Shock absorber

Abstract

A shock absorber includes i) a hollow base defining an axial direction and having a first mounting portion, ii) an outer axial tube, having first and second longitudinal ends, and being coaxially mounted into the hollow base via its first longitudinal end so as to allow adjusting a distance of the second longitudinal end relative to the base; and iii) an inner axial tube slidably mounted into the outer axial tube therein; the inner axial tube having a second mounting portion. The hollow tube has an opening therein that defines a window to allow visualizing a part of the outer axial tube therethrough which includes the first longitudinal end thereof.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Field of Invention

[0002] This invention generally relates to shock absorbers. [Previous Technology]

[0003] Background of the Invention

[0004] As is well known in the art, the height of a vehicle can be adjusted by installing its shock absorbers. In fact, some shock absorbers have a retractable sleeve rod to adjust the overall height of the shock absorber.

[0005] Even for a skilled mechanic, adjusting all four wheels to the same height is a tedious process, requiring repeated height measurements before the desired adjustment can be achieved. In fact, standard adjustable shock absorbers do not include scales or any other references indicating safe adjustment limits.

[0006] Known shock absorbers include a threaded rod mounted in a threaded tube, wherein the threaded rod includes a flat portion provided with a scale as a height adjustment reference. An example of such a system is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,827,184, entitled "Shock Absorbing Device for Vehicles," issued to Lin on December 7, 2004.

[0007] One problem with this adjustment mechanism is that water, sand and salt can seep between the threaded rod 50 and the threaded tube 60, which can lead to thread corrosion and potential breakage of the tube 60. [Summary of the Invention]

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, a shock absorber is provided, comprising:

[0010] A hollow base defining an axial direction; the hollow base has a first mounting portion;

[0011] An outer shaft tube having first and second longitudinal ends, and coaxially mounted to a cylindrical hollow base via its first longitudinal end, so as to allow adjustment of the distance of the second longitudinal end relative to the base; and

[0012] An inner shaft tube, which is slidably mounted to an outer shaft tube therein; the inner shaft tube has a second mounting portion;

[0013] The hollow base has at least one opening that defines a window to allow viewing of a portion of the outer shaft tube, the portion of which includes a first longitudinal end of the outer shaft tube.

[0014] According to other illustrated embodiments, a base is provided for mounting a shock absorber of the type of threaded external cylinder to a vehicle. The base includes: a body having i) a mounting portion for securing the body to the vehicle, ii) a cylindrical hollow portion having a threaded inner surface, and iii) an opening in the cylindrical hollow portion defining a passage for rotating the threaded external cylinder therein; and the cylindrical hollow portion having a window for viewing the threaded cylinder therein.

[0015] This type of base allows for visual inspection of the shock absorber, and more specifically, its external threaded tube, thus revealing the adjustment limits. Knowing these limits prevents the inner tube from unintentionally detaching from the outer tube.

[0016] Furthermore, this base prevents water, sand, and salt from entering between the inner and outer tubes of the shock absorber, thus preventing their separation and / or further adjustment of the shock absorber's length. Any liquid or debris entering the viewing window will be drained without damaging the shock absorber or, more precisely, its adjustment mechanism. Other objects, advantages, and features of the shock absorber and the base for mounting the shock absorber to the vehicle will become more apparent upon reading the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Implementation Method

[0025] In the following description, similar features in the figures have been given similar reference numerals, and in order not to overload the figures, some elements that have been identified in previous figures are not mentioned in some figures. Here, it should be further noted that, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention, only the device structure and / or processing steps closely related to the solution according to the invention are shown in the figures, while other details that are less relevant to the invention are omitted.

[0026] In the claims and / or specification, when used with the term "comprising," the words "a" or "an" may mean "one," but are also consistent with the meanings of "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more." Similarly, the word "another" may mean a second or more.

[0027] As used in this specification and the claims(s), the terms “comprising” (and any form of inclusion, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of inclusion, such as “include” and “includes”), or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contain” and “contains”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unreferenced elements.

[0028] A first illustrative embodiment of the shock absorber 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0029] The shock absorber 10 includes a cylindrical hollow base 12 defining an axis 14; an externally threaded tube 16 having a first longitudinal end 18 and a second longitudinal end 20, and being rotatable into the cylindrical hollow base 12 via its first longitudinal end 18; and an inner cylindrical tube 22 coaxially and slidably mounted into the externally threaded tube 16.

[0030] The free end 24 of the base 12 is provided with an integral first mounting part, which is used to mount to the chassis of the vehicle (not shown) in the form of a bushing 26, and the free end 28 of the inner cylindrical tube 22 is provided with a second mounting component, which is used to mount to the wheel seat of the vehicle (not shown) in the form of a bushing 30.

[0031] Since mounting components 26 and 30 are considered to be well known in the art, they will not be described in more detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0032] Furthermore, as will be shown with reference to further illustrative embodiments below, mounting components 26 and 30 are not limited to the embodiments illustrated herein.

[0033] As is considered well known in the art, the two nested threaded tubes 16 and 22 define a damping mechanism together using compressed gas or a viscous liquid (such as oil). Since such damping mechanisms are considered well known in the art, they will not be described in more detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0034] According to another embodiment, a configuration or mechanism of another tube (not shown) is provided to produce a damping effect.

[0035] The externally threaded tube 16 has threads along most of its length (including its first longitudinal end 18). The tube 16 is housed in a base 12 with complementary threads.

[0036] The spiral assembly of the external threaded tube 16 to the base 12 allows for adjustment of the total length of the shock absorber 10 during or after its installation, wherein a locking ring 32 is provided to lock its selected position.

[0037] Although the base 12 is shown to have a cylindrical cross-section, it may have a rectangular cross-section or a cross-section with another geometry, provided that the base 12 has an internally threaded hollow portion to accommodate the outer tube 16.

[0038] The cylindrical hollow base 12 includes a longitudinal slot 34 that defines a window therein for visual observation of the longitudinal position of the externally threaded tube 16 in the base 12, and more specifically, the longitudinal position of the first longitudinal end 18 of the externally threaded tube 16. This longitudinal position indicates the extension of the shock absorber 10.

[0039] A scale 36 or another mark is provided on the first side of the groove 34. The scale 36 serves as a reference for the position of the first longitudinal end 18 of the outer tube 16 within the base 12. The scale 36 may be engraved or printed onto the base 12. According to a first illustrative embodiment, the scale 36 includes a reference mark "M" indicating the highest safe position of the first longitudinal end 18 of the outer tube 16 within the base 12. This highest safe position is determined based on the overall configuration and safety standards of the shock absorber 10. This highest safe position is considered to be achievable by those skilled in the art. According to another embodiment, this reference mark is omitted or takes another form.

[0040] When the length of the shock absorber 10 is adjusted, the window 34 is provided as a visual reference point for the user.

[0041] As will become more apparent when reading the following description of further illustrative embodiments, the configuration and number of windows are not limited to window 34.

[0042] Turning now to Figures 3 and 4, the shock absorber 40 according to the second illustrative embodiment will now be described. Since the shock absorber 40 is similar to the shock absorber 10, for the sake of brevity, only the differences between them will be described here.

[0043] The cylindrical hollow base 42 of the shock absorber 40 includes a window 44 for visually viewing the externally threaded tube 16. This window is in the form of an elongated slot implemented longitudinally in the hollow base. One of the two sides of the slot 44 is serrated, defining a reference scale. Although the hollow base 42 is not marked along the slot 44, such markings may be added alternatively.

[0044] Furthermore, the configuration of the second mounting assembly 46 and the configuration of the inner cylindrical tube 47 are different from those of the shock absorber 10.

[0045] In addition, the shock absorber 40 is provided with a spring 48, which is installed between the second locking ring 49 and the second mounting assembly 46 installed to the external threaded tube 16.

[0046] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a shock absorber 50 according to a third illustrative embodiment will now be described. Since the shock absorber 50 is similar to the shock absorber 40, for the sake of brevity, only the differences between them will be described here.

[0047] The shock absorber 50 includes a second mounting assembly 30 for mounting to a wheel seat (not shown) of a vehicle and an inner cylindrical tube 22, which are the same as those in the first illustrative embodiment.

[0048] The shock absorber 50 is further different from the shock absorber 40 by means of its cylindrical hollow base 52, which includes integrated mounting elements 54 and 56 to secure the shock absorber to the vehicle chassis (not shown).

[0049] In addition, the base 52 includes two collinear longitudinal grooves 58-60, defining windows for visual observation of the longitudinal position of the external threaded tube 16 in the base 52.

[0050] Scale 62 or another mark is set on the same side of both slots 58-60.

[0051] According to another embodiment (not shown), one or both of the slots 58-60 are configured differently from those illustrated. For example, the slots may be longer, larger, or have different shapes. The number of slots or their relative positions may also differ from those illustrated.

[0052] The number and configuration of mounting elements for fixing the shock absorber to the vehicle may also differ from those shown in the figure.

[0053] Figure 7 shows a cylindrical hollow base 70 according to a fourth illustrative embodiment. Since the hollow base 70 is similar to the base 52, for the sake of brevity, only the differences between them will be described in more detail here.

[0054] The base 70 includes a plurality of windows 72-84 for visually rotating the longitudinal position of the outer cylindrical tube (not shown) therein. Each of the windows 72-84 is in the form of a circular hole. Marks such as letters are engraved or printed near each hole 72-84 as references to each hole 72-84.

[0055] According to another embodiment, some or all of the markings are different or omitted. According to yet another embodiment, some or all of the holes 72-84 have a shape different from a circle.

[0056] It should be noted that many modifications can be made to the shock absorbers 10, 40, and 50, as well as to the cylindrical hollow base 70 described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For example:

[0057] - The configuration and dimensions of the outer and inner tubes may differ from those shown in the diagram; and

[0058] - The configuration, size and number of mounting components may differ from those shown in the figure.

[0059] Although the shock absorber and the base for mounting the shock absorber to the vehicle chassis have been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, modifications are possible. Therefore, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to the illustrative embodiments, and the scope of the claims should not be limited to the preferred embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the overall description. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0017] In the attached drawing:

[0018] FIG1 is a front perspective view of a shock absorber according to a first illustrative embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 is a front view of the shock absorber in Figure 1;

[0020] FIG3 is a front perspective view of a shock absorber according to a second illustrative embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4 is a front view of the shock absorber in Figure 3;

[0022] FIG5 is a front perspective view of a shock absorber according to a third illustrative embodiment;

[0023] Figure 6 is a front view of the shock absorber in Figure 5; and

[0024] FIG7 is a front perspective view of the base of the shock absorber according to the fourth illustrative embodiment.

Claims

1. A shock absorber comprising: a hollow base defining an axial direction; the hollow base having a first mounting portion; an outer shaft having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, and coaxially mounted to the hollow base via the first longitudinal end to allow adjustment of a distance of the second longitudinal end relative to the base; and an inner shaft slidably mounted to the outer shaft therein; the inner shaft having a second mounting portion; wherein the hollow base has at least one opening defining a window to allow viewing of a portion of the outer shaft including the first longitudinal end of the outer shaft.

2. The shock absorber as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one opening is elongated and oriented along the axial direction.

3. The shock absorber as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one opening is in the form of a sawtooth groove.

4. The shock absorber as claimed in claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the hollow tube includes at least one mark adjacent to the opening.

5. The shock absorber as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one mark is a scale.

6. The shock absorber as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one mark is engraved or printed on the outer surface of the hollow tube.

7. The shock absorber as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one mark includes a reference to a maximum height.

8. The shock absorber as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings.

9. The shock absorber as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of openings are collinear.

10. The shock absorber as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one opening is a circular hole.

11. The shock absorber as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a helical spring mounted between the outer shaft tube and the inner shaft tube and around the inner shaft tube.

12. The shock absorber as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion is adapted to be mounted to a chassis of a vehicle, and the other of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion is adapted to be mounted to a wheel well of the vehicle.

13. A base for mounting a shock absorber of the type having a threaded external cylinder to a vehicle, the base comprising: a body having i) a mounting portion for securing the body to the vehicle, ii) a cylindrical hollow portion having a threaded internal surface, and iii) an opening in the cylindrical hollow portion defining a passage for rotating the threaded external cylinder therein; the cylindrical hollow portion having a window for viewing the threaded cylinder therein.

14. The base as claimed in claim 13, wherein the window is elongated and oriented along the axial direction.

15. The base as claimed in claim 13, wherein the window is in the form of a serrated groove.

16. The base as claimed in claim 13, wherein an outer surface of the body includes a mark adjacent to the window.

17. The base as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one mark is a scale.

18. The base as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one mark is engraved or printed onto the outer surface of the body.

19. The base as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one mark includes a reference to a maximum height.

20. The base as claimed in claim 13, wherein the window is defined by a plurality of openings.

21. The base as claimed in claim 20, wherein the plurality of openings are collinear.

22. The base as claimed in claim 13, wherein the window is defined by at least one circular hole.

23. The base as claimed in claim 13, wherein the mounting portion is integrally connected to the cylindrical hollow body.

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