Domain controller-based closed air suspension integrated control system and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a closed-loop air suspension integrated control system and method based on a domain controller, relating to the field of vehicle control technology. It includes: a domain controller, connectors, external sensors, and an air suspension controller ECU. The domain controller includes a peripheral acquisition chip, an MCU, and driver chips. The peripheral acquisition chip is connected to the external sensors. The connector signal interface is connected to the MCU. The connector power supply interface is connected to the driver chips. The ECU power supply interface is connected to the connector power supply interface, the motor, the solenoid valve, and the built-in sensors, transmitting motor control current and solenoid valve control current to the motor and solenoid valve respectively. The ECU signal interface is connected to the built-in sensors and the connector signal interface, transmitting the built-in sensor signals to the MCU. This invention utilizes the domain controller to acquire and process sensor signals to obtain the motor control current and solenoid valve control current, achieving fully integrated control of the air suspension system by the domain controller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of trailer braking technology, and more specifically, to a closed-loop air suspension integrated control system and method based on a domain controller. Background Technology

[0002] The automotive suspension system is a collective term for all force-transmitting connections between the vehicle frame and the axles or wheels. Its function is to transmit the forces and torques acting between the wheels and the frame, buffer the impact forces transmitted from uneven road surfaces to the frame or body, and dampen the resulting vibrations to ensure a smooth ride. As people's demands for both comfort and practicality in automobiles increase, air suspension vehicles, which can meet both comfort requirements and vehicle height control requirements, represent the future development trend.

[0003] However, existing air suspension control systems employ independent ECUs, motor drives, solenoid valve controls, and other distributed modules. This results in a large number of wiring harnesses and connectors, leading to high costs and low reliability. Furthermore, because sensor signals and actuator (such as motors and solenoid valves) are transmitted through multiple paths, they are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, affecting control accuracy. In addition, existing control systems require multi-level signal transmission between vehicle domain control, the air suspension ECU (Electronic Control Unit), the air suspension MCU (Microcontroller Unit), and the air suspension actuators, potentially causing signal delays and failing to meet real-time requirements. When a fault occurs, troubleshooting is difficult because multiple modules need to be checked individually. For the vehicle as a whole, independent air suspension control systems (such as ECUs) have limited functionality and low resource utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a closed-loop air suspension integrated control system and method based on a domain controller, to overcome at least one technical problem existing in the prior art.

[0005] On one hand, the present invention provides a closed air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller. The air suspension includes a valve body, which includes a motor, a solenoid valve and a built-in sensor, including: a domain controller, a connector, an external sensor and an air suspension controller ECU;

[0006] The domain controller includes a peripheral acquisition chip, an MCU, and a driver chip; the peripheral acquisition chip is connected to the external sensor and is used to acquire the signal from the external sensor; the MCU is used to process the signal from the built-in sensor and the acquired signal from the external sensor; the driver chip is used to send motor control current and solenoid valve control current.

[0007] The connector includes a connector power supply interface and a connector signal interface. The connector signal interface is connected to the MCU. The connector power supply interface is connected to the driver chip and receives motor control current and solenoid valve control current, respectively.

[0008] The air suspension controller ECU includes an ECU power supply interface and an ECU signal interface. The ECU power supply interface is connected to the connector power supply interface. The ECU power supply interface is also connected to the motor, solenoid valve, and built-in sensor, for transmitting the motor control current and the solenoid valve control current to the motor and the solenoid valve, respectively. The ECU signal interface is connected to the built-in sensor for receiving the built-in sensor signal. The ECU signal interface is also connected to the connector signal interface, through which the built-in sensor signal is transmitted to the MCU.

[0009] Optionally, the connector power supply interface includes a connector current input interface and a connector current output interface; the ECU power supply interface includes an ECU current input interface and an ECU current output interface.

[0010] The connector current input interface is connected to the drive chip and is used to receive motor control current and solenoid valve control current; the connector current output interface is connected to the ECU current input interface, and the ECU current output interface is connected to the motor and the solenoid valve, and is used to transmit the motor control current and the solenoid valve control current to the motor and the solenoid valve respectively.

[0011] Optionally, the connector signal interface includes a connector signal output interface and a connector signal input interface; the ECU signal interface includes an ECU signal output interface and an ECU signal input interface;

[0012] The ECU signal input interface is connected to the built-in sensor to receive the built-in sensor signal; the ECU signal output interface is connected to the connector signal input interface, and the connector signal output interface is connected to the MCU to transmit the built-in sensor signal to the MCU.

[0013] Optionally, the built-in sensor includes a temperature and pressure sensor.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes a vehicle power supply module, which is connected to the drive chip and is used to provide a current signal to the drive chip.

[0015] Optionally, the external sensor includes a height sensor connected to the external acquisition chip, which acquires the height of the air suspension.

[0016] Optionally, the external sensor further includes an acceleration sensor, which is connected to the external acquisition chip to acquire the vehicle's acceleration.

[0017] Optionally, it also includes a shock absorber CDC, which is connected to the drive chip and receives control current from the shock absorber CDC.

[0018] Optionally, it also includes a stiffness valve connected to the drive chip and receiving a stiffness valve control current.

[0019] On the other hand, the present invention also provides an integrated control method for a closed air suspension based on a domain controller. The air suspension includes a valve body, which includes a motor, a solenoid valve, and a built-in sensor, comprising:

[0020] The peripheral acquisition chip acquires signals from external sensors and sends them to the MCU;

[0021] The MCU acquires signals from the built-in sensors.

[0022] The MCU processes the signals from the built-in sensor and the external sensor to obtain the motor control current and the solenoid valve control current.

[0023] The motor control current is sent to the motor to drive the motor to run;

[0024] The control current of the solenoid valve is sent to the solenoid valve to drive it to operate.

[0025] The innovative aspects of this invention include:

[0026] 1. In this embodiment, by using a domain controller to collect and process sensor signals, the motor control current and solenoid valve control current can be obtained, realizing the domain controller's fully integrated control of the air suspension system. This not only helps to improve resource utilization, but also improves the anti-interference capability of signal transmission and the system response speed, which is one of the innovative points of this embodiment.

[0027] 2. In this embodiment, the functions of the air suspension controller are integrated into the domain controller. By using the domain controller to collect and process sensor signals, the motor control current and solenoid valve control current can be obtained. This achieves fully integrated control of the suspension system by the domain controller, eliminating the need to set up a control chip in the air suspension controller. Only the power supply and signal interfaces need to be retained. This not only helps to eliminate the hardware redundancy of traditional closed air suspension systems, reducing costs and complexity, but also helps to improve the scalability and deployability of the air suspension function. This is one of the innovations of this embodiment. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a closed-loop air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of the closed air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is another structural schematic diagram of the closed air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a closed air suspension integrated control method based on a domain controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments and drawings of this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0035] This invention discloses an integrated control system and method for a closed air suspension based on a domain controller. These will be described in detail below.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a closed-loop air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 1The present invention provides a domain controller-based closed-loop air suspension integrated control system 100. The air suspension includes a valve body, which includes a motor, a solenoid valve, and a built-in sensor. The control system 100 includes:

[0037] Domain controllers, connectors, external sensors, and air suspension controller ECU;

[0038] The domain controller includes a peripheral acquisition chip, an MCU, and driver chips; the peripheral acquisition chip is connected to the external sensor shown and is used to acquire signals from the external sensor; the MCU is used to process the signals from the built-in sensor and the acquired signals from the external sensor; the driver chips are used to send motor control current and solenoid valve control current.

[0039] The connector includes a connector power supply interface and a connector signal interface. The connector signal interface is connected to the MCU; the connector power supply interface is connected to the driver chip to receive motor control current and solenoid valve control current, respectively.

[0040] The air suspension controller ECU includes an ECU power supply interface and an ECU signal interface. The ECU power supply interface is connected to the connector power supply interface. The ECU power supply interface is also connected to the motor, solenoid valve, and built-in sensor, and is used to transmit the motor control current and solenoid valve control current to the motor and solenoid valve, respectively. The ECU signal interface is connected to the built-in sensor and is used to receive the built-in sensor signal. The ECU signal interface is also connected to the connector signal interface, and the built-in sensor signal is transmitted to the MCU through the connector signal interface.

[0041] For details, please refer to Figure 1 The closed air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a domain controller, connectors, external sensors, and an air suspension controller ECU. The air suspension is controlled by the domain controller. The air suspension includes a valve body, in which a motor, a solenoid valve, and a built-in sensor are installed. The control of the air suspension specifically involves controlling the motor and the solenoid valve.

[0042] In this invention, a peripheral acquisition chip, an MCU, and a driver chip are included in the domain controller. The peripheral acquisition chip connects to external sensors, acquires signals from these sensors, and sends them to the MCU. Simultaneously, the MCU acquires signals from the built-in sensors and processes both the built-in and external sensor signals to obtain the motor control current and the solenoid valve control current. The driver chip then transmits the motor control current and solenoid valve control current to the motor and solenoid valve respectively, thereby driving the motor and solenoid valve.

[0043] This invention enables the transmission of current and signals between the domain controller and various components in the valve body via connectors. The connectors include a power supply interface and a signal interface. The power supply interface is connected to a driver chip to receive motor control current and solenoid valve control current, respectively.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 1 This invention utilizes a domain controller to collect and process sensor signals to obtain the motor control current and solenoid valve control current, achieving fully integrated control of the suspension system by the domain controller. Compared to existing technologies, it integrates the functions of the air suspension controller into the domain controller. Therefore, there is no need to set up a control chip in the air suspension controller; only the power supply and signal interfaces are required to achieve current and signal transmission. This not only helps eliminate hardware redundancy in traditional closed air suspension systems, reducing costs and complexity, but also improves the scalability and deployability of the air suspension function.

[0045] In order to enable current and signal transmission, the air suspension controller ECU is equipped with an ECU power supply interface and an ECU signal interface. The ECU power supply interface is connected to the connector power supply interface. At the same time, the ECU power supply interface is also connected to the motor, solenoid valve and built-in sensor. The domain controller transmits the motor control current and solenoid valve control current to the motor and solenoid valve respectively through the connector and the air suspension controller ECU to drive the motor and solenoid valve to operate.

[0046] The ECU signal interface is connected to the built-in sensor and also to the connector signal interface, which in turn connects to the MCU. The MCU acquires signals from the built-in sensor through both the connector signal interface and the ECU signal interface.

[0047] This invention utilizes a domain controller to collect and process sensor signals to obtain the motor control current and solenoid valve control current, thereby realizing fully integrated control of the air suspension system by the domain controller. This not only improves resource utilization but also enhances the anti-interference capability of signal transmission and the system response speed.

[0048] In this invention, the built-in sensors include temperature and pressure sensors, which collect temperature and pressure data. The MCU then uses these data to control the motor and solenoid valve accordingly. For example, when the temperature exceeds a threshold, the motor and solenoid valve are shut off. Furthermore, when humidity needs to be collected in specific environments, the built-in sensors also include a humidity sensor. This sensor collects ambient humidity data, and the appropriate control measures for the motor and solenoid valve are determined based on the collected humidity readings.

[0049] External sensors may include, for example, height sensors and acceleration sensors. Both the acceleration and height sensors are connected to an external data acquisition chip, which collects data such as the air suspension height and vehicle acceleration. Based on the air suspension height and vehicle acceleration, the MCU calculates the motor control current and solenoid valve control current, thereby controlling the motor and solenoid valve.

[0050] Optionally, Figure 2 For another structural schematic diagram of the closed air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller provided in this embodiment of the invention, please refer to... Figure 2 The connector power supply interface includes a connector current input interface 11 and a connector current output interface 12; the ECU power supply interface includes an ECU current input interface 21 and an ECU current output interface 22; the connector current input interface 11 is connected to the drive chip and is used to receive motor control current and solenoid valve control current; the connector current output interface 12 is connected to the ECU current input interface 21, and the ECU current output interface 22 is connected to the motor and the solenoid valve, and is used to transmit the motor control current and the solenoid valve control current to the motor and the solenoid valve respectively.

[0051] For details, please refer to Figure 2 The connector power supply interface includes a connector current input interface 11 and a connector current output interface 12; the ECU power supply interface includes an ECU current input interface 21 and an ECU current output interface 22. Connector current input interface 11 is connected to the driver chip, connector current output interface 12 is connected to the ECU current input interface 21, and ECU current output interface 22 is connected to the motor and solenoid valve. After the MCU processes the motor control current and solenoid valve control current, it sends them to connector current input interface 11 through the driver chip, and then sends them to the motor and solenoid valve through connector current output interface 12, ECU current input interface 21, and ECU current output interface 22 respectively, driving the motor and solenoid valve to operate.

[0052] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 2 The connector signal interface includes a connector signal output interface 14 and a connector signal input interface 13; the ECU signal interface includes an ECU signal output interface 24 and an ECU signal input interface 23; the ECU signal input interface 23 is connected to the built-in sensor to receive the built-in sensor signal; the ECU signal output interface 24 is connected to the connector signal input interface 13, and the connector signal output interface 14 is connected to the MCU to transmit the built-in sensor signal to the MCU.

[0053] For details, please refer to Figure 2The connector signal interface includes a connector signal output interface 14 and a connector signal input interface 13; the ECU signal interface includes an ECU signal output interface 24 and an ECU signal input interface 23. The ECU signal input interface 23 is connected to the built-in sensor, the ECU signal output interface 24 is connected to the connector signal input interface 13, and the connector signal output interface 14 is connected to the MCU. The built-in sensor signal is transmitted to the MCU via the ECU signal input interface 23, the ECU signal output interface 24, the connector signal input interface 13, and the connector signal output interface 14. The MCU processes the signal to obtain the motor control current and the solenoid valve control current.

[0054] Optionally, Figure 3 For another structural schematic diagram of the domain controller-based closed air suspension integrated control system provided in this embodiment of the invention, please refer to... Figure 3 It also includes a vehicle power supply module, which is connected to the drive chip and is used to provide current signals to the drive chip.

[0055] For details, please refer to Figure 3 In this embodiment, the control system also includes a vehicle power supply module, which is connected to the drive chip and provides current signals to the drive chip through the vehicle power supply module.

[0056] Optional, please refer to Figure 3 It also includes a shock absorber CDC, which is connected to the drive chip and receives the control current from the shock absorber CDC.

[0057] For details, please refer to Figure 3 In this embodiment, a shock absorber CDC is also provided in the control system and connected to the drive chip. After the MCU calculates the control current of the shock absorber CDC based on the received sensor signal, it sends the control current of the shock absorber CDC to the shock absorber CDC through the drive chip to realize the soft and hard control of the shock absorber.

[0058] Optional, please refer to Figure 3 It also includes a stiffness valve, which is connected to the drive chip and receives the stiffness valve control current.

[0059] For details, please refer to Figure 3 In this embodiment, a stiffness valve is also provided in the control system and connected to the drive chip. After the MCU calculates the stiffness valve control current based on the received sensor signal, it sends the stiffness valve control current to the stiffness valve through the drive chip to realize the control of the stiffness of the air spring.

[0060] Based on the same inventive concept, this invention also provides an integrated control method for closed air suspension based on a domain controller. Figure 4 A flowchart of a closed-loop air suspension integrated control method based on a domain controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 4 In the domain controller-based closed-loop air suspension integrated control method provided in this embodiment of the invention, the air suspension includes a valve body, which includes a motor, a solenoid valve, and a built-in sensor. The control method includes:

[0061] Step 1: Acquire signals from external sensors via an external acquisition chip and send them to the MCU;

[0062] Step 2: Acquire signals from the built-in sensors via the MCU;

[0063] Step 3: Use the MCU to process the signals from the built-in sensor and the external sensor to obtain the motor control current and the solenoid valve control current;

[0064] Step 4: Send the motor control current to the motor to drive it to run;

[0065] Step 5: Send the control current of the solenoid valve to the solenoid valve to drive it to operate.

[0066] For details, please refer to Figure 4 The closed air suspension integrated control method based on a domain controller provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a domain controller, a connector, an external sensor, and an air suspension controller ECU. The air suspension is controlled by the domain controller. The air suspension includes a valve body, in which a motor, a solenoid valve, and a built-in sensor are installed. The control of the air suspension specifically involves controlling the motor and the solenoid valve.

[0067] In this invention, a peripheral acquisition chip, an MCU, and a driver chip are included in the domain controller. The peripheral acquisition chip is connected to an external sensor. In step 1, the peripheral acquisition chip acquires signals from the external sensor and sends them to the MCU. In step 2, the MCU acquires signals from the built-in sensor. In step 3, the MCU processes the signals from the built-in sensor and the acquired signals from the external sensor to obtain the motor control current and the solenoid valve control current.

[0068] After obtaining the motor control current and the solenoid valve control current, in step 4, the motor control current is sent to the motor through a driver chip to drive the motor. In step 5, the solenoid valve control current is transmitted to the solenoid valve through a driver chip to drive the solenoid valve.

[0069] This invention utilizes a domain controller to collect and process sensor signals to obtain the motor control current and solenoid valve control current, achieving fully integrated control of the suspension system by the domain controller. Compared to existing technologies, it integrates the functions of the air suspension controller into the domain controller. Therefore, there is no need to set up a control chip in the air suspension controller; only the power supply and signal interfaces are required to achieve current and signal transmission. This not only helps eliminate hardware redundancy in traditional closed air suspension systems, reducing costs and complexity, but also improves the scalability and deployability of the air suspension function.

[0070] This invention utilizes a domain controller to collect and process sensor signals to obtain the motor control current and solenoid valve control current, thereby realizing fully integrated control of the air suspension system by the domain controller. This not only improves resource utilization but also enhances the anti-interference capability of signal transmission and the system response speed.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are merely schematic diagrams of one embodiment, and the modules or processes shown in the drawings are not necessarily essential for implementing the present invention.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will understand that the modules in the apparatus of the embodiments can be distributed in the apparatus of the embodiments as described in the embodiments, or they can be located in one or more devices different from this embodiment with corresponding changes. The modules of the above embodiments can be combined into one module, or they can be further divided into multiple sub-modules.

[0073] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A closed-loop air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller, wherein the air suspension includes a valve body, the valve body including a motor, a solenoid valve, and a built-in sensor, characterized in that, include: Domain controllers, connectors, external sensors, and air suspension controller ECU; The domain controller includes peripheral acquisition chips, MCUs, and driver chips; The peripheral acquisition chip is connected to the external sensor and is used to acquire the signal from the external sensor; the MCU is used to process the signal from the built-in sensor and the acquired signal from the external sensor; the driver chip is used to send motor control current and solenoid valve control current. The connector includes a connector power supply interface and a connector signal interface. The connector signal interface is connected to the MCU. The connector power supply interface is connected to the driver chip and receives motor control current and solenoid valve control current, respectively. The air suspension controller ECU includes an ECU power supply interface and an ECU signal interface. The ECU power supply interface is connected to the connector power supply interface. The ECU power supply interface is also connected to the motor, solenoid valve, and built-in sensor, for transmitting the motor control current and the solenoid valve control current to the motor and the solenoid valve, respectively. The ECU signal interface is connected to the built-in sensor for receiving the built-in sensor signal. The ECU signal interface is also connected to the connector signal interface, through which the built-in sensor signal is transmitted to the MCU.

2. The closed-loop air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector power supply interface includes a connector current input interface and a connector current output interface; the ECU power supply interface includes an ECU current input interface and an ECU current output interface. The connector current input interface is connected to the drive chip and is used to receive motor control current and solenoid valve control current; the connector current output interface is connected to the ECU current input interface, and the ECU current output interface is connected to the motor and the solenoid valve, and is used to transmit the motor control current and the solenoid valve control current to the motor and the solenoid valve respectively.

3. The closed-loop air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector signal interface includes a connector signal output interface and a connector signal input interface; the ECU signal interface includes an ECU signal output interface and an ECU signal input interface. The ECU signal input interface is connected to the built-in sensor to receive the built-in sensor signal; the ECU signal output interface is connected to the connector signal input interface, and the connector signal output interface is connected to the MCU to transmit the built-in sensor signal to the MCU.

4. The closed-loop air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The built-in sensors include temperature and pressure sensors.

5. The closed-loop air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a vehicle power supply module, which is connected to the drive chip and is used to provide current signals to the drive chip.

6. The closed-loop air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external sensor includes a height sensor, which is connected to the external acquisition chip to acquire the height of the air suspension.

7. The closed-loop air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller according to claim 6, characterized in that, The external sensor also includes an acceleration sensor, which is connected to the external acquisition chip to acquire the vehicle's acceleration.

8. The closed-loop air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a shock absorber CDC, which is connected to the drive chip and receives control current from the shock absorber CDC.

9. The closed-loop air suspension integrated control system based on a domain controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a stiffness valve, which is connected to the drive chip and receives stiffness valve control current.

10. A closed-loop air suspension integrated control method based on a domain controller, wherein the air suspension includes a valve body, the valve body including a motor, a solenoid valve, and a built-in sensor, characterized in that, include: The peripheral acquisition chip acquires signals from external sensors and sends them to the MCU; The MCU acquires signals from the built-in sensors. The MCU is used to process the signals from the built-in sensor and the external sensor to obtain the motor control current and the solenoid valve control current. The motor control current is sent to the motor to drive the motor to run; The control current of the solenoid valve is sent to the solenoid valve to drive it to operate.

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