Valve-and-distributor assembly for air distribution in an air suspension of a trailer or semi-trailer of a commercial vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve-and-distributor assembly (1) for air distribution in an air suspension of a trailer or semi-trailer of a commercial vehicle, comprising an air distributor (4) and valve components (7, 8, 9) for actuating a lift axle (25) of the commercial vehicle. In a valve-and-distributor assembly which reduces the effort required for installation in commercial vehicles with or without a lift axle, the valve-and-distributor assembly (1) is designed to be modular in such a way that the air distributor (4) is arranged in at least one first distributor module (2) and the valve components (7, 8, 9) for actuating the lift axle (25) are arranged in at least one second distributor module (3), wherein the distributor module (2) comprising the air distributor (4) can be used independently of the other distributor module (3) comprising the valve components (7, 8, 9).

Description

[0001] Valve distributor arrangement for air distribution in an air suspension of a trailer or semi-trailer of a commercial vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a valve-distributor arrangement for air distribution in an air suspension of a trailer or semi-trailer of a commercial vehicle, comprising an air distributor and valve components for actuating a lifting axle of the trailer or semi-trailer of the commercial vehicle, which are arranged in a distributor.

[0003] Commercial vehicles with trailers or semi-trailers equipped with three axles are now widespread. At the same time, the trend toward equipping such commercial vehicles with a lifting axle is gaining ground. It is common practice to combine a lifting axle valve, required to operate the lifting axle, with an air distributor for the supporting bellows and lifting bellows of the trailer or semi-trailer. This allows for the connection of a conventional air suspension system as well as the connection of an air suspension system that has been expanded to include a lifting axle.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a valve distributor arrangement for air distribution in an air suspension of a trailer or semi-trailer of a commercial vehicle, which reduces the effort for installation in commercial vehicles with or without a lifting axle.

[0005] This object is achieved by a valve-distributor arrangement according to claim 1. According to this, the valve comprises an air distributor and valve components for actuating a lifting axle of the trailer or semi-trailer of the commercial vehicle, wherein the valve-distributor arrangement is designed in a modular manner such that the air distributor is arranged in at least one first distributor module and the valve components for actuating the lifting axle are arranged in at least one second distributor module, wherein the distributor module comprising the air distributor can be used independently of the further distributor module comprising the valve components. The valve-distributor arrangement has the first and the second distributor module and can have further distributor modules. The first distributor module contains fastenings that are required for connecting air bellows and additional devices. The second distributor module comprises all fittings that are specifically required for the lifting axle control.The separate design of at least two distribution modules reduces the installation effort in the trailer or semi-trailer. At the same time, an optimal air distribution solution is generated for vehicles without a lifting axle. Depending on the type of trailer or semi-trailer to be equipped with the valve-distributor assembly, a decision can be made whether only one distribution module or both distribution modules should be installed in the vehicle together, which enables cost optimization. At the same time, the manufacturing effort for the valve-distributor assembly is reduced, as the individual distribution modules can be manufactured separately. Such a valve-distributor assembly can be designed as a separate unit. However, it can also be integrated into a control unit of a trailer or semi-trailer of the commercial vehicle.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the first distribution module comprising the air distributor has connections for air ducts leading to a valve arrangement of a lift axle. When the first distribution module is used independently, these connections are closed by a closure plate such that all connections of the air ducts are pneumatically coupled to one another. This first distribution module can be installed independently of the subsequent application, which reduces the costs of the manufacturing process. At the same time, when a valve-distributor arrangement is used with this first distribution module, it is ensured that it is sealed off from the environment and that there is no pressure loss of the air flowing through the air ducts.

[0007] In a further embodiment, the first distribution module, which includes the air distributor, is designed as a distributor plate onto which the closure plate can be mounted. This reduces the installation space required by such a valve. It can be particularly well integrated into a control unit of a trailer or semi-trailer of a commercial vehicle.

[0008] In another version, the cover plate is mounted on the back of the first distribution module, which includes the air distributor. The valve-distributor assembly thus forms a compact and robust unit, which is particularly well suited for use in a level control system.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the first distribution module, which includes the air distributor, has, in addition to the connections for the air ducts for the lift axle, all connections for the air ducts for the supporting bellows positioned on the other axles of the trailer or semi-trailer of the commercial vehicle. The air distribution for all axles of the trailer or semi-trailer of the commercial vehicle can thus be achieved via this single air distributor of the valve-distributor arrangement, eliminating the need for additional air distributors.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the first distribution module, which includes the air distributor, has a pneumatic input for a level control system of the trailer or semi-trailer of the commercial vehicle and an output for a braking system for measuring bellows pressure. A conventional air suspension can be connected in the usual way. When integrated into a control unit, the connection for measuring the bellows pressure is particularly advantageous for determining an axle load.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the second distribution module, which includes valve components for actuating the lift axle, includes a valve assembly for the lift axle, which is connected to a pneumatic input port for an air suspension reservoir. This second distribution module represents the core assembly for raising and lowering the lift axle. The raised lift axle does not continuously travel on the roadway, which is why it is raised when the trailer or semi-trailer of a commercial vehicle is lightly loaded. Any air that escapes from the air suspension reservoir can be refilled into the system.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the second distribution module, which includes valve components for actuating the lift axle, has outlets for air ducts to the lifting bellows of the lift axle. This allows the pneumatic actuation of the lifting bellows for raising and lowering the lift axle to be achieved through a simple connection to the pneumatic compressed air supply. In a further embodiment, the first and second distribution modules for level control of the axles and for actuating the lift axle are non-positively connected to one another. By arranging the various outlets for the air ducts on different sides of the first distribution module, which includes the air distributor, the valve-distributor arrangement can be designed to save space, both for the conventional connection and for the connection for actuating the lift axle.

[0013] Further features, advantages and characteristics of the invention will be explained by the description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures, which show:

[0014] Fig. 1 : a schematic representation of an embodiment of the valve-distributor arrangement according to the invention,

[0015] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the first distribution module containing the air distributor.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the valve-distributor arrangement according to the invention,

[0017] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the use of the valve-distributor arrangement according to the invention in an air suspension system of a trailer or semi-trailer of a commercial vehicle.

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the valve-distributor assembly according to the invention. The valve-distributor assembly 1 consists of two distributor modules 2, 3. The first distributor module 2 is designed as a distributor plate with an integrated air distributor 4. The second distributor module 3 comprises the lifting axle valve 6 and connections 7, 8 for the lifting bellows 34 of the lifting axle 25. Additionally, a connection 9 is provided for an air spring supply.

[0019] The first valve module 2, designed as a distributor plate, is shown in more detail in Fig. 2. A solenoid valve 5 is arranged on an end face 10 of the distributor module 2, which solenoid valve 5 interacts with a piston 35 running within the first distributor module 2 to convey air. The pneumatically pilot-controlled solenoid valve 5 forms an air control valve with the piston 35. A vent connection 12 is positioned on the opposite end face 11 of the distributor module 2. Connections for the lines of various air consumers and vehicle systems are formed on the base side 13 of the distributor plate. For example, connections 14 a - f are formed for six support bellows 23 of the main axles 24 of the trailer 20 or semi-trailer of the commercial vehicle. These six connections 14 a - f are required for three main axles 24 of the trailer 20 or semi-trailer.In addition, the distributor plate 2 has an input connection 15 to a level control system 21 and a connection 16 for a braking system 27. At right angles to these connections 14a-f, 15, 16, two connections 18a, b are provided on a side wall 17, which are connected to the supporting bellows 36 of the lifting axle 25 via air lines 32a, 32b. The second distributor module 3 is placed on the first distributor module 2, advantageously screwed, so that the two distributor modules 2, 3 can be quickly assembled together. The second distributor module 3 is placed in such a way that the connections 14a-f, 15, 16 of the first distributor module 2 can continue to be used without interference.

[0020] The advantage of this division is that the first distribution module 2 can also be used for commercial vehicles without a lifting axle. For this purpose, a closure plate 19 is placed on the rear of the distribution plate 2 (Fig. 3), which ensures that the connections 18a, b of the air ducts that originally lead from the distribution plate 2 to the lifting axle 25 are closed. By closing them, all connections of the air distributor 4 in the distribution plate 2 are coupled to each other.

[0021] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the use of the valve-distributor arrangement according to the invention in an air suspension system of a three-axle trailer 20 or semi-trailer of a commercial vehicle. The first distributor module 2, which carries the solenoid valve 5, is guided by the air lines 22a-f extending from the connections 14a-f to the supporting bellows 23a-f of the three axles 24a-c. An additional lifting axle 25 is mounted behind the conventional axles 24a-c, behind the wheels 26 of the trailer 20 or semi-trailer. Information for measuring the bellows pressure is transmitted to the braking system 27 via a pneumatic bellows pressure measuring line 37. The solenoid valve 5 is coupled to the braking system 27 via an electrical line 30. The braking system 27 leads to an electrical level control system 21 via a pneumatic supply line 28 and an electrical line 29.This electric level control system 21 is connected to the input port 15 of the valve-distributor assembly 1 via a pneumatic air line 31. This level control system 21 ensures that the tires of the wheels 26 of the trailer 20 or semi-trailer always remain on the ground.

[0022] This described solution offers maximum flexibility in the selection of the level control systems 21, since the interface between the lifting axle valve 6 with the air distributor 4 and the level control system 21 consists only of a pneumatic air duct 32. As an alternative to the electrical level control system 21, the pneumatic air duct 32 can also be connected to an air suspension control, by means of which the body of the trailer 20 or semi-trailer is automatically raised or lowered to a safe driving level after the start of the journey. This can also be adjusted before the start of the journey by manually operating a lever lowering unit 33.

[0023] Reference symbol

[0024] 1 valve-distributor arrangement

[0025] 2 first distribution module / distribution plate

[0026] 3 second distribution module

[0027] 4 air distributors

[0028] 5 Solenoid valve

[0029] 6 Lift axle valve

[0030] 7 Connection for bellows of the lifting axle

[0031] 8 End cap for the lifting bellows of the lifting axle

[0032] 9 Connection for air spring supply

[0033] 10 first front side of the first housing module

[0034] 11 second front side of the first housing module

[0035] 12 Vent connection

[0036] 13 Base side of the first housing module

[0037] 14 Connection for support bellows of a main axle

[0038] 15 Input connection for level control valve

[0039] 16 Connection for braking system

[0040] 17 Side panel of the first housing module

[0041] 18 Connection for support bellows of the lift axle

[0042] 19 Locking plate

[0043] 20 trailers or semi-trailers

[0044] 21 electric level control system

[0045] 22 Air line

[0046] 23 Supporting bellows of a main axle

[0047] 24 Main axis

[0048] 25 lift axle

[0049] 26 wheels

[0050] 27 Braking system

[0051] 28 pneumatic supply line

[0052] 29 electrical cable

[0053] 30 Electrical line Air line Air line Lever-lowering unit Lifting bellows of the lifting axle Piston Supporting bellows of the lifting axle Bellows pressure measuring line

Claims

Patent claims 1. Valve-distributor arrangement (1) for air distribution in an air suspension of a trailer or semi-trailer of a commercial vehicle, comprising an air distributor (4) and valve components (7, 8, 9) for actuating a lifting axle (25) of the commercial vehicle, characterized by a modular design, wherein the air distributor (4) is arranged in at least one first distributor module (2) of the valve-distributor arrangement (1) and the valve components (7, 8, 9) for actuating the lifting axle (25) are arranged in at least one second distributor module (3) of the valve-distributor arrangement (1), wherein the first distributor module (2) comprising the air distributor (4) can be used independently of the second distributor module (3) comprising the valve components (7, 8, 9).

2. Valve distributor arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first distributor module (2) comprising the air distributor (4) has connections (18) for air lines (31) which lead to a valve arrangement (33) of a lifting axle (25), which, when the distributor module (2) is used independently, are closed by a closure plate (19) in such a way that all connections (14, 18) of the air channels (22) are pneumatically coupled to one another.

3. Valve-distributor arrangement (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first distributor module (2) comprising the air distributor (4) is designed as a distributor plate onto which the closure plate (19) can be applied.

4. Valve-distributor arrangement (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the closure plate (19) is placed on the rear side of the first distributor module (2) comprising the air distributor (4).

5. Valve distributor arrangement (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first distributor module (2) comprising the air distributor (4) is provided in addition to the connections (18) of the air ducts (32) for the lifting axle (25) has all connections (14) of the air ducts (22) for the supporting bellows (23) positioned on the other axles (24) of the trailer or semi-trailer (20) of the commercial vehicle.

6. Valve distributor arrangement (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first distributor module (2) having the air distributor (4) has a pneumatic input connection (15) of a level control system (21) of the trailer or semi-trailer (20) of the commercial vehicle and an output connection (16) to a brake system (27) for bellows pressure measurement.

7. Valve distributor arrangement (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second distributor module (3) comprising valve components (7, 8, 9) for actuating the lift axle (25) comprises a lift valve arrangement (34) for the lift axle (25), which is connected to a pneumatic input connection (9) for an air spring supply.

8. Valve distributor arrangement (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second distributor module (3) comprising valve components for actuating the lifting axle (25) has outlets (7, 8) for air lines to the lifting bellows (35) of the lifting axle (25).

9. Valve distributor arrangement (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first distributor module (2) and the second distributor module (3) are non-positively connected to one another for level control of the axles (24) and for actuating the lifting axle (25).

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