SUSPENSION SYSTEM INCLUDING SAME

BACKGROUND

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure broadly relates to the art of gas spring devices and, more particularly, to a gas spring piston that includes a storage reservoir integrated thereinto that is capable of storing a quantity of pressurized gas. A gas spring assembly including such a piston and a suspension system including one or more of such gas spring assemblies are also disclosed.

[0002] The subject matter of the present disclosure may find particular application and use in conjunction with suspension systems of wheeled vehicles, and may be described herein with specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the subject matter of the present disclosure is also amenable to use in a wide variety of other applications and environments, and that the specific uses shown and described herein are merely exemplary. For example, the subject matter of the present disclosure could be used in connection with gas spring assemblies of support structures, height adjusting systems and/or actuators associated with industrial machinery, components thereof and/or other such equipment.

[0003] Gas suspension systems, such as for use on vehicles, for example, are known to provide the capability of adjusting the height and/or alignment (e.g., leveling) of a sprung mass (e.g., a body or chassis of a vehicle) relative to an unsprung mass thereof (e.g., a wheel-engaging member or axle housing of the vehicle). As such, known gas suspension systems commonly transfer pressurized gas into and out of gas spring assemblies that are operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses. In this manner, the gas suspension system can alter or otherwise adjust the height and/or alignment of the sprung mass relative to the unsprung mass.

[0004] In conventional suspension systems, pressurized gas is routinely transferred out of one or more gas spring assemblies to thereby reduce the height of the same and achieve a desired leveling or height adjustment action, such as for leveling or lowering a vehicle body or chassis, for example. Normally, the pressurized gas that is transferred out of the one or more gas spring assemblies is simply discharged into the external atmosphere, such as the ambient atmosphere surrounding the vehicle, for example. Recognizing that ambient atmospheric pressure is within a range of from approximately 12 psi to approximately 15 psi, depending upon elevation and other factors, the discharge of a quantity of gas having a pressure of approximately 60 psi or greater into the external atmosphere represents an uncontrolled release or loss of potential energy. From the perspective of efficiency and energy conversion, such regular and ongoing releases of stored energy may be deemed undesirable.

[0005] Additionally, in conventional suspension systems, air is regularly drawn in from the external atmosphere and compressed, such as by using an electrically operated compressor, for example, to a desired pressure level. This air can then be transferred into one or more gas spring assemblies, such as to increase the height of the same, or can be stored in a suitable reservoir or tank for use at a later time. In addition to the undesirable nature of wasting potential energy by simply discharging pressurized gas into an external atmosphere, such as has been described above, conventional suspension systems generate pressurized gas for use in the gas spring assemblies by taking in and subsequently pressurizing gas at nominal atmospheric pressure. Such a course of operation can result in significant energy consumption associated with the generation of pressurized gas.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, it is believed desirable to develop a gas spring piston, as well as a gas spring assembly and suspension including the same, that is capable of assisting in the reduction of the discharge of pressurized gas into an external atmosphere and/or otherwise providing improved performance of gas suspension systems.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] One example of a gas spring piston in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure and dimensioned for receiving an associated flexible wall can include a side wall extending peripherally about a longitudinally-extending axis such that an associated rolling lobe of the associated flexible wall can be formed therealong. The side wall can at least partially define a piston storage chamber that is capable of storing for an extended period of time a quantity of gas having a pressure level greater than an associated ambient atmospheric pressure. A piston passage can extend through the side wall and into fluid communication with the piston storage chamber. A connector fitting can be secured along the piston passage and can be dimensioned to receive an associated gas transfer line for transferring pressurized gas into and out of the piston storage chamber.

[0008] One example of a gas spring assembly in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can include a flexible wall having a longitudinal axis and extending peripherally about the longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end that is spaced longitudinally from the first end. An end member can be secured across the first end such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. A gas spring piston can be operatively connected to the second end of the flexible wall such that a spring chamber is at least partially defined by the flexible wall between the end member and the gas spring piston. The gas spring piston can include a side wall that extends peripherally about a longitudinally- extending axis such that a rolling lobe can be formed therealong by the flexible wall. The side wall can at least partially define a piston storage chamber that is capable of storing for an extended period of time a quantity of gas having a pressure level greater than an associated ambient atmospheric pressure. The piston storage chamber being fluidically isolated by the gas spring piston from the spring chamber. A piston passage can extend through the side wall and into fluid communication with the piston storage chamber. A connector fitting can be secured along the piston passage and can be dimensioned to receive an associated gas transfer line for transferring pressurized gas into and out of the piston storage chamber.

[0009] One example of a suspension system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can include a pressurized gas source and a control device that can be selectively operated in a plurality of flow control conditions. The suspension system also includes at least one gas spring assembly, such as has been described in the foregoing paragraph. The control device can be fluidically connected between the pressurized gas source and the at least one gas spring assembly. In a first flow control condition of the control device, the pressurized gas source and the spring chamber of the at least one gas spring assembly are disposed in fluid communication with one another. In a second flow control condition of the control device, the pressurized gas source is fluidically isolated from the spring chamber with the spring chamber and the piston storage chamber disposed in fluid communication with one another. In this manner, pressurized gas can be transferred between the spring chamber and the piston storage device. In some cases, a third flow control condition of the control device can be provided in which the pressurized gas source, the spring chamber and the piston storage chamber are disposed in fluid communication with one another. In this manner, pressurized gas can be transferred from the pressurized gas source and the piston storage chamber into the spring chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one example of a vehicle including a suspension system and gas spring assemblies in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of one example of a gas spring assembly in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure prior to installation on an associated structural component.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an end view of the exemplary gas spring assembly in FIG. 2 shown installed on the associated structural component.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary gas spring piston shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary gas spring piston shown in FIGS. 2-4.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary gas spring piston shown in FIGS. 2-5 taken from along line 6-6 in FIG. 2.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of one example of a control device included in the suspension system shown in FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Turning now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure and which are not intended as a limitation of the same, FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a suspension system 100 disposed between a sprung mass, such as an associated vehicle body BDY, for example, and an unsprung mass, such as an associated wheel WHL or an associated wheel-engaging member or axle, for example, of an associated vehicle VHC. It will be appreciated that any such suspension system can include any number of one or more systems, components and/or devices and that the same can be operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses of the associated vehicle in any suitable manner. For example, such a suspension system can include a plurality of damping members (not shown), which can be operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses of the associated vehicle in any suitable manner.

[0018] Additionally, or in the alternative, such a suspension system can include a plurality of gas spring assemblies that are supported between the sprung and unsprung masses of associated vehicle VHC. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , suspension system 100 includes six gas spring assemblies, one or more of which is disposed toward each corner of the associated vehicle adjacent a corresponding wheel WHL thereof. It will be appreciated, however, that any other suitable number of gas spring assemblies could alternately be used and/or that such gas spring assemblies can be disposed in any other suitable configuration and/or arrangement. In the exemplary arrangement schematically represented in FIG. 1 , a plurality of gas spring assemblies 102 are operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses of the vehicle with two of gas spring assemblies 102 operatively associated with front wheel-engaging members 104 of vehicle VHC and the remaining gas spring assemblies operatively associated with rear wheel-engaging members 106 of vehicle VHC. In particular, rear wheel-engaging members 106 are shown as including trailing arms 108 operatively connected thereto with gas spring assemblies 102 operatively disposed between a trailing arm and the sprung mass (e.g., body BDY) of the vehicle. It will be appreciated, however, that other suitable arrangements and/or configurations could alternately be used.

[0019] Suspension system 100 can also optionally include a pressurized gas system 110 that is operatively associated with the gas spring assemblies for selectively supplying pressurized gas (e.g., air) thereto and selectively transferring pressurized gas therefrom. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , pressurized gas system 110 includes a pressurized gas source, such as a compressor 112, for example, for generating pressurized air or other gases. The pressurized gas system can also include any number of one or more control devices of any suitable type, kind and/or construction that may be capable of affecting the selective transfer of pressurized gas. For example, a valve assembly 114 is shown as being in communication with compressor 112 and can be of any suitable configuration or arrangement. In the exemplary embodiment shown, valve assembly 114 includes a valve block 116 with a plurality of valves 118 supported thereon. Valve assembly 114 can also optionally include a suitable exhaust, such as a muffler 120, for example, for venting pressurized gas from the system. Optionally, pressurized gas system 110 can also include a reservoir 122 in fluid communication with valve assembly 114 and suitable for storing pressurized gas.

[0020] The one or more control devices, such as valve assembly 114, for example, can be in communication with gas spring assemblies 102 in any suitable manner, such as, for example, through suitable gas transfer lines 124. As such, pressurized gas can be selectively transmitted to and/or from the gas springs through valve assembly 114, such as to alter or maintain vehicle height at one or more corners of the vehicle, for example.

[0021] Suspension system 100 also includes a control system 126 that is capable of communication with any one or more other systems and/or components (not shown) of suspension system 100 and/or of vehicle VHC, and is capable of selective operation and control of the suspension system. Control system 126 includes a controller or electronic control unit (ECU) 128 in communication with one or more components of pressurized gas system 110 (e.g., compressor 112 and/or valve assembly 114), such as through a suitable conductor or lead 130, for example, for selective operation and control thereof, including supplying and exhausting pressurized fluid to and from any number of one or more gas spring assemblies, such as gas spring assemblies 102, for example. Additionally, it will be appreciated that controller 128 can be of any suitable type, kind and/or configuration.

[0022] Control system 126 can also optionally include one or more height or distance sensing devices (not shown) as well as any other desired systems and/or components. Such height sensors, if provided, are preferably capable of generating or otherwise outputting a signal having a relation to a height or distance, such as between spaced components of the vehicle, for example. It will be appreciated that any such optional height sensors or any other distance-determining devices, if provided, can be of any suitable type, kind, construction and/or configuration, such as mechanical linkage sensors, ultrasonic wave sensors or electromagnetic wave sensors, such as may respectively operate using ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves, for example.

[0023] Having described an example of a suspension system (e.g., suspension system 100) that can include a gas spring assembly in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, one example of such a gas spring assembly will now be described in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown therein, a gas spring assembly 200, such as may be suitable for use as a gas spring assembly 102 in FIG. 1 , for example, is shown as including an end member, such as top or bead plate 202, for example, and an end member, such as gas spring piston 204, for example, that is spaced from the other end member such that a longitudinal axis AX is at least partially formed therebetween. A flexible wall, such as a flexible sleeve 206, for example, is secured between the end members (e.g., bead plate 202 and piston 204) and at least partially forms a spring chamber 208 therebetween. Flexible sleeve 206 includes an upper mounting bead 210 and a lower mounting bead 212 formed along opposing ends the flexible sleeve.

[0024] Upper mounting bead 210 of flexible sleeve 206 is captured by the peripheral edge (not numbered) of bead plate 202. It will be appreciated that the peripheral edge can be deformed around the upper mounting bead in any manner suitable for forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith. One or more securement devices, such as mounting studs 214, for example, can be included along bead plate 202. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, mounting studs 214 project outwardly from the bead plate 202 and are secured thereon in a suitable manner, such as, for example, by way of a flowed-material joint or a press- fit connection. Such one or more securement devices may be suitable for securing bead plate 202 on an associated structural member, such as an upper structural component USC of a vehicle, for example, in any suitable manner, such as by way of one or more threaded nuts or other securement devices (not shown), for example. A fluid communication port, such as a fluid passage 216, for example, can optionally be provided to permit fluid communication with a spring chamber 208. In the exemplary embodiment shown, fluid passage 216 extends through at least one of studs 214 and is in fluid communication with spring chamber 208. However, it will be appreciated that any other suitable fluid communication arrangement could alternately be used.

[0025] Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, the lower mounting bead of the flexible sleeve could be captured between an end closure and the piston assembly in a conventional manner, and the end closure could be secured on the piston assembly using a suitable securement device or assembly, such as a mounting stud and nut, for example. Alternately, piston 204 can include a bead mounting wall 218 that is adapted to receive and retain lower mounting bead 212, such as is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example.

[0026] With reference, now, to FIGS. 2-6, gas spring piston 204 is shown as extending generally longitudinally between opposing ends 220 and 222, and including a piston body 224 as well as a securement feature, device and/or component provided on or along the piston body for securement of the gas spring piston on or along an associated structural member. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 2-6, the securement feature, device and/or component takes the form of a threaded mounting stud 226 that is operatively connected to the piston body and projects longitudinally-outwardly therefrom in a direction away from end 220. The associated structural member (e.g., wheel-engaging members 104, wheel- engaging members 106 and/or trailing arms 108) is represented in FIGS. 2 and 3 by lower structural component LSC, which is shown as including a hole HLE that is dimensioned for threaded mounting stud 226 to pass therethrough and receive a suitable securement device or component, such as a threaded nut (not shown), for example. Of course, other fastening arrangements could alternately be employed.

[0027] A gas spring piston in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such as gas spring piston 204, for example, includes at least one storage chamber or reservoir integrated into the piston body that is capable of receiving and storing a quantity of pressurized gas for an extended period of time, such as hours, days, weeks or months. In a preferred arrangement, the pressurized gas can be stored for such an extended period of time without a substantial reduction in the pressure level. In some cases, a loss of less than 50 percent of the gas pressure level may be acceptable. In other cases, however, a gas pressure loss of less than 25 percent and, more preferably, of less than 10 percent is preferred.

[0028] It will be recognized that gas spring pistons find specific application and use in association with the formation of gas spring assemblies that include at least one spring chamber, such as spring chamber 208 of gas spring assembly 200, for example. Conventional gas spring assemblies are known to include gas spring pistons that at least partially define an additional volume or reservoir within the piston body. It is believed, however, that such additional volumes of known constructions are either placed in fluid communication with the spring chamber of the gas spring assembly or, alternately, fluidically isolated from the spring chamber but left in fluid communication with an external or ambient atmosphere. In either case, the additional volume within a piston body of known gas spring assemblies is not believed to be used as a storage chamber or reservoir that is capable of storing a quantity of pressurized gas that is substantially fluidically isolated from the pressurize gas within the spring chamber of the corresponding gas spring assembly, such as is the case with the subject gas spring piston.

[0029] It will be appreciated that gas spring pistons of a wide variety of shape, sizes and configurations have been developed and that the specific configuration illustrated herein is merely exemplary. As shown in FIGS. 2-6, gas spring piston 204 includes a piston storage chamber or reservoir 228 (FIG. 6) that is substantially fluidically isolated from the spring chamber of the corresponding gas spring assembly (e.g., spring chamber 208 of gas spring assembly 200). In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 2-6, gas spring piston 204 includes a bottom or base wall 230 that is dimensioned to abuttingly engage a side or surface of an associate structural member, such as lower structural component LSC, for example. In this regard, base wall 230 can at least partially define a mounting plane (not identified) of the gas spring piston that is disposed transverse to longitudinal axis AX. Gas spring piston 204 is also shown as including a first or outer side wall 232 that extends generally longitudinally between ends 220 and 222. In use as a component of gas spring assembly 200, a portion of flexible sleeve 206 forms a rolling-lobe LBE that is displaced along outer side wall 232 as the gas spring assembly undergoes changes in overall height, such as, for example, may be due to variations in load conditions applied thereto, as is well understood by those of skill in the art. It will be recognized that a wide variety of shapes, profiles and/or configurations can and have been used in forming the first or outer side wall of gas spring pistons. As such, it will be appreciated that the profile of first side wall 232 is merely exemplary.

[0030] It will be appreciated that storage chamber or reservoir 228 can be formed within gas spring piston 204 in any manner suitable for substantially fluidically isolating the storage reservoir from the spring chamber of a corresponding gas spring assembly (e.g., gas spring assembly 200). For example, an end wall could extend substantially fully across end 220 of gas spring piston 204 such that a substantially closed end of the gas spring piston is formed thereby. Recognizing, however, that certain performance benefits can be realized through the use of a spring chamber having an increased size, it may be desirable to utilize a portion of the volume within the gas spring piston to increase the total volume of the spring chamber while also maintaining a fluidically-isolated reservoir within the gas spring piston. As one example of such a construction, gas spring piston 204 can include a second or inner side wall 234 that at least partially defines a piston cavity 236 having an opening 238 along end 220 such that the piston cavity can fluidically communication with an associated spring chamber, as shown in FIG. 6. Second or inner side wall 234 is shown as extending generally longitudinally between an end portion 240 of outer side wall 232 and base wall 230 and thereby at least partially defines storage reservoir 228, which remains fluidically isolated from piston cavity 236 and, thus, spring chamber 208.

[0031] It will recognized and appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gas spring assembly having a gas spring piston with an integrated storage reservoir can include or otherwise utilize an increased storage chamber volume as compared to known gas spring piston constructions. Such increased volume is achieved at least in part by locating a portion of the storage chamber volume below a mounting surface of the gas spring piston, such as, for example, in void space that is adjacent to a structural member along which the gas spring piston is to be mounted. As such, a wide variety of shapes, sized and/or configurations can be envisioned to accommodate the great number of applications and/or environments in which a gas spring piston in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can be used. As will be appreciated, the void space available adjacent a structural member of a given vehicle will vary from vehicle to vehicle. Thus, aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure can be broadly employed in designing gas spring pistons to utilize such unused space for increasing the volume of the storage chamber. For example, a method of making a gas spring assembly in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention could include detecting or otherwise determining the presence, size and/or shape of void space adjacent a support member of a vehicle, and constructing a gas spring piston having a storage chamber that is dimensioned or otherwise adapted to occupy at least a portion of the detected void space.

[0032] Gas spring assemblies 102 and gas spring assembly 200 are illustrated as including at least a portion of the storage chamber that extends or is otherwise disposed below the mounting surface of the gas spring piston (e.g., base wall 230 of gas spring piston 204). In the exemplary construction shown in FIGS. 2-6, gas spring piston 204 includes a pair of opposing and laterally spaced-apart inboard side walls 242 that extend longitudinally outwardly from along base wall 230 in a direction opposite end 220. Side walls 242 at least partially define a channel or passage 244 along at least a portion of the gas spring piston that is dimensioned to receive and/or engage at least a portion of an associated structural member, such as lower structural component LSC, for example.

[0033] Gas spring piston 204 is also shown as including a pair of outboard side walls 246, as well as bottom walls 248 that are disposed in longitudinally-spaced relation to base wall 230 and each operatively interconnect one of inboard side walls 242 with one of outboard side walls 246. Gas spring piston 204 can also, optionally, include opposing end walls 250 that are disposed in spaced relation to one another with side walls 242, side walls 246 and bottom walls 248 extending therebetween. It will be appreciated that storage chamber 228, as shown and described herein, represents a substantially contiguous volume having portions 228A (FIG. 6) and 228B (FIG. 6) that are disposed in spaced relation to one another on opposing sides of lower structural component LSC (e.g., in a pontoon-like configuration).

[0034] As described above, storage chamber 228 is at least substantially, if not completely, fluidically isolated from piston cavity 236, if provided, and from spring chamber 208 of gas spring assembly 200. As such, at least one fluid passage is preferably provided in fluid communication with storage chamber 228 such that pressurized gas transfer into and out of the storage chamber can be achieved. In this manner, storage chamber 228 can act as a fixed-volume reservoir for housing a quantity of pressurized gas separate and apart from the quantity of pressurized gas within the spring chamber of the gas spring. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 2-6, connector fittings 252 and 254 are provided along outboard side walls 246 and respectively define passages 256 and 258. In other arrangements, however, a single fitting and a corresponding passage could be used. In still other arrangements, one or more fittings and corresponding passages can be provided on or along a single, common wall, such as, for example, is illustrated in gas spring assemblies 102 in FIG. 1 .

[0035] An integrated storage chamber or reservoir, such as storage chamber 228, for example, is adapted to receive and store for reuse quantities of gas that have been pressurized for use in a gas spring suspension system. For example, storage chamber 228 could be used to receive and store pressurized gas that has been vented from or otherwise transferred out of a gas spring assembly. In some cases, such a quantity of pressurized gas may be transferred out of the same gas spring assembly that includes the integrated storage chamber. In other cases, the pressurized gas stored in the integrated storage chamber may be from another source, such as a different gas spring assembly or a gas transfer line, for example. In a preferred arrangement, the stored quantity of gas can be retained at a pressure level above ambient atmospheric pressure, such as at a pressure level at least 10 pounds per square inch (psi) above ambient atmospheric pressure. In a more preferred arrangement, the stored quantity of gas can be retained at a pressure level at least 25 psi above ambient atmospheric pressure.

[0036] It will be appreciated that pressurized gas can be selectively transferred into and out of the integrated storage chamber in any suitable manner and in connection with the use of any suitable arrangement and/or configuration of components. As one example, FIG. 6 includes schematic illustrations of gas transfer lines (e.g., pressurized gas hoses) 260 and 262 that are operatively connected to connector fittings 252 and 254, and in fluid communication with passages 256 and 258, respectively. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 6, gas transfer line 260 can transfer pressurized gas into storage chamber 228, such as to store pressurized gas from a dump cycle or leveling action, for example, as is represented by reference arrow IN. Gas transfer line 262 can transfer pressurized gas out of storage chamber 228, as is represented in FIG. 6 by reference arrow OUT, such as to recycle the pressurized gas to the pressurized gas system (e.g., pressurized gas system 110 in FIG. 1 ) or directly into the corresponding gas spring assembly (e.g., gas spring assembly 200). A suitable fluid passage, such as passage 216, for example, could be used to transfer pressurized gas out of the spring chamber for storage in storage reservoir 228 and/or to transfer pressurized gas out of the storage reservoir and into the spring chamber of the gas spring assembly. One or more control devices, such as valves 264 and 266, for example, can be optionally included to selectively control the transfer of pressurized gas into and/or out of integrated storage reservoir 228. Such one or more control devices, if included, can be operatively controlled in any suitable manner, such as by ECU 128 of control system 126 in FIG. 1 , for example, by way of conductors or leads 268 and 270. [0037] As another example, FIG 7 includes a schematic illustration of one example of a control device 132, such as may be operatively associated with one or more gas spring assemblies, such as is shown in FIG. 1 , for example. A plurality of the control devices are shown in FIG. 1 with each control device operatively connected between one of gas transfer lines 124 and one of gas spring assemblies 102 such that pressurized gas can be selectively transferred into and/or out of the spring chamber of one or more of the gas spring assemblies and such that pressurized gas can be separately and/or simultaneously transferred into and/or out of a storage chamber (e.g., storage chamber 228) of one or more of the gas spring assemblies.

[0038] As is identified in FIG. 7, gas transfer lines 124 are operatively connected with control device 132. A first transfer passage, such as is established by gas transfer line 134, for example, extends between control device 132 and the spring chamber of a gas spring assembly (e.g., spring chamber 208 of gas spring assembly 200). A second transfer passage, such as is established by gas transfer line 260 (FIG. 6) and/or gas transfer line 136 (FIG. 7), for example, extends between control device 132 and the piston storage chamber of a gas spring assembly (e.g., storage chamber 228 of gas spring assembly 200). Additionally, a third transfer passage, such as is established by gas transfer line 262 (FIG. 6) and/or gas transfer line 138 (FIG. 7), for example, can, optionally, extend between control device 132 and the piston storage chamber of a gas spring assembly (e.g., storage chamber 228 of gas spring assembly 200).

[0039] Control devices 132 can be selectively operated in any suitable manner. As one example, control devices 132 can be communicatively coupled with ECU 128 of control system 126, such as by way of conductors or leads 140, for example. It will be appreciated that the one or more control devices (e.g., control devices 132) can include one or more actuators, springs and/or other components for selectively operating the control devices. As one example, control devices 132 can include one or more return springs 142 and/or one or more actuators 144. In the exemplary arrangement show, actuators 144 can be communicatively coupled with ECU 128 and/or other systems, such as by way of conductors or leads 140, for example. Additionally, it will be appreciated that control devices 132 can be configured for operation in any suitable manner. On example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG. 7 as including a multi-position (e.g., three-position) valve assembly that is selectively operable or otherwise variable between a plurality of flow conditions.

[0040] In a first flow condition, which is schematically represented in FIG. 7 by arrangement FC1 , gas transfer lines 124 and 134 are placed in fluid communication with one another such that pressurized gas can be transferred into and/or out of the spring chamber (e.g., spring chamber 208). Additionally, in flow condition FC1 , gas transfer lines 136 and 138 are shown as being fluidically isolated by the control device such that pressurized gas within the storage chamber (e.g., storage chamber 228) is retained within the storage chamber at a first pressurized gas level above ambient atmospheric pressure.

[0041] In a second flow condition, which is schematically represented in FIG. 7 by arrangement FC2, gas transfer lines 124 and 138 are shown as being fluidically isolated. However, gas transfer lines 134 and 136 are placed in fluid communication with one another such that pressurized gas can be transferred between the spring chamber (e.g., spring chamber 208) and the piston storage chamber (e.g., storage chamber 228). In the arrangement shown, pressurized gas is being transferred out of the spring chamber and into the piston storage chamber, as is represented in FIG. 7 by arrow 146. In this manner, the volume of the gas spring assembly can be reduced, such as to reduce the ride height thereof, for example, without venting the evacuated pressurized gas to an external atmosphere. Rather, the evacuated pressurized gas is stored within the piston storage chamber for later use.

[0042] In a third flow condition, which is optional and is schematically represented in FIG. 7 by arrangement FC3, gas transfer line 136 is shown as being fluidically isolated. However, gas transfer lines 124 and 134 are shown as being placed in fluid communication with one another, such that pressurized gas can be transferred into the spring chamber (e.g., spring chamber 208), as is represented in FIG. 7 by arrow 148. Additionally, flow condition FC3 is shown with gas transfer line 138 disposed in fluid communication with gas transfer lines 124 and 134, as is represented in FIG. 7 by arrow 150, such that pressurized gas can flow out of the piston storage chamber (e.g., storage chamber 228) and be transferred into the spring chamber (e.g., spring chamber 208).

[0043] It will be appreciated, however, that other flow conditions and/or arrangements of fluid connections could additionally, or alternately, be used. For example, in some cases, flow condition FC3 could include gas transfer line 136 disposed in fluid communication with gas transfer lines 124 and 134, as is represented in FIG. 7 by arrow 152. In such case, pressurized gas could flow out of the piston storage chamber (e.g., storage chamber 228) and be transferred into the spring chamber (e.g., spring chamber 208), as discussed above. However, in such case, connector fitting 254, passage 258, gas transfer line 262 (FIG. 6) and/or gas transfer line 138 (FIG. 7) could be omitted and, thus, are optional.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the gas spring assemblies of the present disclosure can be operatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses of an associated vehicle in any suitable manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 the gas spring assemblies can be operatively connected between wheel-engaging members and a body of a vehicle VHC. It will be appreciated, however, that the configuration of vehicle VHC in FIG. 1 is merely a schematic representation of the structural components of the sprung and unsprung masses of the vehicle. Thus, it will be understood that this schematic representation is provided for purposes of discussion and ease of understanding and is not intended to be in any way limiting.

[0045] As used herein with reference to certain features, elements, components and/or structures, numerical ordinals (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used to denote different singles of a plurality or otherwise identify certain features, elements, components and/or structures, and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language. Additionally, the terms "transverse," and the like, are to be broadly interpreted. As such, the terms "transverse," and the like, can include a wide range of relative angular orientations that include, but are not limited to, an approximately perpendicular angular orientation. Also, the terms "circumferential," "circumferentially," and the like, are to be broadly interpreted and can include, but are not limited to circular shapes and/or configurations. In this regard, the terms "circumferential," "circumferentially," and the like, can be synonymous with terms such as "peripheral," "peripherally," and the like.

[0046] Furthermore, the phrase "flowed-material joint" and the like, if used herein, are to be interpreted to include any joint or connection in which a liquid or otherwise flowable material (e.g., a melted metal or combination of melted metals) is deposited or otherwise presented between adjacent component parts and operative to form a fixed and substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. Examples of processes that can be used to form such a flowed-material joint include, without limitation, welding processes, brazing processes and soldering processes. In such cases, one or more metal materials and/or alloys can be used to form such a flowed-material joint, in addition to any material from the component parts themselves. Another example of a process that can be used to form a flowed-material joint includes applying, depositing or otherwise presenting an adhesive between adjacent component parts that is operative to form a fixed and substantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. In such case, it will be appreciated that any suitable adhesive material or combination of materials can be used, such as one-part and/or two-part epoxies, for example.

[0047] Further still, the term "gas" is used herein to broadly refer to any gaseous or vaporous fluid. Most commonly, air is used as the working medium of gas spring devices, such as those described herein, as well as suspension systems and other components thereof. However, it will be understood that any suitable gaseous fluid could alternately be used.

[0048] It will be recognized that numerous different features and/or components are presented in the embodiments shown and described herein, and that no one embodiment may be specifically shown and described as including all such features and components. As such, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the present disclosure is intended to encompass any and all combinations of the different features and components that are shown and described herein, and, without limitation, that any suitable arrangement of features and components, in any combination, can be used. Thus it is to be distinctly understood claims directed to any such combination of features and/or components, whether or not specifically embodied herein, are intended to find support in the present disclosure.

[0049] Thus, while the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the foregoing embodiments and considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the structures and structural interrelationships between the component parts of the embodiments disclosed, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the principles hereof. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the subject matter of the present disclosure and not as a limitation. As such, it is intended that the subject matter of the present disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.