DAMPER

A damping device having a regulatable shock absorber functioning both passively and actively is proposed. The adjustment of the shock absorber is effected by the actuation of a control device, the deflection of which is varied by the control pressure in a control line. Depending upon the deflection of the control device, the shock absorber functions as a passive or an active damper. In passive damping, the size of the throttle cross sections between work chambers of the shock absorber is controlled. In active damping, damping fluid is delivered to or removed from one of the work chambers via the control line. The pump capacity necessary for bringing the control pressure to bear is designed to be so low that compensation for the internal friction in the damping device or in a vehicle suspension is assured. The components necessary for adjusting the control pressure can therefore be kept quite small in size, and in particular a low-capacity compression pump can be used.