DESC:OUTER SHELL OF SHOCK ABSORBER

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to a shock absorber, more particularly it relates to an outer shell of the shock absorber, still more particularly it relates to single piece integrated outer shell of the shock absorber and method of manufacturing thereof.

Background of the invention:

Referring to figure 1 of a prior art, an outer tube (10) of a shock absorber is normally a fabricated shell that houses the damping functional parts of it and also gives a structural support to mount the same on the vehicle. The outer tube (10) consists of a steel tube (2), a bracket (4) or an eye-ring (not shown), an end-cap (6) and a spring support seat (8) which are joined through welding and then undergoes a painting process to protect or give aesthetics view to the product.

The process of getting this finished, takes a long process flow.
• Tubes: Lengthy tubes are machined to a required length and end chamfered.
• End caps: Getting it as a press part, sometimes with a secondary operation.
• Eye ring: Raw tubes are machined to length and chamfered.
• Bracket : Raw sheet are formed and machined
• Spring support: Either Lug or spring seat is welded to main tube.
• Final welding: Reinforcement welding to improve factor of safety.
• Finish: Outer painting with a protection to inner surface.

Process sustenance and accuracies after welding for its geometry, dimensional and aesthetics are all skill operations and bound to have secondary operation or inspection before further processing.

Accordingly, there exists a need to simplify the design and method of manufacture of the outer shell for the shock absorber, eliminate laborious process involving multiple parts, multiple processes and also eliminate skill demanding processes of welding and painting involved in the manufacture thereof.

Objects of the invention:

An object of the present invention is to provide a one shot method of manufacturing an outer shell of a shock absorber.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a single piece shock absorber outer tube.

Another object of the present invention is to eliminate hazardous process of welding and painting involved in manufacturing outer shell of shock absorber.

Still another object of the present invention is to minimize the usage of raw material, especially oil in the shock absorber.

Summary of the invention:

The present invention relates to an outer shell of the shock absorber. The shock absorber includes an inner tube that is slidable into the outer shell. The outer shell is a single piece made by moulding an outer tube, a bracket/an eye ring, an end-cap and a spring support seat in a single polymer mould, keeping the sub-assembly part specifications same as original, in terms of strength, function and aesthetics. The polymer material masks the cavity between the inner tube and the outer shell thereby forming a relief there between. The polymer material used for molding meets the strength, fitment and functional requirements of the original outer shell. The construction of the integrated outer shell is such that a portion of cavity between the outer shell and the inner tube is minimized which further minimizes the usage of raw material content especially oil in the shock absorber. The polymer material masks cavity between the inner tube and the outer shell thereby forming a relief there between.

Brief description of the drawings:

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein

Figure 1 shows a perspective view and a lengthwise cross sectional view of a shock absorber, in accordance with a prior art;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view an outer shell of a shock absorber, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a lengthwise cross-sectional view of the outer shell of the figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a top view of the outer shell of the figure 2; and

Figure 5 shows a lengthwise and a circular cross sectional view of the outer shell of the shock absorber for illustrating installation of an inner tube therein, in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments:

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.

The present invention provides an outer shell of a shock absorber and a one shot method of manufacturing thereof. The outer shell of the shock absorber is manufactured by the present method is a single piece outer tube. The single piece outer shell minimizes usage of raw material, especially oil in the shock absorber. Multiple processes like machining and chamfering of tubes and eye ring, welding the spring seat to a main tube, finishing etc. are eliminated in this present method and the single piece outer shell of the shock absorber is manufactured in a single shot.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description.

Referring to figure 2 to 5, an outer shell (100) of a shock absorber in accordance with the present invention is shown. The shock absorber (not numbered) comprises of an inner tube (20) and the outer shell (100). The inner tube (20) is slidable in the outer shell (100).

The outer shell (100) is a single piece made by moulding an outer tube, a bracket/ an eye ring (50), an end-cap, a spring support seat and in a single polymer mould, keeping the sub-assembly part specifications same as original, in terms of strength, function and aesthetics.

The polymer material used for molding meets the strength, fitment and functional requirements of the original outer shell. The construction of the integrated outer shell is such that a portion of cavity between the outer shell (100) and the inner tube (20) is minimized which further minimizes the usage of raw material content especially oil in the shock absorber.

The polymer material (30) masks cavity between the inner tube (20) and the outer shell (100) thereby forming a relief (40) there between.

Advantages of the invention:

1. Elimination of hazardous welding and painting processes is achieved.
2. Flexibility with options of color and surface finish on the part

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention. ,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. An outer shell (100) of a shock absorber, the shock absorber having of an inner tube (20) slidable in the outer shell (100), characterized in that the outer shell (100) is a single piece made by moulding an outer tube, a bracket/ an eye ring (50), an end-cap and a spring support seat in a single polymer mould, keeping the sub-assembly part specifications same as original, in terms of strength, function and aesthetics, wherein polymer material (30) masks the cavity between the inner tube (20) and the outer shell (100) thereby forming a relief (40) there between.

2. The outer shell (100) of the shock absorber as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polymer material (30) used for molding meets strength, fitment and functional requirements of the outer shell (100).

3. The outer shell (100) of the shock absorber as claimed in claim 1, wherein construction of the integrated outer shell (100) is such that a portion of cavity between the outer shell (100) and the inner tube (20) is minimized, thereby reducing usage of raw material content especially oil in the shock absorber.

Dated this 28th day of December 2017

Madhavi Vajirakar
(Agent for Applicant)
IN-PA/2337