Vehicle chassis, control method of air compression system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a vehicle chassis, a control method of an air compression system and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of vehicle chassis. The vehicle chassis comprises an air compression system; the air compression system comprises a drying agent container, an air compressor and an air storage tank. A drying agent is arranged in the drying agent container; the drying agent container, the air compressor and the air storage tank are sequentially communicated; the air compressor responds to the air exhaust signal and sucks air into the air storage tank through the drying agent container; the air compressor responds to the blowing signal and discharges air in the air storage tank to the drying agent container. According to the vehicle chassis, the control method of the air compression system and the vehicle, moisture in the drying agent can be removed, so that the service life of the air compression system is prolonged, and the working reliability of the air compression system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle chassis technology, and more specifically, to a vehicle chassis, a control method for an air compression system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The vehicle's air compression system generates compressed air through a compressor and stores it in an air tank, providing a power source for various chassis and body functions, such as enabling dynamic control of vehicle height and stiffness in air suspension, and providing pressure to the brakes in a pneumatic braking system.

[0003] In a vehicle's air compression system, a desiccant is typically placed at the air intake of the air compressor to absorb moisture in the gas, preventing rust and corrosion of internal metal components such as the compressor and air springs under humid air. However, the desiccant has a limited water absorption capacity. Once saturated, its dehumidification ability decreases, and unabsorbed moisture will enter the compressor and subsequent pipelines with the air, such as into components like air springs, accelerating metal corrosion. This can lead to component failure, performance degradation, reduced lifespan of the air compression system, increased maintenance costs, and potential safety hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a vehicle chassis, a control method for an air compression system, and a vehicle, which can remove moisture from the desiccant, thereby improving the lifespan and operational reliability of the air compression system.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle chassis is provided, including an air compression system; the air compression system includes: Desiccant container, containing desiccant; Air compressor; gas tank; The desiccant container, air compressor, and air tank are connected in sequence. In response to the air extraction signal, the air compressor draws air from the desiccant container into the air tank. In response to the air blowing signal, the air compressor discharges the air from the air tank into the desiccant container.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, at least one of the desiccant container and the gas storage tank is disposed adjacent to the vehicle's exhaust system, so that the thermal radiation temperature of at least one of the desiccant container and the gas storage tank is not less than 45°C under normal vehicle operating conditions.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the desiccant container is disposed adjacent to the vehicle's exhaust tailpipe.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the gas tank is located on the side of the vehicle's muffler assembly near the front of the vehicle.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, at least one of the desiccant container and the gas tank is at a minimum distance of no more than 100 mm from the vehicle's exhaust system.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the desiccant container has a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being connected to the air inlet of an air compressor; the second opening being connected to the compression assembly of the air compressor; and the air outlet of the air compressor being connected to an air storage tank. In response to the air extraction signal, the air compressor draws air sequentially through the air compressor's inlet, first opening, desiccant container, and second opening into the air compressor's compression assembly, and inputs the compressed air into the air storage tank. In response to the blowing signal, the air compressor discharges air from the air tank sequentially through the air outlet and the second opening to the desiccant container, and then through the first opening and the air inlet of the air compressor.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a control method for an air compression system is provided, comprising: Determine the type of blowing conditions, which includes at least one of the vehicle running time and the operating parameters of the air compression system; While the vehicle is in operation, determine whether the blowing conditions corresponding to the type of blowing conditions are met. When the air blowing conditions are met, connect the air tank to the air compressor, and the air compressor to the desiccant container, so that the air in the air tank is discharged into the desiccant container.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the control method for the air compression system further includes: Acquire spatial information on thermal radiation under normal vehicle operating conditions; At least one of the desiccant container and the gas storage tank shall be placed in an area where the thermal radiation temperature under normal vehicle operating conditions is not less than 45°C.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the type of blowing conditions includes vehicle running time, and the control method of the air compression system further includes: The blowing conditions are determined based on the performance parameters of the desiccant in the desiccant container, the ambient humidity of the vehicle, and the ambient temperature of the desiccant container and the gas tank.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the type of blowing conditions includes operating state parameters of the air compression system, and the control method of the air compression system further includes: The blowing conditions are determined based on the humidity inside the desiccant container and / or the humidity at the back end of the air compressor.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided, comprising the vehicle chassis of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0016] The air compression system disclosed herein includes a desiccant container located at the air inlet of the air compressor. This container absorbs moisture from the air, keeping the air entering the compressor components, subsequent pipelines, and air passage components dry and preventing corrosion. Simultaneously, the air compression system can also discharge air from the storage tank to the desiccant container. For example, after the desiccant has absorbed a significant amount of moisture, the moisture is blown out, restoring the desiccant's water-absorbing capacity and achieving desiccant regeneration. This improves the lifespan and operational reliability of the air compression system and reduces maintenance costs.

[0017] The control method for the air compression system disclosed herein can, during vehicle operation, determine in real time whether the corresponding air blowing conditions are met based on the preset air blowing conditions. When the air blowing conditions are met, the air in the air tank is discharged into the desiccant container, restoring the desiccant's water absorption capacity and achieving desiccant regeneration. This control method for the air compression system disclosed herein helps improve the lifespan and operational reliability of the air compression system, and compared to manually replacing the desiccant periodically, it helps reduce maintenance costs.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air compression system and an exhaust system in an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle chassis disclosed herein.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the air blowing process in an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle chassis disclosed herein.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the air blowing process in an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle chassis disclosed herein.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method of the air compression system disclosed herein.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10. Desiccant container; 20. Air compressor; 30. Air tank; 41. Exhaust pipe; 42. Muffler assembly; 43. Exhaust tailpipe; 50. Air spring. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore detailed descriptions of them will be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0026] Unless otherwise specified or stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “at least one” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms “comprising” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and to mean that there may be other elements / components / etc. in addition to those listed; the terms “first” and “second” are used only as illustrative marks and are not intended to limit the number, importance, or order of the objects.

[0027] This disclosure provides a vehicle chassis including an air compression system. The air compression system includes a desiccant container 10, an air compressor 20, and an air tank 30. The desiccant container 10 contains a desiccant; the desiccant container 10, the air compressor 20, and the air tank 30 are connected in sequence; in response to a suction signal, the air compressor 20 draws air from the desiccant container 10 into the air tank 30; in response to a blow signal, the air compressor 20 discharges air from the air tank 30 back to the desiccant container 10.

[0028] In this disclosed air compression system, the desiccant container 10 is located at the air inlet of the air compressor 20. It can absorb moisture from the air, keeping the air entering the compression components of the air compressor 20, as well as subsequent pipelines and air passage components, dry and preventing corrosion. Simultaneously, this air compression system can also discharge air from the air storage tank 30 to the desiccant container 10. For example, after the desiccant has absorbed a significant amount of water, the moisture in the desiccant can be blown out, restoring the desiccant's water-absorbing capacity and achieving desiccant regeneration. This helps improve the lifespan and operational reliability of the air compression system and reduces maintenance costs.

[0029] Specifically, for example, the desiccant container 10 has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is connected to the air inlet of the air compressor 20; the second opening is connected to the compression assembly of the air compressor 20; and the air outlet of the air compressor 20 is connected to the air tank 30. During vehicle operation, when a need for additional compressed air is detected, such as when the pressure inside the air tank 30 drops below the minimum operating pressure, the vehicle controller or chassis domain controller can issue a suction signal. In response to the suction signal, the air compressor 20 draws in outside air from its inlet. Outside air enters through the first opening of the desiccant container 10, and as it flows through the interior of the desiccant container 10, the moisture in the air is absorbed by the desiccant. The dried air flows out through the second opening and enters the compression assembly of the air compressor 20 for compression. It can then be stored in the air tank 30, preventing moisture from entering the compression assembly and the air spring 50 with the air, thus avoiding affecting the normal operation of the air compression system.

[0030] When the system needs to perform air blowing, for example, after the vehicle has been running for a period of time, or when a decrease in the desiccant's water absorption capacity is detected during vehicle operation, the vehicle controller or chassis domain controller can issue an air blowing signal. In response to the air blowing signal, the air compressor 20 extracts air from the air tank 30 into the desiccant container 10. Specifically, the air in the air tank 30 is discharged to the outlet of the air compressor 20 and then discharged through the second opening into the desiccant container 10. As it flows through the interior of the desiccant container 10, the moisture in the desiccant evaporates and is carried away by the airflow, and is discharged into the atmosphere through the first opening and the air compressor 20's inlet.

[0031] The air compression system of this exemplary embodiment can blow air through the air intake pipe, generate negative pressure through the air compressor 20, draw out the air in the air storage tank 30 and introduce it into the desiccant container 10, which can remove the moisture absorbed in the desiccant and discharge it, thereby restoring the desiccant's water absorption capacity.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the desiccant container 10 may be located near the vehicle's exhaust system. For example, the desiccant container 10 may be located at a position where the thermal radiation temperature under normal vehicle operating conditions is not less than 45°C. See also Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the blowing process shows that the desiccant container 10 can absorb the heat radiation generated by the vehicle exhaust, raising the temperature of the desiccant and causing the absorbed moisture in the desiccant to evaporate. When the gas in the gas tank 30 is blown out, the efficiency of removing moisture from the desiccant is improved, making the desiccant recover moisture more quickly and thoroughly. This exemplary embodiment can utilize the waste heat of the vehicle exhaust through the heat radiation of the exhaust system to increase the evaporation rate of moisture in the desiccant, which is beneficial to improving the energy utilization rate of the vehicle.

[0033] For example, the desiccant container 10 can be positioned at a location where the thermal radiation temperature under normal vehicle operating conditions is 45~120°C. This increases the evaporation rate of moisture in the desiccant, fully utilizes the waste heat from vehicle exhaust, and avoids the high temperature affecting the desiccant's moisture absorption effect or the sealing effect of the desiccant container 10. (Reference) Figure 1 As shown, in one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the desiccant container 10 can be disposed adjacent to the vehicle's exhaust tailpipe 43, and the desiccant container 10 can make full use of the waste heat of the vehicle's exhaust to achieve the evaporation of moisture in the desiccant.

[0034] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the air tank 30 may be located near the vehicle's exhaust system. For example, the air tank 30 may be located at a position where the thermal radiation temperature under normal vehicle operating conditions is not less than 45°C. See also Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the blowing process shows that the air tank 30 can absorb the heat radiation generated by the vehicle exhaust, raising the temperature of the gas inside the air tank 30. When the gas in the air tank 30 is blown out, the high-temperature gas blows towards the desiccant, which can improve the efficiency of removing moisture from the desiccant, allowing the desiccant's water absorption capacity to be restored more quickly and thoroughly. This exemplary embodiment can utilize the waste heat of the vehicle exhaust through the heat radiation of the exhaust system to raise the temperature of the gas inside the air tank 30, increasing the evaporation rate of moisture in the desiccant during the blowing process, which is beneficial to improving the vehicle's energy utilization rate.

[0035] For example, the air tank 30 can be located at a position where the thermal radiation temperature under normal vehicle operating conditions is 45~120°C. This increases the temperature of the air in the air tank 30, fully utilizing the waste heat from vehicle exhaust while improving the safety of the air tank 30. For instance, the air tank 30 can be located at a position where the thermal radiation temperature under normal vehicle operating conditions is 45~80°C to avoid the high temperature affecting the sealing effect of the air tank 30. (Reference) Figure 1 As shown, in one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the air reservoir 30 can be located on the side of the vehicle's muffler assembly 42 near the front of the vehicle. The air reservoir 30 can make full use of the waste heat from the vehicle's exhaust to raise the internal gas temperature, thereby increasing the evaporation rate of moisture in the desiccant during air blowing.

[0036] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, at least one of the desiccant container 10 and the air tank 30 is located at a minimum distance of no more than 100 mm from the vehicle's exhaust system. For example, one or both of the desiccant container 10 and the air tank 30 are positioned at a minimum distance of no more than 100 mm from the vehicle's exhaust pipe 41, muffler assembly 42, or exhaust tailpipe 43. Further, at least one of the desiccant container 10 and the air tank 30 may be positioned at a minimum distance of no less than 40 mm from the vehicle's exhaust system to avoid the effects of high temperatures on the desiccant's moisture absorption effect, the sealing effect of the desiccant container 10 or the air tank 30, and to improve vehicle safety.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the desiccant container 10 is disposed adjacent to the vehicle's exhaust tailpipe 43, and the gas storage tank 30 is disposed on the side of the vehicle's muffler assembly 42 near the front of the vehicle, which can further improve the evaporation rate of moisture in the desiccant.

[0038] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a control method for an air compression system is provided, with reference to... Figure 4 As shown, it includes steps S100-S300.

[0039] Step S100: Determine the type of blowing conditions, which includes at least one of the vehicle running time and the operating status parameters of the air compression system.

[0040] Step S200: While the vehicle is in operation, determine whether the blowing conditions corresponding to the type of blowing conditions are met.

[0041] Step S300: When the blowing conditions are met, connect the air tank 30 to the air compressor 20, and the air compressor 20 to the desiccant container 10, so that the air in the air tank 30 is discharged to the desiccant container 10.

[0042] The control method of the air compression system disclosed herein can, during vehicle operation, determine in real time whether the corresponding air blowing conditions are met according to the preset air blowing conditions, and when the air blowing conditions are met, discharge the air in the air tank 30 to the desiccant container 10, restoring the desiccant's water absorption capacity and realizing desiccant regeneration. The control method of the air compression system disclosed herein is beneficial to improving the lifespan and operational reliability of the air compression system, and compared with manual periodic desiccant replacement, it helps to reduce maintenance costs.

[0043] For example, the control method for the air compression system may further include steps S1000 to S2000.

[0044] Step S1000: Obtain spatial information on thermal radiation under normal vehicle operating conditions.

[0045] Step S2000: Arrange at least one of the desiccant container 10 and the air tank 30 in an area with a thermal radiation temperature of not less than 45°C under normal vehicle operating conditions.

[0046] Specifically, in step S1000, thermal radiation spatial information under normal vehicle operating conditions can be obtained through bench tests or simulations, such as obtaining the ambient temperature of each area of ​​the chassis after the vehicle has been running for 15 minutes or half an hour; or obtaining the temperature distribution when the ambient temperature of each area of ​​the chassis tends to stabilize after the vehicle has been running for a period of time.

[0047] In step S2000, the positions of the desiccant container 10 and the gas storage tank 30 can be determined by combining the temperature of each area of ​​the chassis and the requirements of the gas path layout.

[0048] For example, the desiccant container 10 can be placed at a location where the thermal radiation temperature under normal vehicle operating conditions is not less than 45°C, such as adjacent to the exhaust tailpipe 43. The desiccant container 10 can absorb the thermal radiation generated by the vehicle exhaust, causing the desiccant temperature to rise and the moisture absorbed in the desiccant to evaporate. In step S300, when the blowing conditions are met, the gas in the gas storage tank 30 is blown out, which can improve the efficiency of removing moisture from the desiccant and make the desiccant absorb water more quickly and thoroughly.

[0049] For example, the air tank 30 can be positioned at a location where the thermal radiation temperature under normal vehicle operating conditions is not less than 45°C, such as adjacent to the muffler assembly 42. The air tank 30 can absorb the thermal radiation generated by the vehicle exhaust, raising the temperature of the gas inside the air tank 30. In step S300, when the blowing conditions are met, the gas inside the air tank 30 is blown out, and the high-temperature gas blows towards the desiccant, which can improve the efficiency of removing moisture from the desiccant, making the desiccant absorb water more quickly and thoroughly.

[0050] This exemplary embodiment can arrange the desiccant container 10 and the air tank 30 in conjunction with the thermal radiation space information of the vehicle chassis, so that the waste heat of the vehicle exhaust can be used to promote the evaporation of moisture in the desiccant in the desiccant container 10 or increase the temperature of the air blown toward the desiccant through the thermal radiation of the exhaust system, which is beneficial to improving the energy utilization rate of the vehicle.

[0051] In step S100, the type of blowing conditions includes at least one of the vehicle running time and the operating status parameters of the air compression system.

[0052] For example, the type of air blowing condition includes vehicle running time. In step S200, while the vehicle is running, it is determined whether the air blowing condition corresponding to the type of air blowing condition is met. Specifically, the air blowing condition can be determined based on the performance parameters of the desiccant in the desiccant container 10, the ambient humidity of the vehicle, and the ambient temperature of the desiccant container 10 and the air tank 30. After a preset time of vehicle running, it is determined that the air blowing condition is met, and step S300 is executed.

[0053] For example, the saturation rate of the desiccant can be assessed based on the desiccant's water absorption capacity and the amount of desiccant used, the ambient humidity of the area where the vehicle is located, and the operating temperature corresponding to the position of the desiccant container 10 and the air tank 30 on the chassis, and the blowing conditions can be determined accordingly. For example, the blowing conditions can be determined to be met after the vehicle has been running for at least 30 minutes.

[0054] For example, the type of blowing conditions includes the operating status parameters of the air compression system. In step S200, while the vehicle is in operation, it is determined whether the blowing conditions corresponding to the type of blowing conditions are met. Specifically, the current saturation level of the desiccant can be assessed based on the humidity inside the desiccant container 10 and / or the humidity at the downstream end of the air compressor 20, and the blowing conditions are determined to be met when the desiccant saturation level reaches a preset value. For example, if the humidity inside the desiccant container 10 is high, or the humidity of the air entering the air compressor 20 after passing through the desiccant container 10 is high, it indicates that the water absorption capacity of the desiccant inside the desiccant container 10 has decreased, and the current saturation level of the desiccant is high. By venting the air in the air tank 30 to the desiccant container 10, the water absorption capacity of the desiccant can be restored.

[0055] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided, comprising the vehicle chassis of any of the foregoing embodiments. For example, the vehicle may be a hybrid vehicle, a non-hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, or other types of vehicle. The vehicle may be an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, or a non-autonomous vehicle.

[0056] The vehicle disclosed herein can blow out the moisture from the desiccant after it has absorbed a large amount of water in the desiccant container 10, restoring the desiccant's water absorption capacity and regenerating it. This helps to improve the lifespan and operational reliability of the air compression system, thereby enhancing the overall vehicle lifespan and operational reliability, and reducing maintenance costs.

[0057] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle chassis, characterized in that The air compression system comprises: A desiccant container (10) provided with a desiccant therein; An air compressor (20); An air tank (30); The desiccant container (10), the air compressor (20) and the air tank (30) are sequentially communicated; the air compressor (20) absorbs air into the air tank (30) through the desiccant container (10) in response to an air extraction signal; the air compressor (20) discharges air in the air tank (30) to the desiccant container (10) in response to an air blowing signal.

2. The vehicle chassis of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the desiccant container (10) and the air tank (30) is arranged adjacent to an exhaust system of a vehicle; so that the at least one of the desiccant container (10) and the air tank (30) has a heat radiation temperature not less than 45℃ under a normal operating condition of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle chassis of claim 2, wherein, The desiccant container (10) is arranged adjacent to an exhaust tail pipe (43) of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle chassis of claim 2, wherein, The air tank (30) is arranged on a side of a muffler assembly (42) of the vehicle close to a front of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle chassis of claim 1, wherein, The minimum distance between the at least one of the desiccant container (10) and the air tank (30) and the exhaust system of the vehicle is not greater than 100mm.

6. The vehicle chassis of claim 1, wherein The desiccant container (10) has a first opening and a second opening; the first opening is connected to an air inlet end of the air compressor (20); the second opening is connected to a compression assembly of the air compressor (20); An air outlet end of the air compressor (20) is connected to the air tank (30); The air compressor (20) absorbs air into the compression assembly of the air compressor (20) through the air inlet end, the first opening, the desiccant container (10) and the second opening in response to the air extraction signal, and inputs the compressed air from the compression assembly into the air tank (30); The air compressor (20) discharges air in the air tank (30) to the desiccant container (10) through the air outlet end and the second opening in response to the air blowing signal, and discharges the air through the first opening and the air inlet end.

7. A control method of an air compression system, characterized by, The method comprises: Determining a type of air blowing condition, the type of air blowing condition comprising at least one of a vehicle operating time and a working state parameter of an air compression system; In a vehicle operating state, determining whether the air blowing condition corresponding to the type of air blowing condition is met; When the air blowing condition is met, connecting the air tank (30) and the air compressor (20), and the air compressor (20) and the desiccant container (10), so as to discharge air in the air tank (30) to the desiccant container (10).

8. The control method of an air compression system according to claim 7, wherein, The control method of the air compression system further comprises: Obtaining heat radiation space information under a normal operating condition of a vehicle; Arranging at least one of the desiccant container (10) and the air tank (30) in a region having a heat radiation temperature not less than 45℃ under the normal operating condition of the vehicle.

9. The control method of an air compression system according to claim 7, wherein, The type of the blowing condition comprises a vehicle running time, and the control method of the air compression system further comprises: The blowing condition is determined according to a performance parameter of the desiccant in the desiccant container (10), an ambient humidity of the vehicle, and an ambient temperature of the desiccant container (10) and the air tank (30).

10. The control method of an air compression system according to claim 7, wherein, The type of the blowing condition comprises a working state parameter of the air compression system, and the control method of the air compression system further comprises: The blowing condition is determined according to a humidity in the desiccant container (10) and / or a humidity at a rear end of the air compressor (20).

11. A vehicle characterized by comprising: The vehicle chassis comprises the air compression system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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