Air supply system and air supply method for vehicle height adjustment

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of air supply system and air supply method for vehicle height adjustment, comprising: air supply unit and compressed air reservoir, the compressed air reservoir is selectively communicated with the air supply unit, the air supply unit is suitable for air charging in the compressed air reservoir;Pneumatic execution unit, the pneumatic execution unit is selectively communicated with the air supply unit and the compressed air reservoir respectively, the pneumatic execution unit is suitable for air charging by the air supply unit or the compressed air reservoir, and the pneumatic execution unit is suitable for exhaust by the air supply unit or air exhaust in the compressed air reservoir, the pneumatic execution unit is suitable for acting on the vehicle body of vehicle to adjust the vehicle body height.The air supply system for vehicle height adjustment of the application improves the air charging speed of pneumatic execution unit and the vehicle body lowering speed, while facilitating the air charging of compressed air reservoir, so that it has high adaptability and wider application range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automobile manufacturing technology, and in particular to an air supply system for vehicle height adjustment and an air supply method having the air supply system for vehicle height adjustment. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of automotive technology, air suspension systems have been widely used to enhance vehicle comfort and stability during driving. The air supply system uses an air supply unit to supply compressed air to the vehicle's air springs to dampen wheel vibrations. Based on the compressed air storage pressure and height sensors, control elements adjust the start / stop and inflation modes of the air supply unit in real time, thereby changing the height of the air springs to achieve vehicle height stability.

[0003] Existing air supply systems are divided into open and closed systems. In an open system, the air supply unit draws in outside air, raising the vehicle body. When the vehicle body lowers, the compressed air in the air springs is released into the environment. This method results in slow air replenishment. In a closed system, the air supply unit draws pre-stored compressed air from the compressed air storage tank, pressurizes it, and delivers it to the air springs, raising the vehicle body. When the vehicle body lowers, the compressed air in the air springs is returned to the compressed air storage tank. This method results in slow descent, and the pressure in the compressed air storage tank decreases after multiple rises and falls, making pressurization and replenishment inconvenient. Both systems are independently designed, have poor adaptability, and have room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one objective of this invention is to provide an air supply system for vehicle height adjustment, which allows for flexible selection of the operating mode of the air supply system to meet the inflation and deflation needs under different working conditions. Furthermore, it features fast air replenishment and vehicle descent speeds, facilitates pressurization and replenishment of the compressed air storage device, and exhibits strong adaptability.

[0005] An air supply system for vehicle height adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an air supply unit and a compressed air storage device, the compressed air storage device being selectively connected to the air supply unit, the air supply unit being adapted to inflate the compressed air storage device; and a pneumatic actuator unit, the pneumatic actuator unit being selectively connected to both the air supply unit and the compressed air storage device, the pneumatic actuator unit being adapted to inflate via the air supply unit or the compressed air storage device, and the pneumatic actuator unit being adapted to exhaust via the air supply unit or exhaust towards the compressed air storage device, the pneumatic actuator unit being adapted to act on the vehicle body to adjust the vehicle body height.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air supply system for vehicle height adjustment, by simultaneously setting up an air supply unit and a compressed air storage device, enables the coexistence of open air supply mode and closed air supply mode, improves the air replenishment speed of the pneumatic actuator and the vehicle descent speed, and facilitates the pressurization and replenishment of the compressed air storage device, making it highly adaptable, able to meet different needs, with better performance and a wider range of applications.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an air supply system for vehicle height adjustment includes an air supply unit comprising a first external interface, a second external interface, and an air compressor, wherein both the first external interface and the second external interface are in communication with the external environment; wherein the first external interface is adapted to charge air toward the compressed air storage unit or the pneumatic actuator unit via the air compressor, the pneumatic actuator unit is adapted to exhaust air toward the compressed air storage unit via the air compressor, or the pneumatic actuator unit is adapted to exhaust air toward the first external interface or the second external interface.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an air supply system for vehicle height adjustment is provided with an air compressor having a first interface, a second interface and a third interface, wherein the first interface is selectively connected to the first external interface, the second interface is selectively connected to the pneumatic actuator and the compressed air storage device respectively, and the third interface is selectively connected to the pneumatic actuator and the compressed air storage device respectively.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an air supply system for vehicle height adjustment further includes: a drying line, wherein an air dryer, a check valve, and a regenerative throttle valve are provided in the drying line, the air dryer is connected in series with the check valve, and the check valve is connected in parallel with the regenerative throttle valve; the drying line is adapted to be selectively connected in series between the third interface and the pneumatic actuator, between the third interface and the compressed air storage unit, and between the second external interface and the pneumatic actuator.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an air supply system for vehicle height adjustment further includes: a first inflation reversing valve, the first inflation reversing valve being adapted in series between the drying line and the compressed air storage device; a first inflation / deflation reversing valve, the first inflation / deflation reversing valve being adapted in series between the drying line and the pneumatic actuator, and between the first external interface and the pneumatic actuator; a first deflation reversing valve, the first deflation reversing valve being adapted in series between the drying line and the second external interface; and a second deflation reversing valve, the second deflation reversing valve being adapted in series between the first external interface and the first inflation / deflation reversing valve.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an air supply system for vehicle height adjustment further includes: a second air reversing valve adapted to be connected in series between the second interface and the pneumatic actuator; a third air reversing valve adapted to be connected in series between the second interface and the compressed air storage device; and a fourth air reversing valve adapted to be connected in series between the pneumatic actuator and the compressed air storage device.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an air supply system for vehicle height adjustment includes a pneumatic actuator unit comprising a charging / discharging line, a pneumatic actuator, and a second charging / discharging reversing valve. Multiple pneumatic actuators and a one-to-one correspondence exist between the pneumatic actuator and the second charging / discharging reversing valve. Each of the multiple second charging / discharging reversing valves is connected to the charging / discharging line. The charging / discharging line is adapted to communicate with the air supply unit or the compressed air storage device. The pneumatic actuator is adapted to act on the vehicle body.

[0013] The present invention also proposes an air supply method for vehicle height adjustment.

[0014] The air supply method for vehicle height adjustment according to embodiments of the present invention is applicable to the air supply system for vehicle height adjustment described in any of the above claims. The air supply method includes: acquiring a control command; when the control command is an air supply command, controlling the air supply unit to supply air toward the compressed air storage unit or the pneumatic actuator unit, or controlling the compressed air storage unit to supply air toward the pneumatic actuator unit; when the control command is an exhaust command, controlling the pneumatic actuator unit to exhaust air toward the compressed air storage unit or controlling the pneumatic actuator unit to exhaust air toward the outside through the air supply unit.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an air supply method for vehicle height adjustment further includes: after acquiring the control command, detecting the current pressure value in the compressed air storage device; and controlling the connection state of the air supply unit, the compressed air storage device, and the pneumatic actuator unit according to the interval between the control command and the current pressure value.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an air supply method for vehicle height adjustment, wherein the air supply unit of the air supply system has a first exhaust line and a second exhaust line, and controlling the pneumatic actuator to exhaust air to the outside through the air supply unit includes: switching the on / off state of the first exhaust line and the second exhaust line of the air supply unit; and controlling the pneumatic actuator to be connected to at least one of the first exhaust line and the second exhaust line.

[0017] The air supply method for vehicle height adjustment and the air supply system for vehicle height adjustment described above have the same advantages over the prior art, and will not be repeated here.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air supply system for vehicle height adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure label:

[0022] Air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment,

[0023] Air supply unit 11, first external interface 111, air filter 1111, second external interface 112, air compressor 113, first interface 1131, second interface 1132, third interface 1133.

[0024] Pneumatic actuator 21, charging / discharging pipeline 211, pneumatic actuator 212, second charging / discharging directional valve 213,

[0025] Compressed air storage device 31,

[0026] Drying line 41, air dryer 411, check valve 412, regeneration throttle valve 413

[0027] First inflation reversing valve 51, first inflation / discharge reversing valve 52, first discharge reversing valve 53, second discharge reversing valve 54, fourth inflation reversing valve 55, second inflation reversing valve 56, third inflation reversing valve 57, first discharge line 58, second discharge line 59, compressed air storage line 60, first inflation line 61, fourth inflation line 62, second inflation line 63, third inflation line 64, first inflation / discharge line 65, pressure sensor 66. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0029] The following is for reference. Figure 1The air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention can flexibly select the working mode of the air supply system to meet the inflation and deflation requirements under different working conditions. It has a fast air replenishment speed and vehicle descent speed, and is easy to pressurize and replenish the compressed air storage device 31, making it highly adaptable.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an air supply unit 11, a compressed air storage unit 31, and a pneumatic actuator 21.

[0031] The compressed air storage unit 31 is selectively connected to the air supply unit 11, and the air supply unit 11 is adapted to fill the compressed air storage unit 31 with air. The pneumatic actuator 21 is selectively connected to the air supply unit 11 and the compressed air storage unit 31 respectively. The pneumatic actuator 21 is adapted to be filled with air through the air supply unit 11 or the compressed air storage unit 31, and the pneumatic actuator 21 is adapted to exhaust air through the air supply unit 11 or exhaust air into the compressed air storage unit 31. The pneumatic actuator 21 is adapted to act on the vehicle body to adjust the vehicle body height.

[0032] Specifically, the compressed air storage device 31 stores compressed gas, and the compressed air storage device 31 is selectively connected to the air supply unit 11. When the pressure of the compressed gas stored in the compressed air storage device 31 is less than a certain value, the compressed air storage device 31 is connected to the air supply unit 11 to pressurize the gas in the compressed air storage device 31 or to inflate the compressed air storage device 31. The pneumatic actuator 21 is selectively connected to the air supply unit 11 and the compressed air storage device 31 respectively. The pneumatic actuator 21 can be connected to the air supply unit 11 alone, or to the compressed air storage device 31 alone, or to both the air supply unit 11 and the compressed air storage device 31 simultaneously. Thus, the pneumatic actuator 21 can be inflated through the air supply unit 11 or the compressed air storage device 31, and can also exhaust gas to the outside or into the compressed air storage device 31 through the air supply unit 11, so that the pneumatic actuator 21 can adjust the vehicle body height.

[0033] Furthermore, multiple pipelines connect the compressed air storage unit 31, the air supply unit 11, and the pneumatic actuator 21, and these pipelines are selectively connected to each other to allow the pneumatic actuator 21 to operate in either an open or closed air supply mode. In actual use, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment includes, but is not limited to, eight modes, of which four are inflation modes and four are deflation modes. The four inflation modes are: external air supply to the compressed air storage unit 31, external air supply to the pneumatic actuator 21, compressed air storage unit 31 supplying air to the pneumatic actuator 21, and compressed air storage unit 31 supplying air to the pneumatic actuator 21 via a pressurization device. The four deflation modes are: pneumatic actuator 21 using a first deflation line to deflate to the outside, pneumatic actuator 21 using a second deflation line to deflate to the outside, pneumatic actuator 21 using both lines to deflate to the outside, and pneumatic actuator 21 deflates to the compressed air storage unit 31 via a pressurization device.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment, by simultaneously setting up an air supply unit 11 and a compressed air storage device 31, enables the coexistence of open air supply mode and closed air supply mode, improves the air replenishment speed of the pneumatic actuator 21 and the vehicle body descent speed, and facilitates the pressurization and replenishment of the compressed air storage device 31, making it highly adaptable, able to meet different needs, with better performance and a wider range of applications.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the air supply unit 11 includes a first external interface 111, a second external interface 112, and an air compressor 113. Both the first external interface 111 and the second external interface 112 are connected to the external environment. The first external interface 111 is adapted to supply air to the compressed air storage 31 or the pneumatic actuator 21 through the air compressor 113. The pneumatic actuator 21 is adapted to exhaust air into the compressed air storage 31 through the air compressor 113, or the pneumatic actuator 21 is adapted to exhaust air into the first external interface 111 or the second external interface 112.

[0036] Specifically, the air supply unit 11 is used to fill the compressed air storage unit 31 and the pneumatic actuator unit 21 with air or to discharge the air in the pneumatic actuator unit 21 to the outside. The air supply unit 11 includes an air compressor 113 and two interfaces connected to the outside, namely a first external interface 111 and a second external interface 112. The first external interface 111 is connected to an air filter 1111 and can be used as an air inlet or an air outlet. When the first external interface 111 is used as an air inlet, it can fill the compressed air storage unit 31 or the pneumatic actuator unit 21 with air through the air compressor 113 connected to it. When the first external interface 111 is used as an air outlet, the pneumatic actuator unit 21 can exhaust air to the outside through the first external interface 111. The second external interface 112 is only used for exhaust. The pneumatic actuator unit 21 can exhaust air to the outside through the second external interface 112, and the pneumatic actuator unit 21 can also exhaust air into the compressed air storage unit 31 through the air compressor 113.

[0037] Furthermore, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment can control the opening and closing of the first external interface 111, the second external interface 112, and the air compressor 113 by the pressure value in the compressed air storage 31. When the pressure value of the gas in the compressed air storage 31 is greater than the first pressure value, the first external interface 111 and the second external interface 112 are used only as exhaust ports. The compressed air storage 31 discharges gas into the pneumatic actuator 21 to raise the vehicle body. When the vehicle body descends, the gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 can be discharged to the outside through the first external interface 111, through the second external interface 112, or simultaneously through both the first external interface 111 and the second external interface 112 to perform multi-port exhaust so that the vehicle body descends quickly.

[0038] When the pressure of the gas in the compressed air storage 31 is less than the first pressure value but greater than the second pressure value, the first external interface 111 and the second external interface 112 do not perform inflation or deflation. The gas in the compressed air storage 31 is pressurized by the air compressor 113 and then discharged into the pneumatic actuator 21 to raise the vehicle body. When the vehicle body descends, the gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 is pressurized by the air compressor 113 and then discharged back into the compressed air storage 31.

[0039] When the pressure of the gas in the compressed air storage 31 is less than the second pressure value, the first external port 111 is used as an air inlet, and the first external port 111 and the second external port 112 are used as exhaust ports. The first external port 111 draws gas from the outside and, after being pressurized by the air compressor 113, delivers it to the compressed air storage 31 and the pneumatic actuator 21 respectively to raise the vehicle body. When the vehicle body descends, the gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 can be discharged to the outside through the first external port 111, through the second external port 112, or simultaneously through both the first external port 111 and the second external port 112 to perform multi-port exhaust so that the vehicle body descends quickly.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the air compressor 113 is provided with a first interface 1131, a second interface 1132 and a third interface 1133. The first interface 1131 is selectively connected to the first external interface 111. The second interface 1132 is selectively connected to the pneumatic actuator 21 and the compressed air storage 31 respectively. The third interface 1133 is selectively connected to the pneumatic actuator 21 and the compressed air storage 31 respectively.

[0041] Specifically, the air compressor 113 is used to pressurize external gas and deliver it to the compressed air storage 31 or the pneumatic actuator 21. The gas in the compressed air storage 31 and the pneumatic actuator 21 can also be pressurized by the air compressor 113 and delivered to each other. The air compressor 113 is provided with a first interface 1131, a second interface 1132 and a third interface 1133. The air compressor 113 can selectively connect with the first external interface 111, the pneumatic actuator 21 and the compressed air storage 31 through the above interfaces. Specifically, the first interface 1131 can selectively connect with the first external interface 111, the second interface 1132 can selectively connect with the pneumatic actuator 21 and the compressed air storage 31 respectively, and the third interface 1133 can selectively connect with the pneumatic actuator 21 and the compressed air storage 31 respectively.

[0042] Furthermore, the air compressor 113 can be used when the pressure in the compressed air storage 31 is less than a first pressure value. Specifically, when the pressure of the gas in the compressed air storage 31 is less than the first pressure value but greater than a second pressure value, the compressed air storage 31 is connected to the second interface 1132 and the third interface 1133 is connected to the pneumatic actuator 21. The gas in the compressed air storage 31 enters the air compressor 113 through the second interface 1132, is pressurized, and then discharged from the third interface 1133 to the pneumatic actuator 21 to raise the vehicle body. When the vehicle body descends, the pneumatic actuator 21 is connected to the second interface 1132 and the third interface 1133 is connected to the compressed air storage 31. The gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 enters the air compressor 113 through the second interface 1132, is pressurized, and then discharged from the third interface 1133 back to the compressed air storage 31.

[0043] When the pressure of the gas in the compressed air storage 31 is less than the second pressure value, the first external interface 111 is connected to the first interface 1131, and the third interface 1133 is connected to the compressed air storage 31 and the pneumatic actuator 21 respectively. The external gas enters the pipeline from the first external interface 111, enters the air compressor 113 through the first interface 1131, is pressurized, and then is delivered to the pneumatic actuator 21 and the compressed air storage 31 through the third interface 1133. This causes the vehicle body to rise while inflating the compressed air storage 31. When the vehicle body descends, the gas is discharged directly from the first external interface 111 and the second external interface 112 without passing through the air compressor 113.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment also includes: a drying line 41, in which an air dryer 411, a check valve 412, and a regeneration throttle valve 413 are provided. The air dryer 411 and the check valve 412 are connected in series, and the check valve 412 and the regeneration throttle valve 413 are connected in parallel. The drying line 41 is adapted to be selectively connected in series between the third interface 1133 and the pneumatic actuator 21, between the third interface 1133 and the compressed air storage 31, and between the second external interface 112 and the pneumatic actuator 21.

[0045] Specifically, when external air enters the air supply system 100 used for vehicle height adjustment, it passes through the drying pipeline 41 before being delivered to the pneumatic actuator 21 or the compressed air storage unit 31. The drying pipeline 41 is equipped with an air dryer 411. After the compressed gas passes through the air dryer 411, it can absorb excess moisture in the gas, keeping the compressed gas in a dry state when it reaches the pneumatic actuator 21 or the compressed air storage unit 31. This prevents humid air from condensing in the pipeline and causing components such as the pneumatic actuator 21 and valve body to malfunction due to prolonged contact with humid air, thus extending the service life of the components and ensuring stable operation of the air supply system 100 used for vehicle height adjustment.

[0046] Simultaneously, regardless of the pressure range of the gas in the compressed air storage tank 31, the drying pipeline 41 continues to supply gas. External gas can enter the air compressor 113 through the first external interface 111 via the air filter 1111, and then be supplied to the drying pipeline 41 from the third interface 1133 of the air compressor 113, and finally to the compressed air storage tank 31. Alternatively, external gas can also enter the air compressor 113 through the first external interface 111 via the air filter 1111, and then be supplied to the drying pipeline 41 from the third interface 1133 of the air compressor 113, and finally to the compressed air storage tank 31. In the pneumatic actuator 21, the gas in the compressed air storage 31 can be delivered from the second interface 1132 to the air compressor 113, and then from the third interface 1133 to the drying line 41, and then to the pneumatic actuator 21; the gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 can also be delivered through the drying line 41 to the second external interface 112, and then to the outside; the gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 can also be delivered from the second interface 1132 to the air compressor 113, and then from the third interface 1133 to the drying line 41, and then to the compressed air storage 31.

[0047] In some embodiments, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment further includes: a first inflation reversing valve 51, a first inflation / deflation reversing valve 52, a first deflation reversing valve 53, and a second deflation reversing valve 54.

[0048] The first inflation reversing valve 51 is adapted to be connected in series between the drying pipeline 41 and the compressed air storage 31. External gas can enter the air compressor 113 through the first external interface 111 via the air filter 1111, and then be transported from the air compressor 113 to the drying pipeline 41, and then transported to the compressed air storage 31 by means of the first inflation reversing valve 51. The gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 can also be transported to the drying pipeline 41 via the air compressor 113, and then transported to the compressed air storage 31 by means of the first inflation reversing valve 51.

[0049] The first charge / discharge reversing valve 52 is adapted to be connected in series between the drying pipeline 41 and the pneumatic actuator 21, and between the first external interface 111 and the pneumatic actuator 21. External gas can enter the air compressor 113 through the air filter 1111 from the first external interface 111, and then be transported from the air compressor 113 to the drying pipeline 41, and then transported to the pneumatic actuator 21 by means of the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52. Gas in the compressed air storage 31 can also be transported to the drying pipeline 41 through the air compressor 113, and then transported to the pneumatic actuator 21 by means of the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52. Gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 can also be transported to the drying pipeline 41 by means of the first charge reversing valve 51, and then discharged to the outside through the second external interface 112.

[0050] The first exhaust reversing valve 53 is suitable for being connected in series between the drying pipeline 41 and the second external interface 112. The gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 can be transported to the first exhaust reversing valve 53 through the drying pipeline 41, and then transported to the outside with the help of the first exhaust reversing valve 53. The first exhaust reversing valve 53 can also act as a check valve 412, which can prevent the outside gas from flowing back into the first exhaust pipeline 58 due to air pressure, thus playing a role in preventing backflow.

[0051] The second exhaust reversing valve 54 mainly participates in the exhaust process and can also act as a safety valve. It is suitable to be connected in series between the first external interface 111 and the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52. The gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 can be transported to the second exhaust pipeline 59 by means of the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52, and then transported to the first external interface 111 by means of the second exhaust reversing valve 54. It is then discharged to the outside through the air filter 1111. When the pressure inside the pneumatic actuator 21 approaches the preset critical pressure value, the second exhaust reversing valve 54 is opened without corresponding drive.

[0052] In some embodiments, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment further includes a second inflation reversing valve 56, a third inflation reversing valve 57, and a fourth inflation reversing valve 55.

[0053] The second inflation reversing valve 56 is adapted to be connected in series between the second interface 1132 and the pneumatic actuator 21. The second inflation reversing valve 56 can be used during the process of the pneumatic actuator 21 inflating the compressed air storage 31 through the second interface 1132. That is, the gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 can be delivered to the second interface 1132 by means of the second inflation reversing valve 56, delivered to the drying pipeline 41 via the air compressor 113, and then delivered to the compressed air storage 31 by means of the first inflation reversing valve 51.

[0054] The third inflation reversing valve 57 is adapted to be connected in series between the second port 1132 and the compressed air storage 31. The third inflation reversing valve 57 can be used during the process of the compressed air storage 31 inflating the pneumatic actuator 21 through the pressurizing device. That is, the gas in the compressed air storage 31 is transported to the second port 1132 by means of the third inflation reversing valve 57, transported to the drying line 41 by the air compressor 113, and then transported to the pneumatic actuator 21 by means of the first inflation / discharge reversing valve 52.

[0055] The fourth inflation reversing valve 55 is adapted to be connected in series between the pneumatic actuator 21 and the compressed air storage unit 31. The fourth inflation reversing valve 55 can be used during the process of the compressed air storage unit 31 inflating the pneumatic actuator 21. That is, the gas in the compressed air storage unit 31 is transported to the pneumatic actuator 21 by means of the fourth inflation reversing valve 55, and the compressed air storage unit 31 directly inflates the pneumatic actuator 21, which can reduce vehicle energy consumption.

[0056] In some embodiments, the pneumatic actuator 21 includes a charge / discharge line 211, a pneumatic actuator 212, and a second charge / discharge reversing valve 213. There are multiple pneumatic actuators 212 and multiple charge / discharge reversing valves 213, and they correspond one-to-one. The multiple second charge / discharge reversing valves 213 are all connected to the charge / discharge line 211. The charge / discharge line 211 is adapted to be connected to the air supply unit 11 or the compressed air storage unit 31. The pneumatic actuator 212 is adapted to act on the vehicle body.

[0057] Specifically, the pneumatic actuator 212 can be configured as an air spring. When gas is introduced into the pneumatic actuator 212 from the outside or the compressed air storage 31, its height rises, thereby raising the vehicle body. When the pneumatic actuator 212 discharges the internal gas to the outside or the compressed air storage 31, its height decreases, thereby lowering the vehicle body. The pneumatic actuator unit 21 includes a charging / discharging line 211, which can supply gas into or out of the pneumatic actuator unit 21. The pneumatic actuator unit 21 is equipped with multiple pneumatic actuators 212 and a second charging / discharging reversing valve 213. There are multiple and one-to-one corresponding second charge / discharge reversing valves 213. All of the multiple second charge / discharge reversing valves 213 are connected to the charge / discharge pipeline 211. When the pneumatic actuator 212 is charged, the gas is delivered to each of the second charge / discharge reversing valves 213 through the charge / discharge pipeline 211. The gas is then delivered to the corresponding pneumatic actuator 212 through the second charge / discharge reversing valves 213. When the pneumatic actuator 212 is discharged, the gas in each pneumatic actuator 212 is delivered to the charge / discharge pipeline 211 through the corresponding second charge / discharge reversing valves 213. The multiple pneumatic actuators 212 can make all parts of the vehicle body rise or fall evenly, improving the user experience.

[0058] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 The following describes the implementation of the gas supply system of some specific embodiments of the present invention in various working modes, wherein, in actual use, four are in the inflation mode and four are in the deflation mode.

[0059] First inflation mode: External gas is delivered to the compressed air storage 31 via the air compressor 113. The external gas is delivered to the first external interface 111 via the air filter 1111, and then enters the air compressor 113 through the first interface 1131 connected to the first external interface 111. After being pressurized, it is delivered to the drying pipeline 41 through the third interface 1133. It then passes through the air dryer 411 and the check valve 412 in sequence, and is delivered to the first inflation reversing valve 51 via the first inflation pipeline 61. It is then delivered to the compressed air storage pipeline 60 by means of the first inflation reversing valve 51, and finally delivered to the compressed air storage 31.

[0060] Second inflation mode: External gas is delivered to each pneumatic actuator 212 via air compressor 113. The external gas is delivered to the first external interface 111 via air filter 1111, and then enters the air compressor 113 through the first interface 1131 connected to the first external interface 111. After being pressurized, it is delivered to the drying pipeline 41 through the third interface 1133. It then passes through the air dryer 411 and check valve 412 in sequence, and is delivered to the charging pipeline 211 via the first charging and discharging pipeline 65 with the aid of the first charging and discharging reversing valve 52. Finally, it is delivered to the corresponding pneumatic actuator 212 with the aid of multiple second charging and discharging reversing valves 213.

[0061] Third inflation mode: Compressed gas is delivered from compressed air storage 31 to each pneumatic actuator 212. The compressed gas in compressed air storage 31 is delivered to the fourth inflation line 62 via compressed air storage line 60, and then to the inflation / discharge line 211 via the fourth inflation reversing valve 55. It is then delivered to the corresponding pneumatic actuator 212 via multiple second inflation / discharge reversing valves 213.

[0062] Fourth inflation mode: Compressed gas is delivered from compressed air storage 31 to each pneumatic actuator 212 via air compressor 113. Gas in compressed air storage 31 is delivered to third inflation line 64 via compressed air storage line 60, and then to second port 1132 via third inflation reversing valve 57. After being pressurized by air compressor 113 via second port 1132, it is delivered to drying line 41 via third port 1133. After passing through air dryer 411 and check valve 412, it is delivered to inflation line 211 via first inflation line 65 via first inflation reversing valve 52, and then to multiple corresponding pneumatic actuators 212 via multiple second inflation reversing valves 213.

[0063] First exhaust mode: Compressed gas is discharged to the outside from each pneumatic actuator 212 through the second external interface 112. The compressed gas in each pneumatic actuator 212 is transported to the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52 via the charge / discharge pipeline 211 through the second charge / discharge reversing valve 213, then to the first charge / discharge pipeline 65 through the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52, and then to the drying pipeline 41. It is then transported to the first exhaust pipeline 58 through the regeneration throttle valve 413 and the air dryer 411 in sequence, and finally to the second external interface 112 through the first exhaust reversing valve 53, thereby discharging the compressed gas to the outside.

[0064] Second exhaust mode: Compressed gas is discharged to the outside from each pneumatic actuator 212 through the first external interface 111. The compressed gas in each pneumatic actuator 212 is transported to the first charge-discharge reversing valve 52 through the charge-discharge pipeline 211 via the second charge-discharge reversing valve 213, then to the first charge-discharge pipeline 65 via the first charge-discharge reversing valve 52, then to the second exhaust pipeline 59, and finally to the first external interface 111 via the second exhaust reversing valve 54. After being filtered by the air filter 1111, the compressed gas is discharged to the outside.

[0065] Third exhaust mode: Compressed gas is simultaneously discharged to the outside from each pneumatic actuator 212 via the first external port 111 and the second external port 112. The compressed gas in each pneumatic actuator 212 is transported to the first charging / discharging reversing valve 52 via the charging / discharging pipeline 211 through the second charging / discharging reversing valve 213, then to the first charging / discharging pipeline 65 through the first charging / discharging reversing valve 52, then to the second exhaust pipeline 59, and finally to the first external port 111 through the second exhaust reversing valve 54. The compressed gas is then discharged to the outside through the air filter 1111. At the same time, the gas transported to the first charging / discharging pipeline 65 can also be transported to the drying pipeline 41, and then to the first exhaust pipeline 58 through the regeneration throttle valve 413 and the air dryer 411. Finally, the compressed gas is transported to the second external port 112 through the first exhaust reversing valve 53, thereby discharging the compressed gas to the outside.

[0066] Fourth exhaust mode: Compressed gas is delivered from each pneumatic actuator 212 to the compressed air storage 31 via the air compressor 113. The compressed gas in each pneumatic actuator 212 is delivered to the second charging line 63 via the charging line 211 through the second charging reversing valve 213, and then to the second charging reversing valve 56 via the second charging reversing valve 56. The compressed gas is delivered to the second port 1132 via the second charging reversing valve 56, and then to the air compressor 113 through the second port 1132. After being pressurized, the compressed gas is delivered to the drying line 41 through the third port 1133. The compressed gas passes through the air dryer 411 and the check valve 412 in sequence, and then to the first charging reversing valve 51 via the first charging line 61. The compressed gas is then delivered to the compressed air storage line 60 via the first charging reversing valve 51, and finally to the compressed air storage 31.

[0067] The air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment is also equipped with a pressure sensor 66, which can detect the gas pressure in the compressed air storage 31 to select the inflation mode and the deflation mode. When the gas pressure in the compressed air storage 31 is greater than the first pressure value, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment executes the third inflation mode and the first, second, and third deflation modes. When the gas pressure in the compressed air storage 31 is less than the first pressure value but greater than the second pressure value, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment executes the fourth inflation mode and the fourth deflation mode. When the gas pressure in the compressed air storage 31 is less than the second pressure value, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment executes the first and second inflation modes and the first, second, and third deflation modes.

[0068] Furthermore, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment can also execute different modes by controlling the reversing valves. When the third inflation reversing valve 57 and the second inflation reversing valve 56 are disconnected, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment executes the first, second, and third inflation modes and the first, second, and third exhaust modes. When the fourth inflation reversing valve 55 and the second exhaust reversing valve 54 are disconnected, the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment executes the first and fourth inflation modes and the fourth exhaust mode.

[0069] The present invention also proposes an air supply method for vehicle height adjustment.

[0070] The air supply method for vehicle height adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to the air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment described above. The air supply method includes: acquiring a control command; when the control command is an air supply command, controlling the air supply unit 11 to supply air toward the compressed air storage 31 or the pneumatic actuator 21, or controlling the compressed air storage 31 to supply air toward the pneumatic actuator 21; when the control command is an exhaust command, controlling the pneumatic actuator 21 to exhaust air toward the compressed air storage 31 or controlling the pneumatic actuator 21 to exhaust air toward the outside through the air supply unit 11.

[0071] Specifically, when the control command is an air supply command, the air supply unit 11 is controlled to supply air to the compressed air storage 31 or the pneumatic actuator 21. That is, the air supply unit 11 is controlled to supply air to the compressed air storage 31 or to the pneumatic actuator 21. It can also be controlled to supply air to the compressed air storage 31.

[0072] When the control air supply unit 11 supplies air to the compressed air storage 31, the outside air is delivered to the first external interface 111 through the air filter 1111, and then enters the air compressor 113 through the first interface 1131 connected to the first external interface 111. After being pressurized, it is delivered to the drying pipeline 41 through the third interface 1133. It then passes through the air dryer 411 and the check valve 412 in sequence, and is delivered to the first inflation reversing valve 51 through the first inflation pipeline 61. It is then delivered to the compressed air storage pipeline 60 through the first inflation reversing valve 51, and finally to the compressed air storage 31.

[0073] When the control air supply unit 11 supplies air to the pneumatic actuator 21, the outside air is delivered to the first external interface 111 through the air filter 1111, and then enters the air compressor 113 through the first interface 1131 connected to the first external interface 111. After being pressurized, it is delivered to the drying pipeline 41 through the third interface 1133. After passing through the air dryer 411 and the check valve 412 in sequence, it is delivered to the charging and discharging pipeline 211 through the first charging and discharging pipeline 65 with the aid of the first charging and discharging reversing valve 52, and then delivered to the pneumatic actuator 21.

[0074] When the compressed air storage 31 supplies air to the pneumatic actuator 21, the compressed gas in the compressed air storage 31 is transported to the fourth inflation line 62 via the compressed air storage line 60, and then to the inflation / discharge line 211 via the fourth inflation reversing valve 55, and then to the pneumatic actuator 21.

[0075] When the control command is an exhaust command, the pneumatic actuator 21 is controlled to exhaust air toward the compressed air storage 31 or the pneumatic actuator 21 is controlled to exhaust air toward the outside through the air supply unit 11.

[0076] When the pneumatic actuator 21 discharges gas toward the compressed air storage 31, the compressed gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 is transported to the second charging line 63 via the charging line 211 through the second charging reversing valve 213, and then to the second charging reversing valve 56 via the second charging line 63. The gas is then transported to the second port 1132 via the second charging reversing valve 56, and then to the air compressor 113 through the second port 1132 for pressurization. After being pressurized, the gas is transported to the drying line 41 through the third port 1133. The gas then passes through the air dryer 411 and the check valve 412 in sequence, and then to the first charging reversing valve 51 via the first charging line 61. Finally, the gas is transported to the compressed air storage line 60 via the first charging reversing valve 51, and then to the compressed air storage 31.

[0077] When the pneumatic actuator 21 exhausts gas to the outside through the air supply unit 11, the compressed gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 is transported to the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52 via the charge / discharge line 211 through the second charge / discharge reversing valve 213, then to the first charge / discharge line 65 via the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52, and then to the drying line 41. It then passes through the regeneration throttle valve 413 and the air dryer 411 in sequence and is transported to the first exhaust line 58. Finally, it is transported to the second external interface 112 via the first exhaust reversing valve 53, thereby discharging the compressed gas to the outside. Alternatively, the compressed gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 can also be transported to the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52 via the charge / discharge line 211 through the second charge / discharge reversing valve 213, then to the first charge / discharge line 65 via the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52, then to the second exhaust line 59, and finally to the first external interface 111 via the second exhaust reversing valve 54. After being filtered by the air filter 1111, the compressed gas is discharged to the outside.

[0078] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air supply method for vehicle height adjustment further includes: after obtaining a control command, detecting the current pressure value in the compressed air storage 31; and controlling the connection state of the air supply unit 11, the compressed air storage 31 and the pneumatic actuator 21 according to the interval between the control command and the current pressure value.

[0079] Specifically, a first pressure value and a second pressure value can be set in the control module to represent two different pressure thresholds of the compressed air storage device 31. When the pressure value of the gas in the compressed air storage device 31 is greater than the first pressure value, the pneumatic actuator 21 operates in an open air supply mode. The air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment can execute one inflation mode and three deflation modes. The compressed air storage device 31 inflates the pneumatic actuator 21 through its connected pipes to raise the vehicle body. When the vehicle body descends, the pneumatic actuator 21 discharges the gas from the air supply unit 11 to the outside through its connected pipes. Moreover, there are multiple pipes connected to the pneumatic actuator 21 and the air supply unit 11, so that exhaust can be performed simultaneously, allowing the vehicle body to descend rapidly.

[0080] When the pressure of the gas in the compressed air storage 31 is less than the first pressure value but greater than the second pressure value, the pneumatic actuator 21 operates in a closed-loop air supply mode. The air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment can execute an inflation mode and an exhaust mode. The gas in the compressed air storage 31 is transported to the air supply unit 11 through a pipeline, and then the air supply unit 11 transports the gas to the pneumatic actuator 21 through a pipeline for inflation, so that the vehicle body rises. When the vehicle body descends, the pneumatic actuator 21 transports the gas to the air supply unit 11 through a pipeline connected to it, and then the air supply unit 11 sends the gas back to the compressed air storage 31 through a pipeline, which can reduce the energy consumption when the vehicle body rises and falls.

[0081] When the pressure of the gas in the compressed air storage unit 31 is less than the second pressure value, the pneumatic actuator 21 operates in open air supply mode. The air supply system 100 for vehicle height adjustment can execute two inflation modes and three deflation modes. The air supply unit 11 draws gas from the outside and delivers it to the pneumatic actuator 21 and the compressed air storage unit 31 through different pipelines to raise the vehicle body and inflate the compressed air storage unit 31, ensuring that the gas pressure in the compressed air storage unit 31 remains constant. When the vehicle body descends, the pneumatic actuator 21 discharges gas from the air supply unit 11 to the outside through the pipeline connected to it. Moreover, there are multiple pipelines connected to the pneumatic actuator 21 and the air supply unit 11, so that gas can be discharged simultaneously, allowing the vehicle body to descend rapidly.

[0082] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air supply method for vehicle height adjustment includes an air supply unit 11 of the air supply system having a first exhaust line and a second exhaust line, and controlling the pneumatic actuator 21 to exhaust air to the outside through the air supply unit 11 includes: switching the on / off state of the first exhaust line and the second exhaust line of the air supply unit 11; and controlling the pneumatic actuator 21 to communicate with at least one of the first exhaust line and the second exhaust line.

[0083] Specifically, the pneumatic actuator 21 is connected to at least one of the first exhaust line and the second exhaust line, that is, the pneumatic actuator 21 is only connected to the first exhaust line, the pneumatic actuator 21 is only connected to the second exhaust line, and the pneumatic actuator 21 is simultaneously connected to both the first exhaust line and the second exhaust line.

[0084] When the pneumatic actuator 21 is only connected to the first exhaust line, the compressed gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 is transported to the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52 via the second charge / discharge reversing valve 213 through the charge / discharge line 211, then to the first charge / discharge line 65 via the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52, and then to the drying line 41. It is then transported to the first exhaust line 58 via the regeneration throttle valve 413 and the air dryer 411, and finally to the second external interface 112 via the first exhaust reversing valve 53, thereby discharging the compressed gas to the outside.

[0085] When the pneumatic actuator 21 is only connected to the second exhaust line, the compressed gas in the pneumatic actuator 21 is transported to the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52 via the charge / discharge line 211 through the second charge / discharge reversing valve 213, then to the first charge / discharge line 65 through the first charge / discharge reversing valve 52, then to the second exhaust line 59, and finally to the first external interface 111 through the second exhaust reversing valve 54. After being filtered by the air filter 1111, the compressed gas is discharged to the outside.

[0086] Furthermore, when the control pneumatic actuator 21 is simultaneously connected to the first exhaust line and the second exhaust line, the above two exhaust processes occur simultaneously.

[0087] 1. In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0088] 2. In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0089] 3. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0090] 4. In the description of the present invention, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or the first and second features being in contact through another feature between them.

[0091] 5. In the description of the present invention, the terms "above", "over" and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0092] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0093] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air supply system for vehicle height adjustment, characterized in that, include: An air supply unit and a compressed air storage device are provided, the compressed air storage device being selectively connected to the air supply unit, the air supply unit being adapted to fill the compressed air storage device with air, the air supply unit including a first external interface, a second external interface and an air compressor, the first external interface and the second external interface being connected to the external environment; A pneumatic actuator is selectively connected to an air supply unit and a compressed air storage device, respectively. The pneumatic actuator is adapted to be inflated by the air supply unit or the compressed air storage device, and is also adapted to exhaust air through the air supply unit or towards the compressed air storage device. The pneumatic actuator is adapted to act on the vehicle body to adjust the vehicle body height. A first external interface is adapted to be inflated by the air compressor towards the compressed air storage device or the pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator is adapted to exhaust air through the air compressor towards the compressed air storage device, or the pneumatic actuator is adapted to exhaust air towards the first external interface or the second external interface. The air compressor is provided with a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface. The first interface is selectively connected to the first external interface, the second interface is selectively connected to the pneumatic actuator and the compressed air storage device, respectively, and the third interface is selectively connected to the pneumatic actuator and the compressed air storage device, respectively. A second pneumatic reversing valve is adapted to be connected in series between the second interface and the pneumatic actuator; A third inflation reversing valve is adapted to be connected in series between the second interface and the compressed air storage device; A fourth air-filling directional valve, which is adapted to be connected in series between the pneumatic actuator and the compressed air storage device.

2. The air supply system for vehicle height adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A drying pipeline is provided, which includes an air dryer, a check valve, and a regeneration throttle valve. The air dryer is connected in series with the check valve, and the check valve is connected in parallel with the regeneration throttle valve. The drying line is adapted to be selectively connected in series between the third interface and the pneumatic actuator, between the third interface and the compressed air storage unit, and between the second external interface and the pneumatic actuator.

3. The air supply system for vehicle height adjustment according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A first inflation reversing valve is adapted to be connected in series between the drying pipeline and the compressed air storage device; A first charge / discharge reversing valve is adapted to be connected in series between the drying pipeline and the pneumatic actuator, and between the first external interface and the pneumatic actuator; A first exhaust reversing valve is adapted to be connected in series between the drying pipeline and the second external interface; A second exhaust reversing valve is adapted to be connected in series between the first external interface and the first charge / discharge reversing valve.

4. The air supply system for vehicle height adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pneumatic actuator includes a charging / discharging pipeline, a pneumatic actuator, and a second charging / discharging reversing valve. There are multiple pneumatic actuators and multiple second charging / discharging reversing valves, and they correspond one-to-one. The multiple second charging / discharging reversing valves are all connected to the charging / discharging pipeline. The charging / discharging pipeline is adapted to be connected to the air supply unit or the compressed air storage device. The pneumatic actuator is adapted to act on the vehicle body.

5. An air supply method for vehicle height adjustment, characterized in that, An air supply system for vehicle height adjustment according to any one of claims 1-4, the air supply method comprising: Obtain control commands; When the control command is an air supply command, the air supply unit is controlled to supply air to the compressed air storage unit or the pneumatic actuator unit, or the compressed air storage unit is controlled to supply air to the pneumatic actuator unit. When the control command is an exhaust command, the pneumatic actuator is controlled to exhaust air toward the compressed air storage unit or the pneumatic actuator is controlled to exhaust air toward the outside through the air supply unit.

6. The air supply method for vehicle height adjustment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gas supply method also includes: After receiving the control command, the current pressure value in the compressed air storage device is detected; The connection status of the air supply unit, the compressed air storage unit, and the pneumatic actuator unit is controlled according to the control command and the range of the current pressure value.

7. The air supply method for vehicle height adjustment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air supply unit of the air supply system has a first exhaust line and a second exhaust line, and controlling the pneumatic actuator to exhaust air to the outside through the air supply unit includes: Switch the on / off state of the first exhaust line and the second exhaust line of the gas supply unit; The pneumatic actuator is controlled to be connected to at least one of the first exhaust line and the second exhaust line.

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