The invention relates to an air spring module having an air spring and a shock absorber for the suspension and damping of vibrations of a motor vehicle chassis. The air spring has a rolling bellows which is fastened to an air spring cover and a rolling piston. The rolling bellows at least partially delimits a first working space filled with compressed air. At least two working spaces are provided in the rolling piston, which are separated from one another by a partition and connectable to the first working space via switchable valves arranged in the rolling piston. In order to achieve simple production and installation as well as a low overall height, the rolling piston has at least two working spaces which are arranged adjacent to one another.

A suspension device for a wheeled vehicle with a plurality of air springs is described. Two main air chambers of two air springs of a respective vehicle axle are connected together via a transverse air chamber which forms an intermediate volume. A compressor arranged between the two transverse air chambers is connected to the first transverse air chamber via a first connecting line in which a first switchable valve is arranged, and to the second transverse air chamber via a second connecting line in which a second switchable valve is arranged, so that direct filling/direct evacuation of the intermediate volumes of the two transverse air chambers is possible.

An air suspension system which includes a Dynamic Load Transfer (DLT) function. DLT is a process of transferring vehicle load, or varying normal loads applied to each wheel of the vehicle, using switchable volume or variable volume air spring assemblies. Switchable or variable volume air spring assemblies have the ability to change air spring volumes, which results in changes in air spring rates, which result in changes in normal loads applied to each wheel. Changes in wheel normal loads change wheel traction (slip) and vehicle dynamics (pitch, roll, yaw displacement, rate and acceleration). Each air spring assembly may have multiple volume air chambers that are switched “on” and “off,” a variable volume air chamber, or the air spring assembly may be coupled with other air springs, or air chambers, that are switched or varied.

An air spring assembly having pressure relief capability, where the air spring assembly includes a single air volume, or a multi-chamber air volume. When the air spring assembly is operating at a stiffer spring rate in combination with a setting to increase ground clearance, during certain road events, the air spring assembly is compressed, and the pressure in the air spring assembly increases. In order to not exceed the safe mechanical limits of the air spring assembly, the pressure is limited to a maximum value when full compression is achieved. The air spring assembly includes at least one valve, which is opened based on a cracking pressure, which is determined based on the mechanical limits of the air spring assembly. This facilitates the operation of the air spring assembly at settings to increase ground clearance of the vehicle, while allowing for pressure relief when the mechanical limit is reached.

A suspension device for a wheeled vehicle with a plurality of air springs is described. Two main air chambers of two air springs of a respective vehicle axle are connected together via a transverse air chamber which forms an intermediate volume. A compressor arranged between the two transverse air chambers is connected to the first transverse air chamber via a first connecting line in which a first switchable valve is arranged, and to the second transverse air chamber via a second connecting line in which a second switchable valve is arranged, so that direct filling/direct evacuation of the intermediate volumes of the two transverse air chambers is possible.

An air management system and method are provided. The system includes a pressurized air source. A manifold block is coupled to the pressurized air source and includes a plurality of suspension valves in fluid communication with the pressurized air source for controlling air flow to and from a plurality of air springs. An accumulator is coupled to the manifold block for storing air. An accumulator valve is in fluid communication with the plurality of suspension valves and the accumulator to allow exhausted air from the plurality of air springs into the accumulator. An electronic control unit is electrically coupled to the plurality of suspension valves and the accumulator valve for controlling a sequence of operating the accumulator valve and the plurality of suspension valves to provide enhanced exhaust flow from the plurality of air springs to maintain the vehicle in a level orientation while lowering the vehicle.

An air suspension system which includes a Dynamic Load Transfer (DLT) function. DLT is a process of transferring vehicle load, or varying normal loads applied to each wheel of the vehicle, using switchable volume or variable volume air spring assemblies. Switchable or variable volume air spring assemblies have the ability to change air spring volumes, which results in changes in air spring rates, which result in changes in normal loads applied to each wheel. Changes in wheel normal loads change wheel traction (slip) and vehicle dynamics (pitch, roll, yaw displacement, rate and acceleration). Each air spring assembly may have multiple volume air chambers that are switched on and off, a variable volume air chamber, or the air spring assembly may be coupled with other air springs, or air chambers, that are switched or varied.

An air spring assembly having pressure relief capability, where the air spring assembly includes a single air volume, or a multi-chamber air volume. When the air spring assembly is operating at a stiffer spring rate in combination with a setting to increase ground clearance, during certain road events, the air spring assembly is compressed, and the pressure in the air spring assembly increases. In order to not exceed the safe mechanical limits of the air spring assembly, the pressure is limited to a maximum value when full compression is achieved. The air spring assembly includes at least one valve, which is opened based on a cracking pressure, which is determined based on the mechanical limits of the air spring assembly. This facilitates the operation of the air spring assembly at settings to increase ground clearance of the vehicle, while allowing for pressure relief when the mechanical limit is reached.

The invention relates to an air spring module having an air spring and a shock absorber for the suspension and damping of vibrations of a motor vehicle chassis. The air spring has a rolling bellows which is fastened to an air spring cover and a rolling piston. The rolling bellows at least partially delimits a first working space filled with compressed air. At least two working spaces are provided in the rolling piston, which are separated from one another by a partition and connectable to the first working space via switchable valves arranged in the rolling piston. In order to achieve simple production and installation as well as a low overall height, the rolling piston has at least two working spaces which are arranged adjacent to one another.

The present disclosure relates to suspension systems, control methods, and vehicles. One example suspension system includes a suspension assembly, a driver, a controller, a compressor, and a gas tank. The suspension assembly has a gas spring and a height sensor. The gas tank contains gas, the gas tank is connected to the compressor through a first ventilation pipe, and the compressor is connected to the gas spring through a second ventilation pipe. A first switch valve is disposed on the first ventilation pipe, and a second switch valve is disposed on the second ventilation pipe. The driver is separately electrically connected to the controller, the compressor, the first switch valve, the second switch valve, and the height sensor. The suspension system is installed between a wheel and a vehicle body of the vehicle.