Compartment leveling valve and system, commercial vehicle, method of assembling compartment leveling valve and use of compartment leveling valve

Abstract

A cabin leveling valve and system, a commercial vehicle, a method of assembling a cabin leveling valve and use of a cabin leveling valve. The cabin leveling valve (10) comprises a control member, a body (11), a cover attached to the body (11), a gasket mounted between the body (11) and the cover, a supply port, a discharge port and at least one discharge port (20). The at least one discharge port (20) includes a sealing member (22) configured to reduce or prevent ingress of foreign matter into the cabin leveling valve (10). The at least one discharge port (20) further comprises a mounting member (23) attached to the body (11) or the cover to secure the sealing member (22) to the body (11) or the cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to pneumatic system components for installation on commercial vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to a cabin leveling valve that is controllable to selectively inflate or exhaust air from an air bag to perform a cabin leveling operation. The present invention also relates to a cabin leveling system and commercial vehicle including the cabin leveling valve, and to methods of assembling and using the cabin leveling valve. Background Art

[0002] Pneumatic systems are used in vehicles for a variety of applications, including pneumatic suspension and leveling. Valves are a vital component of such suspensions.

[0003] EP 3 401 134 A1 and US 2019 / 0383431 A1 disclose valve configurations suitable for use in pneumatic systems of vehicles. A valve, such as the valve of EP 3 401 134 A1, may include a port for supplying pressurized gas, a port for discharging the pressurized gas to a pneumatic component, and a port for exhausting the pressurized gas.

[0004] Although the drain port can be realized by a gap-shaped opening between the housing components of the valve, foreign matter, i.e., liquid (e.g., spray water) and / or dirt (e.g., particulate matter), may be able to enter the valve. Such contamination of the valve interior may adversely affect valve reliability.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an enhanced cabin leveling valve configured to transfer gas from a pressure source to pneumatic components, particularly inflatable and deflatable air bags, to perform raising and lowering operations for the cabin, respectively. In particular, there is a need for an enhanced cabin leveling valve that can be efficiently assembled and has good reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an enhanced cabin leveling valve configured to transfer gas from a pressure source to a pneumatic component and to exhaust gas from the pneumatic component. A particular object of the present invention is to provide a cabin leveling valve that reduces or eliminates the risk of foreign matter, particularly liquids and / or dirt, entering the valve. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a cabin leveling valve that can be assembled in an efficient manner.

[0007] According to the invention, a cabin leveling valve, a cabin leveling system, a commercial vehicle, an assembly method and a use are provided as described in the claims. The dependent claims define preferred or advantageous embodiments.

[0008] According to the present invention, a cabin leveling valve is provided. The cabin leveling valve includes a control member, a main body, a cover attached to the main body, a gasket installed between the main body and the cover, a supply port, a discharge port and at least one discharge port. The at least one discharge port includes a sealing member, which is configured to reduce or prevent foreign matter from entering the cabin leveling valve, wherein the at least one discharge port also includes a mounting member, which is attached to the main body or the cover to fix the sealing member to the main body or the cover. The cabin leveling valve is configured to, when the control member is in a first position, transfer pressurized gas received at the supply port to the discharge port for inflating a pneumatic component to perform a first leveling operation, and when the control member is in a second position, discharge the gas received from the pneumatic component at the discharge port through the at least one discharge port to perform a second leveling operation.

[0009] Various benefits are achieved with the cabin leveling valve. The cabin leveling valve includes a discharge port with an ingress reduction assembly formed by a sealing member to reduce or eliminate the undesirable ingress of foreign matter, such as liquids (e.g., water jets), particulate matter, mud, or other foreign matter in liquid or solid form. By additionally providing a mounting member, the sealing member can be efficiently mounted to the body or cover. For illustration, the mounting member can be arranged to clamp the sealing member between the mounting member and the body or cover. This provides the desired ingress protection while enhancing ease of assembly. This also increases the lifespan of the cabin leveling valve.

[0010] The sealing member is configured to be deflected by a pressure differential between the interior cavity of the cabin leveling valve and ambient pressure during a second leveling operation (i.e., when gas is discharged from the pneumatic component through the discharge port of the cabin leveling valve). Thus, the desired discharge port function is ensured while reducing or eliminating the risk of ingress of liquid and / or particulate matter through the discharge port.

[0011] The mounting member may be urged into engagement with the mounting structure of the body or housing to secure the sealing member, thereby clamping the sealing member between the mounting member and the body or cover (particularly an outer surface of the body or cover).

[0012] This configuration provides the effect that the sealing member can be installed efficiently while reducing or eliminating the risk of liquid and / or particulate foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve, thereby increasing the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0013] The mounting structure may include a mounting post.The mounting member may include an opening through which the mounting post passes through the mounting member.

[0014] This configuration provides the effect that the sealing member can be efficiently installed and securely retained while reducing or eliminating the risk of liquid and / or particulate foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve, thereby increasing the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0015] The sealing member may include a central opening through which the mounting post passes through the sealing member.

[0016] This configuration provides the effect that the sealing member is correctly positioned by the mounting post with which the mounting member engages, thereby further reducing the risk of liquid and / or particulate foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve.

[0017] The mounting member may engage with the body or housing by a friction fit.

[0018] This configuration provides the effect that the sealing member can be efficiently mounted and securely held.

[0019] The mounting member may comprise a clamping ring.

[0020] This configuration provides the effect that the clamping ring can be engaged with the mounting post by pushing the clamping ring onto the mounting post and frictionally engaging the mounting post, wherein the sealing member is clamped between the clamping ring and the body or cover, thereby providing ease of assembly.

[0021] The at least one discharge port may include a plurality of through openings extending from an inner surface to an outer surface of the body or the cover, wherein the plurality of through openings are in fluid communication with an inner cavity between the body and the cover.

[0022] This configuration provides the effect that the section of the outer surface of the body or cover between the through holes provides structural support for the sealing member, thereby reducing the risk of the sealing member deforming toward the interior of the cabin leveling valve. This further reduces the risk of liquid and / or particulate foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve.

[0023] The sealing member may be dimensioned to cover the several through openings on the outer surface of the body or cover.

[0024] This configuration provides ease of assembling the sealing member from the outside of the cabin leveling valve.

[0025] Each of the plurality of through openings may have a cylindrical surface.

[0026] This configuration provides ease of manufacture and achieves good airflow characteristics during the second leveling operation.

[0027] The plurality of through openings may be arranged on an arcuate line, such as an arc or a circle.

[0028] This configuration provides ease of manufacture, since a disc-shaped sealing member having a central opening for the mounting post can be easily positioned to cover all of the several through-openings.The mounting post can be arranged centrally between and coaxial with the through-openings.

[0029] The sealing member may include a region biased against a circumferential rim formed on the body or cover.

[0030] This configuration provides the effect that the circumferential edge and the circumferential contact line of the sealing member provide protection against the ingress of foreign matter into the cabin leveling valve, thereby increasing the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0031] The sealing member may have a resilient return characteristic which biases a region of the sealing member against the circumferential rim.

[0032] This configuration provides ease of assembly. The biasing force that biases the sealing member against the circumferential edge of the body or cover is provided by the sealing member itself. In addition, this configuration provides the effect that the sealing member is configured to be deflected in a direction away from the body or cover by a pressure differential during a discharge operation, thereby allowing gas to be discharged.

[0033] The body or the cover may include an accommodation section in which the sealing member and the mounting member are arranged so as to be surrounded by a circumferential wall formed on the body or the cover.

[0034] This configuration provides the effect of shielding the sealing member from, for example, jet water and particulate matter that might otherwise impact the sealing member from a lateral direction (i.e., transverse to the axial direction of the mounting post), further reducing the risk of foreign matter ingress and further extending the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0035] The receiving section (eg, the main body receiving section) may be cylindrical, with the sealing member and the mounting member being recessed from an open end of the cylindrical receiving section.

[0036] This configuration provides the effect of reducing the risk of foreign matter impinging on the sealing member in a direction transverse to the axial direction of the mounting post, while facilitating assembly of the disc-shaped sealing member within the cylindrical accommodation section.

[0037] The several through-openings may be arranged such that they terminate at an outer surface portion of the main body perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical housing section.

[0038] This configuration provides the effect of reducing the risk of foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve by the concave arrangement of the through-opening.

[0039] The gasket may be sized to abut against the body and the cover in a close-fitting manner, wherein the gasket is disposed in a recess in the cover into which the upstanding portion of the body projects.

[0040] The risk of liquid and / or particulate matter entering the cabin leveling valve is thereby further reduced. The life of the cabin leveling valve is thereby extended. Providing one or more drain ports allows for a drain operation to be performed through the cabin leveling valve, which delivers pressurized gas to pneumatic components (such as air bags that can be inflated and deflated for cabin leveling). The cabin leveling valve thus provides ease of assembly, as it allows for both inflation and deflation of the pneumatic components. Providing a control member having various positions for controlling valve operation allows for control of the valve via a mechanical linkage, which responds to changes in cabin tilt and / or cabin height.

[0041] The control member may have a third position, also referred to as a neutral position. The cabin leveling valve may be configured such that when the control member is in the third position, no pressurized gas is supplied to the pneumatic component and no gas is exhausted from the pneumatic component via the cabin leveling valve.

[0042] This configuration provides an effect that the cabin leveling valve can also be used to perform an operation of maintaining a desired amount of gas in the pneumatic component and prevent a discharge operation when the control member is in the third position.

[0043] The cabin leveling valve may include an integrated gas release assembly within a housing defined by a body and a cover. The integrated gas release assembly may be configured to perform a controllable check valve function to selectively allow gas to flow from the pneumatic component to an interior cavity defined between the body and the cover. Gas is discharged from the interior cavity through the at least one discharge port for deflating the at least one pneumatic component. The integrated gas release assembly may be in a normally closed position when the control member is in a third position (i.e., a neutral position) and when the control member is in a first position (i.e., a position for inflating the pneumatic component). When the control member is in a second position (i.e., a position for deflating the pneumatic component), the integrated gas release assembly may be controlled to selectively allow gas to flow from the pneumatic component for discharge via the discharge port.

[0044] This configuration provides the effect that, if the control member is in the third position, the cabin leveling valve can ensure that the amount of gas in the pneumatic component is maintained.

[0045] The cabin leveling valve may be a three-way valve. The cabin leveling valve may have three operating states corresponding to inflating the pneumatic component, deflating the pneumatic component via the at least one exhaust port, and maintaining a certain amount of gas in the pneumatic component. The cabin leveling valve may be a 3 / 3-way valve. The cabin leveling valve may be configured such that the position of the control member controls in which of the three operating states the cabin leveling valve operates.

[0046] This configuration provides the effect that the cabin leveling valve is operable to controllably perform inflation of the pneumatic component, deflation of the pneumatic component, and maintenance of a constant amount of gas in the pneumatic component.

[0047] The gasket may be sized to abut against the body and cover in a close fit.

[0048] This configuration has the effect of reducing the risk of liquid and / or particulate matter entering the cabin leveling valve. This increases the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0049] The cover may include a recess in which the gasket is disposed.

[0050] This configuration provides the effect that a seal comprising a labyrinth structure can be provided by the body, the cover and the gasket, which further reduces the risk of liquid and / or particulate matter entering the cabin leveling valve. This increases the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0051] The body may include an upstanding portion extending into the recess, wherein the gasket is sandwiched between the upstanding portion and a surface portion of the cover defining the recess.

[0052] This configuration provides the effect that a seal comprising a labyrinth structure can be provided by the body, the cover and the gasket, which further reduces the risk of liquid and / or particulate matter entering the cabin leveling valve. This increases the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0053] The raised portion may include a ridge having a top surface, wherein the gasket abuts the top surface of the ridge.

[0054] This configuration facilitates reliable assembly of the gasket between the body and the cover, and the resulting reduction in ingress of liquid and / or particulate matter prolongs the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0055] The body and the cover may be sized so that, in the cabin leveling valve, the rising portion is spaced apart from the cover by a gap, with the gasket being arranged in the gap.

[0056] This configuration provides the effect that the gasket acts as a plug to close the gap between the body and the lid. The gasket provides a seal that yields when the lid and / or body exerts force on the gasket. This further reduces the risk of ingress of liquids and / or particulate matter. Furthermore, since the gasket provides the desired seal, greater versatility is achieved in the choice of materials for the body and / or lid.

[0057] The gasket may include a passage for at least one fastener for fastening the cover to the body, and / or a passage for at least one tubular section of the body or cover.

[0058] This configuration provides the effect that the gasket may be more securely retained in its position while providing a circumferential seal around the fastener and / or the at least one tubular section.

[0059] The gasket may be configured to reduce or prevent liquid ingress into the cabin leveling valve.

[0060] This configuration provides the effect of reducing the likelihood of ingress of not only particulate matter but also liquid into the cabin leveling valve. This is particularly important for commercial vehicles, in particular tractor vehicles and / or trucks, which may be at high risk of jets of water, mud or dirt entering conventional cabin leveling valves.

[0061] The washer may extend from a first free end of the washer to a second free end of the washer. The first free end of the washer and the second free end of the washer may be arranged at and optionally engaged with a rubber boot of the cabin leveling valve, wherein the rubber boot extends around a portion of the control member to provide protection for the control member.

[0062] This configuration provides the effect that an improved protection is achieved against the ingress of foreign matter into the cabin leveling valve, which further extends the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0063] The gasket may extend in a U-shape or V-shape between the first and second ends (as seen in plan view along a viewing direction perpendicular to a major face of the gasket), with a curved top portion disposed opposite both the first and second ends.

[0064] This configuration provides an effect that protection is achieved along the U-shaped or V-shaped rising portion of the main body and / or the recessed portion of the cover from foreign matter entering the vehicle cabin leveling valve.

[0065] The at least one discharge port may be provided in one of the body and the cover at a position spaced apart from the other of the body and the cover.

[0066] This configuration provides the effect that the discharge port is arranged spaced apart from the interface of the body and the cover, thereby allowing for better prevention of ingress of liquid and / or particulate matter at the interface of the body and the cover.

[0067] The cabin leveling valve may have a first main surface and a second main surface. The first main surface may be disposed on the main body. The second main surface may be disposed on the cover. Fasteners attaching the cover to the main body may extend transversely (particularly perpendicularly) to the first and second main surfaces. One or more through-openings for the discharge port may be formed in the second main surface.

[0068] This configuration provides the effect that the sealing member can be easily and reliably mounted, thereby contributing to extending the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0069] The control member may comprise a control lever.

[0070] This configuration provides an effect of facilitating the operation of the car leveling valve in response to a change in the attitude or height of the car through the link connected to the car and the control lever.

[0071] The cabin leveling valve may include a protective member, such as a rubber boot, engaged with the body and the cover, wherein the control rod extends through at least a portion of the protective member.

[0072] This configuration provides an effect of protecting the control rod, thereby further increasing the life of the carriage leveling valve.

[0073] The protective member may include a rubber sleeve, wherein the control rod extends through at least a portion of the rubber sleeve.

[0074] This configuration provides the effect of allowing desired movement of the control rod while protecting the control rod, thereby further improving the life of the carriage leveling valve.

[0075] The cabin leveling valve may further include a first connector mounted on or integrated with the supply port and a second connector mounted on or integrated with the discharge port.

[0076] This configuration provides the effect of facilitating installation of a first fluid line (particularly a first gas line) that provides fluid communication between a source of pressurized gas and the cabin leveling valve, and a second fluid line (particularly a second gas line) that provides fluid communication between the pneumatic component and the cabin leveling valve.

[0077] The first connector and / or the second connector may be quick release connectors.

[0078] This configuration provides an effect of facilitating installation of the first fluid line and installation of the second fluid line.

[0079] The body may comprise or may be made of a plastic material.

[0080] This configuration provides an effect of facilitating the formation of the through-hole of the discharge port in the body and, where applicable, facilitating the formation of a mounting structure of the body for fixing the sealing member near (eg, overlapping) the through-hole.

[0081] The supply port, the discharge port and the exhaust port may all be arranged on the main body.

[0082] This configuration provides ease of manufacturing.

[0083] The discharge port may have an ingress protection classification of at least IP5K7K according to ISO 20653, such as an ingress protection classification of IP5K9K according to ISO 20653.

[0084] This provides good protection against the ingress of foreign matter. In particular, the risk of cleaning agents entering the cabin leveling valve through the discharge port is significantly reduced or eliminated. This extends the service life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0085] The cabin leveling valve may have an ingress protection category of at least IP5K7K according to ISO 20653, such as an ingress protection category of IP5K9K according to ISO 20653.

[0086] This provides good protection against the ingress of foreign matter. In particular, the risk of cleaning agents entering the cabin leveling valve is significantly reduced or eliminated. This prolongs the service life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0087] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cabin leveling system is provided. The cabin leveling system includes: a cabin leveling valve according to any aspect or embodiment disclosed herein; a pressurized gas source configured to supply pressurized gas to the supply port; at least one airbag configured to inflate during a first leveling operation and deflate during a second leveling operation; and a connecting rod connected to the control member. The connecting rod is configured to shift the control member from a neutral position to the first position or the second position in response to a change in a load acting on the vehicle cabin.

[0088] This configuration provides the effect of achieving a cabin leveling system having a cabin leveling valve with enhanced protection against the ingress of liquids and / or particulate matter, thereby increasing the life of the cabin leveling valve. A cabin leveling system with an increased life is thereby provided.

[0089] According to another aspect of the present invention, a commercial vehicle is provided, comprising a vehicle cabin and a vehicle cabin leveling valve or a vehicle cabin leveling system according to any aspect or embodiment disclosed herein.

[0090] This configuration provides the effect of achieving a commercial vehicle with a cabin leveling valve that has enhanced protection against the ingress of liquids and / or particulate matter, thereby increasing the life of the cabin leveling valve and reducing maintenance and / or replacement work on the cabin leveling valve.

[0091] The at least one air bag may be configured such that inflation of the at least one air bag causes a portion of the vehicle interior to be raised, and deflation of the at least one air bag causes the portion of the vehicle interior to be lowered.

[0092] This configuration provides the effect of achieving a commercial vehicle with a cabin leveling valve that has enhanced protection against the ingress of liquids and / or particulate matter, thereby increasing the life of the cabin leveling valve and reducing maintenance and / or replacement work on the cabin leveling valve.

[0093] The link and control member may be configured such that a change in the load acting on the car causes the link to displace the control member to the first position or the second position.

[0094] This configuration provides an effect of automatically performing cabin leveling based on mechanical operation input received by the cabin leveling valve. The cabin attitude can be adjusted by the cabin leveling valve supplying gas to pneumatic components (such as air bags) or allowing gas to be discharged from the pneumatic components via the cabin leveling valve.

[0095] The commercial vehicle may be an air-sprung vehicle.

[0096] Pneumatic cabin leveling is particularly useful for, but not limited to, air-sprung vehicles.

[0097] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling a cabin leveling valve according to an aspect or embodiment of the present invention is provided. The method includes assembling the body and the cover, and mounting the sealing member to the body or the cover, including securing the sealing member with the mounting member, the mounting member being urged into engagement with the body or the cover to sandwich the sealing member between the mounting member and the body or the cover.

[0098] This method provides the effect of providing a cabin leveling valve which reduces the risk of liquid and / or particulate matter entering the cabin leveling valve. Thus, the method provides a cabin leveling valve with an increased lifespan.

[0099] The method may also include assembling the cabin leveling valve in a cabin leveling system, including establishing a pneumatic connection between a source of pressurized gas and a supply port of the cabin leveling valve, and establishing a further pneumatic connection between a discharge port of the cabin leveling valve and an inflatable and deflable pneumatic component (such as an air bag) for cabin leveling.

[0100] Thereby, a cabin leveling system is provided with a cabin leveling valve which reduces the risk of liquid and / or particulate matter entering the cabin leveling valve.Accordingly, the method provides a cabin leveling valve with an increased lifespan.

[0101] The method may also include assembling a cabin leveling valve in a commercial vehicle, including establishing a pneumatic connection between a source of pressurized gas and a supply port of the cabin leveling valve, and establishing a further pneumatic connection between a discharge port of the cabin leveling valve and a pneumatic component (such as an air bag) that is inflatable and deflated for cabin leveling, and further including connecting a control member of the cabin leveling valve to a linkage that is displaced in response to a change in the attitude of the cabin of the commercial vehicle.

[0102] Thereby, a commercial vehicle is provided with a cabin leveling valve which reduces the risk of liquid and / or particulate matter entering the cabin leveling valve.Thus, the method provides a cabin leveling valve with an increased lifespan.

[0103] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a cabin leveling valve of any aspect or embodiment to reduce or prevent the ingress of liquid and / or particulate matter into the cabin leveling valve through the exhaust port of the cabin leveling valve during operation of a commercial vehicle comprising the cabin leveling valve.

[0104] As such, the cabin leveling valve may be used to reduce maintenance and / or repair work that may otherwise be required more frequently when a conventional cabin leveling valve is installed.

[0105] Embodiments of the present invention achieve various effects and advantages. For illustration, the cabin leveling valve provides protection against ingress of foreign matter through the drain port, thereby helping to increase the life of the cabin leveling valve. The cabin leveling valve is configured so that the sealing member can be efficiently mounted, for example, by clamping to the body or cover via a clamping ring or other mounting member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] Further advantages, embodiments and developments are defined in the dependent claims. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0107] Figure 1is a partially exploded perspective view of a carriage leveling valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0108] Figure 2 is a plan view of the carriage leveling valve, showing the discharge port;

[0109] Figure 3 This is another partial exploded perspective view of the carriage leveling valve;

[0110] Figure 4 It is a partial plan view of the carriage leveling valve with the cover removed;

[0111] Figure 5 It is a partial exploded view of the components of the carriage leveling valve;

[0112] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the carriage leveling valve;

[0113] Figure 7 showing a detail of a cross-section of the carriage leveling valve;

[0114] Figure 8 Shown is the carriage leveling valve connected to the connecting rod;

[0115] Figure 9 is a partial view of a vehicle including a cabin leveling system including a cabin leveling valve; and

[0116] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a commercial vehicle including a cabin leveling valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0117] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, similar or identical reference numerals indicate elements having similar or identical structures and / or functions.

[0118] The present invention relates to a cabin leveling valve configured to selectively establish fluid communication between a pneumatic component, such as an air bag, and a pressurized gas source for inflating the pneumatic component, and to establish fluid communication with ambient atmosphere via a discharge port for deflating the pneumatic component.

[0119] As used herein, the term "bed leveling" refers to a mechanism configured to change the attitude of the bed of a commercial vehicle, such as a tractor or van or truck. The attitude change may be relative to the surface on which the vehicle is positioned.

[0120] As used herein, the term "inflation" encompasses partial inflation, ie, an increase in the amount of gas in a pneumatic component. The term "deflation" encompasses partial deflation, ie, a decrease in the amount of gas in a pneumatic component.

[0121] As used herein, the term "sealing member" refers to an element that at least reduces the ingress of liquid and / or particulate foreign matter into the cabin leveling valve through the drain port of the cabin leveling valve. The sealing member does not provide an airtight seal, but rather may function as a one-way air valve that selectively opens in response to a pressure differential during a drain operation.

[0122] Figure 1 1 is a partially exploded view of a cabin leveling valve 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cabin leveling valve 10 may be configured as a three-way valve including three ports and having three operating states, but is not limited thereto.

[0123] The cabin leveling valve improves driver comfort by maintaining a consistent cabin position. For vehicles equipped with an air suspension system, the cabin leveling valve 10 can maintain the correct posture to adapt to the cabin load and a range of road conditions.

[0124] The cabin leveling valve 10 includes a main body 11 and a cover 12 attached to the main body by fasteners 30. In the assembled state of the cabin leveling valve 10, the main body 11 and the cover 12 define a housing of a portion of the cabin leveling valve 10. The main body 11 and the cover 12 each include a surface that is exposed when the cabin leveling valve 10 is assembled.

[0125] The cabin leveling valve 10 includes a supply port 14. A first connector 16 can be disposed on the supply port 14. When installed in a cabin leveling system or vehicle, the supply port 14 of the cabin leveling valve 10 is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized gas. For ease of assembly, the first connector 16 can be a quick-release connector.

[0126] The cabin leveling valve 10 includes an exhaust port 15. A second connector 17 may be provided on the exhaust port 15. When installed in a cabin leveling system or vehicle, the exhaust port 15 of the cabin leveling valve 10 is in fluid communication with a pneumatic component (such as an airbag) configured to act on the cabin and change its posture. For ease of assembly, the second connector 17 may be a quick-release connector.

[0127] The cabin leveling valve 10 includes a control member that may include a control rod 18. The control rod 18 may include a coupling structure for coupling to the rod, such as a pin configured to achieve a pivotal connection with the rod. A rubber boot 19 of the cabin leveling valve 10 may engage both the body 11 and the cover 12. The rubber boot 19 may extend at least partially around the control rod 18 to protect the control rod 18 while allowing movement between various control positions, such as a first position, a second position, and a third position, which will be described in more detail below.

[0128] Figure 2A plan view of the cabin leveling valve 10 is shown, with the viewing direction directed toward a first major surface of the cabin leveling valve provided by the body 11. The cabin leveling valve includes a discharge port 20 at the body 11. The discharge port 20 includes a sealing member 22 that is arranged to overlap one or more through-holes formed through the body wall of the body 11. The sealing member 22 is held in place on a mounting post 31 of the body 11 by a mounting member 23. The sealing member 22 overlaps the through-holes formed through the body wall of the body 11 while allowing gas to pass from the interior cavity of the cabin leveling valve 10 to the ambient atmosphere.

[0129] The cabin leveling valve 10 can be configured as a 3 / 3-way valve having three ports (a supply port 14, a discharge port 15, and a drain port 20) and three operating states. The cabin leveling valve 10 can be configured such that when the control lever 18 is in a first position (which may also be referred to as an inflate position), fluid communication is established between the supply port 14 and the discharge port 15. In this operating state, the cabin leveling valve 10 is configured to transfer pressurized gas received from a pressurized gas source at the supply port 14 to the discharge port 15 for use in inflating the pneumatic components. The cabin leveling valve 10 can be configured such that when the control lever 18 is in a second position (which may also be referred to as a deflate or drain position), fluid communication is established between the discharge port 15 and the internal cavity defined between the cover 12 and the main body 11, thereby fluidly connecting the discharge port 15 to the drain port 20. In this operating state, the cabin leveling valve 10 is configured to transfer gas received at the discharge port 15 to the ambient atmosphere via the drain port 20. The cabin leveling valve 10 may be configured such that when the control lever 18 is in the third position (which may also be referred to as the neutral position), the cabin leveling valve 10 shuts off the exhaust port 15 from the drain port 20 and the supply port 14. In this operating state, the cabin leveling valve 10 is configured to ensure that the amount of gas in the pneumatic component does not change via the cabin leveling valve 10.

[0130] Preferably, the cabin leveling valve 10 is configured such that the third position is an intermediate position between the first and second positions of the control lever 18. This facilitates control of the cabin leveling valve 10 via a mechanical linkage acting as an input to the control lever 18.

[0131] It should be understood that a variety of configurations can be used to achieve the desired fluid configuration of the cabin leveling valve 10. For illustration, the cabin leveling valve can be a spool valve, such as a ceramic spool valve, in which movement of the control member 18 selectively opens and closes the flow path (e.g., by displacement of a slider, which may be made of a ceramic material). The slidable member, having the gas flow path formed therein, can be biased to a position in which the exhaust port 15 is not in fluid communication with the supply port 14 and the exhaust port 20 (e.g., by a spring, such as a coil spring). Other implementations are possible. For illustration and not limitation, the cabin leveling valve 10 can include a normally closed first control valve (e.g., a 2 / 2-way valve) between the exhaust port 15 and the supply port 14, which is selectively opened when the control lever 18 is in a first position. The cabin leveling valve 10 can include a normally closed second control valve (e.g., a 2 / 2-way valve) between the exhaust port 15 and the exhaust port 20, which is selectively opened when the control lever 18 is in a second position. Other configurations can also be used to achieve pneumatic functionality.

[0132] To reduce the risk of liquid and / or particulate matter entering the cabin leveling valve 10, the cabin leveling valve 10 includes a gasket 13. The gasket 13 is interposed between the cover 12 and the main body 11 in a tight-fitting manner and abuts against both the cover 12 and the main body 11. The gasket 13 may have a height selected based on the gap between the cover 12 and the main body 11 and slightly larger than the gap between the cover 12 and the main body 11, so that the gasket 13 can effectively block the gap between the cover 12 and the main body 11. The gasket 13 may extend along an area where the cover 12 and the main body 11 are close to each other but separated by a gap.

[0133] The cabin leveling valve 10 provides enhanced resistance to the ingress of liquids and / or particulate matter, such as mud, dirt, or sprayed water. The gasket 13 reduces the risk of ingress along the interface between the body 11 and the cover 12. The sealing member 22 reduces the risk of ingress into the cabin leveling valve 10 at the drain port 20. A rubber boot 19 is attached to the ends of the cover 12 and body 11, located opposite the supply port 14 and proximate to the control rod 18, and preferably extends circumferentially along these ends of the cover 12 and body 11. Thus, the configuration of the cabin leveling valve 10 reduces the risk of ingress of mud, dirt, liquid, or other undesirable foreign matter into the cabin leveling valve 10.

[0134] As will be referenced below Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 6 Explained in more detail, the discharge port 20 of the cabin leveling valve 10 is also configured such that the risk of particles and / or liquids entering the cabin leveling valve 10 through the discharge port 20 is reduced.

[0135] Figure 3FIG2 shows a partially exploded view of the cabin leveling valve 10. The sealing member 22 may have a disc shape. The central opening of the sealing member 22 may be sized to allow passage of the mounting post 31 of the body 11. The sealing member 22 may be elastically deformable. When mounted to the mounting post 31 via the mounting member 23, the sealing member 22 may deform so as to be biased against the abutment edge 32 of the body 11 (e.g., Figure 6 ). Mounting member 23 may be a clamping ring that clamps sealing member 22 between mounting member 23 and body 11. Mounting member 23 may have an opening that matches the outer diameter of mounting post 31 so that mounting member 23 is securely fixed to mounting post 31 by, for example, a friction fit.

[0136] The discharge port 20 is included in the Figure 3 One or more through-holes 21 are formed through the main body wall of the main body 11 at the main surface as viewed in FIG. The discharge port 20 may include several through-holes 21 arranged along a circle, an ellipse, a circular arc, or an elliptical arc. Thus, the use of a disc-shaped sealing member 22 increases the total area through which gas can be discharged while also facilitating reliable prevention of foreign matter from entering the cabin leveling valve 10 through the through-holes 21. The housing sections between the through-holes 21 effectively reduce inward deflection of the sealing member 22.

[0137] In order to further reduce the risk of liquid and / or particulate matter entering the cabin leveling valve, the main body 11 may include a cylindrical wall that projects outward (i.e., in a direction away from the cover 12). The cylindrical wall defines a receiving section in which the sealing member 22 and the mounting member 23 are arranged. The through hole 21 is arranged in the outer surface of the closed end of the main body 11 defining the cylindrical wall (at Figure 3 and Figure 6 (best shown in FIG. 1 ). Both the sealing member 22 and the mounting member 23 are disposed within the cylindrical wall. This configuration protects the sealing member 22 and the mounting member 23. Furthermore, a large portion of foreign matter (e.g., mud, water jets, or dust) that strikes the body in a direction transverse to the axial direction of the mounting post 31 is deflected and held away from the sealing member 22 by the cylindrical wall.

[0138] The ceramic piece 47 may be arranged on the body 11 , for example fixed to the body 11 , so as to be positioned inside the volume defined by the body 11 and the cover 12 .

[0139] Figure 4 The through hole 21 may extend cylindrically from the inner surface of the main body wall (where the inner surface faces the cover 11) to the outer surface of the main body wall (which is Figure 3 exposed surface facing the observer).

[0140] Figure 5A partially exploded view of the carriage leveling valve 10 is shown, wherein the body 11 and the gasket 13 are shown on an exaggerated scale for greater clarity.

[0141] The body 11 includes a raised portion 24 protruding from a base portion of the body 11 having a through-hole 21 formed therein. The raised portion 24 may be edge-shaped and may extend continuously from a first free end 26 to a second free end 27. The first and second free ends 26, 27 of the raised portion may be located proximate to the rubber boot 19. The raised portion 24 may include a top surface 25 that extends substantially in a plane and may be substantially flat (except for an optional protruding tube portion 28). The gasket 13 may have a sheet construction extending parallel to a plane extending parallel to the top surface 25. The height 33 of the gasket 13, measured perpendicular to a plane extending from the top surface 25, may be less than the diameter of the gasket 13 within the plane. The gasket 13 may extend continuously from a first free end 36 to a second free end 37. The first free end 36 is located proximate to the first free end 26 of the raised portion 24. The second free end 37 is located proximate to the second free end 27 of the raised portion 24.

[0142] The body 11 includes a body passage 28 for the fastener and the tubular section 29. Corresponding passages for the fastener and the tubular section are provided on the cover (not shown). The gasket 13 may have a corresponding passage 38 for the fastener, with the passage 38 having an inner diameter that matches the inner diameter of the passage 28 of the body 11. The gasket 13 may have a corresponding passage 39 for the tubular section 29, with the inner diameter matching the outer diameter of the tubular section 29 of the body 11.

[0143] The first face 34 and the second face 35 of the gasket 13 may extend substantially parallel to each other. The first face 34 may abut against the top surface 25 of the rising portion 24 of the body 11 in a close-fitting manner. The second face 35 abuts against the surface portion ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0144] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the carriage leveling valve 11 is shown. Figure 7Detail 40 of the cross-sectional view is shown on an enlarged scale. The cover 12 includes a recess 41 into which the raised portion 24 projects. The cover 12 and the main body 11 are shaped so that when the contact surface 46 of the cover 12 abuts a ceramic member 47 disposed in the main body 11, the top surface 25 of the raised portion remains spaced apart from the cover 11 by a gap 45. The recess includes sidewall surfaces 43, 44 and a surface portion 42 that defines the recess and faces the top surface 25. Surface portion 42 may extend along and parallel to the top surface 25. The gasket 13 is sandwiched between and abuts the top surface 25 and surface portion 42 in a tight-fitting manner. Thus, the gasket 13 effectively reduces the risk of foreign matter intruding into the cabin leveling valve. The labyrinthine structure formed by the recess 41 and the raised portion 24 further helps reduce the risk of foreign matter, such as mud, dirt, or sprayed water, entering.

[0145] Figure 8 A partial view of a cabin leveling system 50 is shown, including the cabin leveling valve 10 and a linkage 54. When a load causes the cabin attitude to change, the linkage 54 shifts the control lever 18 from a neutral position 53 to a first position 51 (for inflating the airbag) or a second position 52 (for deflating the airbag), depending on whether a portion of the cabin is to be raised or lowered by the corresponding airbag.

[0146] Figure 9 The schematic diagram of the cabin leveling system installed in a commercial vehicle is shown. The cabin leveling system includes a cabin leveling valve 10, a pressure gas source (at Figure 9 The control member includes a first position 51 (not visible), at least one air bag 56 configured to inflate when the control lever 18 is in the first position 51 and to deflate when the control lever 18 is in the second position 52, and a link 54 connected to the control member. The link 54 can be arranged to extend vertically when the commercial vehicle is on a horizontal surface. The link 54 is configured to shift the control lever 18 from the neutral position 53 to the first position 51 or the second position 52 in response to changes in the load acting on the commercial vehicle.

[0147] The commercial vehicle may include shock absorbers 55, additional air bags 57, and optionally associated additional cabin leveling valves and other components. For illustration, the movement of the cabin may be defined by an upper stop 58, a rubber cap 59, and a lower stop 60, wherein the upper stop 58 is spaced apart from the rubber cap 59 by a spacing 61 in at least some operating conditions.

[0148] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a commercial vehicle 62. The commercial vehicle 62 may be, for example, a tractor or truck. The commercial vehicle 62 includes a cabin leveling system 50 comprising the cabin leveling valve 10 and a pressure source 64 in fluid communication with the supply port 14.

[0149] When the attitude of the car 63 needs to be readjusted due to a load acting on a portion of the car 63, the car leveling valve 10 is mechanically controlled. In response to the mechanical input, the car leveling valve 10 performs a leveling action by inflating or deflating a pneumatic member (e.g., an air bag), thereby adjusting the attitude of the car 63.

[0150] Although the embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, modifications and changes may be implemented in other embodiments.

[0151] For illustrative purposes, while an embodiment has been described in which the cabin leveling valve has supply, discharge, and drain ports all formed on the body, one or more of these ports may additionally or alternatively be formed on the cover. For further illustrative purposes, while an embodiment has been described in which the drain port comprises several through-holes in the body or cover, the drain port may comprise only one through-hole or may comprise through-holes in both the body and the cover. For further illustrative purposes, while an embodiment has been described in which the drain port comprises a disc-shaped sealing member, other configurations may be used to reduce the risk of foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve at the drain port. For further illustrative purposes, while an embodiment has been described in which the sealing member is attached using a mounting post and a clamping ring in an overlapping relationship with the through-holes, other mounting techniques may be used. For illustrative purposes, the clamping ring need not be secured to the mounting post by a friction fit. For further illustrative purposes, while an embodiment has been described in which the cabin leveling valve is a 3 / 3-way valve, other valve configurations may be used.

[0152] For further explanation, the present invention can be applied to various cabin leveling valve configurations, including cabin leveling valves that are sliding valves.

[0153] Embodiments of the present invention achieve various effects and advantages. Embodiments provide an enhanced cabin leveling valve that reduces the risk of foreign matter ingress into the cabin leveling valve. The discharge port may include a sealing member configured to effectively fit in an overlapping relationship with one or more through-holes of the discharge port to reduce the risk of foreign matter ingress into the cabin leveling valve. Consequently, the cabin leveling valve provides enhanced mud protection and, therefore, an improved lifespan.

[0154] List of reference numerals (part of the description)

[0155] 10 Carriage leveling valve

[0156] 11. Subject

[0157] 12. Cover

[0158] 13 washers

[0159] 14 supply ports

[0160] 15 discharge port

[0161] 16, 17 connectors

[0162] 18 control levers

[0163] 19 rubber sleeve

[0164] 20 discharge ports

[0165] 21 through openings

[0166] 22 Sealing member

[0167] 23 Installation components

[0168] 24 standing part

[0169] 25 top surface

[0170] 26, 27 Free end of the raised portion

[0171] 28 fastener passages

[0172] 29 tubular passages

[0173] 30 fasteners

[0174] 31 mounting column

[0175] 33 Washer height

[0176] 34 First gasket surface

[0177] 35 Second gasket surface

[0178] Free ends of washers 36 and 37

[0179] 38 Washer Passage

[0180] 39 gasket passage

[0181] 40 details

[0182] 41 recess

[0183] 42 Cover surface portion defining the recess

[0184] 43, 44 side wall surfaces

[0185] 45 gap

[0186] 46 cover contact surface

[0187] 47 ceramic pieces

[0188] 50 carriage leveling system

[0189] 51 first position

[0190] 52 second position

[0191] 53 Neutral Position

[0192] 54 connecting rod

[0193] 55 shock absorber

[0194] 56 and 57 airbags

[0195] 58 upper stopper

[0196] 59 rubber cap

[0197] 60 lower stop

[0198] 61 intervals

[0199] 62 commercial vehicles

[0200] Car 63

[0201] 64 stressors

Claims

1. A carriage leveling valve (10), comprising: Control member (18); Main body (11); a cover (12), the cover (12) being attached to the body (11); a gasket (13), the gasket (13) being installed between the main body (11) and the cover (12); Supply port (14); a discharge port (15); and at least one discharge port (20); wherein the at least one discharge port (20) includes a sealing member (22) configured to reduce or prevent foreign matter from entering the cabin leveling valve (10), wherein the at least one discharge port (20) further includes a mounting member (23) attached to the body (11) or the cover (12) to secure the sealing member (22) to the body (11) or the cover (12), Wherein, the carriage leveling valve (10) is constructed as When the control member (18) is in the first position (51), the pressurized gas received at the supply port (14) is delivered to the discharge port (15) for inflating the pneumatic component (56) to perform a first leveling operation, and When the control member (18) is in the second position (52), the gas received from the pneumatic component (56) at the discharge port (15) is discharged through the at least one discharge port (20) to perform a second leveling operation.

2. The carriage leveling valve according to claim 1 in, The mounting member (23) is pushed into engagement with a mounting structure (31) of the body (11) or the cover (12) to clamp the sealing member (22) between the mounting member (23) and the body (11) or the cover (12).

3. The carriage leveling valve according to claim 2 in, The mounting structure (31) includes a mounting post (31), and The mounting member (23) comprises an opening, and the mounting column (31) passes through the mounting member (23) through the opening.

4. The carriage leveling valve according to claim 3 in, The sealing member (22) includes a central opening through which the mounting post (31) passes through the sealing member (22).

5. Carriage leveling valve according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The mounting member (23) engages with the body (11) or the cover (12) by friction fit.

6. Carriage leveling valve according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The mounting member (23) comprises a clamping ring (23).

7. A carriage levelling valve according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The at least one discharge port (20) comprises a plurality of through openings (21) extending from the inner surface of the body (11) or the cover (12) to the outer surface, The plurality of through openings (21) are in fluid communication with the inner cavity between the main body (11) and the cover (12).

8. The carriage leveling valve according to claim 7, in, The sealing member (22) is sized to cover the plurality of through openings (21) on the outer surface of the body (11) or the cover (12).

9. A carriage levelling valve according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The sealing member (22) includes a region biased against a circumferential rim (32) formed on the body (11) or the cover (12).

10. The carriage leveling valve according to claim 9, in, The sealing member (22) has a resilient return characteristic that biases the region of the sealing member (22) against the circumferential rim (32).

11. A carriage levelling valve according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The body (11) or the cover (12) comprises a cylindrical section, and the sealing member (22) and the mounting member (23) are arranged in the cylindrical section.

12. Carriage leveling valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The gasket (13) is sized to abut against the body (11) and the cover (12) in a close-fitting manner, The gasket (13) is arranged in a recess (41) of the cover (12), and the rising portion (24) of the main body (11) protrudes into the recess (41).

13. A vehicle compartment leveling system (50), comprising: A carriage levelling valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; a pressurized gas source (64), the pressurized gas source (64) being configured to supply pressurized gas to the supply port (14); at least one air bag (56) configured to be inflated during the first leveling operation and to be deflated during the second leveling operation; as well as A link (54) is connected to the control member (18) and is configured to shift the control member (18) from a neutral position to the first position or the second position in response to a change in load acting on a vehicle cabin.

14. A commercial vehicle (62) comprising: carriage (63); as well as The vehicle compartment leveling system (50) according to claim 13, wherein the at least one airbag (56) is configured such that inflation of the at least one airbag (56) causes a portion of the vehicle compartment (63) to rise, and deflation of the at least one airbag (56) causes the portion of the vehicle compartment (63) to lower.

15. A method for assembling a carriage leveling valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising: Assembling the main body (11) and the cover (12); The sealing member (22) is mounted to the body (11) or the cover (12), which includes securing the sealing member (22) by means of the mounting member (23), the mounting member (23) being urged into engagement with the body (11) or the cover (12) to clamp the sealing member (22) between the mounting member (23) and the body (11) or the cover (12).

16. Use of a cabin leveling valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 to reduce or prevent the ingress of foreign matter into the cabin leveling valve (10) during operation of a commercial vehicle (62) comprising the cabin leveling valve (10).

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