Air suspension control system and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an air suspension control system and a control method thereof, relates to the technical field of vehicle air suspension, and combines an air inlet pipeline and an air exhaust pipeline of the air suspension into one pipeline, reduces the number of system pipelines, facilitates vehicle arrangement, separates an air filter dryer from a gas supply valve body unit, arranges the air filter dryer at an air inlet / outlet end of the gas supply valve body unit, dries gas before the gas enters the gas supply valve body unit, guarantees internal dryness of the system, and can also utilize a gas back flushing function to prolong the service life of the drying agent. The air suspension control system comprises a gas supply valve body unit, an air filter dryer, a gas storage tank and a plurality of air springs, the gas supply valve body unit is provided with a first air passage port, a second air passage port and a plurality of third air passage ports, the air filter dryer is provided with an air inlet / outlet nozzle and an air inlet / outlet hole, the air inlet / outlet nozzle is communicated with the first air passage port, the gas storage tank is communicated with the second air passage port, and the plurality of air springs are connected with the plurality of third air passage ports in one-to-one correspondence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle air suspension technology, and more specifically, to an air suspension control system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of automotive integration and intelligence, car functions are becoming increasingly rich. To meet the demand for a more comfortable driving experience, automotive suspension products are constantly being updated and iterated, gradually giving rise to air suspension systems with adjustable suspension height. These systems can adjust the vehicle height according to driving conditions, greatly improving driving comfort and passability on complex road conditions. Air suspension mainly consists of air springs and an air supply device connected by pneumatic pipelines. The air supply device supplies compressed air to the system. The compressed air fills or empties the air springs through the switching of specific valves, thereby actively changing the height / level of the vehicle body relative to the axle or road surface. Currently, the desiccant in the air supply device is mostly placed inside the air circuit of the air supply unit, located at the rear end of the air pump. When air is drawn in, the humid air cannot be dried before entering the air supply valve unit, posing a risk of failure due to water accumulation inside the air pump and valve body. Furthermore, the external pipelines of the air supply device are numerous and difficult to arrange. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an air suspension control system and its control method, which combines the air suspension's intake and exhaust pipes into one, reducing the number of system pipes and facilitating vehicle layout. At the same time, the air filter dryer is arranged separately from the air supply valve body unit and is located at the intake and exhaust ports of the air supply valve body unit, so that the gas is dried before entering the air supply valve body unit, ensuring the dryness of the system interior. The gas backflushing function can also be used to extend the service life of the desiccant.

[0004] The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an air suspension control system, which includes: an air supply valve body unit, an air filter dryer, an air tank, and multiple air springs. The air supply valve body unit is provided with a first air port, a second air port, and multiple third air ports. The air filter dryer is provided with an air inlet and outlet nozzle and an air inlet and outlet hole. The air inlet and outlet nozzle are connected to the first air port, the air tank is connected to the second air port, and the multiple air springs are connected to the multiple third air ports one by one.

[0006] When the air suspension control system is in the intake state, the first air port and the second air port are opened by switching the internal valve of the air supply valve body unit, while the multiple third air ports are closed. External air is drawn in through the air inlet and outlet ports of the air filter dryer, and is filtered and dried by the air filter dryer. After that, it is compressed into the air storage tank through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit to complete the system air replenishment.

[0007] When the air suspension control system is in the air suspension raised state, the second air port and multiple third air ports are opened by switching the internal valve of the air supply valve body unit, and the first air port is closed. The gas in the air tank is compressed into multiple air springs through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit, causing the air springs to rise.

[0008] When the air suspension control system is in the air suspension descent state, the second air port and multiple third air ports are opened by switching the internal valve of the air supply valve body unit, and the first air port is closed. The gas in the multiple air springs is drawn into the air storage tank through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit, so that the air springs are lowered.

[0009] When the air suspension control system is in the exhaust state, the first air port and multiple third air ports are opened by switching the internal valve of the air supply valve body unit, while the second air port is closed. The gas in the multiple air springs passes through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit and is discharged to the external environment through the air filter dryer.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the air supply valve body unit includes an air supply valve group, a reversing valve group, a safety valve, an exhaust valve, a sensor, and an air pump driven by a motor. Multiple air springs are connected to the first air supply line of the reversing valve group via the air supply valve group. The air storage tank is connected to the second air supply line of the reversing valve group. The air pump's inlet is connected to the third air supply line of the reversing valve group. The fourth air supply line of the reversing valve group is connected to the air outlet of the air pump, one end of the safety valve, and one end of the exhaust valve. The air filter dryer's inlet and outlet nozzles are connected to the air pump's inlet, the other end of the safety valve, the other end of the exhaust valve, and the third air supply line of the reversing valve group, respectively. The sensor is located at the end of the air supply valve group connected to the reversing valve group.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the number of air springs is four, and the air supply valve group includes a first air supply valve, a second air supply valve, a third air supply valve, and a fourth air supply valve. One end of the first air supply valve, one end of the second air supply valve, one end of the third air supply valve, and one end of the fourth air supply valve are respectively connected to the first air passage of the reversing valve group. The other end of the first air supply valve, the other end of the second air supply valve, the other end of the third air supply valve, and the other end of the fourth air supply valve are respectively connected to one of the air springs.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the first air supply valve, the second air supply valve, the third air supply valve, and the fourth air supply valve are all two-position two-way solenoid valves.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the reversing valve group includes a first reversing valve, a second reversing valve, a third reversing valve, and a fourth reversing valve. The air storage tank is connected to one end of the first reversing valve and one end of the second reversing valve. The other end of the first reversing valve is connected to the air outlet of the air pump, one end of the safety valve, and one end of the exhaust valve, respectively. The other end of the second reversing valve and one end of the third reversing valve are connected to the air inlet of the air pump, and the other end of the second reversing valve and one end of the third reversing valve are also connected to the air inlet and outlet nozzles of the air filter dryer, respectively. The other end of the third reversing valve and one end of the fourth reversing valve are connected to the air supply valve group, and the other end of the fourth reversing valve is connected to the air outlet of the air pump, one end of the safety valve, and one end of the exhaust valve, respectively.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the first reversing valve, the second reversing valve, the third reversing valve, and the fourth reversing valve are all two-position two-way solenoid valves.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, a one-way valve is provided between the air filter dryer and the air pump inlet, the other end of the safety valve, the other end of the second reversing valve, and one end of the third reversing valve.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the sensor is a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the air filter dryer includes a silencing component, a filtering component, and a drying component connected in sequence. The silencing component is provided with a silencing element, and the air inlet and outlet are located at the end of the silencing component away from the filtering component. The filtering component is provided with a filter element, and the drying component is provided with a desiccant, and the air inlet and outlet are located at the end of the drying component away from the filtering component.

[0018] External air drawn in through the air inlet and outlet passes sequentially through the silencer, the filter element, and the desiccant, and is then delivered to the air supply valve unit through the air inlet and outlet nozzles. Gas discharged from the air supply valve unit enters the air filter dryer through the air inlet and outlet nozzles, passes sequentially through the desiccant, the filter element, and the silencer, and is then discharged into the external environment through the air inlet and outlet nozzles.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, a two-way valve is provided between the silencing component and the filtering component. In the non-operating state of the air filter dryer, the two-way valve blocks the gas flow between the silencing component and the filtering component. In the intake state of the air filter dryer, the two-way valve opens the air path from the inlet / outlet port to the inlet / outlet nozzle. In the exhaust state of the air filter dryer, the two-way valve opens the air path from the inlet / outlet nozzle to the inlet / outlet port.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a control method for the air suspension control system described in the first aspect, the control method comprising:

[0021] When the air suspension control system is in the intake state, the air passages of the first and fourth reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the connected state, the air passages of the second and third reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the disconnected state, and the air passages of the exhaust valve and the air supply valve group of the air supply valve body unit are both in the disconnected state. The motor of the air supply valve body unit drives the air pump to draw in external air through the inlet and outlet ports of the air filter dryer. After the air filter dryer filters and dries the air, it is compressed into the air storage tank through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit to complete the system air replenishment.

[0022] When the air suspension control system is in the air-suspended raised state, the air passages of the second and fourth reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the connected state, the air passages of the first and third reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the disconnected state, the air passage of the exhaust valve of the air supply valve body unit is in the disconnected state, and the air passages of the air supply valve group of the air supply valve body unit are all in the connected state. The motor drives the air pump to compress the gas in the air tank through the air passages of the air supply valve body unit into the multiple air springs, causing the air springs to rise.

[0023] When the air suspension control system is in the air suspension descent state, the air passages of the first and third reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the connected state, the air passages of the second and fourth reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the disconnected state, the air passage of the exhaust valve of the air supply valve body unit is in the disconnected state, and the air passages of the air supply valve group of the air supply valve body unit are all in the connected state. The motor drives the air pump to draw the gas in the multiple air springs through the air passages of the air supply valve body unit to the air storage tank, thereby lowering the height of the air springs.

[0024] When the air suspension control system is in the exhaust state, the air passages of the third and fourth reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the connected state, the air passages of the first and second reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the disconnected state, and the air passages of the exhaust valve and the air supply valve group of the air supply valve body unit are both in the connected state. The gas in the multiple air springs passes through the air passages of the air supply valve body unit and is discharged to the external environment through the air filter dryer.

[0025] The innovative aspects of this application's embodiments include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0026] 1. In this embodiment, the intake pipe and exhaust pipe are combined into one pipe, which is one of the innovations of this application embodiment. The intake and exhaust ports of the air supply valve body unit are connected to the air filter dryer, so that air can be drawn in through the air filter dryer and exhaust can be discharged through the air filter dryer, reducing the number of pipes and facilitating the overall vehicle layout.

[0027] 2. In this embodiment, the air filter dryer is set up separately from the air supply valve body unit and the air tank, which is one of the innovations of this application embodiment. The air filter dryer is connected to the air supply valve body unit through a hose, so that the air filter dryer can be installed in different positions of the vehicle body without being limited by the installation space. This solves the problem that the dryer and valve block are set up as an integral part in the prior art, which results in a large size and cannot be adjusted at will. It has good adaptability and is easy to install.

[0028] 3. In this embodiment, the air filter dryer integrates drying, filtering and noise reduction functions into one unit, which is one of the innovations of this application embodiment. The noise reduction component, filtering component and drying component connected in sequence in the air filter dryer are respectively provided with noise reduction component, filter element and desiccant. It can not only realize the multi-functionality of the air filter dryer, but also effectively reduce the noise of the air suspension system during intake and exhaust. It has a high degree of integration.

[0029] 4. In this embodiment, the air filter dryer can extend the service life of the desiccant through the gas backflushing function, which is one of the innovative points of this application embodiment. When the drying gas is discharged to the desiccant, it can absorb the moisture from the desiccant, reduce the saturation of the desiccant, and ensure that the desiccant can be used for a long time.

[0030] 5. In this embodiment, the setting of the two-way valve is one of the innovations of this application embodiment. The two-way valve can ensure that the desiccant is isolated from the air when it is not working, and at the same time, it can satisfy the opening of the air passage between the silencer component and the filter component during air intake and exhaust, ensuring the gas flow between the three parts of the air filter dryer.

[0031] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows:

[0032] By merging the air suspension's intake and exhaust lines into one, the number of system lines is reduced, making the overall vehicle layout easier. At the same time, the air filter dryer is arranged separately from the air supply valve unit and is located at the intake and exhaust ports of the air supply valve unit, so that the gas is dried before entering the air supply valve unit, ensuring the dryness of the system interior. The gas backflushing function can also be used to extend the service life of the desiccant. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the intake state principle of an air suspension control system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of an air suspension control system in its air-lift state.

[0036] Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of an air suspension control system in its unsuspended descent state.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the exhaust state principle of an air suspension control system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments and drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0040] This application discloses an air suspension control system. Detailed descriptions follow.

[0041] Figure 1 –4 illustrates an air suspension control system according to an embodiment of this application. For example… Figure 1As shown in Figure 4, the air suspension control system mainly includes an air supply valve body unit 100, an air filter dryer 200, an air tank 300, and multiple air springs 400. The air supply valve body unit 100 is the air passage mechanism used by the air suspension control system to switch the airflow direction. It is equipped with a first air inlet port 101, a second air inlet port 102, and multiple third air inlets 103. The air filter dryer 200 is mainly used to filter and dry the air entering the system. It is equipped with inlet and outlet nozzles 201 and inlet and outlet holes 202. In this embodiment, the air supply valve body unit 100 combines the system's inlet and outlet pipes into a single pipe. The first air inlet port 101 is the inlet and outlet end of the air supply valve body unit 100, and it is connected to the inlet and outlet nozzles 201. This arrangement not only reduces the number of pipes and facilitates vehicle layout, but also ensures that the gas is dried before entering the air supply valve body unit 100, guaranteeing the internal performance of the system. Drying improves the service life of other system components. Additionally, the backflushing function during exhaust extends the lifespan of the desiccant, ensuring the drying effect of the air filter dryer 200. The air tank 300 stores the filtered and dried gas for use by multiple air springs 400 in the system. The second vent port 102 is connected to the air tank 300, compressing the gas replenished by the air filter dryer 200 into the air tank 300, or recovering the gas from the multiple air springs 400 into the air tank 300. Multiple air springs 400 are connected one-to-one with multiple third vent ports 103. By filling or venting gas into each air spring 400, the height of the air spring 400 is changed, thereby adjusting the height / level of the vehicle body relative to the axle or road surface.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, when the air suspension control system is in the intake state, the internal valve of the air supply valve unit 100 switches, opening the first air port 101 and the second air port 102, while closing multiple third air ports 103. External air is drawn in through the air inlet and outlet ports 202 of the air filter dryer 200, and is filtered and dried by the air filter dryer 200. Afterward, it is compressed into the air tank 300 through the air passage of the air supply valve unit 100, completing the system air replenishment. Figure 2 As shown, when the air suspension control system is in the air-suspended raised state, the internal valve of the air supply valve unit 100 switches, opening the second air port 102 and multiple third air ports 103, while closing the first air port 101. The gas in the air tank 300 is compressed into multiple air springs 400 through the air passage of the air supply valve unit 100, causing the air springs 400 to rise. Figure 3As shown, when the air suspension control system is in the unsuspended descent state, the internal valve of the air supply valve unit 100 switches, opening the second air port 102 and multiple third air ports 103, while closing the first air port 101. Gas within the multiple air springs 400 is then drawn into the air tank 300 through the air passage of the air supply valve unit 100, causing the air springs 400 to lower in height. Figure 4 As shown, when the air suspension control system is in the exhaust state, the first air port 101 and multiple third air ports 103 are opened by switching the internal valve of the air supply valve body unit 100, while the second air port 102 is closed. The gas in the multiple air springs 400 passes through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit 100 and is discharged to the external environment through the air filter dryer 200.

[0043] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown in –4, the air supply valve body unit 100 may include an air supply valve group 110, a reversing valve group 120, a safety valve 130, an exhaust valve 140, a sensor 150, and an air pump 170 driven by a motor 160. The air supply valve assembly 110 is mainly used to control the air passage opening and closing of the air spring 400. The reversing valve assembly 120 is used to switch the flow direction of the overall air passage of the air supply valve body unit 100. Multiple air springs 400 are connected to the first air passage of the reversing valve assembly 120 through the air supply valve assembly 110. The air storage tank 300 is connected to the second air passage of the reversing valve assembly 120. The air inlet end of the air pump 170 is connected to the third air passage of the reversing valve assembly 120. The fourth air passage of the reversing valve assembly 120 is connected to the air outlet end of the air pump 170, one end of the safety valve 130, and one end of the exhaust valve 140, respectively. The air filter dryer 200's inlet and outlet nozzles 201 are connected to the air inlet end of the air pump 170, the other end of the safety valve 130, the other end of the exhaust valve 140, and the third air passage of the reversing valve assembly 120, respectively. The sensor 150 is located at the end of the air supply valve assembly 110 connected to the reversing valve assembly 120. In the specific implementation process, sensor 150 is a pressure sensor and / or temperature sensor used to monitor the pressure and temperature of multiple air springs 400, and to issue an early warning when an abnormality occurs, so as to ensure the overall safety of the system.

[0044] In some specific embodiments, an air spring 400 is installed at each wheel of the vehicle, that is, there are four air springs 400, correspondingly, as shown below. Figure 1As shown in Figure 4, the air supply valve group 110 includes a first air supply valve 111, a second air supply valve 112, a third air supply valve 113, and a fourth air supply valve 114. The first air supply valve 111, the second air supply valve 112, the third air supply valve 113, and the fourth air supply valve 114 are respectively connected to four air springs 400. One end of the first air supply valve 111, one end of the second air supply valve 112, one end of the third air supply valve 113, and one end of the fourth air supply valve 114 are respectively connected to the first air passage of the reversing valve group 120. The other end of the first air supply valve 111, the other end of the second air supply valve 112, the other end of the third air supply valve 113, and the other end of the fourth air supply valve 114 are respectively connected to an air spring 400.

[0045] In another embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown in –4, the reversing valve group 120 includes a first reversing valve 121, a second reversing valve 122, a third reversing valve 123 and a fourth reversing valve 124. The gas storage tank 300 is connected to one end of the first reversing valve 121 and one end of the second reversing valve 122. The other end of the first reversing valve 121 is connected to the outlet of the air pump 170, one end of the safety valve 130, and one end of the exhaust valve 140, respectively. The other end of the second reversing valve 122 and one end of the third reversing valve 123 are connected to the inlet of the air pump 170, and the other end of the second reversing valve 122 and one end of the third reversing valve 123 are also connected to the inlet and outlet nozzles 201 of the air filter dryer 200, respectively. The other end of the third reversing valve 123 and one end of the fourth reversing valve 124 are connected to the air supply valve group 110, and the other end of the fourth reversing valve 124 is connected to the outlet of the air pump 170, one end of the safety valve 130, and one end of the exhaust valve 140, respectively. In the specific implementation process, the first reversing valve 121, the second reversing valve 122, the third reversing valve 123, and the fourth reversing valve 124 are all two-position two-way solenoid valves. Furthermore, the first air supply valve 111, the second air supply valve 112, the third air supply valve 113, and the fourth air supply valve 114 are also two-position two-way solenoid valves.

[0046] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown in Figure 4, a one-way valve 180 is provided between the air filter dryer 200 and the air pump 170, the other end of the safety valve 130, the other end of the second reversing valve 122, and one end of the third reversing valve 123 to prevent gas from flowing in reverse.

[0047] like Figure 1As shown, when the air suspension control system is in the intake state, the first reversing valve 121 and the fourth reversing valve 124 are energized and opened, while the second reversing valve 122, the third reversing valve 123, the first air supply valve 111, the second air supply valve 112, the third air supply valve 113, the fourth air supply valve 114, and the exhaust valve 140 are de-energized and closed. At the same time, the motor 160 is turned on. At this time, the air passages of the first reversing valve 121 and the fourth reversing valve 124 are both connected, the air passages of the second reversing valve 122 and the third reversing valve 123 are both disconnected, and the air passages of the exhaust valve 140 and the air supply valve group 110 are also disconnected. The motor 160 drives the air pump 170 to draw in external air through the air inlet and outlet ports 202 of the air filter dryer 200. After being filtered and dried by the air filter dryer 200, the air is compressed into the air storage tank 300 through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit 100, thus completing the system air replenishment.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, when the air suspension control system is in the air suspension raised state, the second reversing valve 122, the fourth reversing valve 124, the first air supply valve 111, the second air supply valve 112, the third air supply valve 113, and the fourth air supply valve 114 are energized and opened, the first reversing valve 121, the third reversing valve 123, and the exhaust valve 140 are de-energized and closed, and the motor 160 is turned on. At this time, the air passages of the second reversing valve 122, the fourth reversing valve 124, and the air supply valve group 110 are all in the connected state, and the air passages of the first reversing valve 121, the third reversing valve 123, and the exhaust valve 140 are all in the disconnected state. The motor 160 drives the air pump 170 to compress the gas in the air tank 300 through the air passages of the first air supply valve 111, the second air supply valve 112, the third air supply valve 113, and the fourth air supply valve 114 into the four air springs 400, causing the air springs 400 to rise.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, when the air suspension control system is in the air suspension descent state, the first reversing valve 122, the third reversing valve 124, the first air supply valve 111, the second air supply valve 112, the third air supply valve 113, and the fourth air supply valve 114 are energized and opened, while the second reversing valve 121, the fourth reversing valve 123, and the exhaust valve 140 are de-energized and closed, and the motor 160 is turned on. At this time, the air passages of the first reversing valve 121, the third reversing valve 123, the first air supply valve 111, the second air supply valve 112, the third air supply valve 113, and the fourth air supply valve 114 are all in the connected state, while the air passages of the second reversing valve 122, the fourth reversing valve 124, and the exhaust valve 140 are all in the disconnected state. The motor 160 drives the air pump 170 to compress and recover the gas in the multiple air springs 400 through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit 100 into the air storage tank 300, thereby lowering the height of the air springs 400.

[0050] like Figure 4As shown, when the air suspension control system is in the exhaust state, the fourth reversing valve 123, the first air supply valve 111, the second air supply valve 112, the third air supply valve 113, the fourth air supply valve 114, and the exhaust valve 140 are energized and opened. The third reversing valve 124 can also be energized and opened. The state of the third reversing valve 124 is not restricted here. The first reversing valve 122 and the second reversing valve 121 are de-energized and closed. The motor 160 is turned on. At this time, since the internal air pressure of the system is greater than the external air pressure, the air passages of the third reversing valve 123, the fourth reversing valve 124, the exhaust valve 140, and the air supply valve group 110 are all in the connected state, while the air passages of the first reversing valve 121 and the second reversing valve 122 are all in the disconnected state. The gas in the multiple air springs 400 can pass through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit 100 and be discharged to the external environment through the air filter dryer 200.

[0051] It is important to note and understand that, in Figure 1 –4 The thick lines shown represent pipes that allow for conduction or gas flow. Figure 1 –4 The thin lines shown represent non-conductive pipes. The use of thick and thin lines is merely for the purpose of understanding the working principle of the various states of the air suspension control system.

[0052] In some specific embodiments, the air filter dryer 200 is separately installed from the system's air supply valve body unit 100 and air tank 300. The air filter dryer 200 can be connected to the air supply valve body unit 100 via a hose, allowing the air filter dryer 200 to be installed at different locations on the vehicle body without being limited by installation space. This solves the problem in the prior art where the integrated design of the desiccant and air supply valve body results in an excessively large overall size that prevents the structural installation position from being adjusted at will. It has better adaptability and is easier to install.

[0053] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown in Figure 4, the air filter dryer 200 includes a silencer component 210, a filter component 220, and a drying component 230 connected in sequence. The silencer component 210 contains a silencer element (not shown in the figure), and the inlet / outlet port 202 is located at the end of the silencer component 210 away from the filter component 220. The filter component 220 contains a filter element (not shown in the figure), and the drying component 230 contains a desiccant (not shown in the figure), with the inlet / outlet port 201 located at the end of the drying component 230 away from the filter component 220. External air drawn in through the inlet / outlet port 202 passes sequentially through the silencer component, filter element, and desiccant, and is then delivered to the air supply valve unit 100 through the inlet / outlet port 201. This not only filters and dries the incoming external air but also reduces noise during the process. Similarly, the gas discharged from the air supply valve unit 100 enters the air filter dryer 200 through the air inlet and outlet nozzles 201, passes through the desiccant, filter element, and silencer in sequence, and is discharged to the external environment through the air inlet and outlet holes 202. When the dried gas is discharged to the desiccant, it can absorb the moisture from the desiccant, reduce the saturation of the desiccant, and ensure that the desiccant can be used for a long time. When it passes through the filter element, it can also remove some impurities in the filter element, thereby improving the service life of the filter element. In addition, the air filter dryer 200 can also reduce the noise during exhaust.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a two-way valve (not shown in the figure) is also provided between the silencing component 210 and the filter component 220. In the non-operating state of the air filter dryer 200, the two-way valve blocks the gas flow between the silencing component 210 and the filter component 220. In the intake state of the air filter dryer 200, the two-way valve opens the air path from the inlet / outlet port 202 to the inlet / outlet nozzle 201. In the exhaust state of the air filter dryer 200, the two-way valve opens the air path from the inlet / outlet nozzle 201 to the inlet / outlet port 202. The structure of the two-way valve is not limited in this embodiment; any structure that achieves the above-mentioned function of the two-way valve is acceptable.

[0055] Accordingly, this application also provides a control method for an air suspension control system. This air suspension control system is the same as the one provided in the foregoing embodiments, and its structure and principle are the same. For the sake of brevity, any parts not mentioned in the control method embodiments can be referred to the corresponding content in the foregoing air suspension control system embodiments. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 1 As shown in Figure 4, the control method includes the following steps:

[0056] When the air suspension control system is in the intake state, the air passages of the first reversing valve 121 and the fourth reversing valve 124 of the air supply valve body unit 100 are both in the connected state, the air passages of the second reversing valve 122 and the third reversing valve 123 of the air supply valve body unit 100 are both in the disconnected state, and the air passages of the exhaust valve 140 and the air supply valve group 110 of the air supply valve body unit 100 are both in the disconnected state. The motor 160 of the air supply valve body unit 100 drives the air pump 170 to draw in external air through the inlet and outlet ports 202 of the air filter dryer 200. After the air filter dryer 200 filters and dries the air, it is compressed into the air storage tank 300 through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit 100 to complete the system air replenishment.

[0057] When the air suspension control system is in the air suspension raised state, the air passages of the second reversing valve 122 and the fourth reversing valve 124 of the air supply valve body unit 100 are both in the connected state, the air passages of the first reversing valve 121 and the third reversing valve 123 of the air supply valve body unit 100 are both in the disconnected state, the air passage of the exhaust valve 140 of the air supply valve body unit 100 is in the disconnected state, and the air passages of the air supply valve group 110 of the air supply valve body unit 100 are all in the connected state. The motor 160 drives the air pump 170 to compress the gas in the air tank 300 through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit 100 into the multiple air springs 400, causing the air springs 400 to rise.

[0058] When the air suspension control system is in the unsuspended descent state, the air passages of the first reversing valve 121 and the third reversing valve 123 of the air supply valve body unit 100 are both in the connected state, the air passages of the second reversing valve 122 and the fourth reversing valve 124 of the air supply valve body unit 100 are both in the disconnected state, the air passage of the exhaust valve 140 of the air supply valve body unit 100 is in the disconnected state, and the air passages of the air supply valve group 110 of the air supply valve body unit 100 are both in the connected state. The motor 160 drives the air pump 170 to draw the gas in the multiple air springs 400 through the air passages of the air supply valve body unit 100 to the air storage tank 300, so that the air springs 400 lower the height.

[0059] When the air suspension control system is in the exhaust state, the air passages of the third reversing valve 123 and the fourth reversing valve 124 of the air supply valve body unit 100 are both in the connected state, the air passages of the first reversing valve 121 and the second reversing valve 122 of the air supply valve body unit 100 are both in the disconnected state, and the air passages of the exhaust valve 140 and the air supply valve group 110 of the air supply valve body unit 100 are both in the connected state. The gas in the multiple air springs 400 passes through the air passages of the air supply valve body unit 100 and is discharged to the external environment through the air filter dryer 200.

[0060] In summary, this application discloses an air suspension control system and its control method, which combines the air suspension's intake and exhaust pipes into one, reducing the number of system pipes and facilitating vehicle layout. At the same time, the air filter dryer is arranged separately from the air supply valve body unit and is located at the intake and exhaust ports of the air supply valve body unit, so that the gas is dried before entering the air supply valve body unit, ensuring the dryness of the system interior. Furthermore, the gas backflushing function can be used to extend the service life of the desiccant.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are merely schematic diagrams of one embodiment, and the modules or processes shown in the drawings are not necessarily essential for implementing this application. The modules in the apparatus of the embodiments may be distributed throughout the apparatus of the embodiments as described, or may be located in one or more apparatuses different from this embodiment with corresponding changes. The modules of the above embodiments may be combined into one module, or may be further divided into multiple sub-modules.

[0062] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of this application, used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. The protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features, within the technical scope disclosed in this application. Such modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be covered within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An air suspension control system, characterized in that, The air suspension control system includes: an air supply valve body unit, an air filter dryer, an air tank, and multiple air springs. The air supply valve body unit is provided with a first air port, a second air port, and multiple third air ports. The air filter dryer is provided with an air inlet and outlet nozzle and an air inlet and outlet hole. The air inlet and outlet nozzle are connected to the first air port, the air tank is connected to the second air port, and the multiple air springs are connected to the multiple third air ports one by one. When the air suspension control system is in the intake state, the first air port and the second air port are opened by switching the internal valve of the air supply valve body unit, while the multiple third air ports are closed. External air is drawn in through the air inlet and outlet ports of the air filter dryer, and is filtered and dried by the air filter dryer. After that, it is compressed into the air storage tank through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit to complete the system air replenishment. When the air suspension control system is in the air suspension raised state, the second air port and multiple third air ports are opened by switching the internal valve of the air supply valve body unit, and the first air port is closed. The gas in the air tank is compressed into multiple air springs through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit, causing the air springs to rise. When the air suspension control system is in the air suspension descent state, the second air port and multiple third air ports are opened by switching the internal valve of the air supply valve body unit, and the first air port is closed. The gas in the multiple air springs is drawn into the air storage tank through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit, so that the air springs are lowered. When the air suspension control system is in the exhaust state, the first air port and multiple third air ports are opened by switching the internal valve of the air supply valve body unit, while the second air port is closed. The gas in the multiple air springs passes through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit and is discharged to the external environment through the air filter dryer. The air filter dryer includes a silencing component, a filtering component, and a drying component connected in sequence. The silencing component is provided with a silencing element, and the air inlet and outlet are located at the end of the silencing component away from the filtering component. The filtering component is provided with a filter element, and the drying component is provided with a desiccant, and the air inlet and outlet are located at the end of the drying component away from the filtering component. External air drawn in through the air inlet and outlet passes sequentially through the silencer, the filter element, and the desiccant, and is then delivered to the air supply valve unit through the air inlet and outlet nozzles; gas discharged from the air supply valve unit enters the air filter dryer through the air inlet and outlet nozzles, passes sequentially through the desiccant, the filter element, and the silencer, and is then discharged to the external environment through the air inlet and outlet nozzles. A two-way valve is provided between the silencing component and the filtering component. When the air filter dryer is not in operation, the two-way valve blocks the gas flow between the silencing component and the filtering component. When the air filter dryer is in the intake state, the two-way valve opens the air path from the inlet / outlet port to the inlet / outlet nozzle. When the air filter dryer is in the exhaust state, the two-way valve opens the air path from the inlet / outlet nozzle to the inlet / outlet port.

2. The air suspension control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air supply valve unit includes an air supply valve group, a reversing valve group, a safety valve, an exhaust valve, a sensor, and an air pump driven by a motor. Multiple air springs are connected to the first air supply line of the reversing valve group via the air supply valve group. The air storage tank is connected to the second air supply line of the reversing valve group. The air pump's inlet is connected to the third air supply line of the reversing valve group. The fourth air supply line of the reversing valve group is connected to the air outlet of the air pump, one end of the safety valve, and one end of the exhaust valve. The air filter dryer's inlet and outlet nozzles are connected to the air pump's inlet, the other end of the safety valve, the other end of the exhaust valve, and the third air supply line of the reversing valve group, respectively. The sensor is located at the end of the air supply valve group connected to the reversing valve group.

3. The air suspension control system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of air springs is four. The air supply valve group includes a first air supply valve, a second air supply valve, a third air supply valve, and a fourth air supply valve. One end of the first air supply valve, one end of the second air supply valve, one end of the third air supply valve, and one end of the fourth air supply valve are respectively connected to the first air passage of the reversing valve group. The other end of the first air supply valve, the other end of the second air supply valve, the other end of the third air supply valve, and the other end of the fourth air supply valve are respectively connected to one of the air springs.

4. The air suspension control system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reversing valve assembly includes a first reversing valve, a second reversing valve, a third reversing valve, and a fourth reversing valve. The air storage tank is connected to one end of the first reversing valve and one end of the second reversing valve. The other end of the first reversing valve is connected to the air outlet of the air pump, one end of the safety valve, and one end of the exhaust valve, respectively. The other end of the second reversing valve and one end of the third reversing valve are connected to the air inlet of the air pump, and the other end of the second reversing valve and one end of the third reversing valve are also connected to the air inlet and exhaust nozzles of the air filter dryer, respectively. The other end of the third reversing valve and one end of the fourth reversing valve are connected to the air supply valve assembly, and the other end of the fourth reversing valve is connected to the air outlet of the air pump, one end of the safety valve, and one end of the exhaust valve, respectively.

5. The air suspension control system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first reversing valve, the second reversing valve, the third reversing valve, and the fourth reversing valve are all two-position two-way solenoid valves.

6. The air suspension control system according to claim 4, characterized in that, A one-way valve is provided between the air filter dryer and the air pump inlet, the other end of the safety valve, the other end of the second reversing valve, and one end of the third reversing valve.

7. The air suspension control system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sensor is a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor.

8. A control method for an air suspension control system according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that, The control method includes: When the air suspension control system is in the intake state, the air passages of the first and fourth reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the connected state, the air passages of the second and third reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the disconnected state, and the air passages of the exhaust valve and the air supply valve group of the air supply valve body unit are both in the disconnected state. The motor of the air supply valve body unit drives the air pump to draw in external air through the inlet and outlet ports of the air filter dryer. After the air filter dryer filters and dries the air, it is compressed into the air storage tank through the air passage of the air supply valve body unit to complete the system air replenishment. When the air suspension control system is in the air-suspended raised state, the air passages of the second and fourth reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the connected state, the air passages of the first and third reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the disconnected state, the air passage of the exhaust valve of the air supply valve body unit is in the disconnected state, and the air passages of the air supply valve group of the air supply valve body unit are all in the connected state. The motor drives the air pump to compress the gas in the air tank through the air passages of the air supply valve body unit into the multiple air springs, causing the air springs to rise. When the air suspension control system is in the air suspension descent state, the air passages of the first and third reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the connected state, the air passages of the second and fourth reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the disconnected state, the air passage of the exhaust valve of the air supply valve body unit is in the disconnected state, and the air passages of the air supply valve group of the air supply valve body unit are all in the connected state. The motor drives the air pump to draw the gas in the multiple air springs through the air passages of the air supply valve body unit to the air storage tank, thereby lowering the height of the air springs. When the air suspension control system is in the exhaust state, the air passages of the third and fourth reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the connected state, the air passages of the first and second reversing valves of the air supply valve body unit are both in the disconnected state, and the air passages of the exhaust valve and the air supply valve group of the air supply valve body unit are both in the connected state. The gas in the multiple air springs passes through the air passages of the air supply valve body unit and is discharged to the external environment through the air filter dryer.

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