Gas spring with overtravel pressure release mechanism

摘要

A gas spring (10) for forming equipment. A casing (12) includes an axially extending side wall (20), an open end (24), a transversely extending closed end wall axially spaced from the open end, a pressure chamber (17) established in part by the side and end walls (20, 22) to receive a gas under pressure. A piston rod (16) is received at least in part in the casing (12) for reciprocation between extended and retracted positions. A piston rod housing (44) is received at least in part in the casing (12) between the piston rod (16) and the casing (12). An overtravel pressure relief feature (18) may be carried in a vent passage (63) through the casing (12) and/or in the piston rod housing (44).