Control method and device for vehicle air suspension system

Abstract

The invention provides a control method and equipment for a vehicle air suspension system, and the method comprises the steps: responding to a heating triggering condition, starting an air pump to inflate an air storage tank communicated with the air pump, synchronously starting a heating device arranged in the air storage tank, and then controlling the heating device to heat the air in the air storage tank so as to cooperate with the air pump to increase the pressure in the air storage tank. And the air pump and the heating device are closed until the pressure in the air storage tank reaches the preset reserve pressure, and the preset reserve pressure is larger than the rated working pressure of the air spring. The heating device arranged in the air storage tank is used for heating air in the air storage tank, the air volume is increased through the heat expansion and cold contraction characteristic of air, the air pump is cooperated to increase the temperature and pressure of the air in the air storage tank, the air injection amount and the operation time of the air pump are reduced, the energy consumption of the air pump and equipment abrasion are reduced, and the response efficiency of the air spring is improved. Unstable phenomena such as adjustment precision reduction caused by system pressure fluctuation are avoided, and the stability and reliability of the system are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle control technology, and in particular to a control method and device for a vehicle air suspension system. Background Technology

[0002] In modern vehicle air suspension systems, the vehicle's height is determined by the amount of air injected into the air springs, and the adjustment efficiency of the air springs directly affects the vehicle's comfort, handling, and energy consumption.

[0003] However, in low-temperature environments such as winter or cold regions, according to the ideal gas law, the thermal expansion and contraction effect of air is significant, the thermal motion of air molecules weakens, and the air volume shrinks, resulting in insufficient air volume in the storage tank at the same pressure.

[0004] Therefore, when existing systems operate at low temperatures, the air pump must run for extended periods to replenish the air volume and reach the target pressure value. This significantly prolongs the air spring's settling time and reduces its response speed. This problem is particularly pronounced in heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses, or in high-frequency usage scenarios such as off-road vehicles and engineering vehicles, because the continuous high-load operation of the air pump not only increases energy consumption but also accelerates the wear and tear of mechanical components, shortening equipment lifespan. Furthermore, the frequent start-stop cycles of the air pump to compensate for pressure in low-temperature environments can easily cause system pressure fluctuations, leading to instability phenomena such as decreased adjustment accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The control method and equipment for the vehicle air suspension system provided in this application are used to solve the technical problems of low air spring adjustment efficiency, high air pump energy consumption, and reduced equipment lifespan and adjustment accuracy caused by long air pump operation time at low temperatures.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a control method for a vehicle air suspension system, comprising:

[0007] In response to the heating triggering condition, an air pump is started to fill the gas storage tank connected to it, and the heating device installed in the gas storage tank is started simultaneously.

[0008] The heating device is controlled to heat the gas in the gas storage tank in order to work with the air pump to increase the pressure in the gas storage tank;

[0009] The air pump and the heating device are turned off when the pressure in the air tank reaches the preset reserve pressure, and the preset reserve pressure is greater than the rated working pressure of the air spring.

[0010] One possible design also includes:

[0011] Upon receiving an adjustment command to raise the height of the air spring, gas from the air storage tank is supplied to the air spring.

[0012] In one possible design, controlling the heating device to heat the gas in the gas storage tank includes:

[0013] Obtain the real-time temperature of the gas inside the gas storage tank;

[0014] Based on the real-time temperature and the target temperature set based on the preset reserve pressure and / or ambient temperature, the power of the heating device is adjusted to heat the gas in the gas storage tank, so that the temperature rise rate of the gas in the gas storage tank is greater than the reference temperature rise rate.

[0015] The reference temperature rise rate refers to the temperature rise rate of the gas in the gas storage tank when the heating device is not working.

[0016] In one possible design, controlling the heating device to heat the gas in the gas storage tank includes:

[0017] Obtain the real-time rate of increase of the pressure inside the gas storage tank;

[0018] Based on the real-time rise rate and the target rise rate, the power of the heating device is adjusted to heat the gas in the gas storage tank, so that the difference between the real-time rise rate and the target rise rate is within a preset difference range.

[0019] The target rate of ascent is determined based on at least one of the target height of the air spring, the vehicle driving mode, or the ambient temperature.

[0020] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0021] Obtain the real-time driving speed of the vehicle;

[0022] Based on the speed range of the real-time driving speed, the power control strategy of the heating device is obtained, and the power of the heating device is controlled based on the power control strategy.

[0023] In one possible design, obtaining the power control strategy for the heating device based on the speed range of the real-time driving speed includes:

[0024] When the speed range is in the low speed range, the first heating power strategy is obtained as the power control strategy;

[0025] When the speed range is in the high-speed range, the second heating power strategy is obtained as the power control strategy, and the heating power corresponding to the second heating power strategy is less than the heating power corresponding to the first heating power strategy.

[0026] In one possible design, the heating device includes an electric heating device.

[0027] In one possible design, the electric heating device includes at least one of a resistance heater, an electromagnetic induction heater, an infrared heater, or a microwave heater.

[0028] In one possible design, when the electric heating device is the resistance heater, the resistance heater is integrated into the outer wall of the gas storage tank;

[0029] When the electric heating device is the electromagnetic induction heater, the heating coil of the electromagnetic induction heater is arranged around the outside of the gas storage tank;

[0030] When the electric heating device is the infrared heater or the microwave heater, the emitting end of the infrared heater or the microwave heater is set to correspond to the gas storage tank, so that the energy of the infrared heater or the microwave heater can penetrate into the gas storage tank.

[0031] In one possible design, the heating device further includes a heat exchanger disposed inside the gas storage tank.

[0032] In one possible design, the gas storage tank is provided with a phase change material layer on the outside, and further includes:

[0033] The power of the heating device is adjusted to heat the phase change material layer, so that the temperature of the phase change material layer reaches and is maintained within the phase change temperature range of the phase change material.

[0034] When the real-time temperature of the gas in the gas storage tank is lower than a preset temperature threshold, the gas in the gas storage tank is auxiliaryly heated by releasing the stored heat from the phase change material layer.

[0035] In one possible design, the outer wall of the gas storage tank is provided with an insulation layer, and the phase change material layer is integrated into the insulation layer.

[0036] Secondly, this application provides a control device for a vehicle air suspension system, comprising:

[0037] The first control module, in response to the heating trigger condition, starts an air pump to fill the gas storage tank connected to it, and simultaneously starts the heating device installed in the gas storage tank.

[0038] The second control module is used to control the heating device to heat the gas in the gas storage tank, so as to work with the air pump to increase the pressure in the gas storage tank.

[0039] The third control module is used to shut down the air pump and the heating device when the pressure in the air tank reaches the preset reserve pressure, wherein the preset reserve pressure is greater than the rated working pressure of the air spring.

[0040] In one possible design, the device further includes: a height adjustment module; the height adjustment module is used for:

[0041] Upon receiving an adjustment command to raise the height of the air spring, gas from the air storage tank is supplied to the air spring.

[0042] In one possible design, the second control module is used for:

[0043] Obtain the real-time temperature of the gas inside the gas storage tank;

[0044] Based on the real-time temperature and the target temperature set based on the preset reserve pressure and / or ambient temperature, the power of the heating device is adjusted to heat the gas in the gas storage tank, so that the temperature rise rate of the gas in the gas storage tank is greater than the reference temperature rise rate.

[0045] The reference temperature rise rate refers to the temperature rise rate of the gas in the gas storage tank when the heating device is not working.

[0046] In one possible design, the second control module is used for:

[0047] Obtain the real-time rate of increase of the pressure inside the gas storage tank;

[0048] Based on the real-time rise rate and the target rise rate, the power of the heating device is adjusted to heat the gas in the gas storage tank, so that the difference between the real-time rise rate and the target rise rate is within a preset difference range.

[0049] The target rate of ascent is determined based on at least one of the target height of the air spring, the vehicle driving mode, or the ambient temperature.

[0050] In one possible design, the second control module is used for:

[0051] Obtain the real-time driving speed of the vehicle;

[0052] Based on the speed range of the real-time driving speed, the power control strategy of the heating device is obtained, and the power of the heating device is controlled based on the power control strategy.

[0053] In one possible design, the second control module is used for:

[0054] When the speed range is in the low speed range, the first heating power strategy is obtained as the power control strategy;

[0055] When the speed range is in the high-speed range, the second heating power strategy is obtained as the power control strategy, and the heating power corresponding to the second heating power strategy is less than the heating power corresponding to the first heating power strategy.

[0056] In one possible design, the heating device includes an electric heating device.

[0057] In one possible design, the electric heating device includes at least one of a resistance heater, an electromagnetic induction heater, an infrared heater, or a microwave heater.

[0058] In one possible design, when the electric heating device is the resistance heater, the resistance heater is integrated into the outer wall of the gas storage tank;

[0059] When the electric heating device is the electromagnetic induction heater, the heating coil of the electromagnetic induction heater is arranged around the outside of the gas storage tank;

[0060] When the electric heating device is the infrared heater or the microwave heater, the emitting end of the infrared heater or the microwave heater is set to correspond to the gas storage tank, so that the energy of the infrared heater or the microwave heater can penetrate into the gas storage tank.

[0061] In one possible design, the heating device further includes a heat exchanger disposed inside the gas storage tank.

[0062] In one possible design, the gas storage tank is provided with a phase change material layer on its exterior, and the second control module is further used for:

[0063] The power of the heating device is adjusted to heat the phase change material layer, so that the temperature of the phase change material layer reaches and is maintained within the phase change temperature range of the phase change material.

[0064] When the real-time temperature of the gas in the gas storage tank is lower than a preset temperature threshold, the gas in the gas storage tank is auxiliaryly heated by releasing the stored heat from the phase change material layer.

[0065] In one possible design, the outer wall of the gas storage tank is provided with an insulation layer, and the phase change material layer is integrated into the insulation layer.

[0066] Thirdly, this application provides an electronic device, including: a memory and a processor;

[0067] The memory stores computer-executed instructions;

[0068] The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor to perform the first aspect and / or various possible implementations of the first aspect as described above.

[0069] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the first aspect and / or various possible embodiments of the first aspect.

[0070] Fifthly, this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the first aspect and / or various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0071] The control method and device for the vehicle air suspension system provided in this application first respond to a heating trigger condition by starting an air pump to inflate an air tank connected to it, and simultaneously activating a heating device located in the air tank. Then, the heating device is controlled to heat the gas in the air tank to work in conjunction with the air pump to increase the pressure inside the air tank. Once the pressure inside the air tank reaches a preset reserve pressure, the air pump and heating device are shut off, wherein the preset reserve pressure is greater than the rated operating pressure of the air spring. By heating the gas in the air tank using the heating device located in the air tank, the air volume is increased by utilizing the thermal expansion and contraction characteristics of air, thereby working in conjunction with the air pump to increase the temperature and pressure of the gas in the air tank. This reduces the air pump's injection volume and operating time, lowers air pump energy consumption and equipment wear, improves the air spring's response efficiency, avoids instability phenomena such as decreased adjustment accuracy caused by system pressure fluctuations, and enhances system stability and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0072] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0073] Figure 1 This application provides an illustration of the application scenario.

[0074] Figure 2 Flowchart of the control method for the vehicle air suspension system provided in this application Figure 1 ;

[0075] Figure 3 Flowchart of the control method for the vehicle air suspension system provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0076] Figure 4Flowchart of the control method for the vehicle air suspension system provided in this application Figure 3 ;

[0077] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for a vehicle air suspension system provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for another vehicle air suspension system provided in this application;

[0079] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided in this application.

[0080] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0081] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0082] Figure 1 The application scenario diagram provided in this application is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, in a scenario where the air suspension system of vehicle 10 adjusts the height of the air spring 11 in a low-temperature environment, the air suspension system adjusts the height of vehicle 10 using compressed air from the air tank 12. However, in a low-temperature environment, due to the significant thermal expansion and contraction effect of air, the thermal motion of air molecules weakens, and the air volume shrinks, resulting in insufficient air volume in the air tank 12 at the same pressure. The air pump 13 must operate for a long time to replenish more air to reach the target pressure value, which significantly prolongs the adjustment time of the air spring 11 and reduces the response speed. Furthermore, the continuous high-load operation of the air pump 13 not only increases energy consumption but also accelerates the wear of mechanical parts and shortens the equipment life. In addition, the frequent start-stop of the air pump 13 to compensate for pressure in a low-temperature environment can easily cause system pressure fluctuations, which in turn can lead to instability phenomena such as decreased adjustment accuracy.

[0083] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this application provides a control method and device for a vehicle air suspension system. The control method for a vehicle air suspension system provided in this application, based on the physical characteristics of air thermal expansion and contraction in low-temperature environments, proposes a solution to increase the volume of air in the air tank by actively heating it. For example, a heating device 132 is integrated into the air tank. This heating device can be, for example, an electric heating device, such as at least one of a resistance heater, an electromagnetic induction heater, an infrared heater, or a microwave heater. The heating device is controlled to work in conjunction with an air pump. For example, while the air pump is filling the air tank, the heating device is controlled to simultaneously heat the gas in the air tank, thereby increasing the temperature and pressure of the gas in the air tank through synergy. Furthermore, by intelligently controlling the heating device to heat the gas in the air tank, the air pump is coordinated to increase the pressure in the air tank, ensuring efficiency while reducing energy consumption. This ultimately forms a control method for a vehicle air suspension system based on a heating device, solving the technical problems of low air spring adjustment efficiency, high air pump energy consumption affecting equipment lifespan, and reduced adjustment accuracy due to long air pump operating times at low temperatures.

[0084] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0085] Figure 2 Flowchart of the control method for the vehicle air suspension system provided in this application Figure 1 ,like Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0086] S101. In response to the heating triggering condition, start the air pump to charge the air tank connected to it, and simultaneously start the heating device installed in the air tank.

[0087] An air tank is a container used to store compressed air, and it may integrate a heating device. The heating device is a device that converts electrical energy into heat energy to heat the gas inside the air tank. An air pump is a device used to inject compressed air into the air tank; its operating time is related to the volume of air inside the tank.

[0088] For example, when a signal indicating that the vehicle's air suspension system needs preheating is detected, such as low temperature (below 0°C) or insufficient air tank pressure (below 7 bar), the air pump and the heating device located in the air tank are simultaneously activated. For instance, while the air pump compresses outside air and fills the air tank, the heating device operates simultaneously to heat the injected air.

[0089] S102. Control the heating device to heat the gas in the gas storage tank in order to work with the air pump to increase the pressure in the gas storage tank.

[0090] S103. Continue until the pressure in the air tank reaches the preset reserve pressure, then turn off the air pump and heating device.

[0091] The preset reserve pressure is greater than the rated working pressure of the air spring.

[0092] During the process of the air pump injecting gas into the gas storage tank, a heating device is controlled to heat the injected gas. During the heating process, based on the ideal gas law pV=nRT, the gas volume V is expanded by increasing the temperature T, thereby reducing the amount of gas injected by the air pump at the same pressure p, where n represents the amount of gas and R is a constant.

[0093] It is evident that, based on the principle of gas thermal expansion, the increase in gas temperature leads to volume expansion, thereby reducing the amount of gas that the air pump needs to inject. This allows the gas in the storage tank to reach the required pressure state more quickly. In other words, compared to the process of injecting gas solely through an air pump, the required pressure in the storage tank can be reached in a shorter time. This achieves the effect of the heating device working in conjunction with the air pump to increase the pressure inside the storage tank, while reducing the air pump's operating time.

[0094] Specifically, when the pressure inside the air tank reaches a preset, higher reserve pressure, i.e., the preset reserve pressure, it indicates that the pressure inside the air tank has reached the preset pressure required to raise the air spring, i.e., the target value required for adjusting the vehicle's air suspension system. Then, the air pump and heating device are turned off, and the control method of this application is terminated.

[0095] In addition, the preset reserve pressure of the air tank is greater than the rated working pressure of the air spring. This is to ensure that there is a sufficient potential energy difference in the pressure inside the air tank. When the suspension needs to be adjusted, the gas in the air tank can quickly flow into the air spring under the pressure difference, so as to achieve rapid lifting and lowering of the vehicle body.

[0096] Furthermore, upon receiving an adjustment command to raise the air spring height, gas from the air tank is supplied to the air spring. Specifically, when the user or vehicle issues a command to raise the vehicle body, the valve of the air tank is opened, and the gas, which has been pre-prepared and is under high pressure through coordinated heating, is directly delivered to the air spring to adjust its height and thus achieve vehicle body height adjustment.

[0097] The control method for a vehicle air suspension system provided in this application, through the coordinated control of a heating device and an air pump, increases the gas pressure in the air tank based on the physical principle of thermal expansion and contraction of air, thereby reducing the operating time of the air pump. Specifically, the heating device heats the air tank, causing the gas volume to expand rapidly in a low-temperature environment, shortening the time required for the air pump to inject air, reducing the high-load operation of the air pump, and extending the equipment life. Furthermore, the heating device is integrated into the air tank, simplifying the system structure and reducing the installation complexity of additional equipment, significantly improving the response efficiency and stability of the air suspension system in low-temperature environments. The coordinated control of temperature and pressure by the air pump and heating device ensures system adjustment accuracy while achieving the technical effects of energy consumption optimization and enhanced equipment reliability.

[0098] Figure 3 Flowchart of the control method for the vehicle air suspension system provided in this application Figure 2 ,like Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0099] S201. In response to the heating triggering condition, start the air pump to charge the air tank connected to it, and simultaneously start the heating device installed in the air tank.

[0100] The possible implementation methods, principles, and technical effects of step S201 are similar to those of step S101. For details, please refer to the foregoing description, and will not be repeated here.

[0101] S202. Obtain the real-time temperature of the gas in the gas storage tank.

[0102] S203. Based on the real-time temperature and the target temperature set based on the preset reserve pressure and / or ambient temperature, adjust the power of the heating device to heat the gas in the gas storage tank, so as to work with the air pump to increase the pressure in the gas storage tank, so that the temperature rise rate of the gas in the gas storage tank is greater than the reference temperature rise rate.

[0103] The reference temperature rise rate refers to the rate of temperature rise of the gas in the storage tank when the heating device is not working.

[0104] During the air pump inflation process, a heating device is controlled to heat the gas inside the storage tank. Specifically, a temperature detection component, such as a temperature sensor installed in the storage tank, first collects the real-time temperature of the gas inside the tank. Simultaneously, a suitable target temperature is determined by combining this with a preset reserve pressure and / or ambient temperature. Then, the difference between the real-time temperature and the target temperature is compared, and the power of the heating device is dynamically adjusted to heat the gas inside the storage tank. The heating device, in conjunction with the air pump, increases the pressure inside the storage tank. When the heating device is working, the rate of temperature rise of the gas inside the storage tank is greater than the rate of temperature rise when the heating device is not working, i.e., the reference rate of temperature rise. This faster temperature rise accelerates the thermal expansion and contraction of the gas, rapidly increasing the pressure in the storage tank.

[0105] In some embodiments, the power output of the heating device can be adjusted based on the difference between the real-time temperature and the target temperature using PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control to heat the gas in the storage tank. For example, assuming the target temperature is set to 80°C based on the current ambient temperature, and the real-time temperature of the gas in the storage tank is detected to be 20°C, the difference between the real-time temperature and the target temperature is 60°C, which is a large deviation. The PID controller outputs a higher power, such as 80% of the rated power, through the proportional element to quickly reduce the temperature deviation. As heating progresses, when the real-time temperature rises to 70°C, the difference decreases to 10°C, and the output power of the proportional element decreases accordingly, such as 30% of the rated power. At the same time, the integral element corrects for the small deviation in the early stage, and the derivative element predicts the temperature change trend. If the temperature rise rate is too fast, it slightly reduces the power in advance, etc., so that the gas temperature rises steadily to the target temperature, and the temperature rise rate is greater than the reference temperature rise rate when the heating device is not working.

[0106] As can be seen, based on the real-time temperature of the gas in the storage tank, the target temperature is set according to the real-time temperature and the ambient temperature, and the power of the heating device is adjusted to heat the gas in the storage tank. This ensures that the gas in the storage tank is heated quickly, stably and accurately to the preset target temperature, so as to provide a reliable guarantee for efficient collaborative work.

[0107] S204. Once the pressure inside the air tank reaches the preset reserve pressure, shut off the air pump and heating device.

[0108] The preset reserve pressure is greater than the rated working pressure of the air spring.

[0109] The possible implementation methods, principles, and technical effects of step S204 are similar to those of step S103. For details, please refer to the foregoing description, and will not be repeated here.

[0110] In some embodiments, when the real-time temperature exceeds a preset high-temperature threshold, the heating device is shut off to prevent overheating of the gas in the storage tank and potential safety accidents. The preset high-temperature threshold can be set based on actual operating conditions, such as the storage tank's reserve pressure and its pressure and high-temperature resistance parameters; this application does not limit this setting. Furthermore, if the pressure inside the storage tank has not yet reached the preset reserve pressure, the air pump continues to fill the storage tank with gas to ensure its safety and normal operation.

[0111] The control method for a vehicle air suspension system provided in this application involves a heating device simultaneously heating the gas in the air tank during the air pump's inflation process. This significantly increases the energy density of the compressed gas in the air tank. The heating device, in conjunction with the air pump, increases the pressure within the air tank, thereby drastically reducing the gas consumption required for a single adjustment and shortening the air pump's operating time. Specifically, the method acquires the real-time temperature of the gas in the air tank and dynamically adjusts the power of the heating device based on the real-time temperature and the target temperature, achieving precise control of the heating. For example, when there is a large temperature difference between the real-time and target temperatures, the heating power is rapidly increased to shorten the heating time, while the power is reduced when approaching the target temperature to avoid localized overheating. This dynamic adjustment strategy can significantly reduce energy consumption, extend the service life of the heating device and the air pump, and improve the system's stability under different environments.

[0112] Figure 4 Flowchart of the control method for the vehicle air suspension system provided in this application Figure 3 ,like Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0113] S301. In response to the heating triggering condition, start the air pump to charge the air tank connected to it, and simultaneously start the heating device installed in the air tank.

[0114] The possible implementation methods, principles and technical effects of step S301 are similar to those of step S101. For details, please refer to the foregoing description, and will not be repeated here.

[0115] S302, Obtain the real-time rate of increase of pressure inside the gas storage tank.

[0116] S303. Based on the real-time ascent rate and the target ascent rate, adjust the power of the heating device to heat the gas in the gas storage tank, so as to work with the air pump to increase the pressure in the gas storage tank, so that the difference between the real-time ascent rate and the target ascent rate is within a preset difference range.

[0117] The target ascent rate is determined based on at least one of the target height of the air spring, the vehicle driving mode, or the ambient temperature.

[0118] By monitoring the rate of pressure rise in the air tank in real time and dynamically adjusting the power of the heating device in conjunction with the preset target rate of pressure rise, the air pump is used to control the rate of pressure rise in the air tank, ensuring that the deviation between the actual rate of pressure rise and the target rate of pressure rise is within an allowable range. Optionally, the target rate of pressure rise is not a fixed value, but is adaptively set based on at least one of the following parameters: the target height that the air spring needs to reach, the vehicle's current driving mode (such as Comfort / Sport / Off-road mode), or the ambient temperature.

[0119] For example, after the vehicle starts, assuming it's in off-road mode, the target pressure rise rate can be pre-set based on the target air spring height for that driving mode and the current ambient temperature. The air pump then starts to fill the air tank and the heating device heats it, while the pressure sensor simultaneously collects the real-time pressure rise rate within the air tank. If the real-time rise rate is significantly lower than the target rise rate, the heating device power is immediately increased to heat the gas in the tank, utilizing the gas's thermal expansion and contraction to increase the pressure rise rate. If the real-time rise rate is higher than the target rise rate, the heating device power is reduced, ultimately stabilizing the difference between the real-time and target rise rates within a preset range, thus efficiently pre-charging the air tank. Once the air tank has stored enough pressure to meet the off-road mode requirements, a stable pressure can be directly output when the air spring height needs adjustment.

[0120] S304. When the pressure inside the air tank reaches the preset reserve pressure, shut down the air pump and heating device.

[0121] The preset reserve pressure is greater than the rated working pressure of the air spring.

[0122] The implementation method, principle and technical effect of step S304 are similar to those of step S103. For details, please refer to the above description, and will not be repeated here.

[0123] This embodiment achieves precise and efficient pressure storage in the air tank through closed-loop pre-control of pressure increase. It dynamically generates the target rate of pressure rise within the air tank based on different operating conditions, such as the target height of the air springs, driving mode, and ambient temperature. This automatically adjusts the heating power to match the target rate of pressure rise, ensuring the actual pressure rise rate is precisely maintained near the target rate, balancing performance and energy efficiency. Simultaneously, the coordinated operation of the heating device and air pump optimizes inflation efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and improves the responsiveness and stability of the suspension system.

[0124] In one possible design, the heating device is used to heat the gas inside the gas storage tank. Possible implementation methods may also include:

[0125] First, the real-time driving speed of the vehicle is obtained. Then, based on the speed range in which the real-time driving speed is located, the power control strategy corresponding to the heating device is determined. Based on the power control strategy, the heating device is controlled to heat the gas in the gas tank, thereby coordinating with the air pump to increase the gas pressure in the gas tank.

[0126] Specifically, when the speed range is in the low-speed range, a first heating power strategy is obtained as the power control strategy. When the speed range is in the high-speed range, a second heating power strategy is obtained as the power control strategy, and the heating power corresponding to the second heating power strategy is less than the heating power corresponding to the first heating power strategy.

[0127] For example, vehicle speed can be continuously monitored, and different heating power levels can be dynamically selected accordingly. A high-power strategy is employed in low-speed ranges (such as urban congestion or off-road conditions) to ensure the suspension can respond frequently and quickly to adjustment needs. In high-speed cruising ranges, a low-power strategy is switched to maintain a base temperature rather than continuous high-intensity heating. This allows the heating device to accurately match the actual needs of different driving conditions, prioritizing responsiveness and comfort at low speeds and reducing unnecessary energy consumption at high speeds. This achieves an intelligent balance between performance and energy efficiency, enhancing scenario adaptability while avoiding continuous high-load operation of the heating device under low-demand conditions such as high-speed cruising. This helps reduce the thermal load and wear on the heating device and related electrical systems, improving long-term system reliability and enhancing system intelligence and integration.

[0128] In one possible design, the heating device may include an electric heating device due to its advantages such as precise control, simple structure, and high safety.

[0129] In one possible design, the electric heating device includes at least one of a resistance heater, an electromagnetic induction heater, an infrared heater, or a microwave heater.

[0130] In some embodiments, when the electric heating device is a resistance heater, such as a nickel-chromium alloy heating wire, the resistance heater can be integrated into the outer wall of the gas storage tank. After the resistance heater is activated, it generates heat through electric current, which is conducted to the gas inside the storage tank, thereby heating the gas. Optionally, heating optimization can be achieved by adjusting the parameters of the resistance heater.

[0131] Optionally, when the electric heating device is an electromagnetic induction heater, the heating coil of the electromagnetic induction heater is arranged around the outside of the gas storage tank. A high-frequency current generates an alternating magnetic field in the metal coil, causing eddy currents to form on the inner wall of the gas storage tank and generating heat, thereby heating the gas inside the tank. Optionally, the heating efficiency can also be optimized by precisely controlling the frequency of the electromagnetic induction heater.

[0132] Optionally, when the electric heating device is an infrared heater or a microwave heater, the emitting end of the infrared heater or microwave heater is positioned corresponding to the gas storage tank, so that the energy of the infrared heater or microwave heater can penetrate into the gas storage tank. An infrared heater, such as a silicon carbide infrared heating plate, directly heats the air inside the gas storage tank by emitting infrared radiation. A microwave heater, such as a magnetron microwave source, heats the internal air by emitting microwaves that penetrate the outer wall of the gas storage tank.

[0133] In the control method for the vehicle air suspension system provided in this application, the heating device may include, but is not limited to, an electric heating device. The electric heating device includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a resistance heater, an electromagnetic induction heater, an infrared heater, or a microwave heater, enabling diverse selection of heating methods for the air inside the air tank. For example, a resistance heater is suitable for air tanks with simple structures, while an electromagnetic induction heater avoids direct contact with air, reducing the risk of scaling. The adaptability of different heating devices enhances the flexibility and reliability of the system, enabling the vehicle air suspension system to achieve efficient temperature regulation in different application scenarios.

[0134] Optionally, the heating device may also include a solar-assisted heating system. For example, solar collectors can be installed on the outside of the gas storage tank to convert solar radiation into heat and transfer it to the air inside the tank. For instance, during periods of ample sunlight, the collectors continuously heat the tank, providing a preheated environment for the subsequent start-up of the air pump. On cloudy days or at night, an electric heating device automatically supplements the heating demand. This coordinated heating strategy can be dynamically adjusted according to real-time lighting conditions, avoiding overheating or energy waste.

[0135] Optionally, the heating device may also include a heat exchanger disposed inside the gas storage tank. For example, an electric heating unit disposed outside the gas storage tank may be used to heat the heat transfer medium flowing through it, and the heated heat transfer medium flows to the heat exchanger through a circulation pipeline to indirectly heat the gas inside the gas storage tank.

[0136] In one possible design, a phase change material (PCM) layer can be provided on the outside of the gas storage tank. For example, the power of the heating device can be adjusted to heat the PCM layer, ensuring its temperature reaches and is maintained within the PCM temperature range. When the real-time temperature of the gas inside the storage tank is lower than a preset temperature threshold, the PCM layer releases stored heat to assist in heating the gas inside the tank. The preset temperature threshold is higher than the temperature threshold in the heating trigger condition.

[0137] Specifically, when the vehicle has sufficient energy, such as while driving or charging, the heating device is used first to heat the phase change material layer to the temperature range where it undergoes a solid-liquid phase transition, allowing it to absorb and store a large amount of heat. When the system detects that the gas temperature in the storage tank is lower than a preset temperature threshold, it utilizes the heat release property of the phase change material layer upon solidification to provide rapid and stable auxiliary heating of the gas. For example, if a paraffin mixture with a melting point of 50°C is used as the phase change material, it can be heated and melted into a liquid for heat storage while the vehicle is in motion. After the vehicle stops, when the real-time temperature of the gas in the storage tank drops below 45°C, the paraffin solidifies and continues to release heat.

[0138] By placing a phase change material layer on the outside of the gas storage tank, the heat absorption and release properties of the phase change material are used to provide auxiliary heating and prolong the heating effect. This not only enhances the temperature stability and reliability of the system at extreme low temperatures and reduces the frequent start-stop of the heating device and air pump, thus helping to extend their service life, but also significantly shortens the adjustment response time.

[0139] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the gas storage tank is provided with a thermal insulation layer, and a phase change material layer is integrated into the thermal insulation layer.

[0140] For example, an integrated composite insulation layer is provided on the outer wall of the gas storage tank. This composite insulation layer can be composed of phase change material and thermal insulation substrate, which can significantly reduce heat loss and stably release the stored heat energy when needed, thus optimizing the thermal management efficiency and energy utilization of the entire system.

[0141] Figure 5 This application provides a structural schematic diagram of a control device for a vehicle air suspension system, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the control device 40 for the vehicle air suspension system provided in this embodiment includes:

[0142] The first control module 401, in response to the heating trigger condition, starts the air pump to fill the gas storage tank connected to it, and simultaneously starts the heating device installed in the gas storage tank.

[0143] The second control module 402 is used to control the heating device to heat the gas in the gas storage tank in order to work with the air pump to increase the pressure in the gas storage tank.

[0144] The third control module 403 is used to shut down the air pump and heating device when the pressure in the air tank reaches the preset reserve pressure, whereby the preset reserve pressure is greater than the rated working pressure of the air spring.

[0145] exist Figure 5 On this basis, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of another vehicle air suspension system control device provided in this application is shown below. Figure 6As shown, the control device 40 of the vehicle's air suspension system further includes: a height adjustment module 404, which is used for:

[0146] When a command to raise the height of the air spring is received, gas from the air tank is supplied to the air spring.

[0147] In one possible design, the second control module 402 is used for:

[0148] Obtain the real-time temperature of the gas inside the gas storage tank;

[0149] Based on the real-time temperature and the target temperature set based on the preset reserve pressure and / or ambient temperature, the power of the heating device is adjusted to heat the gas in the gas storage tank, so that the temperature rise rate of the gas in the gas storage tank is greater than the reference temperature rise rate.

[0150] The reference temperature rise rate refers to the rate of temperature rise of the gas in the storage tank when the heating device is not working.

[0151] In one possible design, the second control module 402 is used for:

[0152] Obtain the real-time rate of pressure rise inside the gas storage tank;

[0153] Based on the real-time ascent rate and the target ascent rate, the power of the heating device is adjusted to heat the gas in the gas storage tank, so that the difference between the real-time ascent rate and the target ascent rate is within a preset difference range.

[0154] The target ascent rate is determined based on at least one of the target height of the air spring, the vehicle driving mode, or the ambient temperature.

[0155] In one possible design, the second control module 402 is used for:

[0156] Obtain the vehicle's real-time speed;

[0157] Based on the speed range of the real-time driving speed, the power control strategy of the heating device is obtained, and the power of the heating device is controlled based on the power control strategy.

[0158] In one possible design, the second control module 402 is used for:

[0159] When the speed range is in the low-speed range, the first heating power strategy is obtained as the power control strategy.

[0160] When the speed range is in the high-speed range, the second heating power strategy is a power control strategy, and the heating power corresponding to the second heating power strategy is less than the heating power corresponding to the first heating power strategy.

[0161] In one possible design, the heating device includes an electric heating device.

[0162] In one possible design, the electric heating device includes at least one of a resistance heater, an electromagnetic induction heater, an infrared heater, or a microwave heater.

[0163] In one possible design, the electric heating device is a resistance heater, which is integrated into the outer wall of the gas storage tank.

[0164] When the electric heating device is an electromagnetic induction heater, the heating coil of the electromagnetic induction heater is arranged around the outside of the gas storage tank.

[0165] When the electric heating device is an infrared heater or a microwave heater, the transmitter of the infrared heater or microwave heater is set to correspond to the gas storage tank so that the energy of the infrared heater or microwave heater can penetrate into the gas storage tank.

[0166] In one possible design, the heating device also includes a heat exchanger located inside the gas storage tank.

[0167] In one possible design, the gas storage tank is provided with a phase change material layer on the outside, and the second control module 402 is also used for:

[0168] The power of the heating device is adjusted to heat the phase change material layer so that the temperature of the phase change material layer reaches and is maintained within the phase change temperature range of the phase change material.

[0169] When the real-time temperature of the gas in the storage tank is lower than the preset temperature threshold, the gas in the storage tank is assisted in heating by releasing the stored heat through the phase change material layer.

[0170] In one possible design, the outer wall of the gas storage tank is provided with an insulation layer, and the phase change material layer is integrated into the insulation layer.

[0171] The control device for the vehicle air suspension system provided in this application can execute the method provided in the above-described method embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described in detail here.

[0172] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided in this application. Figure 7 As shown, the electronic device 50 provided in this embodiment includes at least one processor 501 and a memory 502. Optionally, the device 50 further includes a communication component 503. The processor 501, memory 502, and communication component 503 are connected via a bus.

[0173] In a specific implementation, at least one processor 501 executes computer execution instructions stored in memory 502, causing at least one processor 501 to perform the above-described method.

[0174] The specific implementation process of processor 501 can be found in the above method embodiments, and its implementation principle and technical effect are similar. It will not be repeated here.

[0175] In the above embodiments, it should be understood that the processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in this invention can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0176] The memory may include random access memory (RAM) and may also include non-volatile memory (NVM), such as at least one disk storage device.

[0177] The bus can be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, the buses shown in the accompanying drawings are not limited to a single bus or a single type of bus.

[0178] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described method.

[0179] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the above-described method.

[0180] The aforementioned readable storage medium can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. The readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0181] An exemplary readable storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the readable storage medium. Of course, the readable storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the readable storage medium can reside in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the processor and the readable storage medium can exist as discrete components in the device.

[0182] The division of units is merely a logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0183] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0184] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0185] If a function is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0186] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above-described method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program performs the steps of the above-described method embodiments; and the aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0187] Finally, it should be noted that other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This invention is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein, and is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control method of a vehicle air suspension system, characterized by, The method comprises: in response to a heating trigger condition, starting an air pump to charge an air tank in communication with the air pump, and simultaneously starting a heating device arranged on the air tank; controlling the heating device to heat the gas in the air tank to increase the pressure in the air tank in cooperation with the air pump; until the pressure in the air tank reaches a preset reserve pressure, the air pump and the heating device are turned off, and the preset reserve pressure is greater than the rated working pressure of the air spring.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: when receiving an adjustment instruction to raise the height of the air spring, supplying the gas in the air tank to the air spring.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The controlling the heating device to heat the gas in the air tank comprises: obtaining the real-time temperature of the gas in the air tank; based on the real-time temperature and a target temperature set based on the preset reserve pressure and / or the ambient temperature, adjusting the power of the heating device to heat the gas in the air tank, so that the temperature rise rate of the gas in the air tank is greater than a reference temperature rise rate; wherein the reference temperature rise rate refers to the temperature rise rate of the gas in the air tank when the heating device is not working.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The controlling the heating device to heat the gas in the air tank comprises: obtaining the real-time rising rate of the pressure in the air tank; based on the real-time rising rate and a target rising rate, adjusting the power of the heating device to heat the gas in the air tank, so that the difference between the real-time rising rate and the target rising rate is within a preset difference range; wherein the target rising rate is determined based on at least one of the target height of the air spring, the driving mode of the vehicle, or the ambient temperature.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: obtaining the real-time driving speed of the vehicle; based on the speed interval in which the real-time driving speed is located, obtaining a power control strategy of the heating device to control the heating device to heat the gas in the air tank based on the power control strategy.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The obtaining the power control strategy of the heating device based on the speed interval in which the real-time driving speed is located comprises: when the speed interval is in a low speed interval, obtaining a first heating power strategy as the power control strategy; when the speed interval is in a high speed interval, obtaining a second heating power strategy as the power control strategy, and the heating power corresponding to the second heating power strategy is less than the heating power corresponding to the first heating power strategy.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The heating device comprises an electric heating device.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The electric heating device comprises at least one of an electric resistance heater, an electromagnetic induction heater, an infrared heater, or a microwave heater.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, When the electric heating device is the electric resistance heater, the electric resistance heater is integrated on the outer wall of the air tank. When the electric heating device is the electromagnetic induction heater, the heating coil of the electromagnetic induction heater is arranged around the outside of the air tank. When the electric heating device is the infrared heater or the microwave heater, the emission end of the infrared heater or the microwave heater is arranged corresponding to the air tank, so that the energy of the infrared heater or the microwave heater penetrates into the air tank.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, The heating device further comprises a heat exchanger arranged in the interior of the gas tank.

11. The method of claim 3, wherein, The gas tank is provided with a phase change material layer on the outside, and further comprises: The power of the heating device is adjusted to heat the phase change material layer, so that the temperature of the phase change material layer reaches and maintains in the phase change temperature range of the phase change material; When the real-time temperature of the gas in the gas tank is less than a preset temperature threshold, the gas in the gas tank is assisted to heat by releasing the stored heat of the phase change material layer.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The outer wall of the gas tank is provided with a thermal insulation layer, and the phase change material layer is integrated in the thermal insulation layer.

13. A control device for a vehicle air suspension system, characterized by Comprising: A first control module, in response to a heating trigger condition, starts an air pump to charge a gas tank in communication therewith, and synchronously starts a heating device arranged in the gas tank; A second control module for controlling the heating device to heat the gas in the gas tank to cooperate with the air pump to increase the pressure in the gas tank; A third control module for closing the air pump and the heating device until the pressure in the gas tank reaches a preset reserve pressure, the preset reserve pressure being greater than the rated working pressure of the air spring.

14. An electronic device, comprising: Comprising: A memory, a processor; The memory stores computer execution instructions; The processor executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the method of any one of claims 1-12.

15. A computer readable storage medium characterized by: The computer readable storage medium stores computer execution instructions, and the computer execution instructions are executed by the processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1-12.

16. A computer program product, characterised in that, A computer program is included, which is executed by the processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1-12.

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