Air dryer box, air dryer, vehicle air treatment system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides an air dryer box, an air dryer, a vehicle air treatment system and a vehicle. The invention relates to an air dryer cartridge (10) for an air dryer (40) of a vehicle air treatment system (50), comprising: a desiccant container (11) containing a desiccant (12); a cartridge base (13) configured to be arranged on a cartridge interface (41) of the air dryer (40); an inner housing (14) connected to the cartridge base (13), the inner housing (14) receiving the desiccant container (11); and an outer housing (15) surrounding the inner housing (14) wherein an air flow channel (16) is formed between the outer housing (15) and the inner housing (14), the inner housing (14) and the cartridge base (13) forming a central mounting section (17) with a connecting element (18) configured to be connected to an air flow connector (42) of an air dryer (40), and the air dryer cartridge (10) comprises a built-in sealing element (19) arranged at the central mounting section (17), the built-in sealing element (19) being configured to seal the air dryer cartridge (10) against the air flow connector (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air dryer cartridge for an air dryer of a vehicle air treatment system, an air dryer for a vehicle air treatment system, a vehicle treatment system including the air dryer, and a vehicle including the vehicle treatment system. Background Art

[0002] The air dryer cartridge may include a desiccant container containing a desiccant and a cartridge base configured to be positioned on a cartridge interface of an air dryer. Furthermore, the air dryer cartridge may include an inner housing connected to the cartridge base, the inner housing receiving the desiccant container. Furthermore, the air dryer cartridge may include an outer housing surrounding the inner housing, wherein an air flow channel is formed between the outer housing and the inner housing.

[0003] Air dryer cartridges of the aforementioned type are generally known. For example, US 2018 / 0257025 A1 discloses a desiccant cartridge for drying and degreasing a gaseous fluid, and a method for directing a flow within a desiccant cartridge. A desiccant cartridge and a housing in which an inner tank is positioned, in which an oil separation medium for oil particles contained in the fluid and a desiccant for drying the gaseous fluid are arranged one after another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing. The housing has a housing base with a centrally arranged inlet for the fluid to be dried and degreased, and with an eccentrically arranged outlet opening for the drying and degreasing fluid. During normal operation of the desiccant cartridge, the gaseous fluid directed into the desiccant cartridge via the central inlet is first directed to flow through the oil separation medium and then through the desiccant.

[0004] According to current practice, the maintenance process for replacing an air dryer cartridge on an air dryer of a vehicle air handling system can be time-consuming and cumbersome due to the need to accurately seal the air dryer cartridge against the air dryer body. For example, an O-ring may be provided and assembled to the air dryer cartridge or the air dryer to ensure a proper seal between these components.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide a technical approach that allows for increased efficiency in the maintenance process of cartridge-based air dryer concepts. In view of the foregoing, a general object of the present invention is to address one or more of the shortcomings associated with the prior art. In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide an air dryer cartridge that is easy to install on an air dryer in a time-efficient manner. Another object of the present invention is to provide a corresponding air dryer, a corresponding vehicle air treatment system, and a corresponding vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide an air dryer cartridge for an air dryer of a vehicle air treatment system, an air dryer for a vehicle air treatment system, a vehicle treatment system including the air dryer, and a vehicle including the vehicle treatment system as indicated in the appended claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an air dryer box for an air dryer of a vehicle air treatment system is provided, the air dryer box comprising: a desiccant container containing a desiccant; a box base configured to be arranged on a box interface of the air dryer; an inner shell connected to the box base, the inner shell receiving the desiccant container; and an outer shell surrounding the inner shell, wherein an air flow channel is formed between the outer shell and the inner shell; wherein the inner shell and the box base form a central mounting section having a connecting element, the connecting element being configured to be connected to an air flow connector of the air dryer, and wherein the air dryer box comprises a built-in sealing element arranged at the central mounting section, the built-in sealing element being configured to seal the air dryer box against the air flow connector.

[0008] In summary, an air dryer cassette having a structurally integrated sealing component is provided, which is intended to implement the sealing function between the air dryer cassette and the cassette interface of the air dryer in a central mounting area, thereby eliminating the need to provide and install a separate sealing element between the air dryer cassette and the cassette interface. As a result, maintenance procedures can be efficiently improved, resulting in less maintenance effort and time, lower costs, and easier maintainability. An air dryer cassette according to the proposed features contributes to providing a compact air dryer arrangement. In addition, an improved tightness between the air dryer cassette and the cassette interface can be achieved, particularly considering the reduced risk of insufficient placement of a sealing element provided separately as an additional assembly component.

[0009] Within the present disclosure, an air dryer cartridge may generally be a structural unit for receiving and drying compressed air so as to provide dry compressed air to a recipient. The air dryer cartridge may be operated in a drying mode and a regeneration mode. In the drying mode, a moist compressed air flow may be directed through a desiccant of the air dryer cartridge, wherein the desiccant is configured to adsorb moisture from the moist compressed air flow. Since the desiccant may reach a saturated state after adsorbing a certain level of moisture, the desiccant may be regenerated in the regeneration mode. In the regeneration mode, a relatively dry regeneration air flow is directed through the desiccant, which may therefore desorb moisture into the regeneration air flow. The regeneration air flow may then be discharged from the air dryer cartridge. The desiccant may, for example, be a suitable adsorbent, such as a zeolite. Since the desiccant may be susceptible to degradation, the air dryer cartridge may be configured to be replaceable and may, for example, be replaced after a certain number of drying and regeneration cycles.

[0010] The air dryer cassette includes a central mounting section formed by the inner housing of the air dryer cassette and the cassette base. The central mounting section can be arranged in a generally central region at the level of the cassette base. The central mounting section can be configured to geometrically and structurally fit over the air flow connector of the air dryer. As described above, the central mounting section can include a connecting element configured to connect to the air flow connector of the air dryer. The connecting element can be, for example, a mechanical connector such as a thread, a screw fastener, or a clip element.

[0011] As described above, the air dryer cartridge may include an inner housing for receiving a desiccant container and an outer housing surrounding the inner housing, wherein an air flow channel is formed between the outer housing and the inner housing. The air flow channel may extend circumferentially around the inner housing. Depending on the current drying mode or regeneration mode and the selected flow configuration (which may be a normal flow configuration or a reverse flow configuration), the air flow channel may form at least one of an air inlet channel to the desiccant container and an air outlet channel from the desiccant container. For example, when the air dryer cartridge is operated in drying mode according to the normal flow configuration, the air flow channel may form an air inlet channel for directing compressed air to be dried from at least one air flow aperture provided in the cartridge base to the desiccant container. For example, when the air dryer cartridge is operated in regeneration mode according to the normal flow configuration, the air flow channel may form an air outlet channel for directing moist regeneration air from the desiccant container to the at least one air flow aperture provided in the cartridge base. For example, when the air dryer cartridge is operated in a drying mode according to the reverse flow configuration, the air flow passage may form an air outflow passage for directing dry compressed air from the desiccant container to the air dryer via the at least one air flow aperture provided in the cartridge base. For example, when the air dryer cartridge is operated in a regeneration mode according to the reverse flow configuration, the air flow passage may form an air inflow passage for directing dry regeneration air from the air dryer to the desiccant container via the at least one air flow aperture provided in the cartridge base.

[0012] In the present disclosure, an air dryer includes a cartridge interface, onto which an air dryer cartridge can be placed and secured via suitable fastening elements. The cartridge interface and the air dryer cartridge, particularly the air dryer cartridge base, can be designed to be geometrically and structurally compatible. As described above, the air dryer can include an air flow connector, which can be part of the cartridge interface and form a structural counterpart to the central mounting section of the air dryer cartridge. The air flow connector can include a connector air flow channel, which can form at least one of an air inlet and an air outlet. For example, when the air dryer cartridge is operated in a drying mode according to a conventional flow configuration, the connector flow channel can form an air outlet for directing dry compressed air to the compressed air supply port. For example, when the air dryer cartridge is operated in a regeneration mode according to a conventional flow configuration, the connector flow channel can form an air inlet for directing dry regeneration air to the desiccant container. For example, when the air dryer cartridge is operated in a drying mode according to a reverse flow configuration, the connector air flow channel can form an air inlet for directing moist compressed air to the desiccant container of the air dryer cartridge. For example, when the air dryer cartridge is operated in a regeneration mode according to a reverse flow configuration, the connector air flow passage may form an air outlet for directing moist regeneration air from the desiccant container to a discharge port provided by the air dryer.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the air dryer cassette includes an internal sealing element arranged at the central mounting section, the internal sealing element being configured to seal the air dryer cassette against the air flow connector. The internal sealing element can be arranged at the central mounting section so that it abuts the air flow connector without interfering with the fastening function of the central mounting section.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the built-in sealing element can be an O-ring. This provides a low-cost built-in sealing element with reliable sealing properties and easy implementation. Alternatively, it is contemplated to use sealing elements with other geometric shapes, such as X-rings or D-rings. The central mounting section of the air dryer cassette can be designed in a geometrically compatible manner with the selected sealing element, thereby ensuring a tight fit of the built-in sealing element.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, at least one of the box base and the inner shell may include a recess configured to hold the built-in sealing element. Thereby, simplified assembly and secure retention of the built-in sealing element can be advantageously facilitated. For example, the recess can be configured as a groove, in particular a circumferential groove. The recess may include an angle or a radius, depending in particular on the geometry of the built-in sealing element applied. According to a first variant of the embodiment, the inner shell may include a recess, thereby allowing the box base to focus on the mechanical connection function of attaching the air dryer box to the box interface. According to a second variant of the embodiment, the box base may include a recess, thereby efficiently combining the mechanical connection function with the sealing function. According to a third variant of the embodiment, the inner shell and the box base may form a common groove, thereby evenly sharing the sealing function.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the built-in sealing element can abut the connecting element at an edge of the connecting element oriented toward the desiccant container. This ensures that the built-in sealing element does not interfere with the connecting element, thereby supporting a reliable connection and sealing function. For example, the connecting element can be configured as a threaded connection, and the built-in sealing element can be arranged on an upper threaded end oriented away from the cartridge interface. For example, the built-in sealing element can be arranged directly adjacent to the top of the connecting element, for example, at the top of the threads of a connecting element configured as a threaded connection.

[0017] According to embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the box base can include a connection element, and the inner housing can include a built-in sealing element. Thus, the box base and inner housing, which form the central mounting section, have separate functions related to connection and sealing. This allows for a simplified construction, resulting in enhanced assembly, and allows each of the box base and inner housing to be optimized with respect to its individually defined functions.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the cassette base may include a connecting section with an L-shaped profile, wherein the inner housing may include a protrusion that engages with the connecting section. This creates an interwoven section of the cassette base and inner housing, advantageously providing improved tightness and stability. For example, the protrusion may extend to the angle or radius of the L-shaped connecting section. The connecting element of the air dryer cassette may be positioned in or on the connecting section.

[0019] According to an improved embodiment, the built-in sealing element can abut the L-shaped profile of the connecting section. This allows for a compact arrangement. For example, the built-in sealing element can abut the end of a leg of the L-shaped profile, which is configured to face the air flow connector of the air dryer. This provides a direct, space-saving transition from the connecting section to the built-in sealing element, promoting compactness.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the built-in sealing element can be formed integrally with the inner housing or with the box base. This can provide an increased level of integration with reduced assembly effort. For example, such an inner housing or box base with an integral built-in sealing element can be produced by two-component injection molding.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the air dryer cartridge may include an air distribution cavity disposed in the bottom portion of the inner housing between the central mounting section and the desiccant container, and a built-in sealing element may be disposed between the air distribution cavity and the connecting element of the central mounting section. This allows the built-in sealing element to be efficiently placed near critical cartridge areas where air flow passes through. The air distribution cavity may be the free space between the desiccant container and the bottom portion of the inner housing, with the bottom portion oriented toward the cartridge base. Air flow may be directed through the air distribution cavity between the connector air flow channel of the air flow connector and the desiccant container, where the air distribution cavity may, for example, promote even distribution of air flow toward the desiccant container. For example, if the connecting element of the central mounting section is threaded, the built-in sealing element may be disposed between the air distribution cavity and the top of the threads, with the top of the threads facing the desiccant container. Alternatively, the built-in sealing element may be shielded by an inner housing edge between the built-in sealing element and the air distribution cavity, thereby reducing direct air flow impact on the built-in sealing element and maintaining its functional integrity. The inner housing edge may also facilitate forming a recess for the sealing element. According to another option, the air distribution cavity may include a deflector configured to distribute the air flow between the desiccant container surfaces for improved air flow distribution, and the built-in sealing element may be arranged between the deflector and the connecting element.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the connecting element may be a thread.Thereby, the air dryer cartridge may be easily fastened to the air dryer.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the air dryer cartridge can be configured to operate in a reverse flow configuration, wherein the air flow channel forms an air outflow channel from the desiccant container when the air dryer cartridge is operating in drying mode, and in this reverse flow configuration, the air flow channel forms an air inflow channel to the desiccant container when the air dryer cartridge is operating in regeneration mode. The built-in sealing element thus provides the further advantage of preventing water from entering the connecting element. If the connecting element is a threaded connection comprising threaded coils, potential corrosion that could impair detachability can be advantageously prevented according to the proposed embodiment.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an air dryer for a vehicle air treatment system is provided, the air dryer comprising a box interface having an air flow connector, the box interface being configured to receive an air dryer box according to at least one of the aforementioned features, and the air flow connector being configured to be connected to the connecting element of the central mounting section of the air dryer box.

[0025] With the proposed air dryer according to the second aspect of the present invention, a suitable air dryer can be provided to achieve the above-mentioned objects of the present invention, thereby efficiently improving the maintenance process and resulting in less maintenance effort and time, lower costs and easier maintainability. In addition, a compact air dryer arrangement and improved tightness between the air dryer and the air dryer box can be achieved.

[0026] In particular, the proposed air dryer can be adapted to receive the aforementioned air dryer cassette having a built-in sealing element at the central mounting section, which is achieved, for example, by providing a suitable sealing surface, wherein the sealing surface is configured to abut the built-in sealing element of the air dryer cassette when assembled. In addition, the air flow connector can, for example, include a mating thread, which can be configured to engage with the connecting element if the connecting element of the air dryer cassette is a thread. The mating threads can be arranged circumferentially on the outer surface of the air flow connector. Optionally, the air dryer can also include a removable cover configured to cover the air dryer cassette, thereby providing enhanced cassette protection from environmental conditions.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the air flow connector may include a connector recess configured to receive a built-in sealing element of the air dryer box. As a result, the air flow connector may be suitable for achieving improved assembly and sealing with the air dryer box. The connector recess may be configured to partially receive the built-in sealing element, thereby providing additional support for the built-in sealing element of the air dryer box. In other words, the connector recess provided at the air flow connector may be configured to contact an exposed surface of the built-in sealing element, thereby contributing to the circumferential closure of the built-in sealing element. For example, the connector recess may form a counterpart to a recess provided in the air dryer box for receiving the built-in sealing element.

[0028] According to an improved embodiment, the airflow connector may include an airflow opening section having an expanded cross-section, and the connector recess may be arranged at the level of the expanded cross-section. In other words, the airflow connector may include a connector airflow channel that widens toward the air dryer cartridge received by the cartridge interface, thereby improving the air distribution of the airflow through the airflow connector in the direction of the air dryer cartridge. Because the connector wall of the airflow connector can include a reduced thickness in the region of the expanded cross-section, assembly of the built-in sealing element to the airflow connector during production can be simplified, and the built-in sealing element can contribute to mechanical stability and increased tightness in this region.

[0029] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a vehicle air handling system is provided, comprising an air dryer according to at least one of the aforementioned features and an air dryer cartridge according to at least one of the aforementioned features. Using the proposed vehicle air handling system according to the third aspect of the present invention, a suitable vehicle air handling system can be provided to achieve the aforementioned objectives of the present invention, thereby efficiently improving maintenance processes and resulting in reduced maintenance effort and time, lower costs, and easier serviceability. Furthermore, a vehicle air handling system can be provided with a compact air dryer arrangement and improved tightness between the air dryer and the air dryer cartridge. The vehicle air handling system can be part of a vehicle's compressed air supply system, configured to supply compressed air to at least one of a compressed air buffer and a compressed air device of the vehicle. For example, the compressed air device can be an air suspension system or a pneumatic brake system. The compressed air supply system can include a compressor. The vehicle air handling system can be configured to receive and dry compressed air received by the compressor and supply the dried compressed air to at least one of the compressed air buffer and the compressed air device.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided that includes the aforementioned vehicle air treatment system. Using the proposed vehicle according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a suitable vehicle can be provided to achieve the aforementioned objectives of the present invention, thereby efficiently improving maintenance procedures and resulting in reduced maintenance effort and time, lower costs, and easier serviceability. Furthermore, a vehicle can be provided that features a compact air dryer arrangement and improved compactness between the air dryer and the air dryer box.

[0031] The described vehicle can be any type of motor vehicle designed to transport people and / or goods. In particular, the vehicle can be a commercial vehicle, such as a truck or bus. For commercial vehicles, due to the presence of air handling systems and the relatively frequent replacement of air dryer cartridges, the advantages of a more efficient and improved maintenance process can significantly improve the vehicle's operating efficiency. Therefore, the present invention can be advantageously applied to commercial vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The above and other features will become apparent from the following description of illustrative, non-limiting examples, which will be further summarized with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an air dryer cassette mounted to a partially visible air dryer is shown according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 Describes the basis Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the lower portion of the air dryer cassette mounted to the air dryer.

[0035] Figure 3 Provided the basis Figure 2 , modified by a visualization of the air flow of an air dryer cassette operating in drying mode according to a reverse flow configuration.

[0036] Figure 4 A side view of a vehicle including a vehicle air treatment system according to an embodiment is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 The air dryer box 10 of the air dryer 40 of the vehicle air treatment system 50 is schematically shown. Figure 4 It is schematically shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3An enlarged schematic diagram of the lower portion of the air dryer box 10 and a partially visible air dryer 40 is provided. Therefore, reference will be made to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 to describe the illustrated embodiment.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the air dryer cartridge 10 includes a desiccant container 11 containing a desiccant 12 (e.g., zeolite). To provide an enhanced overview, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The enlarged view of the air dryer cartridge 10 in FIG. 1 does not show the desiccant 12 .

[0039] The illustrated air dryer cassette 10 includes a cassette base 13 configured to be disposed on a cassette interface 41 of an air dryer 40, such as a cassette base 13. Figure 2 and 3 As shown. Figures 1 to 3 As can be clearly seen, the illustrated air dryer cartridge 10 includes an inner housing 14 connected to a cartridge base 13, the inner housing 14 receiving the desiccant container 11. Furthermore, the air dryer cartridge 10 includes an outer housing 15 surrounding the inner housing 14, with an air flow passage 16 formed between the outer housing 15 and the inner housing 14. The air flow passage 16 may extend circumferentially around the inner housing 14.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the inner housing 14 and the cassette base 13 form a central mounting section 17 having a connecting element 18 connected to an air flow connector 42 of the air dryer 40. The air flow connector 42 includes a connector air flow channel 46 that can be used as an air inlet or an air outlet, depending on whether the air dryer cassette 10 is operated in a dryer mode or a regeneration mode. According to the depicted embodiment, the connecting element 18 is implemented as a thread and is configured to engage with a mating thread 45 provided on the air flow connector 42 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) engagement. Furthermore, the air dryer cassette 10 includes an internal sealing element 19, which is arranged at the central mounting section 17. The internal sealing element 19 is configured to seal the air dryer cassette 10 against the air flow connector 42. According to the depicted embodiment, the internal sealing element 19 is embodied as an O-ring, thereby forming a low-cost internal sealing element 19 with reliable sealing properties. Alternatively, non-depicted embodiments may include other sealing geometries or internal sealing elements 19 that are integrally formed with the inner housing 14 or with the cassette base 13, for example, by two-component injection molding.

[0041] According to the attached Figure 2 and Figure 3As will be apparent, the inner housing 14 comprises a recess 20 which is configured to hold the built-in sealing element 19, thereby ensuring a secure hold of the built-in sealing element 19 and facilitating assembly of the air dryer cassette 10. For example, the recess 20 can be implemented as a circumferential groove in the inner housing 14. According to the embodiment shown, the cassette base 13 comprises the connecting element 18 and the inner housing 14 comprises the built-in sealing element 19, thereby providing structurally separate functions with respect to connection and sealing. Figure 2 As depicted, the air flow connector 42 comprises a connector recess 43 for partially receiving the built-in sealing element 19 and forming a counterpart to the recess 20 of the air dryer cassette 10. The connector recess 43 is arranged at a level 44b of the expanded cross section 44a of the air flow opening section 44 of the air flow connector 42, thereby providing increased tightness in this region due to the built-in sealing element 19 received by the connector recess 43.

[0042] according to Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the built-in sealing element 19 abuts the connecting element 18 at a connecting element edge 18 a oriented toward the desiccant container 11. In other words, the built-in sealing element 19 is arranged on the threaded crest of the connecting element 18 embodied as a thread, thereby increasing the tightness of the connection without interfering with the connecting function of the connecting element 18.

[0043] As from Figure 2 As is apparent, according to the depicted embodiment, the box base 13 includes a connecting section 21 having an L-shaped profile 21a. Furthermore, the inner shell 14 includes a protrusion 22 that engages with the connecting section 21, thereby forming an interwoven section of the box base 13 and the inner shell 14 to improve compactness and stability. The internal sealing element 19 abuts the L-shaped profile 21a of the connecting section 21, providing a direct transition from the connecting section 21 to the internal sealing element 19 that saves space and promotes compactness.

[0044] according to Figures 1 to 3 The air dryer cartridge 10 of the illustrated embodiment includes an air distribution chamber 23 disposed in a bottom portion 25 of the inner housing 14. The air distribution chamber 23 is disposed between the central mounting section 17 of the air dryer cartridge 10 and the desiccant container 11. The air distribution chamber 23 may be defined as the free space between the desiccant container 11 and the bottom portion 25 of the inner housing 14, and may be configured to distribute air flow between the desiccant container surfaces 11a (see FIG. Figure 3 The air flow distribution can be further enhanced by the deflector 24 shown. The internal sealing element 19 is arranged between the air distribution chamber 23 and the connecting element 18 of the central mounting section 17. The internal sealing element 19 can be shielded by the inner housing edge 26 (see Figure 2 ), which reduces the direct air flow impact on the built-in sealing element 19.

[0045] Figure 3 A schematic visualization of the air flow of the air dryer cartridge 10 operating in a dry mode according to a reverse flow configuration is provided. As shown, the moist compressed air inlet flow 30 flows through the connector air flow passage 46 of the air flow connector 42 of the air dryer 40 and enters the air distribution chamber 23, where the moist compressed air inlet flow 30 is distributed and further deflected by the deflector 24 onto the desiccant container surface 11a. The desiccant container surface 11a may include suitable permeable or structured apertures so that the moist compressed air inlet flow 30 can enter the desiccant container 11 and flow through Figure 1 The depicted desiccant 12 is dried. In the upper part of the desiccant container 11, the dry compressed air outflow 31 leaves the desiccant 12 and is deflected towards the outer housing 15 of the air dryer box 10. Therefore, the dry compressed air outflow 31 flows through the air flow channel 16 back to the lower part of the air dryer box 10. Therefore, in the drying mode, the air flow channel 16 can form an air outflow channel according to a reverse flow configuration. The dry compressed air outflow 31 can leave the air dryer box 10 and enter the guide structure of the air dryer 40 via at least one air flow orifice 27, as shown in the figure. Typically, when the air dryer box 10 is operated in the regeneration mode according to the reverse flow configuration, the illustrated air flow of the air dryer box 10 can be reversed. In addition, according to Figure 3 The depicted visualization of the air flows may also be applied to the regeneration mode according to the conventional flow configuration, where the air inflow 30 would be an airflow of dry regeneration air and the air outflow would be an airflow of moist regeneration air.

[0046] Due to the built-in sealing element 19, Figures 1 to 3 The air dryer cassette 10 presented in FIG. 1 is easily installed on the air dryer 40 in a time-efficient manner. The air dryer cassette 10 having the built-in sealing element 19 eliminates the need to provide and install a separate sealing element between the air dryer cassette 10 and the cassette interface 41. Consequently, maintenance procedures can be efficiently improved, resulting in less maintenance effort and time, lower costs, and easier serviceability. Furthermore, according to the illustrated aspects and embodiments, a compact dryer arrangement with improved tightness between the air dryer cassette 10 and the cassette interface 41 can be achieved.

[0047] Figure 4A schematic side view of a vehicle 60 is provided, which is configured as a commercial vehicle 60a, i.e., a truck having a tractor unit 61 and a trailer unit 62. The vehicle 60 includes a vehicle air treatment system 50, wherein the vehicle air treatment system 50 includes an air dryer box 10 connected to an air dryer 40. The vehicle air treatment system 50 may be part of a compressed air supply system 63 having a compressor 64, which is configured to supply compressed air to at least one of a compressed air buffer 67 and a compressed air device 66 of the vehicle 60 via at least one compressed air line 65. For example, the compressed air device 66 may be an air suspension system or a pneumatic brake system. The vehicle air treatment system 50 may be configured to receive and dry the compressed air received by the compressor 64, and to supply the dried compressed air to at least one of the compressed air buffer 67 and the compressed air device 66. The air dryer 40 and the air dryer box 10 implemented in the vehicle air treatment system 50 may be configured according to the invention. Figures 1 to 3 The vehicle air handling system 50 and the vehicle 60 are configured to advantageously enhance the maintenance characteristics of the vehicle air handling system 50 and the vehicle 60 .

[0048] List of reference numerals (part of this application)

[0049] 10 air dryer boxes

[0050] 11Desiccant container

[0051] 11a Desiccant container surface

[0052] 12 Desiccant

[0053] 13 box base

[0054] 14 inner shell

[0055] 15 outer shell

[0056] 16 air flow channels

[0057] 17 Central installation section

[0058] 18 connecting elements

[0059] 18a Connecting element edges

[0060] 19 built-in sealing elements

[0061] 20 recesses

[0062] 21 connecting section

[0063] 21a L-shaped profile

[0064] 22 protrusion

[0065] 23 air distribution chamber

[0066] 24 deflectors

[0067] 25 bottom part

[0068] 26 Inner shell edge

[0069] 27 air flow openings

[0070] 30 Wet compressed air inflow

[0071] 31 Dry compressed air outflow

[0072] 40 air dryer

[0073] 41 box interface

[0074] 42 air flow connector

[0075] 43 connector recess

[0076] 44 air flow opening section

[0077] 44a Extended section

[0078] 44b Extended cross-section level

[0079] 45 matching thread

[0080] 46 connector air flow channel

[0081] 50 Vehicle Air Treatment System

[0082] 60 vehicles

[0083] 60a Commercial vehicles

[0084] 61 traction unit

[0085] 62 trailer units

[0086] 63 Compressed air supply system

[0087] 64 compressors

[0088] 65 compressed air pipeline

[0089] 66 Compressed air device

[0090] 67 Compressed air buffer.

Claims

1. An air dryer box (10) for an air dryer (40) of a vehicle air treatment system (50), the air dryer box (10) comprising: - a desiccant container (11), said desiccant container (11) containing a desiccant (12); - a box base (13), said box base (13) being configured to be arranged on a box interface (41) of said air dryer (40); - an inner housing (14) connected to the box base (13), the inner housing (14) receiving the desiccant container (11); as well as - an outer shell (15), the outer shell (15) surrounding the inner shell (14), wherein an air flow channel (16) is formed between the outer shell (15) and the inner shell (14); wherein the inner housing (14) and the box base (13) form a central mounting section (17) having a connecting element (18), the connecting element (18) being configured to be connected to an air flow connector (42) of the air dryer (40), and The air dryer box (10) comprises a built-in sealing element (19) arranged at the central mounting section (17), wherein the built-in sealing element (19) is configured to seal the air dryer box (10) against the air flow connector (42).

2. The air dryer cartridge (10) according to claim 1, wherein The built-in sealing element (19) is an O-ring.

3. The air dryer cartridge (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one of the box base (13) and the inner housing (14) includes a recess (20) configured to retain the built-in sealing element (19).

4. An air dryer cartridge (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein The built-in sealing element (19) abuts the connecting element (18) at a connecting element edge (18a) oriented toward the desiccant container (11).

5. An air dryer cartridge (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein The box base (13) comprises the connecting element (18), and the inner housing (14) comprises the built-in sealing element (19).

6. An air dryer cartridge (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein The box base (13) comprises a connecting section (21) having an L-shaped profile (21a), and The inner housing (14) includes a protrusion (22) engaged with the connecting section (21).

7. The air dryer cartridge (10) according to claim 6, wherein The built-in sealing element (19) abuts the L-shaped profile (21a) of the connecting section (21).

8. An air dryer cartridge (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein The built-in sealing element (19) is formed integrally with the inner housing (14) or with the box base (13).

9. An air dryer cartridge (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein The air dryer box (10) includes an air distribution chamber (23) arranged in a bottom portion (25) of the inner housing (14) between the central mounting section (17) and the desiccant container (11), and The built-in sealing element (19) is arranged between the air distribution chamber (23) and the connecting element (18) of the central mounting section (17).

10. An air dryer cartridge (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein The connecting element (18) is a thread.

11. An air dryer cartridge (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein The air dryer cartridge (10) is configured to operate according to a reverse flow configuration in which the air flow passage (16) forms an air outflow passage from the desiccant container (11) when the air dryer cartridge (10) operates in a drying mode, and in which the air flow passage (16) forms an air inflow passage to the desiccant container (11) when the air dryer cartridge (10) operates in a regeneration mode.

12. An air dryer (40) for a vehicle air treatment system (50), the air dryer (40) comprising a cassette interface (41) having an air flow connector (42), the cassette interface (41) being configured to receive an air dryer cassette (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and the air flow connector (42) being configured to be connected to the connecting element (18) of the central mounting section (17) of the air dryer cassette (10).

13. The air dryer (40) according to claim 12, wherein: The air flow connector (42) includes a connector recess (43) configured to receive the built-in sealing element (19) of the air dryer cartridge (10).

14. The air dryer (40) according to claim 13, wherein: The air flow connector (42) includes an air flow opening section (44) having an expanded cross section (44a), and Wherein, the connector recess (43) is arranged at the level (44b) of the expanded cross section (44a).

15. A vehicle air treatment system (50), comprising an air dryer (40) according to any one of claims 12-14 and an air dryer box (10) according to any one of claims 1-11.

16. A vehicle (60) comprising the vehicle air treatment system (50) according to claim 15.

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