Patent ID: 6276693
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
A roll control system for installation between axially aligned wheels of a motor vehicle, the roll control system comprising a torsion bar; a first hydraulic actuator attached to one end of the torsion bar and attachable to one of the wheels; a second hydraulic actuator attached to the other end of the torsion bar and attachable to the other wheel; and an electronic control unit monitoring one or more predetermined vehicle operating conditions; wherein the first and second hydraulic actuators are substantially identical, each comprising a compression chamber containing hydraulic fluid, a rebound chamber containing hydraulic fluid, a movable piston between and fluidly isolating the compression chamber and the rebound chamber, a piston rod connected to the piston and extending through the rebound chamber, a gas chamber containing pressurised gas acting on the hydraulic fluid in the rebound chamber, and an electrically operated valve between the compression chamber and the rebound chamber and actuated by the control unit dependent on the monitored conditions, the valve being actuable between a two-way position in which the valve allows hydraulic fluid to flow between the compression chamber and the rebound chamber and a one-way position in which the valve allows hydraulic fluid to flow from the rebound chamber into the compression chamber but not from the compression chamber into the rebound chamber.