Vehicle roll control system with self-centering actuator
View Patent ↗A system is disclosed for controlling the roll of a motor vehicle. The system comprises a selective lock connected between an unsprung portion of the vehicle and a sprung portion of the vehicle.
1. A hydraulically operated actuator for controlling the roll of a motor vehicle, wherein the actuator is connected between an unsprung portion of the vehicle and a sprung portion of the vehicle for selectively coupling the sprung portion of the vehicle to the unsprung portion of the vehicle, the actuator comprising;
a rod adapted to be fixed to one of the sprung portion of the vehicle and the unsprung portion of the vehicle;
a flange formed on said rod;
a cylinder adapted to be fixed to the other of the sprung portion of the vehicle and the unsprung portion of the vehicle, wherein said cylinder has an internal surface defining a bore and at least first and second ports, wherein said flange is disposed in said bore of said cylinder between said first and second ports and wherein said cylinder includes at least one seal engaging said internal surface of said cylinder between said first and second ports, wherein at least one of said first and second ports is connected to a fluid conduit that is external to said bore;
a piston disposed within said bore of said cylinder, said piston having an open end for receiving said flange of said rod therein to thereby assist in retaining said flange and said rod within said piston; and
a check valve arrangement and an accumulator both disposed within said cylinder, wherein said check valve arrangement is operative to open to allow fluid to move between said bore of said cylinder and said accumulator to return said rod and said piston to a neutral position when said check valve arrangement is de-energized.
2. The actuator of claim 1 wherein said cylinder is fixed to the unsprung portion of the vehicle.
3. The actuator of claim 1 wherein said check valve arrangement comprises a solenoid.
4. The actuator of claim 3 wherein said solenoid is configured such that when said solenoid is energized said check valve arrangement moves from the open position to the closed position.
5. The actuator of claim 3 wherein said solenoid is configured such that when said solenoid is energized said check valve arrangement moves from the closed position to the open position.
6. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the neutral position is a center position.