Truck spray pipe purging system

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of truck spray pipeline purging system, comprising: compressed air supply unit, the compressed air supply unit is connected with spray system by compressed air blowing module, the air blowing module includes main blowing pipeline and at least one branch blowing pipeline;Including control unit, the control unit is used to control the compressed air blowing module start after spray operation ends, and compressed air is introduced into each pipeline in the spray system to blow residual moisture.The utility model rapidly forces the residual water in pipeline to discharge after spray ends by compressed air, fundamentally avoids the problem of water freezing expansion and long-term retention corrosion, greatly prolongs the service life of pipeline and nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heavy vehicle auxiliary braking and safety technology, specifically to a compressed air purging system for removing residual moisture in the spray pipes of heavy vehicles such as trucks and lorries after the wheel hubs have been cooled by spraying. Background Technology

[0002] During truck operation, especially on long downhill slopes, during frequent braking, or in high-temperature environments, the wheel hubs generate a large amount of heat due to brake pad friction, causing a rapid increase in temperature. Excessively high wheel hub temperatures can lead to serious safety accidents such as brake fade (commonly known as "brake failure"), tire blowouts, and even fires. To address this problem, existing technologies commonly employ wheel hub spray cooling systems. These systems typically include a water tank, water pump, piping network, and nozzles installed near the wheel hub. By spraying cooling water onto the brake drum or wheel hub surface, they utilize the principle of heat absorption through water evaporation to achieve rapid cooling.

[0003] However, this type of spray system has a significant technical drawback: after the spraying operation is completed, a considerable amount of cooling water remains in the entire piping system, especially in the horizontal pipe sections located under the vehicle, U-bends, and nozzle chambers. This residual water can lead to the following serious consequences: 1. Risk of pipe freezing and cracking: In northern regions or during cold seasons, when the ambient temperature is below 0°C, residual water in the pipes will freeze into ice. Water expands in volume by about 9% during the freezing process, and the huge expansion stress generated is enough to cause metal pipes or plastic joints to burst, paralyzing the entire sprinkler system.

[0004] 2. Internal corrosion of pipes: Long-term stagnant moisture coming into contact with the inner wall of metal pipes can cause electrochemical corrosion, significantly shortening the service life of the pipes. For materials such as cast iron and carbon steel, corrosion products may also clog nozzles, affecting the uniformity and effectiveness of subsequent spraying.

[0005] 3. Reduced system reliability: Corrosion and freezing not only increase the system's maintenance costs and failure rate, but also may cause safety accidents due to system failure when emergency braking and cooling are required at critical moments.

[0006] 4. Incomplete drainage: Some existing technologies attempt to drain accumulated water through natural gravity or by installing manual drain valves at the lowest points of the pipes. However, due to the limited space under the truck chassis and the complex pipe layout, it is difficult to ensure that all pipe sections have an ideal drainage slope, resulting in water residue remaining in small bends and horizontal sections. Another solution involves manual purging using an external air source, but this method is cumbersome, relies on manpower, and cannot be guaranteed to be performed promptly after each spraying, making it difficult to meet the high-frequency, high-reliability requirements of trucks.

[0007] Therefore, developing a device that can automatically, thoroughly, and efficiently remove residual moisture from sprinkler pipes has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a truck spray pipe purging system with a reasonable structure and a high degree of automation. This system completely solves the problems of winter freezing and cracking, long-term corrosion failure caused by residual moisture in the spray pipe, significantly extends the service life of the spray system, and improves the reliability of truck brake cooling and driving safety.

[0009] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: a truck spray pipe purging system includes: a compressed air supply unit, which is connected to the spray system through a compressed air purging module, the air purging module including a main air purging pipe and at least one branch air purging pipe; and a control unit, which is used to control the compressed air purging module to start after the spraying operation is completed, so as to introduce compressed air into each pipe in the spray system to purge residual moisture. Preferably, the compressed air supply unit includes a truck air compressor and an air tank. A pressure regulating valve is provided on the connecting pipe between the air tank and the main purging pipe. The pressure regulating valve is used to regulate the compressed air pressure output to the compressed air purging module. Preferably, the sprinkler system includes a water tank, a main sprinkler pipe, and multiple branch sprinkler pipes connected to the main sprinkler pipe. The main sprinkler pipe is equipped with a sprinkler valve, and each branch sprinkler pipe is equipped with a sensor, a branch solenoid valve, and multiple sprinkler heads. Preferably, one end of the main air blowing pipe is connected to the output interface of the air storage tank, and the other end is connected to each branch air blowing pipe through a connecting pipe fitting. The branch air blowing pipes are respectively connected to each spray branch pipe of the corresponding spray system. The branch air blowing pipes are equipped with flow control valves to adjust the flow rate of compressed air entering each spray branch pipe. Preferably, the main air blowing pipe is also connected to a water tank, and a compressed air control valve is provided on the connecting pipe; Preferably, the control unit includes a controller, which is connected to each sensor via a control circuit. The sensors are used to detect the working status of the spray system or environmental parameters inside the pipes. The controller controls the solenoid valves on each purging pipe according to the sensor signals to control the start and stop of the purging operation. Preferably, the sensor includes at least one of a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, or a temperature sensor; Preferably, the control unit is configured to initiate the purging operation after a preset time delay following the closure of the spray valve.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages: 1. Eliminate freezing and corrosion hazards: Compressed air is used to quickly force the residual water in the pipes to be discharged after spraying, which fundamentally avoids the problems of water freezing and expansion and long-term corrosion, and greatly extends the service life of pipes and nozzles.

[0011] 2. Enhanced system safety and reliability: Ensures that the sprinkler system is in good working order and readily available under any climatic conditions, especially in severe winter, providing reliable protection for the braking safety of trucks on long downhill slopes and other working conditions.

[0012] 3. Achieve fully automated and intelligent operation: The entire purging process requires no operator intervention and is automatically connected after the spraying operation. It completes the start and stop through intelligent judgment such as pressure signals, delay, and humidity feedback, which greatly reduces the operator's burden and avoids human forgetfulness or operation errors.

[0013] 4. Thorough purging and controllable results: Using compressed air as the medium, which has good fluidity and can penetrate any pore, it can effectively remove "stagnant water" that cannot be drained by gravity. Through flow regulation and sensor feedback, the purging process can be precisely controlled to ensure consistent results.

[0014] 5. Compact structure and strong adaptability: The system can make full use of the existing space layout of the vehicle for installation, and can be flexibly configured according to the vehicle type, such as light trucks, heavy trucks, pipeline length and complexity, making it highly universal. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of this utility model.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Compressed air supply unit; 101. Air tank; 102. Pressure regulating valve; 2. Compressed air purging module, 201. Main purging pipe, 202. Branch purging pipe; 3. Control unit; 301. Sensor; 302. Branch solenoid valve; 303. Flow control valve; 304. Compressed air control valve; 305. Spray valve. 4. Sprinkler system, 401. Water tank, 402. Main sprinkler pipe, 403. Branch sprinkler pipe, 404. Sprinkler head, 406. Check valve. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that the advantages and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0018] A truck spray pipe purging system, which is integrated into the vehicle's original spray system, mainly includes a compressed air supply unit 1, a compressed air purging module 2, an intelligent control unit 3, and a spray system 4.

[0019] 1. Compressed air supply unit Air compressor: As a power source for air, the air compressor of the vehicle's own air brake system can be used, or a dedicated air compressor can be installed independently. Its exhaust pressure and exhaust volume need to be selected according to the vehicle's air consumption and purging requirements.

[0020] Air tank 101: Connected to the air compressor outlet, it is used to store compressed air, stabilize the system air pressure, buffer pressure fluctuations, and ensure that sufficient gas can be provided instantly when the purging command is issued. Its volume is determined according to the purging air consumption and the system's allowable pressure drop.

[0021] Pressure regulating valve 102: Installed on the pipeline between gas storage tank 101 and purging module 2, it is used to regulate the high pressure gas in gas storage tank 101 to a safe and effective pressure range suitable for pipeline purging, such as 0.3 ~ 0.8 MPa. This valve can be a manually adjustable mechanical pressure reducing valve or an electric or pneumatic regulating valve that can receive control signals for stepless adjustment.

[0022] 2. Compressed air purging module Main air purging pipe 201: As the main line for delivering compressed air, one end is connected to the outlet of pressure regulating valve 102, and the other end extends to the vicinity of each spray pipe branch. Oil-resistant and pressure-resistant rubber hoses or metal pipes such as copper pipes or galvanized steel pipes can be selected according to the vehicle layout.

[0023] Branch blow-out pipe 202: Corresponding to each branch of the sprinkler system, such as the left front wheel, right front wheel, left rear wheel group, right rear wheel group, etc., each branch blow-out pipe 202 is connected to the main blow-out pipe 201 through connecting fittings such as tees and elbows, and its end is connected to the end or highest point of the corresponding sprinkler pipe, preferably before the nozzle.

[0024] Airflow control valve: An airflow control valve, namely flow control valve 303, is installed on each branch purging pipe. This valve is directly controlled by the control unit 3 to achieve independent opening and closing of each purging branch. To further optimize the purging effect, the flow control valve 303 can be a solenoid valve with throttling function, or a combination of a solenoid valve and a manual throttling valve, to precisely adjust the airflow to each spray branch and ensure uniform airflow distribution.

[0025] 3. Control Unit Controller: As the brain of the system, it can be a simple timer relay circuit or a powerful microcontroller (MCU) or programmable logic controller (PLC). It is responsible for receiving sensor signals, executing preset control logic, and outputting instructions to drive various actuators such as solenoid valves.

[0026] Sensor group 301: Used for real-time monitoring of system status, providing decision-making information for the controller. It mainly includes: Pressure sensor / pressure switch: Installed on the main sprinkler pipe 402, it is used to detect whether the sprinkler operation has ended. When the sprinkler pump stops and the water pressure in the pipe drops to a certain set threshold, it sends a signal.

[0027] Humidity sensor: Installed at the end or lowest point of the spray branch pipe 403, it is used to directly detect the humidity level in the pipe to determine whether the purging meets the standard.

[0028] Temperature sensor: Used to monitor ambient temperature, which allows the controller to intelligently adjust the purging strategy, such as extending the purging time in low-temperature environments.

[0029] Control circuit: Includes necessary power supply modules, drive modules such as relay boards, and wiring, forming a complete electrical connection.

[0030] 4. Sprinkler System: Includes a water tank 401, a main sprinkler pipe 402, and branch sprinkler pipes 403. The main sprinkler pipe 402 is equipped with a sprinkler valve 305 to control the flow of sprinkler water. Each branch sprinkler pipe 403 is equipped with a branch solenoid valve 302 and multiple sprinkler heads 404.

[0031] The entire process includes the following steps: a. Spraying stage: Open spray valves 305 and 302 to spray. During the spraying stage, the water tank is pressurized by compressed air. At this time, open the compressed air control valve 304 to pressurize the water tank 401 to a pressure of 2 to 3 bar. The flow control valve 303 in the blow-out pipe connection unit is in the closed state. b. Purging Phase: After spraying, the compressed air control valve 304 is closed. After the sensor detects a water flow stop signal, it sends a signal to the controller. Upon receiving the signal, the controller delays for n seconds (the duration is adjustable) and then opens the purging flow control valve 303, allowing compressed air to enter the branch purging pipes through the main purging pipe. The flow control valves 302 on each branch purging pipe open according to a preset time or flow value, allowing compressed air to enter the spray pipes and spray heads 404 at a certain pressure and flow rate, blowing out any remaining moisture from the pipe ends. During the purging process, the controller can adjust the working duration in real time according to the preset purging time or the pressure feedback from the sensor to ensure the purging effect. When the preset value is reached, the purging valve 303, spray valve 305, and solenoid valve (branch) 302 are automatically closed to complete the purging operation. c. End phase: After purging is completed, the compressed air purging module 2 is turned off; the purging phase ends based on the preset purging time or the humidity at the end of the pipeline detected by sensor 301 drops to a set threshold.

[0032] Example 1: Economic configuration suitable for small vans System Configuration: Compressed air supply unit: Employs a small reciprocating air compressor with a rated discharge pressure of 0.8 MPa and a discharge capacity of approximately 15 L / min. It is equipped with a 30L air tank, and the pressure regulating valve is a mechanical pressure reducing valve.

[0033] Purging module: The main purging pipe uses φ8mm pressure-resistant nylon tubing, and the branch purging pipes use φ6mm similar tubing. They are connected to the main pipe and spray pipes via quick-connect fittings. Each branch pipe is equipped with a normally closed DC 12V solenoid valve as an airflow control valve.

[0034] Control Unit: The core controller is a multi-functional time relay, and the sensor is installed on the main sprinkler pipe using only a mechanical pressure switch.

[0035] Workflow and Installation: 1. Secure the air compressor and air tank to the appropriate positions on the vehicle's main beam.

[0036] 2. Lay the main air-blowing pipe 201 along the original spray pipe, and connect the branch air-blowing pipe 202 at the end of each hub spray branch through a tee, and install solenoid valves.

[0037] 3. Screw the pressure switch into the pressure test port of the main sprinkler pipe 402.

[0038] 4. Circuit connection: Vehicle ignition switch power supply -> Time relay power supply terminal; Pressure switch normally open contact -> Time relay trigger input terminal; Time relay output terminal -> All purge branch solenoid valves 10 connected in parallel -> Ground.

[0039] 5. Parameter settings: Set a fixed purging time on the time relay, such as 30 seconds.

[0040] Working principle: When the driver presses the spray button in the cab, spray valve 305 and solenoid valve 302 open, and then the purge flow control valve 304 automatically opens. The water pressure in the main spray pipe 402 rises, and the pressure switch detects high pressure but does not trigger purging at this time. When spraying ends, the button is released, spray valve 305 closes, the water pump stops, and the water pressure in the main spray pipe 402 drops rapidly. When the pressure drops to the pressure switch's set value, such as 0.1 MPa, its contacts close, sending a trigger signal to the time relay. The time relay is energized, its output contacts close, and control valve 303 and all purge branch solenoid valves open simultaneously. Compressed air rushes into the main spray pipe and branch pipes, blowing water out from the nozzles 404. After 30 seconds, the time relay automatically disconnects its output, the solenoid valves close, and purging ends.

[0041] Example 2: Full-featured intelligent configuration suitable for large heavy trucks System Configuration: Compressed air supply unit: Directly utilizes the vehicle's existing screw air compressor and large-capacity air tank that power the air brakes. An intelligent electric pressure regulating valve 102 is added at the front end.

[0042] Purging Module: The main purging pipe 201 uses φ10mm galvanized steel pipe to ensure strength. Each branch purging pipe 202 uses φ8mm or φ6mm copper pipe depending on its length, connected by welding or compression fittings. A manual throttle valve is installed after each branch solenoid valve for fine-tuning the flow rate.

[0043] Control unit: The core uses an industrial-grade PLC. The sensor group includes: a pressure sensor 301 installed on the main sprinkler pipe, a temperature sensor installed in the environment, and a humidity sensor installed at the lowest point of the piping system.

[0044] Workflow and Intelligent Control: 1. The system installation is similar to Example 1, but the piping connections require higher sealing and reliability.

[0045] 2. All sensors and actuators, electric pressure regulating valves, and branch solenoid valves are connected to the corresponding I / O ports of the PLC.

[0046] 3. The PLC has a pre-installed control program, and its intelligent control logic is as follows: Trigger judgment: After the spraying ends, the PLC detects through pressure sensor 301 that the water pressure has been continuously lower than the threshold for X seconds, and then determines that the spraying has ended and prepares to start the purging.

[0047] Parameter preset: The PLC reads the ambient temperature value from the temperature sensor. If the temperature is below 5℃, the reference purging time will be automatically extended. If it is below -10℃, the purging time will be further extended and the purging pressure may be increased by controlling the electric pressure regulating valve 102.

[0048] Start purging: The PLC sequentially opens the purging flow control valve 303 and the solenoid valves 302 of each branch that need to be purged.

[0049] Process monitoring and termination: During the purging process, the PLC monitors the humidity sensor readings in real time. Once the humidity value drops below a safe threshold (e.g., 15%RH) and remains below that threshold for Y seconds, the purging of that branch is considered complete, and the corresponding solenoid valve is immediately closed. Simultaneously, the system has a maximum purging time protection feature to prevent the system from operating indefinitely in case of sensor failure.

[0050] System Reset: After all branch purging is completed, the PLC closes the flow control valve 303, and the system enters standby mode.

[0051] Results: This configuration achieves fully adaptive and precise purging management. It ensures that pipes are thoroughly dried in any environment while avoiding over-purging and energy waste in warm weather, achieving the best balance between effectiveness and efficiency.

[0052] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and do not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural modifications made based on the description and drawings of this utility model, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A truck spray pipe purging system, characterized in that, include: The compressed air supply unit (1) is connected to the spray system (4) via the compressed air purging module (2). The compressed air purging module (2) includes a main purging pipe (201) and at least one branch purging pipe (202). The unit includes a control unit (3), which is used to control the compressed air purging module (2) to start after the spraying operation is completed, and to introduce compressed air into each pipe in the spray system (4) to purge residual moisture.

2. The truck spray pipe purging system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The compressed air supply unit (1) includes a truck air compressor and an air tank (101). A pressure regulating valve (102) is provided on the connecting pipe between the air tank (101) and the main air blowing pipe (201). The pressure regulating valve (102) is used to regulate the compressed air pressure output to the compressed air purging module (2).

3. A truck spray pipe purging system as described in claim 2, characterized in that... The spray system (4) includes a water tank (401), a main spray pipe (402) and multiple spray branch pipes (403) connected to the main spray pipe. The main spray pipe (402) is equipped with a spray valve (305), and each spray branch pipe (403) is equipped with a sensor (301), a branch solenoid valve (302) and multiple spray heads (404).

4. A truck spray pipe purging system as described in claim 3, characterized in that... One end of the main air blowing pipe (201) is connected to the output interface of the air storage tank (101), and the other end is connected to each branch air blowing pipe (202) through a connecting pipe fitting. The branch air blowing pipe (202) is connected to each spray branch pipe (403) of the corresponding spray system (4). The branch air blowing pipe (202) is equipped with a flow control valve (303) to adjust the flow rate of compressed air entering each spray branch pipe (403).

5. A truck spray pipe purging system as described in claim 4, characterized in that... The main air purging pipe (201) is also connected to the water tank (401), and a compressed air control valve (304) is provided on the connecting pipe.

6. A truck spray pipe purging system as described in claim 5, characterized in that... The control unit (3) includes a controller, which is connected to each sensor (301) through a control circuit. The sensor (301) is used to detect the working status of the spray system (4) or the environmental parameters inside the pipeline. The controller controls the solenoid valves (302, 303, 304) on each purging pipeline according to the sensor (301) signal to control the start and stop of the purging operation.

7. A truck spray pipe purging system as described in claim 4, characterized in that... The sensor (301) includes at least one of a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, or a temperature sensor.

8. A truck spray pipe purging system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The control unit (3) is configured to start the purging operation after a preset time delay after the spray valve is closed.

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