Pressure zone-based vehicle air supply unit division control method and device

Abstract

This invention discloses a method and apparatus for segmented control of a vehicle air supply unit based on pressure zoning, specifically relating to the field of vehicle air suspension technology. It provides pressurized air to the control and regulation module through a power supply module and a gas storage module, thus providing a power source for the vehicle. The compressed gas output from the power supply module is filtered for moisture by an air treatment module before entering the control and regulation module via pipelines. Finally, the control and regulation module internally regulates the airflow to form a unidirectional flow path. This invention allows for independent zoned pressure adjustment based on load, vehicle speed, and road conditions, resulting in a more stable vehicle posture, less body roll, and improved passability, while balancing ride comfort and driving safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle air suspension technology, specifically to a method and apparatus for segmented control of vehicle air supply units based on pressure zoning. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements, the market application of air suspension continues to expand, rapidly penetrating from high-end models to mid-to-low-end vehicles, and demand in the commercial vehicle sector continues to grow. It is deeply integrated with new technologies such as intelligent connectivity and autonomous driving, moving towards intelligentization. Technologically, it is developing towards lightweighting, modularization, and integration, with key components such as air springs undergoing continuous iteration and system performance being constantly optimized. It mainly consists of air springs, shock absorbers, an air supply unit (including an air compressor, air pump, and air tank), and an electronic control system. Its core principle is to utilize the compressibility of air to achieve elastic support.

[0003] In practical applications, traditional air supply units use a motor to drive two air pumps in parallel via a crank-connecting rod mechanism, centrally controlling four air springs. This approach suffers from high mechanical losses, wear and noise due to the reciprocating crank-connecting rod transmission, and poor system reliability. The parallel operation of the two pumps easily generates airflow pulsation, resulting in insufficient pressure build-up stability. Centralized air supply cannot achieve independent pressure and height adjustment for all four wheels, limiting control precision and attitude adaptability. Coupled charging and discharging circuits easily lead to response lag and pressure overshoot, resulting in poor dynamic adjustment performance. Furthermore, the overall structure is discrete and loose, with low integration, large size, and heavy weight, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high-end air suspension systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention separates the outlets of the two air pumps and independently controls the lifting and lowering of the air springs on the front and rear axles, which differs from traditional solutions in terms of control method. Therefore, this invention provides a vehicle air supply unit segmentation control method and device based on pressure zoning to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a vehicle air supply unit segmentation control device based on pressure zoning, the air supply unit segmentation control device including a control adjustment module, a power supply module, a gas storage module, and an air handling module;

[0006] The control and adjustment module includes a front axle air suspension control unit and a rear axle air suspension control unit;

[0007] The front axle air suspension control unit includes a front axle air intake, a front axle one-way valve, a front axle air pump, a front axle dryer, a switching valve one, a front axle air valve one, a front axle air valve two, and a front axle air pump safety valve one.

[0008] The rear axle air suspension control unit includes a rear axle air intake, a rear axle one-way valve, a rear axle air pump, a rear axle dryer, a switching valve II, a rear axle air valve III, a rear axle air valve IV, and a rear axle air pump safety valve II.

[0009] The power supply module includes an air compressor, a front axle air pump, and a rear axle air pump;

[0010] The air compressor provides power to the front axle air pump and the rear axle air pump, which in turn provide high-pressure air to the front axle air suspension control unit and the rear axle air suspension control unit, respectively.

[0011] The gas storage module, or gas tank, is used to store compressed air and replenish the gas in the device when needed to maintain stable system pressure.

[0012] The air preparation module includes a front axle dryer, a rear axle dryer, a front axle safety valve, and a rear axle safety valve;

[0013] The compressed air output from the front axle air pump and the rear axle air pump enters the front axle dryer and the rear axle dryer, respectively. The front axle dryer and the rear axle dryer filter out impurities and moisture from the compressed air. The processed dry air then enters the subsequent control and adjustment modules, namely the front axle air suspension control unit and the rear axle air suspension control unit.

[0014] The front axle safety valve and the rear axle safety valve open to relieve pressure when the pressure of the front axle air pump and the rear axle air pump is too high, respectively, to ensure the safety of the device.

[0015] Preferably, the device also includes an auxiliary module, including an inflation valve and a manual exhaust valve; the inflation valve is connected to an external air source to supplement compressed air to the device in special circumstances such as low system air pressure and failure of the front axle air pump or rear axle air pump; the manual exhaust valve is for maintenance personnel or manual exhaust in special circumstances to assist in the pressure regulation and troubleshooting of the device.

[0016] Preferably, the control and regulation module further includes an exhaust valve, a third switching valve, and a fourth switching valve, for regulating the internal structure of the control and regulation module;

[0017] The exhaust valve and switching valve three work together with switching valve four. When it is necessary to reduce the suspension height or adjust the pressure of the device, the exhaust valve opens to exhaust air. Switching valve three and switching valve four switch the airflow path according to the vehicle driving status and load signal, and control the opening and closing of each air valve to adjust the air pressure in the front and rear axle suspension airbags, so as to achieve the adjustment of suspension height and stiffness.

[0018] This invention discloses a vehicle air supply unit segmentation control method based on pressure zoning. Based on the above-mentioned device, pressurized air is provided to the control and regulation module through the power supply module and the gas storage module, thus providing a power source for the vehicle. The compressed gas output by the power supply module is filtered for moisture by the air treatment module, and then enters the control and regulation module through pipelines. Finally, a unidirectional flow path is formed through the internal regulation of the control and regulation module.

[0019] Preferably, in the front axle air suspension control unit, a front axle one-way valve is connected to the front axle air intake; one end of the front axle air pump is connected to one end of the front axle air intake, and the other end of the front axle air pump is connected to one end of the front axle dryer; one end of front axle air valve one and front axle air valve two are connected to the front axle air spring, and the other end of front axle air valve one and front axle air valve two are connected to the front axle dryer; one end of switching valve one is connected to front axle air valve one and front axle air valve two, and the other end of switching valve one is connected to the front axle air pump; one side of switching valve three is connected to the air tank, and the other side is connected to the front axle air pump; and the front axle air pump safety valve is connected to the air intake and air outlet of the front axle air pump.

[0020] Preferably, in the rear axle air suspension control unit, the rear axle one-way valve is connected to the rear axle air intake; one end of the rear axle air pump is connected to the rear axle air intake, and the other end of the rear axle air pump is connected to the rear axle dryer; one end of the rear axle air valve three and the rear axle air valve four are connected to the rear axle air spring, and the other end of the rear axle air valve three and the rear axle air valve four are connected to the rear axle dryer; one end of the switching valve two is connected to the rear axle air valve three and the rear axle air valve four, and the other end of the switching valve two is connected to the rear axle air pump; one side of the switching valve four is connected to the air tank, and the other side is connected to the rear axle air pump; the rear axle air pump safety valve is connected to the air intake and air outlet of the rear axle air pump.

[0021] Preferably, the control and adjustment module controls the air intake, flow direction, and pressure; the front axle check valve and the rear axle check valve prevent gas backflow; switching valve one and switching valve two switch the airflow path; front axle air valve one, front axle air valve two, rear axle air valve three, and rear axle air valve four control the gas to enter the front axle and rear axle suspension airbags respectively; the front axle air pump safety valve and the rear axle air pump safety valve prevent the front axle air pump and the rear axle air pump from being too high in pressure; and the exhaust valve discharges excess gas from the device.

[0022] Preferably, when the front axle of the vehicle needs to be raised, front axle air valve one, front axle air valve two, and switching valve three are opened, while the remaining switching valve one, switching valve two, switching valve four, rear axle air valve three, rear axle air valve four, and exhaust valve are closed by default. The air compressor and front axle air pump are powered on. At this time, the air compressor and front axle air pump create a vacuum. The air in the air tank of the gas storage module passes through switching valve three, front axle air pump, front axle dryer, front axle air valve one, and front axle air valve two, and finally enters the front axle air spring, so as to achieve the effect of raising the front axle of the vehicle while keeping the rear axle height unchanged.

[0023] Preferably, when the front axle of the vehicle needs to be lowered, front axle air valve one, air valve two, switching valve one, and switching valve four need to be opened. The remaining switching valve two, switching valve three, rear axle air valve three, rear axle air valve four, and exhaust valve are closed by default. The air compressor and front axle air pump are powered on. At this time, the air compressor and front axle air pump create a vacuum. The air from the front axle air spring passes through front axle air valve one, front axle air valve two, switching valve one, front axle air pump, front axle dryer, and switching valve four, and finally enters the air tank, achieving the effect of lowering the front axle while keeping the rear axle at the same height. The working condition when the rear axle needs to be raised or lowered is the same as the principle of raising or lowering the front axle, and will not be described again here.

[0024] The present invention has the following advantages:

[0025] 1. This invention employs two independent control units for the front and rear axles. Through pressure zoning and dedicated air circuits, valve groups, and air pump configurations, the suspension height, stiffness, and air pressure of the front or rear axle can be adjusted independently, achieving single-axle lifting while the other axle remains unchanged, thereby improving vehicle attitude control accuracy and driving smoothness.

[0026] 2. The front and rear axle air pumps and dryers of this invention are independently configured to avoid pressure fluctuations and air supply delays caused by multiple loads from a single air source. The lifting action is responsive and can quickly compensate for suspension air pressure, especially under changing loads and road conditions.

[0027] 3. The front and rear axle air circuits and control units of this invention are physically separated. If the air pump, valve or pipeline of one axle fails, it will not affect the normal operation of the other axle, thus improving the system's safety and redundancy.

[0028] 4. The gas storage module of this invention provides real-time pressure stabilization and gas replenishment, and is equipped with an independent safety valve and a one-way valve to prevent backflow. The system pressure fluctuation is small and the pressure holding capacity is strong. The gas pump automatically relieves pressure when overloaded, which greatly reduces the risk of pipe bursting and overpressure failure.

[0029] 5. The present invention is equipped with dryers on the front and rear axles respectively, which simultaneously dehumidifies and removes impurities from the compressed air, preventing moisture and oil from entering the airbags and valve groups, reducing rust and jamming failures, and improving the overall durability of the air suspension.

[0030] 6. This invention is equipped with an external inflation valve and a manual exhaust valve, which can be connected to an external air source to replenish pressure when the air pump fails or the system is under-pressured, and can quickly release pressure and exhaust air during maintenance, which facilitates troubleshooting, maintenance and emergency use.

[0031] 7. This invention uses a combination of a switching valve and an air valve to form a unidirectional stable air path. The processes of charging, pressurizing, venting, and returning air are clearly defined, making it less prone to cross-flow and malfunction. The control strategy is easy to implement and calibrate.

[0032] In summary, this invention can independently adjust the pressure in different zones according to load, vehicle speed, and road conditions, resulting in a more stable vehicle posture, less body roll, and better passability, while taking into account both ride comfort and driving safety. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the vehicle air supply unit segmentation control device based on pressure zoning provided by the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the gas tank inflation structure provided by the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exhaust structure of the gas storage tank provided by the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the air spring inflation structure provided by the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the air spring exhaust structure provided by the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the front axle inflation and rear axle exhaust structure provided by the present invention;

[0039] In the diagram: 1. Air suspension system;

[0040] 10. Front axle air suspension control unit, comprising the following components: 11. Front axle air intake; 12. Front axle one-way valve 1; 13. Front axle air pump; 14. Front axle dryer; 15. Switching valve 1; 16. Front axle air valve 1; 17. Front axle air valve 2; 18. Front axle air pump safety valve;

[0041] 20. Rear axle air suspension control unit, comprising the following components: 21. Rear axle air intake; 22. Rear axle one-way valve II; 23. Rear axle air pump; 24. Rear axle dryer; 25. Switching valve II; 26. Rear axle air valve III; 27. Rear axle air valve IV; 28. Rear axle air pump safety valve;

[0042] 30. Gas storage tank;

[0043] 40. Exhaust valve;

[0044] 50. Switching valve three;

[0045] 60. Switching valve four;

[0046] 70. Air compressor;

[0047] 80. Inflation valve;

[0048] 90. Manual exhaust valve. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] The present invention is as follows Figure 1 The structural diagram shows that the air pump of this invention adopts an independent outlet design, with the front axle air pump and the rear axle air pump having two outlets that control the front axle and the rear axle respectively.

[0051] When a car needs to raise its front axle (e.g.) Figure 4 To activate the system, front axle air valve 16, front axle air valve 27, and switching valve 30 need to be opened. The remaining valves—switching valve 15, switching valve 25, switching valve 40, rear axle air valve 36, rear axle air valve 47, and exhaust valve 40—are closed by default. Air compressor 70 and front axle air pump 13 are powered on. At this time, air compressor 70 and front axle air pump 13 create a vacuum. Air from the air tank 30 passes through switching valve 30, front axle air pump 13, front axle dryer 14, front axle air valve 16, and front axle air valve 27, ultimately entering the front axle air spring. This achieves the effect of raising the front axle while maintaining the rear axle height.

[0052] When the gas tank needs to be refilled (e.g.) Figure 2 With the inflation valve 80 open, the remaining air valves (front axle air valve 16, front axle air valve 27, switching valve 3 50, switching valve 1 15, switching valve 2 25, switching valve 4 60, rear axle air valve 3 26, rear axle air valve 4 27, exhaust valve 40, front axle air pump 13, rear axle air pump 23, and air compressor 70) remain in their default, inactive states. At this time, outside air will be injected into the air tank 30 through the inflation valve 80.

[0053] When it is necessary to vent the air tank 30 or regenerate the rear axle dryer 24 (such as when...) Figure 3 (This requires opening switching valve 460 and exhaust valve 40. The remaining valves—front axle air valve 16, front axle air valve 27, switching valve 350, switching valve 15, switching valve 25, rear axle air valve 326, rear axle air valve 427, front axle air pump 13, rear axle air pump 23, and air compressor 70—remain in their default, inactive state. At this time, the air from the air tank 30 passes through switching valve 460 and the rear axle dryer 2, and then enters the exhaust valve 40 for exhaust.)

[0054] When the car needs to lower its front axle (e.g.) Figure 5To achieve this, the following valves need to be opened: front axle air valve 16, front axle air valve 2, switching valve 15, and switching valve 40. The remaining valves—switching valve 25, front switching valve 3 50, rear axle air valve 3 26, rear axle air valve 4 27, and exhaust valve 40—are closed by default. The air compressor 70 and front axle air pump 13 are powered on. At this time, the air compressor 70 and front axle air pump 13 create a vacuum, drawing air from the front axle air springs through front axle air valve 16, front axle air valve 2 17, switching valve 15, front axle air pump 13, front axle dryer 14, and switching valve 4 60, ultimately into the air tank 30. This achieves the effect of lowering the front axle while maintaining the rear axle's height.

[0055] When it is necessary to bleed air to replace the air spring or air supply unit (such as...) Figure 6 To perform the following steps, open the front axle air valve 16, front axle air valve 27, rear axle air valve 36, rear axle air valve 47, and exhaust valve 40. The remaining switching valves 15, 25, 50, 60, front axle air pump 13, rear axle air pump 23, and air compressor 70 should remain in their default, inactive states. At this time, the air in the front axle air spring will be released through front axle air valve 16, front axle air valve 27, front axle dryer 14, and exhaust valve 40. Similarly, the air in the rear axle air spring will be released through rear axle air valve 36, rear axle air valve 47, rear axle dryer 24, and exhaust valve 40. After releasing the air, replace the front or rear axle air spring.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with general descriptions and specific embodiments, modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such modifications or improvements made without departing from the spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle air supply unit segmentation control device based on pressure zoning, characterized in that: The air supply unit segmented control device includes a control and regulation module, a power supply module, a gas storage module, and an air handling module; The control and adjustment module includes a front axle air suspension control unit (10) and a rear axle air suspension control unit (20); The front axle air suspension control unit (10) includes a front axle air inlet (11), a front axle check valve (12), a front axle air pump (13), a front axle dryer (14), a switching valve (15), a front axle air valve (16), a front axle air valve (17), and a front axle air pump safety valve (18). The rear axle air suspension control unit (20) includes a rear axle air inlet (21), a rear axle one-way valve (22), a rear axle air pump (23), a rear axle dryer (24), a second switching valve (25), a third rear axle air valve (26), a fourth rear axle air valve (27), and a second rear axle air pump safety valve (28). The power supply module includes an air compressor (70), a front axle air pump (13), and a rear axle air pump (23); The air compressor (70) provides power to the front axle air pump (13) and the rear axle air pump (23), which in turn provide high-pressure air to the front axle air suspension control unit (10) and the rear axle air suspension control unit (20), respectively. The gas storage module, namely the gas storage tank (30), is used to store compressed air to replenish the gas in the device and maintain the system pressure stability. The air handling module includes a front axle dryer (14), a rear axle dryer (24), a front axle safety valve (18), and a rear axle safety valve (28); The compressed air output by the front axle air pump (13) and the rear axle air pump (23) enters the front axle dryer (14) and the rear axle dryer (24) respectively. The front axle dryer (14) and the rear axle dryer (24) filter out impurities and moisture in the compressed air. The processed dry air then enters the subsequent control and adjustment module. The front axle safety valve (18) and the rear axle safety valve (28) open to relieve pressure when the pressure of the front axle air pump (13) and the rear axle air pump (23) is too high, respectively, to ensure the safety of the device.

2. The vehicle air supply unit segmentation control device based on pressure zoning according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device also includes an auxiliary module, including an air filling valve (80) and a manual exhaust valve (90); the air filling valve (80) is connected to an external air source to supplement the device with compressed air; the manual exhaust valve (90) assists in the pressure regulation and troubleshooting of the device.

3. The vehicle air supply unit segmentation control device based on pressure zoning according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control and regulation module also includes an exhaust valve (40), a switching valve three (50) and a switching valve four (60), which are used to regulate the internal structure of the control and regulation module; The exhaust valve (40) and switching valve three (50) work together with switching valve four (60). When it is necessary to reduce the suspension height or adjust the pressure of the device, the exhaust valve (40) opens to exhaust air. Switching valve three (50) and switching valve four (60) switch the airflow path according to the vehicle driving status and load signal, and control the opening and closing of each air valve to adjust the air pressure in the front and rear axle suspension airbags, so as to realize the adjustment of suspension height and stiffness.

4. A vehicle air supply unit segmentation control method based on pressure zoning, characterized in that: Based on the device according to any one of claims 1-3, pressurized air is provided to the control and regulation module through the power supply module and the gas storage module to provide a power source for the vehicle; the compressed gas output by the power supply module is filtered for moisture by the air treatment module, and then enters the control and regulation module through a pipeline, and finally forms a unidirectional flow path through the internal regulation of the control and regulation module.

5. The vehicle air supply unit segmentation control method based on pressure zoning according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the front axle air suspension control unit (10), the front axle check valve (12) is connected to the front axle air inlet (11); one end of the front axle air pump (13) is connected to one end of the front axle air inlet (11), and the other end of the front axle air pump (13) is connected to one end of the front axle dryer (14); one end of the front axle air valve one (16) and the front axle air valve two (17) are connected to the front axle air spring, and the other end of the front axle air valve one (16) and the front axle air valve two (17) are connected to the front axle dryer (14); one end of the switching valve one (15) is connected to the front axle air valve one (16) and the front axle air valve two (17), and the other end of the switching valve one (15) is connected to the front axle air pump (13); one side of the switching valve three (50) is connected to the air tank (30), and the other side is connected to the front axle air pump (13); the front axle air pump safety valve (18) is connected to the air inlet and air outlet of the front axle air pump (13).

6. The vehicle air supply unit segmentation control method based on pressure zoning according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the rear axle air suspension control unit (20), the rear axle check valve (22) is connected to the rear axle air inlet (21); one end of the rear axle air pump (23) is connected to the rear axle air inlet (21), and the other end of the rear axle air pump (23) is connected to the rear axle dryer (24); one end of the rear axle air valve three (26) and the rear axle air valve four (27) is connected to the rear axle air spring, and the other end of the rear axle air valve three (26) and the rear axle air valve four (27) is connected to the rear axle dryer (24); one end of the switching valve two (25) is connected to the rear axle air valve three (26) and the rear axle air valve four (27), and the other end of the switching valve two (25) is connected to the rear axle air pump (23); one side of the switching valve four (60) is connected to the air tank (30), and the other side is connected to the rear axle air pump (23); the rear axle air pump safety valve (28) is connected to the air inlet and air outlet of the rear axle air pump (23).

7. The vehicle air supply unit segmentation control method based on pressure zoning according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control and adjustment module controls the air intake, flow direction and pressure. The front axle check valve (12) and the rear axle check valve (22) prevent gas backflow. Switching valve one (15) and switching valve two (25) switch the airflow path. Front axle air valve one (16), front axle air valve two (17), rear axle air valve three (26) and rear axle air valve four (27) control the gas to enter the front axle and rear axle suspension airbags respectively. Front axle air pump safety valve (18) and rear axle air pump safety valve (28) prevent the front axle air pump (13) and rear axle air pump (23) from being too high in pressure. Exhaust valve (40) discharges excess gas from the device.

8. The vehicle air supply unit segmentation control method based on pressure zoning according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the front axle of the car needs to be raised, the front axle air valve one (16), the front axle air valve two (17) and the switching valve three (50) are opened. The remaining switching valve one (15), switching valve two (25), switching valve four (60), rear axle air valve three (26), rear axle air valve four (27) and exhaust valve (40) are closed by default. The air compressor (70) and the front axle air pump (13) are powered on. At this time, the air compressor (70) and the front axle air pump (13) form a vacuum. The air in the air tank (30) in the gas storage module passes through the switching valve three (50), the front axle air pump (13), the front axle dryer (14), the front axle air valve one (16) and the front axle air valve two (17) respectively, and finally enters the front axle air spring, so as to achieve the effect of raising the front axle of the vehicle while keeping the rear axle height unchanged.

9. The vehicle air supply unit segmentation control method based on pressure zoning according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the front axle of the car needs to be lowered, the front axle air valve 1 (16), air valve 2 (17), switching valve 1 (15), and switching valve 4 (60) need to be opened. The remaining switching valve 2 (25), switching valve 3 (50), rear axle air valve 3 (26), rear axle air valve 4 (27), and exhaust valve 40 are closed by default. The air compressor (70) and the front axle air pump (13) are powered on. At this time, the air compressor (70) and the front axle air pump form a vacuum. The air from the front axle air spring passes through the front axle air valve 1 (16), front axle air valve 2 (17), switching valve 1 (15), front axle air pump (13), front axle dryer (14), and switching valve 4 (60) respectively, and finally enters the air tank (30), so as to achieve the effect of lowering the front axle while keeping the rear axle at the same height.

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