Patent ID: 12188540

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts.

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

FIG.1illustrates an exemplary damper112for a vehicle (not shown). The damper112contains a fluid, such as hydraulic fluid or oil, by way of example and without limitation. The damper112includes a pressure tube122that extends longitudinally between a first pressure tube end156and a second pressure tube end157. A piston124is slidably disposed within the pressure tube122. The piston124defines a rebound chamber126and a compression chamber128within the pressure tube122. Each of the rebound and compression chambers126,128contain the fluid therein. The rebound chamber126is positioned longitudinally between the piston124and the first pressure tube end156while the compression chamber128is positioned longitudinally between the piston124and the second pressure tube end157. The volume of the rebound and compression chambers126,128varies based on the movement of the piston124. The piston124has a cylindrical surface that seals against the inside of the pressure tube122and therefore divides the space inside the pressure tube122into the rebound chamber126and the compression chamber128. In the illustrated example, the piston124does not have any fluid passageways or valving, but it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to such piston designs and is equally applicable to dampers with piston designs that include fluid passageways and/or valving. The damper112also includes a piston rod130that extends longitudinally between a first piston rod end132that is configured to be connected to a component of the suspension system or vehicle body (not shown) and a second piston rod end134that is connected to the piston124.

The damper112also includes a damper housing135. While it should be appreciated that the damper housing135may be constructed in a variety of ways, in the illustrated example, the damper housing135includes an outer tube136that extends from a base138. The outer tube136is concentrically disposed around the pressure tube122and extends longitudinally between a first outer tube end137and a second outer tube end139. The piston rod130extends longitudinally out through the first outer tube end137. The second outer tube end139and the second pressure tube end157are received in and are fixably coupled to the base138. An attachment fitting143is mounted to the base138and is configured to attach to a component of the suspension system or vehicle body (not shown). The attachment fitting143may be provided in the form of a hole, loop, threaded stud, or other attachment structure.

One or more control valves164a,164b,164care externally mounted to the base138. Although other types of control valves can be used, in the illustrated embodiment the control valves164a,164b,164care electro-mechanical valves. The operation of the control valves164a,164b,164cwill be explained in greater detail below, but at a high level, the control valves164a,164b,164cregulate two fluid flow paths166a,166bthat can transport fluid into and out of the rebound chamber126and the compression chamber128.

The first fluid flow path166apermits fluid to flow into and out of the compression chamber128by passing through the base138. The second fluid flow path166bpermits fluid to flow into and out of the rebound chamber126by passing through a fluid transport chamber168that is defined in the annular space between the pressure tube122and the outer tube136. The fluid transport chamber168is arranged in fluid communication with the rebound chamber126via one or more open ports146in the first pressure tube end156and extends to the first control valve164a. In the open position, the first control valve164aallows fluid communication between the fluid transport chamber168and a first fluid passageway170athat extends through the base138between the first and second control valves164a,164b. In the open position, the second control valve164ballows fluid communication between the first fluid passageway170aand a second fluid passageway170bthat extends through the base138between the second and third control valves164b,164c. In the open position, the third control valve164callows fluid flow between the second fluid passageway170band the compression chamber128. The first and second fluid passageways170a,170binclude first and second ports172a,172b, respectively, in the base138that may be connected in fluid communication with other dampers of the vehicle via hydraulic lines (not shown) to provide roll and/or pitch control functions.

As shown inFIG.1, when the piston124moves away from the base138during an extension/rebound stroke, the volume of fluid in the rebound chamber126decreases and the volume of fluid in the compression chamber128increases. The control valves164a-164care opened and regulate fluid flow from the rebound chamber126, through the fluid transport chamber168, through the first and second fluid passageways170a,170bin the base138, and to the compression chamber128. The degree and/or timing in which the control valves164a-164care opened may be regulated to adjust the extension/rebound damping characteristics of the damper112.

In other words, during an extension/rebound stroke, fluid from the rebound chamber126flows into the fluid transport chamber168via the open ports146in the first pressure tube end156, the fluid in the fluid transport chamber168then passes through the first control valve164aand into the first fluid passageway170ain the base138, the fluid in the first fluid passageway170athen passes through the second control valve164band into the second fluid passageway170bin the base138, the fluid in the second fluid passageway170bthen passes through the third control valve164cand flows out into the compression chamber128.

When the piston124moves towards the base138during a compression stroke, the volume of the fluid in the compression chamber128decreases and the volume of fluid in the rebound chamber126increases. The control valves164a-164care opened and regulate fluid flow from the compression chamber128, through the first and second fluid passageways170a,170bin the base138, and to the fluid transport chamber168, which delivers fluid to the rebound chamber126. The degree and/or timing in which the control valves164a-164care opened may be regulated to adjust the compression damping characteristics of the damper112. In other words, during a compression stroke, fluid from the compression chamber128flows through the third control valve164cand into the second fluid passageway170bin the base138, the fluid in the second fluid passageway170bthen passes through the second control valve164band into the first fluid passageway170ain the base138, the fluid in the first fluid passageway170athen passes through the first control valve164aand flows through the fluid transport chamber168and out into the rebound chamber126via the open ports146in the first pressure tube end156.

With additional reference toFIG.2, the damper112also includes at least one accumulator200that is attached to the base138of the damper housing135at an accumulator port202. As will be explained in greater detail below, the accumulator200includes an accumulator chamber204that is arranged in fluid communication with at least one of the two fluid flow paths166a,166bin the base138and therefore contains the same fluid that passes through the damper112. Further, the accumulator200also includes a pressurized gas chamber206that is defined by and contained within a bellows assembly208that is positioned inside an outer shell210of the accumulator200. The pressurized gas chamber206is filled with a pressurized gas and is sealed and fluidly isolated (i.e., separated) from the accumulation chamber204. In the illustrated example, the accumulation chamber204is positioned longitudinally between the pressurized gas chamber206and the base138. However, it should be appreciated that the damper112could be designed with the accumulation chamber204in an alternative location, such as between the pressurized gas chamber206and an end wall216of the damper housing135, for example. The bellows assembly208is expandable and compressible in an axial direction inside the outer shell210of the accumulator200such that the volume of both the accumulation chamber204and the pressurized gas chamber206can increase and decrease with changes to the fluid pressure within the accumulation chamber204.

Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated example, the accumulator port202is arranged in fluid communication with the third control valve164c. The pressurized gas inside the pressurized gas chamber206of the accumulator200operates to apply a positive pressure inside the accumulator200, which forces fluid out of the accumulation chamber204when fluid pressure at the accumulator port202is less than the gas pressure inside the pressurized gas chamber206. In other words, the pressurized gas chamber206will increase in volume and the accumulation chamber204will decrease in volume until the pressure equalizes between the accumulation chamber204and the pressurized gas chamber206. Conversely, when fluid pressure at the accumulator port202increases (such as when the third control valve164cis open), fluid flows into the accumulation chamber204, causing the accumulation chamber204to increase in volume and the pressurized gas chamber206to decrease in volume until pressure equalizes. As a result, fluid can be added or removed from the damper112using the combination of the accumulator200and the control valves164a-164c.

As shown inFIG.2, the outer shell210of the accumulator200includes an open end212that abuts the accumulator port202in the damper housing135and a distal end214. The end wall216of the damper housing135extends radially inwardly at the distal end214of the damper housing135to a gas charging port218. The outer shell210of the accumulator200is generally cylindrical in shape and extends annularly about an accumulator axis A. Although other configurations are possible, the outer shell210of the accumulator200may be made of metal and the end wall216of the accumulator200may be integrally formed as one-piece with the outer shell210as an impact extruded aluminum end cap. The end wall216is generally arranged along a transverse plane that is substantially perpendicular to the accumulator axis A. As such, the end wall216of the accumulator200generally closes off the distal end214of the outer shell210apart from the opening provided by the gas charging port218on the distal end214.

The bellows assembly208of the accumulator200is arranged in a sliding/slip fit inside the outer shell210and has an annular bellows wall220, which extends coaxially about the accumulator axis A and axially between a proximal plate222and a distal plate224of the bellows assembly208. Each of the proximal and distal plates222,224of the bellows assembly208has a disc shape and an outer diameter that is fixed to the annular bellows wall. Together, the annular bellows wall220and the proximal and distal plates222,224of the bellows assembly208cooperate to define the pressurized gas chamber within the accumulator200. The annular bellows wall220has a corrugated shape, which allows the bellows assembly208to expand and contract in length (i.e., the distance between the proximal and distal plates222,224of the bellows assembly208can increase or decrease) depending on the pressure differential between the accumulation chamber204and the pressurized gas chamber206.

The accumulation chamber204is positioned inside the accumulator200between the distal plate224of the bellows assembly208and the open end212of the outer shell210. As explained above, the accumulation chamber204is arranged in fluid communication with the compression chamber128of the damper112and is therefore configured to receive hydraulic fluid or oil from the damper112through the accumulator port202. The pressurized gas chamber206of the accumulator200is arranged in fluid communication with the gas charging port218. The gas charging port218includes a stem226that extends inwardly from the end wall216of the outer shell210. The distal plate224of the bellows assembly208includes an inner diameter228that is received on and coupled to the stem226of the gas charging port218by a fixation component230.

The proximal plate222of the bellows assembly208is solid and free of holes or passageways. Conversely, the inner diameter228of the distal plate224of the bellows assembly208defines a cylindrical bore surface232that is slidingly received on the stem226of the gas charging port218in a sliding/slip fit. The cylindrical bore surface232of the distal plate224includes an annular groove234that receives a sealing element236, which seals against the stem226of the gas charging port218and prevents gas in the pressurized gas chamber206from leaking out of the bellows assembly208around the stem226. Although other configurations are possible, the annular bellows wall220, the proximal plate222, and the distal plate224may all be made of metal and the proximal and distal plates222,224may be welded to the annular bellows wall220at their outer diameters/circumferences. The accumulator200also includes a retainer ring238that is threadably received within (i.e., is threaded or screwed into) the open end212of the outer shell210to prevent the proximal plate222and annular bellows wall220of the bellows assembly208from sliding out of the open end212of the outer shell210. However, it should be appreciated that the retainer ring238could alternatively be press fit into the open end212of the outer shell210or secured in other suitable fashions. Although other connection interfaces are possible, in the illustrated example, the open end212of the outer shell210of the accumulator200also includes threads240that engage the accumulator port202of the damper housing135such that the open end212of the accumulator200can be threaded/screwed into the accumulator port202on the damper112.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.2andFIGS.3A-3E, the fixation component is a blind rivet nut230that is attached to a terminal end242of the stem226of the gas charging port218. The blind rivet nut230includes a rivet nut bore244. The distal plate224of the bellows assembly208includes an annular collar246that extends annularly about the stem226of the gas charging port218. The annular collar246is therefore positioned co-axially with the inner diameter228of the distal plate224and extends axially from the distal plate224away from the end wall216of the outer shell210. In addition, the annular collar246on the distal plate224terminates at a collar flange248that has a smaller diameter250than the inner diameter228of the distal plate224. The gas charging port218includes a mechanical deformation252where the blind rivet nut230and the stem226meet. The mechanical deformation252has an annular shape and a larger diameter254than the smaller diameter250of the collar flange248. The collar flange248is positioned axially between the stem226and the mechanical deformation252to couple the distal plate224of the bellows assembly208to the stem226of the gas charging port218at a fixed axial position. As such, the mechanical deformation252on the gas charging port218prevents the distal plate224of the bellows assembly208from moving axially inside the outer shell210. However, it should be appreciated that depending on the design, the distal plate224may or may not be capable of rotating within the outer shell210notwithstanding the mechanical deformation252on the stem226.

The rivet nut bore244is threaded in the illustrated example and is therefore configured such that a rivet tool256can be threaded into the rivet nut bore244. The stem226of the gas charging port218has a tubular wall258with a pre-assembled diameter260aand a pre-assembled length262a. The tubular wall258is configured to be compressed by the rivet tool256and deform to an assembled length262bthat is less than the pre-assembled length262aand an assembled diameter260bthat is greater than the pre-assembled diameter260a, which operates to couple the distal plate224of the bellows assembly208to the stem226of the gas charging port218at the aforementioned fixed axial position. It should be appreciated that the tubular wall258of the gas charging port218may be formed by the stem226, the blind rivet nut230, both the stem226or the blind rivet nut230, or some other tube-shaped structure or portion of the gas charging port218. Regardless of the particular configuration that is used, the assembled diameter260bof the tubular wall258of the gas charging port218is measured across the widest point of the mechanical deformation252that the rivet tool256forms in the gas charging port218and that the mechanical deformation252may be located at any point on the gas charging port218including along the stem226, the blind rivet nut230, or at any point therebetween.

The gas charging port218of the accumulator200is therefore configured to receive both the rivet tool256and a gas fitting (not shown) for adding gas to the pressurized gas chamber206of the bellows assembly208in a process sometimes referred to as “charging” the pressurized gas chamber206. Once this process is complete, a rivet264, cap, or some other sealing structure may be inserted into the stem226of the gas charging port218to seal the pressurized gas chamber206.

With reference toFIGS.3A-3E, a method of assembling the accumulator200is illustrated. Before, after, or simultaneously with the method of assembling the accumulator200, the damper112is assembled by performing the steps of installing a piston124and a piston rod130in a damper housing135, which may also include assembling the pressure tube122, outer tube136, and base138described above. The method further includes the step of forming the outer shell210of the accumulator200where the outer shell210includes the distal end214and end wall216and an open end212opposite the distal end214. As shown inFIG.3A, the method includes the steps of assembling the bellows assembly208by connecting the proximal and distal plates222,224to opposite ends of the annular bellows wall220and inserting the bellows assembly208into the open end212of the outer shell210with the distal plate224of the bellows assembly208facing the end wall216of the outer shell210. The method then proceeds with the step of coupling the distal plate224of the bellows assembly208to the stem226of the gas charging port218on the end wall216of the outer shell210of the accumulator200at a fixed axial position using a fixation component230that engages the stem226of the gas charging port218. The method further comprises the step of inserting the retainer ring238into the open end212of the outer shell210after the step of inserting the bellows assembly208into the outer shell210in order to prevent the bellows assembly208from sliding out through the open end212of the outer shell210prior to the step of installing the accumulator200on the damper housing135, which includes coupling the open end212of the outer shell210of the accumulator200to the damper housing135. More specifically, the step of installing the accumulator200on the damper housing135may include threading the open end212of the outer shell210of the accumulator200into the accumulator port202on the damper housing135.

As explained above, the fixation component230in the embodiment shown inFIGS.3A-3Eis a blind rivet nut230that is positioned at the terminal end242of the stem226of the gas charging port218. As shown inFIG.3B, the step of coupling the distal plate224of the bellows assembly208to the stem226of the gas charging port218includes advancing the bellows assembly208into the open end212of the outer shell210until at least a portion of the stem226of the gas charging port218extends through the inner diameter228of the distal plate224of the bellows assembly208and inserting the rivet tool256into the gas charging port218until the rivet tool256engages the rivet nut bore244in the blind rivet nut230. As shown inFIGS.3C, the method proceeds with the step of pulling the rivet tool256in an axial direction266away from the distal plate224of the bellows assembly208to axially compress the blind rivet nut230and form a mechanical deformation252in the stem226and/or blind rivet nut230. This step of pulling the rivet tool256in the axial direction266away from the distal plate224of the bellows assembly208causes the tubular wall258of the gas charging port218to deform from the pre-assembled diameter260ato the assembled diameter260b(which is larger than the pre-assembled diameter260a) and deform from the pre-assembled length262ato the assembled length262b(which is shorter than the pre-assembled length262a). As shown inFIG.3D, the method then proceeds with the steps of removing the rivet tool256from the gas charging port218and rivet nut bore244, attaching a gas fitting (not shown) to the gas charging port218and filling the pressurized gas chamber206with a pressurized gas via the gas fitting and gas charging port218, removing the gas fitting from the gas charging port218, and inserting the rivet264into the gas charging port218to seal the pressurized gas chamber206.

InFIG.4andFIGS.5A-5D, another exemplary accumulator300is shown. The damper112and many of the elements of the accumulator200previously described are the same or substantially the same amongst the embodiments and will not be described in detail again. Equivalent elements shared between the embodiments have corresponding reference numbers where reference numbers in the200shave been used to identify elements of the accumulator200shown inFIG.2andFIGS.3A-3Eand reference numbers in the300shave been used to identify the same or corresponding elements in the accumulator300shown inFIG.4andFIGS.5A-5D. For example, reference numeral210is used to identify the outer shell of the accumulator200shown inFIG.2andFIGS.3A-3Ewhile reference numeral310is used to identify the outer shell of the accumulator300shown inFIG.4andFIGS.5A-5D.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.4andFIGS.5A-5D, the fixation component is a circlip330that engages both the stem326and the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308. The stem326of the gas charging port318has a tubular wall358with an outwardly facing groove368. In addition, the inner diameter328of the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308includes an inwardly facing groove370. Once the accumulator300is assembled and charged, the circlip330is received within the outwardly facing groove368on the stem326of the gas charging port318and the inwardly facing groove370on the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308to couple the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308to the stem326of the gas charging port318at a fixed axial position.

The distal plate324of the bellows assembly308includes an annular collar346that positioned is co-axially with the inner diameter328of the distal plate324and extends axially from the distal plate324towards the end wall316of the outer shell310. Like in the previous design described above, the inner diameter328of the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308defines a cylindrical bore surface332that is slidingly received on the stem326of the gas charging port318in a sliding/slip fit. The cylindrical bore surface332of the distal plate324includes an annular groove334that receives a sealing element336, which seals against the stem326of the gas charging port318and prevents gas in the pressurized gas chamber306from leaking out of the bellows assembly308around the stem326.

The accumulator300further includes a biasing ring372that is positioned annularly about the annular collar346of the distal plate324and axially between the distal plate324and the end wall316of the outer shell310. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated example, the biasing ring372has a similar structure to a push nut washer and includes a plurality of spring fingers374that are resilient, extend radially inwardly towards the annular collar346of the distal plate324, and circumferentially spaced about the biasing ring372. The biasing ring372is configured to apply a biasing force376to the distal plate324that urges the distal plate324away from the end wall316of the outer shell310. When the accumulator300is charged, gas pressure within the pressurized gas chamber306of the bellows assembly308applies a counter force378on the distal plate324that urges the distal plate324towards the end wall316of the outer shell310. As shown inFIGS.5C and5D, the addition of gas through the gas charging port318during the charging process increases the gas pressure within the pressurized gas chamber306of the bellows assembly308, which operates to push the distal plate324towards the end wall316and causes the distal plate324to slide axially on the stem326towards the end wall316when the counter force378applied by the gas pressure on the distal plate324exceeds the biasing force376of the biasing ring372. This operates to self-seat the circlip330in the outwardly facing groove368on the stem326of the gas charging port318and the inwardly facing groove370on the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308when the accumulator300is charged. Finally, a rivet364is placed in the gas charging port318to seal the pressurized gas chamber306.

With reference toFIGS.5A-5D, a method of assembling the accumulator300is illustrated. The method includes the steps of forming the outer shell310of the accumulator300and assembling the bellows assembly308by connecting the distal and proximal plates322,324of the bellows assembly308to opposite ends of the annular bellows wall320. For example, the distal and proximal plates322,324of the bellows assembly308may be welded to opposite ends of the annular bellows wall320. As explained above, the outer shell310of the accumulator300includes a distal end314with an end wall316and an open end312opposite the distal end314. As shown inFIG.5A, the method includes the step of inserting the bellows assembly308into the open end312of the outer shell310with the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308facing the end wall316of the outer shell310. This step of inserting the bellows assembly308into the outer shell310of the accumulator300may be performed as part of the assembly process for the damper112, which may include installing the piston124and piston rod130in the damper housing135. As shown inFIGS.5A and5B, the method further comprises the steps of inserting the retainer ring338into the open end312of the outer shell310after the step of inserting the bellows assembly308into the outer shell310in order to prevent the bellows assembly308from sliding out of the open end312of the outer shell310prior to the step of installing the accumulator300on the damper housing135. The step of installing the accumulator300on the damper housing135involves coupling the open end312of the outer shell310of the accumulator300to the damper housing135. More specifically, the step of installing the accumulator300on the damper housing may include threading the open end312of the outer shell310of the accumulator300into an accumulator port302on the damper housing135.

As shown inFIGS.5C and5D, the method further includes the step of coupling the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308to the stem326of the gas charging port318on the end wall316of the outer shell310of the accumulator300at a fixed axial position using a fixation component (such as a circlip)330, which engages the stem326of the gas charging port318. The step of coupling the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308to the stem326of the gas charging port318includes advancing the bellows assembly308into the open end312of the outer shell310until the stem326of the gas charging port318extends through the inner diameter328of the distal plate324. As the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308slides over the stem326of the gas charging port318and is advanced closer to the end wall316of the accumulator300, the circlip330is received in (i.e. snaps into) the outwardly facing groove368on the stem326of the gas charging port318and an inwardly facing groove370on the inner diameter328of the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308.

As shown inFIGS.5C and5D, the step of coupling the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308to the stem326of the gas charging port318may include supplying gas to the gas charging port318to increase gas pressure within the pressurized gas chamber306inside the bellows assembly308, which causes the bellows assembly308to expand inside the outer shell310of the accumulator300and push the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308towards the end wall316of the accumulator300until the circlip330snaps into the outwardly facing groove368on the stem326of the gas charging port318and the inwardly facing groove370on the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308.

Thus, in accordance with the above method, the step of coupling the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308to the stem326of the gas charging port318on the end wall316of the outer shell310of the accumulator300may be performed after the step of installing the accumulator300on the damper housing135. However, it should be appreciated that the step of seating the circlip330in the outwardly facing groove368on the stem326of the gas charging port318and the inwardly facing groove370on the distal plate324of the bellows assembly308may alternatively occur as a result of or in conjunction with the step of inserting the bellows assembly308into the outer shell310of the accumulator300.

Advantageously, the design of the accumulators200,300described above is such that the process of assembling and charging the accumulators200,300can occur in conjunction with (i.e., at the same time as) the assembly of the damper112. This can result in manufacturing efficiencies and an associated reduction in cost.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed dampers without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.