Intelligent partitioned air chamber for air spring and automobile air suspension system

Abstract

The intelligent partitioned air chamber for the air spring comprises a cavity, and partition plates are arranged in the cavity and comprise the first partition plate and the second partition plate; the interior of the cavity is divided into a first sub-air chamber, a second sub-air chamber, a third sub-air chamber and a fourth sub-air chamber; a first interface, a second interface, a third interface and a fourth interface are arranged on the outer surface of the cavity; an electronic valve A and an electronic valve B are arranged on the first partition plate, and an electronic valve C and an electronic valve D are arranged on the second partition plate; the electronic valve A, the electronic valve B, the electronic valve C and the electronic valve D are all in signal connection with the ECU. The intelligent partitioned air chamber for the air spring is applied to the air spring, and the rigidity of the air spring is quickly and accurately regulated and controlled through an accurate pressure regulation mode, so that the vehicle body stability of a vehicle under various driving working conditions is remarkably improved. Correspondingly, the invention further provides an automobile air suspension system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive suspension technology, and more specifically to an intelligent partitioned air chamber for air springs and an automotive air suspension system employing the intelligent partitioned air chamber. Background Technology

[0002] Air springs, with their adjustable stiffness and height, are widely used in automotive suspension systems, effectively improving vehicle comfort and adaptability to relatively complex road conditions. However, current air springs on the market have many shortcomings in achieving vehicle stability. Existing air springs mostly employ traditional airbag structures and fixed air chamber designs. For example, Chinese patent document CN 218805056 U discloses a dual-chamber air spring and a vehicle, wherein the dual-chamber air spring includes: an upper seat connected to the vehicle frame, the upper seat including an upper seat partition that divides the internal space of the upper seat into a first air chamber and a combined space with an opening, the upper seat partition having a connecting port connecting the first air chamber and the combined space; an airbag, the first end of which is connected to the circumferential outer wall of the opening; a damping motion structure having a first end and a second end capable of sliding and extending relative to each other, the first end passing through the airbag and connected to the upper seat, the second end being used to connect to the vehicle wheel hub; and a valve assembly installed at the connecting port, the valve assembly being used to open or close the connecting port.

[0003] However, the traditional airbag structure and fixed air chamber design of the air springs mentioned above have a limited range of stiffness adjustment and slow response speed, making it difficult to quickly respond to sudden changes in road conditions. This results in significant body swaying and tilting when the vehicle is on bumpy roads or cornering at high speeds, affecting driving safety and comfort.

[0004] Currently, manufacturers are mainly focused on conventional structural improvements, such as changing the number of airbag layers and adding additional air chambers. They use a single pressure regulation logic and lack breakthroughs in the dynamic response and multi-scenario adaptability of air springs, thus failing to meet the automotive industry's demand for high-performance suspension systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this application provides an intelligent partitioned air chamber for air springs. This intelligent partitioned air chamber, employing a specific structure and applied within the air spring, achieves rapid and precise coordinated control of the air spring stiffness in the automotive suspension through precise pressure adjustment, thereby significantly improving vehicle stability under various driving conditions. Correspondingly, this application also provides an automotive air suspension system utilizing this intelligent partitioned air chamber.

[0006] Regarding the air chamber, the technical solution of this application is as follows:

[0007] An intelligent partitioned air chamber for an air spring includes a cavity with internal partitions, including a first partition and a second partition. The first and second partitions form a cross structure, dividing the cavity into four sub-chambers: a first sub-chamber, a second sub-chamber, a third sub-chamber, and a fourth sub-chamber. The cavity has a first interface communicating with the first sub-chamber, a second interface communicating with the second sub-chamber, a third interface communicating with the third sub-chamber, and a fourth interface communicating with the fourth sub-chamber. The first partition has two electronic valves, A and B, and the second partition has two electronic valves, C and D. When electronic valve A is open, the first and second sub-chambers are connected; when electronic valve B is open, the third and fourth sub-chambers are connected; when electronic valve C is open, the first and third sub-chambers are connected; when electronic valve D is open, the second and fourth sub-chambers are connected. Electronic valves A, B, C, and D are all connected to an ECU signal.

[0008] Compared with existing technologies, the intelligent partitioned air chamber of this application is divided into four sub-chambers by a partition, and electronic valves are set between each sub-chamber, so that the sub-chambers can be interconnected or isolated. The interfaces on them are connected to the air spring, which can realize rapid and precise control of the air spring stiffness. When applied to a vehicle, after the controller (ECU) analyzes the current driving state of the vehicle in real time based on multi-source perception data such as vehicle speed sensor, acceleration sensor and vehicle attitude sensor and uses the working condition recognition algorithm, the overall stiffness of the air spring can be adjusted by independently controlling and coordinating the pressure of the sub-chambers to meet the strict requirements of vehicle stability under different driving conditions.

[0009] As an optimization, in the aforementioned intelligent partitioned air chamber for air springs, the A electronic valve includes an A valve seat and an A electronic switching valve disposed inside the A valve seat. The A valve seat has an A1 through-hole connecting the first sub-air chamber and a B1 through-hole connecting the second sub-air chamber. The A electronic switching valve is used to open or close the A1 through-hole and the B1 through-hole. The B electronic valve includes a B valve seat and a B electronic switching valve disposed inside the B valve seat. The B valve seat has an A2 through-hole connecting the fourth sub-air chamber and a B2 through-hole connecting the third sub-air chamber. The B electronic switching valve is used to open or close the A1 through-hole and the B1 through-hole. The system cuts off the A2 and B2 through holes. The C electronic valve includes a C valve seat and a C electronic switching valve located inside the C valve seat. The C valve seat has an A3 through hole connecting to the third sub-gas chamber and a B3 through hole connecting to the first sub-gas chamber. The C electronic switching valve is used to open or close the A3 and B3 through holes. The D electronic valve includes a D valve seat and a D electronic switching valve located inside the D valve seat. The D valve seat has an A4 through hole connecting to the second sub-gas chamber and a B4 through hole connecting to the fourth sub-gas chamber. The D electronic switching valve is used to open or close the A4 and B4 through holes. This specific structure allows for the connection or isolation between the various sub-gas chambers by controlling the opening and closing of the electronic switching valves. It is simple to operate, has a fast response, and is easy to implement.

[0010] Furthermore, in the aforementioned intelligent partitioned air chamber for the air spring, electronic switching valves A, B, C, and D are all solenoid valves. Solenoid valves only require energization to open and close, offering advantages such as fast response speed, mature technology, and high reliability.

[0011] As an optimization, in the aforementioned intelligent partitioned air chambers for air springs, electronic switching valves A, B, C, and D are all normally open solenoid valves. Therefore, when the four solenoid valves are not energized, the four sub-air chambers are interconnected, resulting in the softest suspension and best comfort. When increased stiffness is needed, the corresponding solenoid valve is energized. Using normally open solenoid valves means that energization is not required most of the time, reducing energy consumption.

[0012] As an optimization, in the aforementioned intelligent partitioned air chamber for air springs, the A electronic switching valve and its A seat, the B electronic switching valve and its B seat, the C electronic switching valve and its C seat, and the D electronic switching valve and its D seat are all connected by threads (the valve seats have internal threads, and the electronic switching valves have external threads), and sealed with sealing rings. This structure facilitates the installation and maintenance of the electronic switching valves.

[0013] Regarding the suspension system, the technical solution of this application is as follows:

[0014] The automotive air suspension system includes the aforementioned intelligent partitioned air chamber for air springs and four air springs, each air spring having a connector communicating with the internal air chamber; the first interface, the second interface, the third interface, and the fourth interface are respectively connected to the connectors of the four air springs via connecting pipes.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, in the automotive air suspension system of this application, four air springs are connected to intelligent partitioned air chambers. By controlling the change in the volume of the external air chamber of the air spring in the intelligent partitioned air chamber, the stiffness of the air spring can be quickly and accurately adjusted. When applied to a vehicle, the controller (ECU) analyzes the current driving state of the vehicle in real time based on multi-source sensing data such as vehicle speed sensor, acceleration sensor and vehicle posture sensor, and uses a working condition recognition algorithm. Through independent control and collaborative optimization of the sub-air chamber pressure, the overall stiffness of the air spring is adjusted to meet the strict requirements for vehicle stability under different driving conditions.

[0016] As an optimization, the aforementioned automotive air suspension system has multiple operating modes, including high-speed right turn, high-speed left turn, bumpy road, straight high-speed, urban road, hill start, and heavy-load driving. According to the operating mode, the air suspension system controls the opening and closing of electronic valves A, B, C, and B to adjust the connection state between the first, second, third, and fourth sub-chambers, thereby adjusting the stiffness of each air spring in a coordinated manner to maintain the stability of the vehicle body during driving.

[0017] As an optimization, in the aforementioned automotive air suspension system, the air spring is integrated into the shock absorber, forming an air spring shock absorber. Integrating the air spring into the shock absorber reduces the space occupied by the vehicle chassis.

[0018] As an optimization, in the aforementioned automotive air suspension system, a protective sleeve is provided on the outside of the air spring's bladder. This structure protects the air chamber inside the air spring.

[0019] As an optimization, in the aforementioned automotive air suspension system, a dust cover is connected to the lower end of the protective cylinder. This structure serves to prevent dust accumulation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the automotive air suspension system in this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the intelligent partitioned air chamber used in the air spring in this application;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The front section view in the middle;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the air spring in this application.

[0024] The labels in the attached diagram are as follows: 1-Cavity, 11-First Interface, 12-Second Interface, 13-Third Interface, 14-Fourth Interface; 2-Baffle, 21-First Baffle, 22-Second Baffle; 3-Sub-Gas Chamber, 31-First Sub-Gas Chamber, 32-Second Sub-Gas Chamber, 33-Third Sub-Gas Chamber, 34-Fourth Sub-Gas Chamber; 4-Connecting Pipe; 5-A Electronic Valve, 51-A Valve Seat, 511-A1 Through Hole, 512-B1 Through Hole, 52-A Electronic Switch Valve ; 6-B electronic valve, 61-B valve seat, 611-A2 through hole, 612-B2 through hole, 62-B electronic switching valve; 7-C electronic valve, 71-C valve seat, 711-A3 through hole, 712-B3 through hole, 72-C electronic switching valve; 8-D electronic valve, 81-D valve seat, 811-A4 through hole, 812-B4 through hole, 82-D electronic switching valve; 9-air spring, 91-interface, 92-protective cylinder, 93-dust cover. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but this should not be construed as limiting the present application. In the following embodiments, content not described in detail or shown in detail in the accompanying drawings is common knowledge in the art.

[0026] Example (see) Figures 1-4 ):

[0027] Similar to existing technologies, the automotive air suspension system of this invention also includes four air springs 9, which are respectively installed in the left front air suspension, right front air suspension, left rear air suspension and right rear air suspension.

[0028] Unlike existing technologies:

[0029] The automotive air suspension system of this embodiment further includes an intelligent partitioned air chamber; the intelligent partitioned air chamber includes a cavity 1, and the cavity 1 is provided with a partition 2, the partition 2 including a first partition 21 and a second partition 22; the first partition 21 and the second partition 22 form a cross structure to divide the interior of the cavity 1 into four sub-air chambers 3, namely a first sub-air chamber 31, a second sub-air chamber 32, a third sub-air chamber 33 and a fourth sub-air chamber 34; the cavity 1 is provided with a first interface 11 communicating with the first sub-air chamber 31, a second interface 12 communicating with the second sub-air chamber 32, a third interface 13 communicating with the third sub-air chamber 33 and a fourth sub-air chamber 34. The fourth interface 14; the first partition 21 is equipped with electronic valve A 5 and electronic valve B 6, and the second partition 22 is equipped with electronic valve C 7 and electronic valve D 8; when electronic valve A 5 is open, the first sub-air chamber 31 and the second sub-air chamber 32 are connected; when electronic valve B 6 is open, the third sub-air chamber 33 and the fourth sub-air chamber 34 are connected; when electronic valve C 7 is open, the first sub-air chamber 31 and the third sub-air chamber 33 are connected; when electronic valve D 8 is open, the second sub-air chamber 32 and the fourth sub-air chamber 34 are connected; electronic valves A 5, B 6, C 7 and D 8 are all connected to the ECU signal. The air spring 9 is equipped with a connector 91 that connects to the internal air chamber; the first interface 11, the second interface 12, the third interface 13 and the fourth interface 14 are respectively connected to the connectors 91 of the four air springs 9 through connecting pipes 4.

[0030] In this embodiment, the A electronic valve 5 includes an A valve seat 51 and an A electronic switching valve 52 disposed inside the A valve seat 51. The A valve seat 51 has an A1 through hole 511 communicating with the first sub-gas chamber 31 and a B1 through hole 512 communicating with the second sub-gas chamber 32. The A electronic switching valve 52 is used to open or close the A1 through hole 511 and the B1 through hole 512. The B electronic valve 6 includes a B valve seat 61 and a B electronic switching valve 62 disposed inside the B valve seat 61. The B valve seat 61 has an A2 through hole 611 communicating with the fourth sub-gas chamber 34 and a B2 through hole 612 communicating with the third sub-gas chamber 33. The B electronic switching valve 62 is used to open or close the A2 through hole 611 and the B2 through hole 612. 12; The C electronic valve 7 includes a C valve seat 71 and a C electronic switching valve 72 disposed inside the C valve seat 71. The C valve seat 71 has an A3 through hole 711 connecting the third sub-gas chamber 33 and a B3 through hole 712 connecting the first sub-gas chamber 31. The C electronic switching valve 72 is used to open or close the A3 through hole 711 and the B3 through hole 712. The D electronic valve 8 includes a D valve seat 81 and a D electronic switching valve 82 disposed inside the D valve seat 81. The D valve seat 81 has an A4 through hole 811 connecting the second sub-gas chamber 32 and a B4 through hole 812 connecting the fourth sub-gas chamber 34. The D electronic switching valve 82 is used to open or close the A4 through hole 811 and the B4 through hole 812. With this specific structure, the connection or isolation between the various sub-gas chambers 3 can be achieved by controlling the opening and closing of the electronic switching valve. The operation is simple and the response is fast.

[0031] In this embodiment, electronic switching valves A (52), B (62), C (72), and D (82) are all solenoid valves. Solenoid valves only require energization to open and close, offering advantages such as fast response speed, mature technology, and high reliability.

[0032] In this embodiment, electronic switching valves A (52), B (62), C (72), and D (82) are all normally open solenoid valves. Therefore, when the four solenoid valves are not energized, the four sub-chambers are interconnected, resulting in the softest suspension and best comfort. When increased stiffness is required, the corresponding solenoid valve is energized. Using normally open solenoid valves means that energization is not needed most of the time, reducing energy consumption.

[0033] In this embodiment, the electronic switching valve A 52 and valve seat A 51, the electronic switching valve B 62 and valve seat B 61, the electronic switching valve C 72 and valve seat C 71, and the electronic switching valve D 82 and valve seat D 81 are all connected by threads and sealed with sealing rings. This structure facilitates the installation and maintenance of the electronic switching valves.

[0034] In this embodiment, the air spring 9 is integrated into the shock absorber to form an air spring shock absorber. In the automotive suspension, the air spring 9 provides support; it can be installed independently of the shock absorber or integrated into it. Integrating the air spring into the shock absorber reduces the space occupied by the vehicle chassis.

[0035] In this embodiment, a protective sleeve 92 is provided on the outside of the air spring 9's bladder. This structure can protect the air chamber inside the air spring 9.

[0036] In this embodiment, a dust cover 93 is connected to the lower end of the protective cylinder 92. This structure can play a role in dust prevention.

[0037] When the automotive air suspension system of this embodiment is working, it controls the opening and closing of electronic switch valves A, B, C, and D based on the feedback from the pressure sensor and the actual working conditions of the vehicle. This allows the various sub-air chambers 3 to be connected or isolated, thereby increasing or decreasing the overall space of the air spring 9 chamber and thus adjusting the stiffness of the air spring 9.

[0038] In this embodiment, the air spring 9 of the left front suspension is connected to the first interface 11, the air spring 9 of the left rear suspension is connected to the second interface 12, the air spring 9 of the right front suspension is connected to the third interface 13, and the air spring 9 of the right rear suspension is connected to the fourth interface 14.

[0039] In this embodiment, the operating modes of the automotive air suspension system include:

[0040] ① High-speed right turn: Close electronic switch valve A 52, electronic switch valve C 72, and electronic switch valve D 82, and open electronic switch valve B 62; this causes the two air springs 9 on the outside of the curve to be connected to only one sub-air chamber, reducing the volume and increasing the stiffness. At the same time, it controls the two air springs 9 on the inside of the curve to be connected, increasing the volume and reducing the stiffness, thereby suppressing vehicle roll and improving cornering stability.

[0041] ② High-speed left turn: Close electronic switch valve 62 (B), electronic switch valve 72 (C), and electronic switch valve 82 (D), and open electronic switch valve 52 (A); this connects the two air springs 9 on the outside of the curve to only one sub-chamber, reducing their volume and increasing their stiffness. At the same time, it connects the two air springs 9 on the inside of the curve, increasing their volume and reducing their stiffness, thereby suppressing vehicle roll and improving cornering stability.

[0042] ③ Bumpy road surface: Activate all electronic switch valves; connect the cavities of the four air springs 9 to form a flexible state, fully absorb the impact of bumps, reduce the transmission of road vibration, and improve ride comfort;

[0043] ④ Straight-line high speed: Close all electronic switching valves and keep all four air springs 9 in a single-chamber state; this increases overall stiffness, reduces the impact of high-speed vehicle body undulation and wind resistance, and enhances handling precision and driving stability.

[0044] ⑤ Urban Road Surfaces: Activating all electronic valves reduces overall rigidity, filters out minor vibrations from manhole covers, road joints, etc., and improves the ride experience when driving in urban areas.

[0045] ⑥ Starting on a slope: 1) Uphill: Close electronic valve A 52, electronic valve B 62, and electronic valve D 82, so that the air spring 9 of the left rear suspension and the air spring 9 of the right rear suspension are in a single-chamber state; 2) Downhill: Close electronic valve A 52, electronic valve B 62, and electronic valve C 72, so that the air spring 9 of the left front suspension and the air spring 9 of the right front suspension are in a single-chamber state; This achieves the goal of suppressing vehicle lift on uphill and reducing vehicle tilt on downhill, avoiding visual deviation during start-up, and improving operational safety;

[0046] ⑦ Heavy load driving (trunk or rear seats fully loaded): Close electronic switch valve A 52, electronic switch valve B 62, and electronic switch valve D 82, so that the air spring 9 of the left rear suspension and the air spring 9 of the right rear suspension are in a single-chamber state; under heavy load, the rear stiffness increases, preventing the rear of the vehicle from sinking, avoiding abnormal tire wear, and maintaining the driving posture.

[0047] The foregoing general description of the invention and its specific embodiments should not be construed as a limitation on the technical solution of the invention. Those skilled in the art, based on the disclosure of this application, can add, reduce, or combine the disclosed technical features in the foregoing general description and / or specific embodiments (including examples) without departing from the constituent elements of the invention, to form other technical solutions within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A smart partitioned air chamber for an air spring, characterized in that: Includes a cavity (1), the cavity (1) is provided with a partition (2), the partition (2) includes a first partition (21) and a second partition (22); the first partition (21) and the second partition (22) form a cross structure to divide the interior of the cavity (1) into four sub-chambers (3), namely the first sub-chamber (31), the second sub-chamber (32), the third sub-chamber (33) and the fourth sub-chamber (34); the cavity (1) is provided with a first interface (11) communicating with the first sub-chamber (31), a second interface (12) communicating with the second sub-chamber (32), a third interface (13) communicating with the third sub-chamber (33) and a fourth interface (14) communicating with the fourth sub-chamber (34); the first partition (21) The first partition (21) is equipped with electronic valve A (5) and electronic valve B (6), and the second partition (22) is equipped with electronic valve C (7) and electronic valve D (8). When electronic valve A (5) is open, the first sub-gas chamber (31) and the second sub-gas chamber (32) are connected. When electronic valve B (6) is open, the third sub-gas chamber (33) and the fourth sub-gas chamber (34) are connected. When electronic valve C (7) is open, the first sub-gas chamber (31) and the third sub-gas chamber (33) are connected. When electronic valve D (8) is open, the second sub-gas chamber (32) and the fourth sub-gas chamber (34) are connected. Electronic valves A (5), B (6), C (7) and D (8) are all connected to the ECU signal.

2. The intelligent partitioned air chamber for an air spring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The A electronic valve (5) includes an A valve seat (51) and an A electronic switching valve (52) disposed inside the A valve seat (51). The A valve seat (51) is provided with an A1 through hole (511) connecting the first sub-gas chamber (31) and a B1 through hole (512) connecting the second sub-gas chamber (32). The A electronic switching valve (52) is used to open or close the A1 through hole (511) and the B1 through hole (512). The B electronic valve (6) includes a B valve seat (61) and a B electronic switching valve (62) disposed inside the B valve seat (61). The B valve seat (61) is provided with an A2 through hole (611) connecting the fourth sub-gas chamber (34) and a B2 through hole (612) connecting the third sub-gas chamber (33). The B electronic switching valve (62) is used to open or close the A2 through hole (611) and the B2 through hole (612). The C electronic valve (7) includes a C valve seat (71) and a C electronic switch valve (72) disposed inside the C valve seat (71). The C valve seat (71) is provided with an A3 through hole (711) connecting to the third sub-gas chamber (33) and a B3 through hole (712) connecting to the first sub-gas chamber (31). The C electronic switch valve (72) is used to open or close the A3 through hole (711) and the B3 through hole (712). The D electronic valve (8) includes a D valve seat (81) and a D electronic switch valve (82) disposed inside the D valve seat (81). The D valve seat (81) is provided with an A4 through hole (811) connecting to the second sub-gas chamber (32) and a B4 through hole (812) connecting to the fourth sub-gas chamber (34). The D electronic switch valve (82) is used to open or close the A4 through hole (811) and the B4 through hole (812).

3. The intelligent partitioned air chamber for an air spring according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electronic switching valves A (52), B (62), C (72), and D (82) are all solenoid valves.

4. The intelligent partitioned air chamber for an air spring according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electronic switching valves A (52), B (62), C (72), and D (82) are all normally open solenoid valves.

5. The intelligent partitioned air chamber for an air spring according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that: The electronic switch valve A (52) and valve seat A (51), electronic switch valve B (62) and valve seat B (61), electronic switch valve C (72) and valve seat C (71), and electronic switch valve D (82) and valve seat D (81) are all connected by threads and sealed by sealing rings.

6. An automotive air suspension system, comprising four air springs (9); characterized in that: It also includes the intelligent partitioned air chamber for air springs as described in claim 1; the air spring (9) is provided with a connector (91) that connects to the internal air chamber; the first interface (11), the second interface (12), the third interface (13) and the fourth interface (14) are respectively connected to the connectors (91) of the four air springs (9) through connecting pipes (4).

7. The automotive air suspension system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The car air suspension system has multiple working modes, including high-speed right turn, high-speed left turn, bumpy road, straight high speed, urban road, hill start, and heavy load driving. According to the working mode, the air suspension system controls the opening and closing of electronic valves A (5), B (6), C (7) and B (8) to adjust the connection state between the first sub-air chamber (31), the second sub-air chamber (32), the third sub-air chamber (33) and the fourth sub-air chamber (34), thereby adjusting the stiffness of each air spring (9) in a coordinated manner to maintain the stability of the vehicle body when driving.

8. The automotive air suspension system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The air spring (9) is integrated into the damper to form an air spring damper.

9. The automotive air suspension system according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that: The air spring (9) has a protective sleeve (92) on the outside of its bladder.

10. The automotive air suspension system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The lower end of the protective cylinder (92) is connected to a dust cover (93).

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