A gas filter assembly and air suspension

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the technical field of vehicle parts, specifically relating to a gas filter assembly and an air suspension. The gas filter assembly includes a gas filter body and a waterproof and breathable membrane. The gas filter body includes: a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet; and a filter element installed inside the housing and located between the air inlet and the air outlet, connected to the air inlet. The waterproof and breathable membrane is installed inside the housing and located between the filter element and the air outlet, connected to the filter element and the air outlet. The waterproof and breathable membrane effectively prevents moisture from the outside air from entering the air compressor, thereby effectively protecting the motor coils and solenoid valves in the air compressor from corrosion, and improving the working reliability and safety of the air suspension.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of vehicle parts technology, specifically relating to a gas filter assembly and an air suspension. Background Technology

[0002] An air supply system for an air suspension typically includes a gas filter, an air compressor, an air tank, and air springs. The air compressor consists of a motor, a plunger pump, and multiple or integrated solenoid valves. During the intake phase of the air supply system, the motor drives the plunger pump to draw air from the outside environment through the gas filter into the air compressor. The air compressor then compresses the air into high-pressure gas, which is then discharged into the air tank through the solenoid valves to inflate the air springs. Since air contains moisture, if it is not dried before entering the air supply system, it can cause corrosion or even failure of the components in the air supply system, seriously affecting the safety and reliability of the air suspension.

[0003] In existing air supply systems, a drying tank for drying air is usually only installed between the high-pressure exhaust end of the air compressor and the air tank. This results in high-humidity air being directly drawn into the air compressor. After a period of operation, the motor coil and solenoid valve body corrode due to prolonged contact with humid air, eventually causing the motor coil and solenoid valve body to fail and fail to start normally. Therefore, in existing technology, a drying tank is also installed at the intake end of the air compressor. However, in practical applications, since the intake end of the air compressor is exposed to water, the drying tank is prone to becoming saturated with water and losing its ability to dry air. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a gas filter assembly that can effectively prevent moisture from the external environment from entering the air compressor.

[0005] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this utility model provides a gas filter assembly, including a gas filter body and a waterproof and breathable membrane, wherein the gas filter body includes:

[0006] A housing, wherein an air inlet and an air outlet are provided on the housing;

[0007] A filter element is installed inside the housing and located between the air inlet and the air outlet, and the filter element is connected to the air inlet;

[0008] The waterproof and breathable membrane is installed inside the housing and located between the filter element and the air outlet, and the waterproof and breathable membrane is connected to the filter element and the air outlet.

[0009] Preferably, the waterproof and breathable membrane comprises a glass fiber base layer and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer laminated on the glass fiber base layer.

[0010] More preferably, the waterproof and breathable membrane is ultrasonically welded to the inner wall of the housing.

[0011] Preferably, the housing is further provided with a drain port, which is equipped with a switch valve, and the drain port can discharge the water collected inside the housing to the outside of the housing.

[0012] Preferably, the filter element is a honeycomb filter structure formed by polypropylene yarn wound on a porous skeleton.

[0013] Preferably, the gas filter assembly further includes an air inlet pipe, which is installed through the air inlet and the bottom of the air inlet pipe extends into the filter element.

[0014] Preferably, the air inlet and the air outlet are located on the same straight line.

[0015] This utility model also discloses an air suspension, including an air supply system, the air supply system including an air compressor, the air compressor including an intake end and an exhaust end, and the gas filter assembly described in any of the above technical solutions is installed on the intake end.

[0016] Preferably, the exhaust end is connected to the air outlet via a pressure relief valve.

[0017] Preferably, the air supply system further includes an air storage tank, which is connected to the air outlet via an exhaust valve.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0019] This invention employs a waterproof and breathable membrane between the filter element and the air outlet in a gas filter. This membrane allows air to pass through but blocks moisture, ensuring that the air entering the air compressor is dry. This avoids corrosion problems caused by contact with humid air in internal parts such as motor coils and solenoid valve bodies, while also reducing the failure rate of the entire air supply system and improving the reliability and safety of the air suspension. The waterproof and breathable membrane uses a physical filtration principle and will not become saturated with water like a traditional drying canister. Even if the air compressor intake is exposed to water (such as in rainy or high-humidity environments), the waterproof and breathable membrane can continuously block moisture without losing its drying ability. Integrating the waterproof and breathable membrane into the gas filter assembly forms a modular unit, simplifying the design of the air supply system. It eliminates the need for an additional independent drying device, reducing space occupation and assembly complexity.

[0020] A waterproof and breathable membrane is made of a composite material consisting of a glass fiber base layer and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer laminated on the glass fiber base layer. This effectively prevents moisture from entering components such as air compressors, air tanks, and air springs. The waterproof and breathable membrane is welded to the inner wall of the housing using ultrasonic waves, forming a continuous and uninterrupted sealing strip. Compared with ordinary electric spark welding, the ultrasonic energy is concentrated in the welding area, i.e., the edge area of ​​the waterproof and breathable membrane, which prevents the microporous structure of the waterproof and breathable membrane from collapsing due to heat and also ensures the cleanliness of the welding.

[0021] The air compressor's exhaust end is connected to the air tank via a pressure relief valve and the exhaust valve and gas filter assembly outlet to discharge gas into the atmosphere. The waterproof and breathable membrane in the gas filter assembly can effectively reduce exhaust speed and exhaust noise, thereby improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an air filter assembly provided by this utility model in one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the air circuit of the air suspension provided by this utility model.

[0025] Label Explanation

[0026] 100. Gas filter assembly; 110. Housing; 111. Air inlet; 112. Air outlet; 120. Filter element; 130. Waterproof and breathable membrane; 140. Air inlet pipe; 150. Air outlet pipe; 200. Air compressor; 210. Intake end; 220. Exhaust end; 300. Pressure limiting valve; 410. First switching valve; 420. Second switching valve; 430. Third switching valve; 440. Fourth switching valve; 500. Air valve; 600. Exhaust valve; 700. Manual exhaust bolt; 800. Dryer; 900. Air tank; 1000. Temperature and pressure sensor; 1100. Air spring. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features described therein can be combined with each other.

[0028] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the illustrations only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the number, shape and size of the components in actual implementation. In actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0029] This utility model provides a gas filter assembly, including a filter element and a waterproof and breathable membrane. The gas filter assembly is used in a gas supply system to filter impurities in the gas. In the air supply system of an air suspension, the gas filter assembly is used at the intake end of the air compressor. Since atmospheric air contains moisture, if the moisture is not effectively removed during the filtration stage, it will enter the air compressor. Over time, the motor coils and solenoid valves in the air compressor will corrode and eventually fail, seriously affecting the safety and reliability of the air suspension. The gas filter assembly provided by this utility model effectively prevents moisture from entering the air compressor. Its principle is to place a waterproof and breathable membrane between the filter element and the air outlet. The gas filtered by the filter element must pass through the waterproof and breathable membrane before entering the air compressor. Integrating the waterproof and breathable membrane into the gas filter improves the waterproof performance of the intake end while minimizing installation workload. The technical solution of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments:

[0030] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2The gas filter assembly 100 provided by this utility model includes a gas filter body and a waterproof and breathable membrane 130. The gas filter body includes: a housing 110, on which an air inlet 111 and an air outlet 112 are provided; a filter element 120, which is installed inside the housing 110 and located between the air inlet 111 and the air outlet 112, and the filter element 120 is connected to the air inlet 111; the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 is installed inside the housing 110 and located between the filter element 120 and the air outlet 112, and the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 is connected to the filter element 120 and the air outlet 112. In a specific embodiment, the housing 110 can be a cylinder, a cuboid, or other shapes. To facilitate the installation of the filter element 120 and the waterproof and breathable membrane 130, the housing 110 can be made into a detachable structure consisting of upper and lower housings. An air inlet 111 is opened at the top of the upper housing, and the filter element 120 is installed and fixed in the upper housing by means of snap-fit ​​or other methods. An air outlet 112 is opened at the bottom of the lower housing, and the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 is installed in the lower housing by means of adhesive or other methods. The upper housing is then connected to the lower housing by bolts or other means. To facilitate the installation of bolts, a connecting flange can be provided at the connection between the upper and lower housings. To ensure the sealing of the connection, a sealing ring can be provided between the connecting flanges.

[0031] The waterproof and breathable membrane 130 installed between the filter element 120 and the air outlet 112 acts as a physical barrier, allowing air to pass through but blocking moisture, ensuring that the air entering the air compressor 200 is dry. This avoids corrosion problems caused by contact with humid air for internal parts such as motor coils and solenoid valve bodies, and also reduces the failure rate of the entire air supply system, improving the reliability and safety of the air suspension. The waterproof and breathable membrane 130 uses a physical filtration principle and will not become saturated with water like a traditional dryer 800. Even if the air compressor 200 intake end 210 is exposed to water (such as in rainy or high-humidity environments), the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 can continuously block moisture without losing its drying ability. Integrating the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 into the gas filter assembly 100 forms a modular unit, simplifying the design of the air supply system, eliminating the need for an additional independent drying device, and reducing space occupation and assembly complexity.

[0032] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 includes a glass fiber base layer and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer laminated on the glass fiber base layer. The glass fiber base layer, which has high compressive strength and high deformation resistance, provides a high-strength support skeleton to prevent the PTFE layer from cracking or deforming under airflow pressure or vibration. In addition, the glass fiber base layer also has the characteristics of a wide temperature resistance range (-60℃-280℃). The PTFE layer not only has good hydrophobic properties, but also has the characteristics of resistance to acids, alkalis, salt spray, and oil stains. The above-mentioned composite material waterproof and breathable membrane 130 structure can effectively prevent moisture from entering the air compressor 200, air tank 900, air spring 1100 and other components. In a specific embodiment, in order to ensure that the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 has good breathability while being waterproof, evenly distributed pores with a diameter of 0.2-0.3μm can be processed on the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 to allow gas molecules to pass freely, thereby ensuring the air intake efficiency of the air compressor 200.

[0033] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 is ultrasonically welded to the inner wall of the housing 110. In a specific embodiment, in order to reduce the welding stress caused by corners and other structures, the housing 110 and its inner cavity can be designed as a cylindrical structure. At the same time, the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 is also made into a corresponding circular sheet structure that fits the inner cavity of the housing 110. Compared with the connection methods that are prone to micro-gap due to glue bonding and bolt connection, ultrasonic welding can generate heat through molecular friction between the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 and the inner wall of the housing 110 through high-frequency vibration. After instantaneous melting, molecular-level fusion is formed, thereby forming a continuous and uninterrupted sealing band. Compared with ordinary electric spark welding, the ultrasonic energy is concentrated in the welding area, that is, the edge area of ​​the waterproof and breathable membrane 130, which avoids the microporous structure of the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 from collapsing due to heat and also ensures the cleanliness of the welding. In addition, ultrasonic welding also has the advantage of short processing time.

[0034] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the housing 110 is further provided with a drain port, which is equipped with a switch valve. The drain port can discharge the water collected inside the housing 110 to the outside of the housing 110. In a specific embodiment, a water storage tank can be provided inside the housing 110 below the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 to store liquid water that rolls off the waterproof and breathable membrane 130. The drain port is configured to communicate with the water storage tank. The switch valve at the drain port can be a manual switch valve, which can be opened manually as needed or at intervals to drain water. Alternatively, a liquid level sensor communicating with the controller can be provided at the water storage tank, and a solenoid valve communicating with the controller can be provided at the drain port. When the liquid level in the water storage tank reaches a preset height, the liquid level sensor sends a signal to the controller. After receiving this signal, the controller sends a control signal to the solenoid valve, which opens to drain water.

[0035] The drain port can easily drain the water accumulated inside the housing 110, preventing the filter element 120 from becoming saturated and failing due to water immersion. It can also prevent the housing 110 and the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 from being contaminated due to the growth of microorganisms, thereby ensuring the working reliability of the filter assembly.

[0036] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the filter element 120 is a honeycomb filter structure formed by winding polypropylene yarn around a porous skeleton. In a specific embodiment, the porous skeleton can be made of stainless steel or high-strength engineering plastic to provide three-dimensional support. The honeycomb filter structure formed by winding polypropylene yarn can effectively capture impurities in the air. Compared with the traditional filter paper type filter element 120, the polypropylene yarn filter element 120 has stronger hydrophobicity and will not deform after being exposed to moisture. At the same time, the polypropylene yarn also has the characteristics of temperature resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and high tensile strength, thus having strong environmental adaptability.

[0037] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2 The gas filter assembly 100 also includes an air inlet pipe 140, which is installed through the air inlet 111. The bottom of the air inlet pipe 140 extends into the filter element 120, which can effectively guide air into the filter element 120 and improve filtration efficiency. In addition, the bottom of the air inlet pipe 140 extending into the filter element 120 can also serve as a positioning reference for the installation of the filter element 120, so as to facilitate the quick and accurate installation of the filter element 120 in the housing 110. In a specific embodiment, in order to make full use of the filter element 120, the bottom of the air inlet pipe 140 can be set as a circular tube structure with the diameter of the porous skeleton of the filter element 120, and the bottom of the air inlet pipe 140 and the porous skeleton can be arranged coaxially. In addition, in order to ensure sealing, a sealing ring-like sealing structure can be provided between the outer wall of the air inlet pipe 140 and the air inlet 111.

[0038] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2 The air inlet 111 and the air outlet 112 are located on the same straight line so that the gas can pass through the filter through the shortest possible path, which speeds up the response speed of the air supply system, reduces the pressure drop loss of the gas, and thus reduces the intake energy consumption of the air compressor 200.

[0039] In a specific embodiment, for convenient and quick connection with the intake end 210 of the air compressor 200, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 An air outlet pipe 150 with a quick-connect plug can also be installed at the air outlet 112.

[0040] This utility model also discloses an air suspension, including an air supply system; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The air supply system includes an air compressor 200, an air tank 900, and air springs 1100. Taking a common four-wheeled vehicle as an example, an air spring 1100 can be installed at each wheel. The air compressor 200 includes an intake end 210 and an exhaust end 220. The intake end 210 is equipped with a gas filter assembly 100 as described in any of the above technical solutions. A second switching valve 420 is provided between the intake end 210 of the air compressor 200 and the air tank 900, and a first switching valve 410 is provided between the exhaust end 220 of the air compressor 200 and the air tank 900. A third switching valve 430 is provided between the air intake end 210 of the air compressor 200 and each air spring 1100, and a fourth switching valve 440 is provided between the exhaust end 220 of the air compressor 200 and each air spring 1100. The first switching valve 410 to the fourth switching valve 440 are all two-position two-way solenoid valves. When it is necessary to close the switching valve, the switching valve will connect to the chamber equipped with a one-way valve. An air valve 500 is provided at each air spring 1100 between the third switching valve 430 and the fourth switching valve 440. In order to improve the integration of the air supply system, the switching valve and the air valve 500 are both provided in the air compressor 200.

[0041] The air supply system's operation mainly includes an intake phase, a filling phase, and an exhaust phase. In the intake phase, the air compressor 200's intake end 210 draws atmospheric air into the air compressor 200 through the gas filter assembly 100. The motor-driven plunger pump then pressurizes the air, which is then filled into the air storage tank 900 through the exhaust end 220 and the first switching valve 410. In the filling phase, the gas in the air storage tank 900 passes through the second switching valve 420 and is drawn into the air compressor 200 through the intake end 210. After being pressurized again, the gas passes through the exhaust end 220, the fourth switching valve 440, and the air valve 500 into the air spring 1100. In the exhaust phase, the gas in the air spring 1100 passes through the air valve 500 and the third switching valve 430 into the intake end 210 of the air compressor 200. After being compressed by the air compressor 200, the gas is then filled into the air storage tank 900 through the first switching valve 410.

[0042] In addition, a temperature and pressure sensor 1000 will be installed to monitor the temperature and pressure of the air supply system in real time, and a manual venting bolt 700 will be installed to vent the system in case of emergency or accident. In order to further dry the air, a dryer 800 will be installed between the vent end 220 and the air storage tank 900.

[0043] By placing the gas filter assembly 100 containing the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 at the intake end 210 of the air compressor 200, compared with the prior art where the dryer 800 is placed at the exhaust end 220 of the air compressor 200, the motor coil and solenoid valve body of the air compressor 200 are effectively protected, the service life of the air supply system is extended, and the working reliability of the air supply system is improved.

[0044] In specific implementations, to ensure that the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 has good working characteristics, the following parameter requirements can be referenced:

[0045] Minimum inlet water pressure: 610mbar*1min, that is, the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 should be able to withstand a hydrostatic pressure of at least 61kPa for 1 minute without leakage;

[0046] Minimum air volume: 19L / H@80mbar, which means that the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 has an air permeability of not less than 19 liters per hour under a pressure difference of 80kPa;

[0047] Protection rating: IP67 / IP69K, to give the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 good waterproof and hydrophobic properties;

[0048] Operating temperature: -40℃~150℃, so that the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 can be used in extremely cold, extremely hot and engine high temperature environments.

[0049] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 3 The exhaust end 220 is connected to the air outlet 112 through the pressure relief valve 300. When the pressure value at the exhaust end 220 of the air compressor 200 exceeds the threshold of the pressure relief valve 300, the pressure relief valve 300 opens, and the high-pressure gas in the air compressor 200 can be discharged into the atmosphere through the gas filter assembly 100. The waterproof and breathable membrane 130 in the gas filter assembly 100 can effectively reduce the exhaust speed and exhaust noise, thereby improving the user experience.

[0050] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 3 The air tank 900 is connected to the air outlet 112 via the exhaust valve 600. When the vehicle moves to an area with a high or low temperature, the gas in the air tank 900 needs to be discharged first, and then the air compressor 200 compresses air from the atmospheric environment and fills the air tank 900. When the air tank 900 is venting, it can be discharged into the atmosphere through the gas filter assembly 100. The waterproof and breathable membrane 130 in the gas filter assembly 100 can effectively reduce the exhaust speed, reduce exhaust noise, and improve the user experience.

[0051] In summary, this invention employs a waterproof and breathable membrane 130 between the filter element 120 and the air outlet 112 in the gas filter. This allows air to pass through but blocks moisture, ensuring that the air entering the air compressor 200 is dry. This avoids corrosion problems caused by contact with humid air in internal parts such as motor coils and solenoid valve bodies, while also reducing the failure rate of the entire air supply system and improving the reliability and safety of the air suspension. The waterproof and breathable membrane 130 uses a physical filtration principle and will not become saturated with water like a traditional dryer 800. Even if the air compressor 200's intake end 210 is exposed to water (such as in rainy or high-humidity environments), the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 can continuously block moisture without losing its drying ability. Integrating the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 into the gas filter assembly 100 forms a modular unit, simplifying the design of the air supply system, eliminating the need for an additional independent drying device, and reducing space occupation. This reduces assembly complexity. A waterproof and breathable membrane 130, made of a composite material consisting of a glass fiber base layer and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer laminated on the glass fiber base layer, effectively prevents moisture from entering components such as the air compressor 200, air tank 900, and air spring 1100. The waterproof and breathable membrane 130 is ultrasonically welded to the inner wall of the housing 110, forming a continuous and uninterrupted sealing strip. Compared to ordinary electric spark welding, the ultrasonic energy is concentrated in the welding area, i.e., the edge area of ​​the waterproof and breathable membrane 130, preventing the microporous structure of the membrane from collapsing due to heat and ensuring the cleanliness of the weld. A gas filter assembly 100 containing the waterproof and breathable membrane 130 is placed at the intake end 210 of the air compressor 200 in the air supply system, effectively protecting the motor coil and solenoid valve body of the air compressor 200, extending the service life of the air supply system, and improving its operational reliability.

[0052] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this utility model should still be covered by the claims of this utility model.

[0053] Throughout this description, numerous specific details, such as examples of components and / or methods, are provided to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details or by other devices, systems, components, methods, parts, materials, components, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas filter assembly, characterized in that, The gas filter includes a gas filter body and a waterproof and breathable membrane. The gas filter body includes: A housing, wherein an air inlet and an air outlet are provided on the housing; A filter element is installed inside the housing and located between the air inlet and the air outlet, and the filter element is connected to the air inlet; The waterproof and breathable membrane is installed inside the housing and located between the filter element and the air outlet, and the waterproof and breathable membrane is connected to the filter element and the air outlet.

2. The gas filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterproof and breathable membrane includes a glass fiber base layer and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer laminated on the glass fiber base layer.

3. The gas filter assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The waterproof and breathable membrane is ultrasonically welded to the inner wall of the shell.

4. The gas filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is also provided with a drain port, which is equipped with a switch valve, allowing the water collected inside the housing to be discharged outside the housing.

5. The gas filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter element is a honeycomb filter structure formed by polypropylene yarn wound on a porous skeleton.

6. The gas filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an air intake pipe, which is installed through the air inlet and the bottom of the air intake pipe extends into the filter element.

7. The gas filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet and the air outlet are located on the same straight line.

8. An air suspension system comprising an air supply system, the air supply system comprising an air compressor, the air compressor comprising an intake end and an exhaust end, characterized in that, The gas filter assembly according to any one of claims 1-5 is installed on the intake end.

9. The air suspension according to claim 8, characterized in that, The exhaust end is connected to the air outlet via a pressure relief valve.

10. The air suspension according to claim 8, characterized in that, The air supply system also includes an air storage tank, which is connected to the air outlet via an exhaust valve.

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