cap 40 may include any suitable number of retaining tabs 80. In the example shown, the striker cap 40 includes five retaining tabs 80.

[0090] The striker cap 40 also includes a plurality of stop tabs 90 proximate the bottom end 76. The stop tabs 90 are evenly spaced around the circular sidewall 74 at or near the bottom end 76. The plurality of stop tabs 90 are lower on the circular sidewall 74 than the plurality of retaining tabs 80. Each of the plurality of stop tabs 90 is laterally spaced from the retaining tabs 80 such that each of the stop tabs 90 is located between two of the plurality of retaining tabs 80. The number of stop tabs 90 included in the striker cap 40 may vary depending on the number of retaining tabs 80. In the example shown, the striker cap 40 includes five stop tabs 90, which is equal to the number of retaining tabs 80. However, any other suitable number of stop tabs 90 may also be included.

[0091] Reference Figure 4 , the dust cover 50 will now be described in more detail. The dust cover 50 includes a flange 52 at a top end of the dust cover 50. The flange 52 is configured as an integrated upper spring isolator that abuts the spring 60 when the dust cover 50 is installed in the strut assembly 10. The dust cover 50 includes a plurality of cover locking tabs 110 at a lower end of the dust cover opposite the flange 52. The cover locking tabs 110 are evenly spaced around the interior of the dust cover 50. The number of cover locking tabs 110 included by the dust cover 50 depends on the number of retaining tabs 80 and stop tabs 90 included by the striker cap 40. More specifically, the dust cover 50 includes one cover locking tab 110 for each of the retaining tabs 80. The dust cover 50 also includes one of the cover locking tabs 110 for each of the stop tabs 90. Thus, in the example shown, the dust cover 50 includes ten cover locking tabs 110 .

[0092] Each of the cover locking tabs 110 includes a distal tip 112, a chamfered surface 114, and an inclined side surface 116. The distal tip 112 is located at the lowermost end of the cover locking tab 110 farthest from the flange 52. The inclined side surface 116 extends from the distal tip 112 into the dust cover 50 in the direction of the flange 52.

[0093] Reference Figure 5A and 5B , the installation of the dust cover 50 will now be described in more detail. To install the dust cover 50, it is placed over the piston rod 24 and within the spring 60 surrounding the piston rod 24 so that the upper end of the spring 60 abuts the lower surface of the flange 52. The lower end of the dust cover 50 is initially lightly seated against (or near) the top surface 70 of the striker cap 40. The top mounting member 32 is then tightened downward to apply pressure to the flange 52, which presses the flange 52 against the spring 60. The interaction between the flange 52 and the spring 60 limits the rotation of the flange 52 and the portion of the dust cover 50 adjacent to the flange 52. As the top mounting member 32 is further tightened downward, the spring 60 compresses and the dust cover 50 is forced downward against the striker cap 40.

[0094] like Figure 5A As shown, when the dust cover 50 is pushed down onto and over the striker cap 40, alternating ones of the cover locking tabs 110 (the first plurality of cover locking tabs 110) are pressed into engagement with the retaining tabs 80. More specifically, the cover locking tabs 110 are spaced around the interior of the dust cover 50 such that alternating ones of the cover locking tabs 110 contact the inclined surfaces 82 of the retaining tabs 80. The chamfered surfaces 114 of the retaining tabs 80 abut the circular sidewalls 74 to help center the dust cover 50 on the striker cap 40. As the dust cover 50 is further compressed onto the striker cap 40, alternating ones of the cover locking tabs 110 slide along the inclined surfaces 82 toward the retaining surfaces 84. As alternating ones of the cover locking tabs 110 slide along the inclined surface 82 , the lower end 54 of the dust cover 50 rotates or twists; however, the opposite end of the dust cover 50 near the flange 52 is held rotationally fixed by the interaction between the flange 52 and the spring 60 .

[0095] Once the cover locking tabs 110 reach the bottom of the inclined surface 82 and pass around the end of the inclined surface 82, the lower end 54 of the dust cover 50 will snap or otherwise rotate back to its original relaxed position to move alternating ones of the cover locking tabs 110 below the retaining surface 84, such as Figure 5BAs shown. In this way, the dust cover 50 is fixed to the striker cap 40 by the twist lock. If the cover locking tab 110 that cooperates with the retaining tab 80 is over-rotated or slips off the retaining surface 84, there is a stop flange 88 to catch the cover locking tab 110, thereby preventing the dust cover 50 from being detached from the striker cap 40. The cover locking tab 110 (the second plurality of cover locking tabs 110) that does not cooperate with the retaining tab 80 is arranged opposite to the stop tab 90. The cooperation between the cover locking tab 110 and the stop tab 90 prevents the dust cover 50 from being over-inserted onto the striker cap 40.

[0096] Figure 6 The relative positioning and dimensions of the retaining tab 80 and the cover locking tab 110 are shown. Figure 6 As shown in , "L" is the circumference of the striker cap 40; "n1" is the number of the cover locking tabs 110; "n2" is the number of the retaining tabs 80 of the striker cap 40; "a" is the total length of the inclined surface 82; "b" is the total length of the cover locking tabs 110; and "c" is the length of the tail of the inclined surface 82. The striker cap 40 and the dust cover 50 are configured so that when the dust cover 50 is pressed down onto the striker cap 40, the two cover locking tabs 110 are not fitted between the two retaining tabs 80; and therefore L / n1+b>L / n2-a. L / n1+b is the total space from the rear of one cover locking tab 110 to the front of the other cover locking tab 110 (two complete cover locking tabs 110). L / n2-a is the space between the top end of one inclined surface 82 and the bottom start point of the next inclined surface 82; this configuration is such that, because if two hood locking tabs 110 can be fitted in the space between the top end of one inclined surface 82 and the bottom start point of the next inclined surface, there will be a situation in which the hood locking tabs 110 do not engage the inclined surface 82 and can slide directly downward to the stop tab 90. Another situation is that after sliding down the inclined surface 82, the two hood locking tabs 110 need to slide between the two retaining tabs 80, and therefore L / n1+b<L / n2-a+c. L / n2-a+c is the minimum space between the bottom edge of one inclined surface 82 and the start point of another adjacent inclined surface 82. It is also the maximum space that allows two hood locking tabs 110 to be fully fitted therein; this configuration is such that if the two hood locking tabs 110 cannot be fitted in the space, the tabs 110 will not be able to slide onto the bottom retaining surface 84. Another situation is that the spacing at each set of retaining tabs 80 and cover locking tabs 110 must be consistent; therefore n1=2*n2. The space between the cover locking tabs 110 also needs to be greater than the length of the retaining surface 84; therefore L / n1-b>ac. The retaining tabs 80 and cover locking tabs 110 are therefore configured such that (L / n2-a<L / n1+b<L / n2-a+c) and (ac<L / n1-b).

[0097] Figure 7 Another striker cap 40' and another dust cover 50' according to the present disclosure are shown. Features of the striker cap 40' that are the same or substantially similar to those of the striker cap 40 are shown in FIG. Figure 7 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings, but with an apostrophe (') added. The features of the dust cover 50' that are the same or substantially similar to the dust cover 50 are shown in FIG. Figure 7 The same reference numerals are used in the same figure, but with an apostrophe (') added. Figure 7 , the retaining tab 80′ is similar to the retaining tab 80 but is shaped differently from the retaining tab 80. Likewise, the cover locking tab 110′ of the dust cover 50′ is similar to the cover locking tab 110 but is shaped differently from the cover locking tab 110. The dust cover 50′ is locked to the striker cap 40′ by the same “twist-lock” manner as described above with respect to locking the dust cover 50 to the striker cap 40.

[0098] The present disclosure provides numerous advantages. For example, locking the dust cover 50, 50' to the striker cap 40, 40' using the twist lock configuration described above prevents the dust cover 50, 50' from contacting the spring 60, spring seat 62, or other adjacent components of the strut assembly. The cover locking tabs 110, 110' and the retaining tabs 80, 80' are configured to provide self-guided installation of the dust cover 50, 50' at any starting orientation of the dust cover 50, 50' relative to the striker cap 40, 40'. The present disclosure also eliminates any need to manually pull the lower end 54, 54' of the dust cover 50, 50' on the striker cap 40, 40'.

[0099] The present disclosure also facilitates removal of the dust cover 50, 50'. Specifically, to remove the dust cover 50, 50', only twisting in the opposite direction is required, and no more than the installation force is required. This facilitates servicing of the spring 60, damper 20, top mount 32, and spring seat 62, as the dust cover 50, 50' typically needs to be removed before any of these components can be accessed.

[0100] The foregoing description is essentially only illustrative, and is by no means intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because after studying the drawings, the specification and the appended claims, other modifications will become apparent. It should be understood that, without changing the principles of the present disclosure, one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously). In addition, although each of the embodiments is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in the features of any one of the other embodiments and / or combined with the features of any one of the other embodiments, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the replacement of one or more embodiments with each other remains within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0101] Various terms are used to describe the spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "next to," "on top of," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "directly," when the relationship between a first and a second element is described in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which there are no other intermediate elements between the first and second elements, but can also be an indirect relationship in which there are one or more intermediate elements (spatially or functionally) between the first and second elements. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be interpreted to mean a logical (A or B or C) using a non-exclusive logical "or," and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

Claims

1. A strut assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle, the strut assembly comprising: a damper, the damper comprising an outer tube and a piston rod extending from the outer tube; a striker cap on the outer tube and defining a hole through which the piston rod extends, the striker cap including a plurality of retaining tabs each having an inclined surface extending to a retaining surface that is non-orthogonal to the inclined surface; a spring extending around the piston rod; as well as A dust cover extends around the piston rod and is disposed between the spring and the piston rod, the dust cover including a plurality of dust cover locking tabs configured to cooperate with the plurality of retaining tabs to lock the dust cover to the striker cap.

2. The support column assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The striker cap includes a top surface defining the aperture and a circular sidewall extending from the top surface; and The plurality of retention tabs are spaced apart around the circular sidewall.

3. The support column assembly according to claim 2, wherein: an inclined surface of each of the plurality of retention tabs extending non-orthogonally to a plane extending along the top surface; and A retaining surface of each of the plurality of retaining tabs extends parallel to a plane extending across the top surface.

4. The support column assembly according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of retention tabs also includes a stop flange between the retention surface and the top surface of the striker cap.

5. The support column assembly according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of retaining tabs includes an upper tip at an upper end of the plurality of retaining tabs, and the retaining surface is at a lower end of the plurality of retaining tabs.

6. The support column assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The striker cap also includes a plurality of stop tabs spaced about a bottom end of the circular sidewall opposite the top surface.

7. The support column assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of stop tabs are laterally spaced apart from and offset from the retention tabs such that each of the plurality of stop tabs is between two of the plurality of retention tabs.

8. The support column assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of dust cover locking tabs is located inside the dust cover and is configured to slide along the inclined surface to cooperate with the retaining surfaces of the plurality of retaining tabs to rotate the dust cover and lock the dust cover to the striker cap.

9. The support column assembly according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the plurality of dust cover locking tabs includes a distal tip.

10. The support column assembly according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the plurality of dust cover locking tabs includes a chamfered surface configured to abut a circular sidewall of the striker cap.

Images