Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit

Abstract

Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit, characterized in that it comprises: an external controller used to implement drive, communication, signal processing and output control functions; an execution unit comprising several execution elements and a pneumatic block for the integrated assembly of the execution elements, wherein the several execution elements comprise a compressor, an electric motor, a functional valve element and include a dryer; a sensor unit comprising several functional sensor elements, wherein the functional sensor element comprises at least one temperature and pressure sensor; wherein the sensor elements are mainly mounted on the pneumatic block; and a transmitter and receiver mounted on the pneumatic block and comprising a circuit board for transmitting current, voltage or sensor signals, wherein the compressor and The functional valve element receives the current and voltage output from an external control via the circuit board, and the functional sensor elements transmit signals to the external control via the circuit board.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present utility model relates to the technical field of air supply units, in particular a separate actuator for a closed air supply unit. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In recent years, automotive manufacturers have increasingly focused on developing integrated domain controllers. They aim to control the closed air supply unit via the body-in-white domain controller, rather than relying on downstream product suppliers. The goal is to reduce the development disadvantages arising from complex signal interactions between different controller modules, such as extensive and complicated wiring harnesses within the vehicle and signal reception delays.

[0003] In currently available series-produced closed air supply units, the control unit and actuator are integrated. The control module generally includes internal functional units such as the control of CDC valves for dampers, the control of actuators for air springs, and the vehicle level control system (including the control of the compressor and solenoid valves). For example, if the electronics of the damper control module fail, the entire product must be replaced because actuator components such as the compressor and solenoid valves are also integrated. This results in very high costs and simultaneously fails to meet the requirements of current automotive manufacturers. CONTENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0004] The embodiment of this application provides a separate actuator for a closed air supply unit, which means that after the separation of the controller and actuator, the controller can be updated and serviced separately without having to replace the entire actuator.

[0005] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the utility model offers the following technical solution: a separate, closed air supply unit actuator, comprising: an external controller used to implement drive, communication, signal processing and output control functions; an execution unit comprising several execution elements and a pneumatic block for the integrated assembly of the execution elements, wherein the several execution elements comprise a compressor, an electric motor, a functional valve element and a dryer; a sensor unit comprising several functional sensor elements, wherein the functional sensor element comprises at least one temperature and pressure sensor; wherein the sensor elements are mainly mounted on the pneumatic block; and a transmitter and receiver mounted on the pneumatic block and comprising a printed circuit board for transmitting current, voltage or sensor signals, wherein the compressor and the functional valve element receive the current and voltage output from an external controller via the printed circuit board and the functional sensor elements transmit signals to the external controller via the printed circuit board.

[0006] Compared to the prior art, the advantage of the present utility model is as follows: Separating the controller and actuator allows the controller to be updated and maintained separately without having to replace the entire actuator. This reduces maintenance costs and enables the system to adapt more quickly to technological advancements.

[0007] The transmitter and receiver serves solely to receive the current and voltage output from the external controller and to transmit the signals from the functional sensor elements to the external controller. This transmitter and receiver only has transmit and receive functions, not control functions.

[0008] If the external controller fails, this does not directly affect the operation of the actuator due to its separation from the actuator, which helps to reduce system downtime and increase the overall reliability of the system.

[0009] The separable design allows for the separate manufacturing and testing of the external controller and actuator, helping to reduce overall manufacturing costs and increase production efficiency. At the same time, it can meet the requirement for existing automotive manufacturers to implement control of the closed air supply unit via the vehicle's domain control system.

[0010] In an improved version, the functional valve element includes a solenoid valve that controls the on / off switch of the pipeline via an external control unit. The pneumatic block features a solenoid valve bore for partial mounting of the solenoid valve. Inserting one end of the solenoid valve into the mounting bore secures the valve in place.

[0011] In an improved version, the transmitter and receiver also includes a housing, a solenoid valve coil, and a cover plate. The solenoid valve coil and circuit board are located inside the housing, and the cover plate is attached to the top of the housing. Integrating components such as the solenoid valve and circuit board into the housing, which is then sealed with a cover, results in a compact and small overall design, simplifying installation. Effective sealing and protective measures extend the device's service life.

[0012] In an improved version, the transmitter and receiver are equipped with an interface for transmitting voltage or current from an external controller to operate the solenoid valves and motors. This interface allows external controllers to precisely adjust the voltage or current of the solenoid valves and motors in real time, thus enabling highly precise control of these devices. In this improved version, the solenoid valve coil is fitted with plug-in pins, and the circuit board is equipped with a socket for mounting these pins. The circuit board is crimped through the sockets and plug-in pins to provide power to the solenoid valve coil. The crimp connections between the solenoid valve and the circuit board can reduce electromagnetic interference caused by poor or loose solder joints.This is crucial for maintaining the overall performance and stability of the printed circuit board.

[0013] In an improved version, the transmitter and receiver are equipped with an interface that transmits signals from the functional sensor elements to the external controller via cable harnesses. This design enables a closer and more efficient connection between the functional sensor elements and the external controller. By transmitting signals via cable harnesses, the signals from multiple sensor elements can be bundled in a single transmitter and receiver and then transmitted to the external controller via its interface. This also increases system integration, making the entire system more compact and efficient.

[0014] In an improved embodiment, the housing is provided with a housing connector, and the external control unit is provided with a control connector corresponding to the housing, wherein the housing connector is connected to the control connector via sockets arranged on the cable harnesses, wherein the power supply connection pins of the solenoid valve coils, the power supply connection pins of the compressor, the power supply connection pins of the functional valve elements, and the connection pins of the sensor element are routed to the housing connector via the circuit board, wherein the housing connector preferably includes a shielded terminal interface for transmitting signals from the functional sensor elements.The housing connector is located in the wiring harness and connected to the control connector, allowing the external control unit to manage the power supply to the solenoid valve coils, the compressor, and the functional valve elements, as well as the on / off switching of the functional sensor elements. This also avoids problems such as chaotic wiring and poor contact associated with conventional wire connections.

[0015] In an improved version, the housing is made of plastic, the cover is made of plastic or metal, and the cover is tightly mounted to the housing. Since the transmitter / receiver actuator does not have any driver circuitry such as solenoid valves or motors, heat dissipation from the MOSFETs of the driver circuit is not a concern. Therefore, the transmitter / receiver cover can be made of plastic, with the seal between the cover and the base achieved through plastic welding. This eliminates the need for a sealing method where the metal cover and base are bonded with adhesive, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0016] In an improved embodiment, the functional sensor elements further include a humidity sensor. The pneumatic block incorporates several sensor openings, some of which serve for mounting the temperature and pressure sensors as well as the humidity sensor. The humidity sensor transmits signals via the circuit board of the transmitter and receiver to the external control unit. The addition of a humidity sensor allows the active regeneration function of the desiccant to be triggered, thus preventing inadequate internal humidity control that could result from software algorithms or calibration.

[0017] In an improved version, the functional valve element also includes a pressure relief valve that limits the maximum operating pressure of the compressor. A pressure relief valve bore is provided in the pneumatic block to accommodate the pressure relief valve. The main function of the pressure relief valve is to limit the compressor's operating pressure and prevent it from exceeding the load limit of the system or equipment. If the compressor's operating pressure reaches or exceeds the set value, the pressure relief valve opens automatically and releases the excess pressure to prevent damage to the compressor from overload.

[0018] In an improved version, the functional sensor elements and the functional valve elements are arranged on the same side of the pneumatic block. This allows for more efficient use of the pneumatic block's space. This compact layout makes the entire pneumatic system smaller and lighter, facilitating installation and use in confined spaces. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0019] With reference to the drawings and specific embodiments, the utility model solution is described in detail below: Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the structure of a separate actuator for a closed air supply unit. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the structure of the transmitting and receiving device; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the transmitting and receiving device; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic distribution diagram of the control valve and sensors on the pneumatic block. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic connection diagram between transmitter and receiver, sensor unit and execution unit. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram of the architecture of a separate actuator for a closed air supply unit.

[0020] Reference numeral list: 1, Pneumatic block; 1.1, Solenoid valve bore; 1.2, Sensor bore; 1.3, Pressure relief valve bore; 2, Functional valve elements; 2.1, Solenoid valve; 2.2, Pressure relief valve; 3, Functional sensor element; 3.1, Temperature and pressure sensor; 3.2, Humidity sensor; 4, Dryer; 5, Compressor; 6, Transmitter-receiver; 6.1, Circuit board; 6.1.1, Sockets; 6.2, Housing; 6.2.1, Housing socket; 6.3, Solenoid valves; 6.3.1, Plug pins; 6.4, Cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Firstly, in the disclosure of the present invention, the directional or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "longitudinal", "transverse", "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "above", "below", "inside", "outside", etc., refers to the directional or positional relationship as depicted in the accompanying drawings. This serves only to simplify the description of the invention and does not mean that the devices or elements so designated must have a particular orientation or must be designed and operated in a particular direction. Therefore, the aforementioned terms are not to be understood as limiting the invention. As stated in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 2, a separate actuator for a closed air supply unit comprises an external controller, an execution unit, a sensor unit, and a transmitter and receiver 6, wherein the external controller serves to implement drive, communication, signal processing, and output control functions; wherein the execution unit comprises several execution elements and a pneumatic block 1 for the integrated assembly of the execution elements, the several execution elements comprising a compressor 5, an electric motor, a functional valve element 2, and a dryer 4; wherein the sensor unit comprises several functional sensor elements 3, the functional sensor element 3 comprising at least one temperature and pressure sensor 3.1, the functional sensor element 3 being mainly mounted on the pneumatic block 1; wherein the transmitter and receiver 6 is arranged on the pneumatic block 1 and a printed circuit board 6.1 for the transmission of current, voltage or sensor signals, wherein the compressor 5 and the functional valve element 2 receive the current and voltage output from an external controller via the circuit board 6.1 and the functional sensor elements 3 transmit signals to the external controller via the circuit board 6.1.

[0022] Preferably, the functional valve element and the functional sensor element are connected to the front end of the pneumatic block 1, the dryer 4 to one side of the pneumatic block 1, the compressor 5 to the lower end of the pneumatic block 1, and the transmitter and receiver 6 to the upper end of the pneumatic block 1.

[0023] As in the Fig.As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the transmitter and receiver 6 also comprises a housing 6.2, a solenoid valve coil 6.3 and a cover 6.4, wherein the solenoid valve coil 6.3 and the circuit board 6.1 are located inside the housing 6.2, and the cover 6.4 is attached to the top of the housing 6.2.

[0024] The solenoid valve coil 6.3 is provided with plug pins 6.3.1, the circuit board 6.1 is provided with a socket 6.1.1 for mounting the plug pins 6.3.1, the circuit board 6.1 being crimped through the sockets 6.1.1 and the plug pins 6.3.1 to provide power to the solenoid valve coil 6.3.

[0025] The housing 6.2 is provided with a housing connector 6.2.1, and the external control unit is provided with a control connector corresponding to the housing 6.2. The housing connector 6.2.1 is connected to the control connector via sockets arranged on the cable harnesses. The power supply terminals of the solenoid valve coils 6.3, the power supply terminals of the compressor 5, the power supply terminals of the functional valve elements 2, and the terminals of the sensor element are routed to the housing connector 6.2.1 via the circuit board 6.1. Preferably, the housing connector 6.2.1 includes a shielded terminal interface for transmitting signals from the functional sensor elements 3.

[0026] The housing 6.2 is made of plastic, and the cover 6.4 is made of plastic or metal. The cover 6.4 is tightly mounted onto the housing 6.2. Preferably, the cover 6.4 is made of plastic, and the housing 6.2 and cover 6.4 are tightly joined together by plastic welding.

[0027] The functional sensor elements 3 comprise at least one temperature and pressure sensor 3.1 and one humidity sensor 3.2. Several sensor openings 1.2 are formed in the pneumatic block 1.1, some of which serve for mounting the temperature and pressure sensor 3.1 and the humidity sensor 3.2. The temperature and pressure sensor 3.1 and the humidity sensor 3.2 transmit signals via the circuit board 6.1 of the transmitter and receiver 6 to the external control unit. Preferably, the functional sensor elements 3 are fixed in place by riveting a portion of the pneumatic block 1 into the mounting bore 1.1 of the pneumatic block 1.

[0028] The functional valve element 2 comprises solenoid valves 2.1, which act as on / off switches for the pipeline via an external control system, and a pressure relief valve 2.2 for limiting the maximum operating pressure of the compressor 5. The pneumatic block 1 is equipped with solenoid valve bores 1.1 for partially accommodating the solenoid valves 2.1 and pressure relief valve bores 1.3 for partially accommodating the pressure relief valve 2.2. Preferably, the functional valve element 2 is fixed in the mounting bore 1.1 of the pneumatic block 1 by riveting a portion of the pneumatic block 1's material into the mounting bore 1.1. The functional sensor elements 3 and the functional valve elements 2 are arranged on the same side of the pneumatic block 1.

[0029] The transmitter and receiver 6 has an interface which serves to transmit voltage or current from an external controller in order to control the solenoid valves 2.1 and the motors.

[0030] The transmitter and receiver 6 has an interface which transmits signals from the functional sensor elements 3 to the external control via cable harnesses.

[0031] The housing connector 6.2.1 is connected to the control connector via sockets located on the cable harnesses. The power supply terminals of the solenoid valve coils 6.3, the power supply terminals of the compressor 5, the power supply terminals of the functional valve elements 2, and the terminals of the sensor element are routed via the circuit board 6.1 to the housing connector 6.2.1, enabling the external control to switch the solenoid valve coil 6.3, the compressor 5, the functional valve elements 2, and the functional sensor elements 3 on and off.

[0032] With reference to the attached drawings, an exemplary description of this utility model design has been given. Obviously, the specific implementation of this utility model design is not limited by the methods described above. As long as various minor improvements are made using the technical concept of this utility model design, or the concept and technical solution of this utility model design are transferred unchanged directly to other areas of application, these fall within the scope of protection of this utility model design.

Claims

[1] Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit, characterized by that it includes: an external controller used to implement drive, communication, signal processing and output control functions; an execution unit comprising several execution elements and a pneumatic block for the integrated assembly of the execution elements, wherein the several execution elements comprise a compressor, an electric motor, a functional valve element and include a dryer; a sensor unit comprising several functional sensor elements, wherein the functional sensor element comprises at least one temperature and pressure sensor; wherein the sensor elements are mainly mounted on the pneumatic block; and a transmitter and receiver mounted on the pneumatic block and comprising a circuit board for transmitting current, voltage or sensor signals, wherein the compressor and The functional valve element receives the current and voltage output from an external control via the circuit board, and the functional sensor elements transmit signals to the external control via the circuit board. [2] Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit according to claim 1, characterized by , that the functional valve element includes a solenoid valve which controls the on / off switch of the pipeline via an external control, and wherein a solenoid valve bore is provided in the pneumatic block for the partial mounting of the solenoid valve. [3] Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit according to claim 2, characterized by , that the transmitter and receiver also comprises a housing, a solenoid coil and a cover plate, wherein the solenoid coil and the circuit board are located inside the housing, and the cover plate is attached to the top of the housing. [4] Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that an interface is attached to the transmitter and receiver device, which serves to transmit voltage or current from an external controller in order to control the solenoid valves and the motors. [5] Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the solenoid valve coil is provided with plug pins and the circuit board is provided with a socket for mounting the pins, the circuit board being pressed together by the sockets and the plug pins to provide power to the solenoid valve coil. [6] Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit according to claim 5, characterized by , that an interface is attached to the transmitting and receiving device, which transmits signals from the functional sensor elements to the external control via cable harnesses. [7] Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit according to one of claims 5 to 6, characterized by , that the housing is provided with a housing connector, and the external control is provided with a control connector corresponding to the housing, wherein the housing connector is connected to the control connector via sockets arranged on the cable harnesses, wherein the power supply connection pins of the solenoid valve coils, the power supply connection pins of the compressor, the power supply connection pins of the functional valve elements and the connection pins of the sensor element are routed via the circuit board to the housing connector, wherein preferably the housing connector comprises a shielded terminal interface for transmitting signals from the functional sensor elements. [8] Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit according to claims 3 to 7, characterized bythat the housing is made of plastic, the cover is made of plastic or metal, and the cover is tightly fitted to the housing. [9] Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized by , that the functional sensor elements (3) further comprise a humidity sensor (3.2), wherein several sensor openings (1.2) are formed in the pneumatic block (1.1), which serve partly for mounting the temperature and pressure sensor (3.1) and the humidity sensor (3.2), wherein the humidity sensor (3.2) transmits signals via the circuit board (6.1) of the transmitter and receiver (6) to the external control. [10] Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized by, that the functional valve element also includes a pressure relief valve that limits the maximum working pressure of the compressor, wherein a pressure relief valve bore is provided in the pneumatic block to accommodate the pressure relief valve. [11] Separate actuator for a closed air supply unit according to claim 10, characterized by , that the functional sensor elements (3) and the functional valve elements (2) are arranged on the same side of the pneumatic block (1).

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