Air treatment device for motor vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to an air treatment device (1) for motor vehicles, in particular utility vehicles, comprising a main component (20), at least one first air treatment component (3.1), and a second air treatment component (3.2), the main component (20) having at least one third solenoid valve (MV3), and the respective control of the first air treatment component (3.1) and the second air treatment component (3.2) into the air drying position or the regeneration position being carried out inversely to each other. The invention also relates to an air treatment component (3.1; 3.2) for use with an air treatment device (1) according to the invention.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Air purification system for motor vehicles

[0003] The present invention relates to an air preparation device for motor vehicles, in particular for commercial vehicles, and an associated air preparation component.

[0004] Air dryers are used, among other things, for parking brakes (also called handbrakes) of commercial vehicles or other pneumatic circuits of motor vehicles, especially of towing vehicles with trailers. They clean and dry the oil- and water-containing compressed air coming from a compressed air source before it is made available to the various pneumatic circuits of the motor vehicle.

[0005] When the desiccant in the air dryer or air dryer cartridge is saturated, a portion of the previously treated compressed air is diverted through the air dryer or air dryer cartridge and to the outside, contrary to the usual flow direction. This allows the air dryer or air dryer cartridge to be regenerated.

[0006] However, in certain special applications, particularly in the area of ​​commercial vehicles such as trucks, air consumption is so high that there is no time for the regeneration of the air dryer or air dryer cartridge. In this case, special dual air dryers are used, on whose housing two air dryers or air dryer cartridges are mounted. By means of a connection between the two air dryers or air dryer cartridges, one air dryer is always cleaning the incoming compressed air while the other air dryer is being regenerated.

[0007] However, such dual air dryers are complex, purpose-built designs used only in a few specialized applications. Due to their complex construction and low production volumes, these dual air dryers are very expensive. In commonly used dual air dryers, the conveying process through the first air dryer cartridge is always coupled with the simultaneous regeneration of the second cartridge. The full compressor airflow is never available to fill the system, as a portion is always lost during regeneration.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to advantageously further develop an air conditioning device of the type mentioned at the outset, in particular in that an air conditioning device is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture and maintain, and can be regenerated in a controlled manner, in particular by enabling two air conditioning components of the air conditioning device to be regenerated separately or independently of one another. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to specify an air conditioning component.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by an air treatment device having the features of claim 1 and, with regard to the air treatment component, by the subject matter of claim 12.

[0010] According to the present invention, an air conditioning system for motor vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles, is provided with a main component, at least one first air conditioning component, preferably with a first compressed air connection, and a second air conditioning component, preferably with a second compressed air connection, wherein the main component has at least one third solenoid valve. The first air conditioning component has at least one first air dryer cartridge and one first inlet valve, wherein the second air conditioning component has at least one second air dryer cartridge and one second inlet valve. The first and second air conditioning components can each be switched to at least one air drying position or one regeneration position, so that an air drying operation or a regeneration operation can be carried out.The third solenoid valve, in particular connected to at least one first control input of the first inlet valve, is provided for controlling the first air conditioning component, wherein the first air dryer cartridge, in particular an outlet of the first air dryer cartridge, is connected to at least one first control input of the second inlet valve for controlling the second air conditioning component, in particular for controlling the second air conditioning component by supplying conditioned compressed air at the outlet of the first air dryer cartridge. The control of the first air conditioning component and the second air conditioning component to the air drying position or the regeneration position is inversely proportional to each other.

[0011] The invention is based on the fundamental idea that the first and second air treatment units, as separate units, can independently execute an operating mode, in particular an air drying operation or a regeneration operation, in order to enable a continuous supply of treated compressed air as well as targeted regeneration of the individual air treatment units, in particular the associated air dryer cartridge.

[0012] Thus, using at least two air conditioning components, particularly alternating between them, conditioned compressed air can be supplied to one air conditioning component while another air conditioning component, especially the associated air dryer cartridge, is regenerated. Preferably, this makes it possible, for example, to use two conventional or standard air conditioning components (such as dryer cartridges) and connect them in such a way that one air conditioning component can be used for air drying at any given time, while the other air conditioning component is regenerating or being regenerated.

[0013] Furthermore, the two air treatment units can be provided as modular units in relation to the main component.

[0014] In particular, the present invention can be intended and used in the context of motor vehicles for special applications with very high (compressed) air consumption, which in particular require an at least substantially continuous supply of conditioned compressed air. For the purposes of the present invention, a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, preferably a towing vehicle with at least one trailer, is to be understood as such.

[0015] With the air treatment device according to the invention, it is possible to use at least essentially standardized air treatment components, each with a desiccant or a desiccant cartridge.

[0016] In this way, independent, on-demand operation of the first and second air treatment components is possible. In particular, once the corresponding operating position, such as the air drying or regeneration position, has been set or assumed, an operating mode of the second or first air treatment component can be executed or terminated independently of the continuous operation of the first or second air treatment component.

[0017] Furthermore, the main component of the air preparation device can comprise a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve. In particular, the first solenoid valve can be configured to apply pneumatic pressure of treated compressed air to the second solenoid valve as needed, preferably to allow regeneration of one of the air preparation components depending on the switching position of the second solenoid valve.

[0018] Using standard or standard air treatment components, the air treatment device according to the invention can be provided simply and inexpensively, and its maintenance is advantageous.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention enables the use of special applications for motor vehicles and commercial vehicles that have a very high compressed air demand, particularly those requiring a continuous supply and delivery of conditioned compressed air. Because the air conditioning components can be used separately or inversely, the moisture level or wetness level of each individual air conditioning component or air dryer cartridge can be precisely determined, and regeneration can be carried out specifically.

[0020] The first and second air preparation components, in particular an air dryer or an air dryer cartridge, may be essentially comparable to components commonly used in single air dryers for standard motor vehicle applications.

[0021] Furthermore, the first, second, and third solenoid valves are preferably designed as spring-loaded 2 / 2-way valves, in particular normally closed 2 / 2-way valves. Normally closed can, in particular, mean that there is no connection between the inlet and outlet of the valve, or at least no connection to a pneumatic line with high fluid pressure or air pressure.

[0022] The air preparation device, in particular the main component, may include a control unit for controlling the first, second and third solenoid valves.

[0023] The main component and the air preparation components are interconnected in such a way that an air drying operation (Z-mode) or a regeneration operation / mode can be carried out with the two air preparation components, each independently of the other air preparation component.

[0024] Therefore, it is intended that one air treatment component can perform an air drying operation, while the other air treatment component performs a regeneration operation as needed.

[0025] In accordance with the present invention, the at least one first and second air conditioning component or the first and second air dryer cartridge can be used or regenerated independently of each other, preferably alternately, for air conditioning, in particular so that conditioned compressed air can be provided, at least substantially, continuously by means of the two air conditioning components.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the second air conditioning component can be switched to a regeneration position, or is switched to one, when the first air conditioning component is performing air drying operations, in particular providing treated compressed air at the outlet of the first air dryer cartridge, and / or the second air conditioning component can be switched to an air drying position, or is switched to one, when the first air conditioning component is not performing air drying operations, in particular providing no treated compressed air.

[0027] In the context of the present invention, a regeneration mode (Z-mode) can be understood to mean that the first and / or second air conditioning component is switched or controlled such that compressed air from the pneumatic system can be passed through the air conditioning component and the respective air dryer cartridge and then drawn back out of the air conditioning component. This allows for drying or regeneration of the respective air dryer cartridge (Z-cartridge) in order to reduce the moisture level (wetness level).

[0028] Preferably, the switching behavior of the first and / or second air preparation component can be determined based on the design and / or the size ratios of valve surfaces, in particular the inlet valves.

[0029] If the first air conditioning component ends an air drying operation, a (time-)delayed switching of the second air conditioning component can be provided, for example. Alternatively, it can be provided that the second air conditioning component switches between a regeneration position and an air drying position when the first air conditioning component switches from an air drying position to a regeneration position and a corresponding pressure change occurs at the first control input of the second inlet valve of the second air conditioning component. According to a further embodiment, the air conditioning system has a second solenoid valve, wherein compressed air treated by means of the second solenoid valve can be made available for a regeneration operation of the first air conditioning unit and / or the second air conditioning unit, in particular so that

[0030] - in the regeneration position of the second air treatment component, a regeneration operation by the second air treatment unit can be carried out or is carried out by supplying treated compressed air via the second solenoid valve; and / or

[0031] - in the regeneration position of the first air preparation unit, a regeneration operation by the first air preparation unit can be carried out or is carried out by supplying treated compressed air via the second solenoid valve.

[0032] In particular, it may be provided that a regeneration check valve is arranged between the second solenoid valve and the outlet of the respective air dryer cartridge, so that a connection is provided or can be made available depending on the prevailing pressure conditions.

[0033] By providing treated compressed air via the second solenoid valve, the first or second air dryer cartridge can be regenerated as needed.

[0034] For the purposes of the present invention, it must be taken into account that check valves open or close a flow path according to the pressure gradient between the respective inlet and outlet.

[0035] The second solenoid valve allows treated compressed air / fluid to be supplied to the first and second regeneration check valves and flow through them to regenerate the respective first / second air dryer cartridge as needed. The first / second inlet valve can be used to supply fresh compressed air from the compressed air connection to the first / second air dryer cartridge. Furthermore, the first / second inlet valve can be switched, particularly closed, to discharge the moisture-saturated compressed air from the first or second air dryer cartridge during regeneration, specifically via a connected first / second regeneration outlet of the first / second air treatment component.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the regeneration operation of the second air preparation component can be carried out independently of an air drying operation of the first air preparation component, in particular it can be initiated and terminated independently of a continuous air drying operation of the first air preparation component, and a regeneration operation of the first air preparation component can be carried out independently of an air drying operation of the second air preparation component, in particular it can be initiated and terminated independently of a continuous air drying operation of the second air preparation component.

[0037] Preferably, a regeneration operation of the second air treatment component can be initiated and terminated during a continuous air drying operation of the first air treatment component.

[0038] In particular, the regeneration operation of one of the air treatment components in the regeneration position can be initiated or terminated via the second solenoid valve by making compressed air treated via the second solenoid valve available for regeneration operation as needed.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the air preparation device comprises a first main check valve and a second main check valve, wherein the first and second main check valves are arranged in the main component. In particular, components such as the main check valves can be provided or arranged within the main component, thus reducing the complexity of the air preparation components.

[0040] It is conceivable that the arrangement of additional components within the main component allows for an identical design of the first and second air preparation components in such a way that the first and second air preparation components can be interchangeable.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, an inlet of the first main check valve is connected to the outlet of the first air dryer cartridge and an inlet of the second main check valve is connected to an outlet of the second air dryer cartridge, wherein an outlet of the first main check valve and an outlet of the second main check valve are each connected to a first pneumatic circuit outlet.

[0042] Furthermore, it may be provided that the inlet of the first main check valve is connected to the outlet of the first regeneration check valve and the control inlet of the second inlet valve.

[0043] The supply of treated compressed air can be carried out using the first or second air treatment component via the respective associated compressed air connection, the respective inlet valve, the respective air dryer cartridge and the respective main check valve at the first pneumatic circuit outlet.

[0044] In particular, a connection is available between the first or second air dryer cartridge and a first pneumatic circuit outlet to provide treated compressed air for a subsequent pneumatic circuit, such as a brake system or the like.

[0045] Preferably, the treated compressed air from the first and second air treatment components is supplied at the same pneumatic circuit outlet to enable at least a substantially continuous, in particular continuous, supply of treated compressed air during the regeneration of one of the at least two air dryer cartridges.

[0046] According to a further preferred embodiment, the air preparation device comprises a first regeneration check valve and a second regeneration check valve as well as a first regeneration throttle and a second regeneration throttle, wherein the first regeneration check valve and the first regeneration throttle are arranged in the main component and wherein the second regeneration check valve and the second regeneration throttle are arranged in the second air preparation component or in the main component.

[0047] Furthermore, the first regeneration throttle and the second regeneration throttle can be integrated into the second solenoid valve.

[0048] By arranging components such as regeneration check valves and / or regeneration throttles in the main component, the complexity of the individual air preparation component(s) can be reduced.

[0049] In this way, an integral or integrative design of the main component can be achieved.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the first air conditioning component has a first outlet valve for connecting, on demand, the first air dryer cartridge, in particular an inlet of the first air dryer cartridge, to a first regeneration outlet of the first air conditioning component in the regeneration position of the first air conditioning component. The second air conditioning component has a second outlet valve for connecting, on demand, the second air dryer cartridge, in particular an inlet of the second air dryer cartridge, to a second regeneration outlet of the second air conditioning component in the regeneration position of the second air conditioning component. Thus, efficient operation of the air conditioning components is possible by means of the joint control of the inlet valve and the associated outlet vent valve.

[0051] Preferably, both the inlet valves and the outlet / vent valves can be designed as 2 / 2-way valves. In particular, the outlet valves or vent valves can be provided as spring-loaded 2 / 2-way solenoid valves.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, a control input of the first exhaust valve is connected to the first control input of the first inlet valve, in particular so that the first inlet valve and the first exhaust valve can be controlled together, wherein a control input of the second exhaust valve is connected to the first control input of the second inlet valve, in particular so that the second inlet valve and the second exhaust valve can be controlled together.

[0053] By connecting the control inputs of the inlet valves with their respective corresponding outlet vent valves, targeted control and regulation of the air drying and regeneration positions of the individual air handling components is possible. In particular, the corresponding inlet and outlet valves can receive the same control signal, especially in the form of a pneumatic control pressure.

[0054] Furthermore, it may be provided that the first inlet valve and / or the second inlet valve is designed as a 2Z2 −way valve, wherein the outlet of the first and / or second inlet valve may be connected to the inlet of the first / second air dryer cartridge and an inlet of the first / second outlet valve.

[0055] The first / second outlet valve can be configured as a 2-way valve, with one outlet of the outlet valve connected to a first / second regeneration outlet of the respective air treatment component. The first and second inlet valves allow the supply of fresh compressed air from the first and second compressed air connections to the first / second air dryer cartridge as needed, with the corresponding outlet valve operating separately (air drying position). Furthermore, regeneration or regeneration operation of the first and second air dryer cartridges can be initiated by switching the first and second inlet valves and their respective outlet / vent valves, specifically by switching the inlet valve to a separate position and the outlet valve to a flow-through position, connecting the air dryer cartridge to the regeneration outlet of the air treatment component (regeneration position).

[0056] In a further preferred embodiment, the first inlet valve has a first vent outlet for connecting, on demand, the first air dryer cartridge, in particular an inlet of the first air dryer cartridge, to a first regeneration outlet of the first air preparation component in the regeneration position of the first air preparation component, and / or the second inlet valve has a second vent outlet for connecting, on demand, the second air dryer cartridge, in particular an inlet of the second air dryer cartridge, to a second regeneration outlet of the second air preparation component in the regeneration position of the second air preparation component, wherein the first inlet valve and / or the second inlet valve are preferably designed as spring-loaded 3 / 2-way valves.

[0057] The outlet of the inlet valve can be connected to the inlet of the air dryer cartridge, and a vent outlet of the inlet valve can be connected to the regeneration outlet of the air treatment component. By switching only the inlet valve, a connection can therefore be established between the compressed air connection and the air dryer cartridge (air drying position) or between the air dryer cartridge and the regeneration outlet of the air treatment component (regeneration position). Instead of using a separate outlet / vent valve, the inlet valve of the air treatment component can alternatively be provided as a single, integrally designed inlet valve, according to the present invention.

[0058] The integrally designed inlet valves of the first and second air preparation components can be provided as 3 / 2 solenoid valves, in particular as spring-loaded 3 / 2 solenoid valves.

[0059] The functionality for setting or controlling an air drying position or a regeneration position of one of the air preparation components can each be achieved solely by controlling and / or regulating the associated (integrally designed) inlet valve.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the second solenoid valve is arranged such that an input of the second solenoid valve is connected to a second pneumatic circuit output and the output of the second solenoid valve

[0061] - is connected to the first regeneration check valve, in particular to an inlet of the first regeneration check valve, and

[0062] - is connected to the second regeneration check valve, in particular to an inlet of the second regeneration check valve.

[0063] The second solenoid valve allows the supply of treated compressed air to the first or second air treatment component to be controlled or regulated as needed for regeneration operation.

[0064] Depending on the design of downstream pneumatic circuits, the first and second pneumatic circuit outputs can of course also be provided as a single pneumatic circuit output.

[0065] Preferably, conditioned compressed air is always present at the at least one first pneumatic circuit outlet, so that a high or sufficient fluid pressure or air pressure is available for the intended applications of the motor vehicle or commercial vehicle.

[0066] According to a subordinate aspect of the present invention, an air conditioning component is provided for use with an air conditioning device according to the invention, wherein the air conditioning component is in particular designed or provided as a first air conditioning component or as a second air conditioning component.

[0067] The air treatment component according to the invention therefore comprises at least one air dryer cartridge and an inlet valve. Furthermore, the air treatment component can have an outlet / vent valve, a compressed air connection and / or a regeneration outlet.

[0068] In particular, when the air preparation component is designed in the form of the second air preparation component, the arrangement of the second regeneration check valve and the second regeneration throttle can also be provided within the air preparation component, wherein an outlet of the regeneration check valve is connected to an outlet of the air dryer cartridge.

[0069] It may be provided that the first and second air preparation components are designed differently, in particular that the second air preparation component has the second regeneration check valve and the second regeneration throttle.

[0070] Alternatively, the first and second air conditioning components can be identical. In this sense, it is conceivable that the first and second air conditioning components could be interchangeable. All advantages and technical effects achievable in connection with the air conditioning device according to the invention can also apply individually or in combination to the air conditioning component(s).

[0071] Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in more detail in the drawings.

[0072] They show schematically:

[0073] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an air treatment device;

[0074] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of an air treatment device; and

[0075] Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of an air treatment device.

[0076] Fig. 1 shows an air preparation device 1 for motor vehicles, preferably commercial vehicles, according to a first embodiment.

[0077] Fig. 1 shows the air preparation device 1 with at least one first air preparation component 3.1 and a second air preparation component 3.2 as well as a main component 20.

[0078] The air preparation device 1, in particular the first and second air preparation component 3.1; 3.2, can have a first compressed air connection 2.1 and a second compressed air connection 2.2.

[0079] The first air preparation component 3.1 is shown with a first inlet valve 9.1 and a first air dryer cartridge 4.1.

[0080] Furthermore, the first air preparation component 3.1 can be a first

[0081] The main component 20 has a vent valve 9.3 and a first regeneration outlet 8.1. According to Fig. 1, the main component 20 has a first, second and third solenoid valve MV1; MV2; MV3.

[0082] Furthermore, the main component 20 can be provided with a first main check valve 5.1, a second main check valve 5.2, a first regeneration check valve 6.1 and a first regeneration throttle 7.1.

[0083] The second air preparation component 3.2 is shown with a second inlet valve 9.2 and a second air dryer cartridge 4.2.

[0084] Furthermore, the second air preparation component 3.2 can have a second vent valve 9.4 and a second regeneration outlet 8.2.

[0085] The second air preparation component 3.2 can include a second regeneration check valve 6.2 and a second regeneration throttle 7.2.

[0086] The first air preparation component 3.1 and the second air preparation component 3.2 can be considered or understood as modular components in relation to each other and to the main component 20.

[0087] The interconnection and connectivity of the various components of the air preparation unit 1 is provided as shown in Fig. 1 and described below.

[0088] In the first air preparation unit 3.1, an inlet 9.1a of the first inlet valve 9.1 is connected to at least a first compressed air connection 2.1.

[0089] An output 9.1b of the first inlet valve is connected to an input 4.1a of the first air dryer cartridge 4.1 and an input 9.3a of a first outlet valve 9.3. An output 9.3b of the first vent valve 9.3 is connected to the first regeneration output 8.1.

[0090] Furthermore, the first outlet vent valve 9.3 is provided as a spring-loaded 2 / 2-magnetic directional control valve, with a control port 9.3c.

[0091] The first inlet valve 9.1 is designed as a 2 / 2-way valve with a first control port 9.1c and a second control port 9.1d.

[0092] The second control port 9.1d can, for example, be supplied with pressure from an external pressure source as needed.

[0093] The first control port 9.1c of the first inlet valve 9.1 and the control port of the first vent valve 9.3 are coupled or connected to each other and can be jointly controlled or actuated via the third solenoid valve MV3, in particular they are connected to the output MV3b of the third solenoid valve MV3.

[0094] According to Fig. 1, the first air conditioning component 3.1 is switched to an air drying position, wherein the first inlet valve 9.1 in the through position has a connection between inlet 9.1a and outlet 9.1b to convey supplied compressed air via the first air dryer cartridge 4.1 and to condition compressed air, wherein the first vent valve 9.3 is switched separately (air drying operation).

[0095] To operate a regeneration mode (not shown in Fig. 1), the first inlet valve 9.1 is switched to the closed position, while the first vent valve 9.3 is switched to the open position, so that a connection between the inlet 4.1a of the first air dryer cartridge 4.1 and the first regeneration outlet 8.1 can be provided via the first vent valve 9.3 (regeneration position). As shown in Fig. 1, the outlet 4.1b of the first air dryer cartridge 4.1 is connected to an inlet 5.1a of the first main check valve 5.1, an outlet 6.1b of the first regeneration check valve 6.1, a first control input 9.2c of the second inlet valve 9.2, and a control input 9.4c of the second vent valve 9.4.

[0096] Compressed air conditioned from the outlet 4.1b of the first air dryer cartridge 4.1 can therefore be supplied along the inlet 5.1a and the outlet 5.1b of the first main check valve 5.1 to a first pneumatic circuit outlet 10.1 of the main component 20.

[0097] Preferably, the first pneumatic circuit outlet 10.1 always has a sufficient pneumatic pressure of conditioned compressed air to ensure a continuous compressed air supply, even in the case of special applications for commercial vehicles with very high compressed air requirements.

[0098] The structure and functionality of the second air preparation component 3.2 is, according to Fig. 1, fundamentally comparable to the structure and functionality of the first air preparation component 3.1.

[0099] According to Fig. 1, the second air preparation component 3.2 has in particular the following differences compared to the first air preparation component 3.1.

[0100] The second regeneration check valve 6.2 and the second regeneration throttle 7.2 are arranged within the second air preparation component 3.2. An output 6.2b of the second regeneration check valve 6.2 is connected, in particular via the second regeneration throttle 7.2, to an output 4.2b of the second air dryer cartridge 4.2.

[0101] As an alternative to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the second regeneration check valve 6.2 and the second regeneration throttle 7.2 can also be arranged in the main component 20 (see also Figs. 2 and 3). Preferably, identical configurations of the first and second air preparation components 3.1 and 3.2 can be achieved.

[0102] Furthermore, the first control port 9.2c of the second inlet valve 9.2 is coupled or connected to the control port of the second vent valve 9.4c. Both control ports 9.2c and 9.4c can be jointly controlled or actuated via the output 4.1b of the first air dryer cartridge 4.1.

[0103] Based on the demand-based provision of treated compressed air at outlet 4.1b of the first air dryer cartridge 4.1, demand-based control or

[0104] Control, in particular an inverse control or regulation, of the second air preparation component 3.2 shall take place.

[0105] For the purpose of performing the regeneration operation, the second air dryer cartridge 4.2 can be supplied with treated compressed air via the second solenoid valve MV2, and in particular can be connected to the output MV2b of the second solenoid valve MV2 via the first regeneration check valve 6.1.

[0106] The outlet 4.2b of the second air dryer cartridge 4.2 is connected to an inlet 5.2a of the second main check valve 5.2, whereby conditioned compressed air in air drying operation can be supplied to the first pneumatic circuit outlet 10.1 via the outlet 5.2b of the second main check valve 5.2.

[0107] Furthermore, the second air preparation component 3.2 has a comparable or at least essentially identical wiring and functionality compared to the first air preparation component 3.1.

[0108] In the second air preparation unit 3.2, an inlet 9.2a of the first inlet valve 9.2 is connected to a second compressed air connection 2.2.

[0109] An output 9.2b of the second inlet valve is connected to an input 4.2a of the second air dryer cartridge 4.2 and an input 9.4a of the second vent valve 9.4. An output 9.4b of the second vent valve 9.4 is connected to the second regeneration output 8.2.

[0110] Furthermore, the second outlet vent valve 9.4 is provided as a spring-loaded 2 / 2- solenoid directional control valve, with a control port 9.4c.

[0111] The second inlet valve 9.2 is designed as a 2 / 2-way valve with a first control port 9.2c and a second control port 9.2d.

[0112] The second control port 9.2d can, for example, be supplied with pressure from an external pressure source as needed.

[0113] The first control port 9.2c of the second inlet valve 9.2 and the control port of the second outlet valve 9.4 are coupled or connected to each other and can be jointly controlled or actuated, in particular inversely (not illustrated in Fig. 1) to the first air preparation component 3.1.

[0114] According to Fig. 1, the second air conditioning component 3.2 is switched to an air drying operation, wherein the second inlet valve 9.2 in the through position has a connection between inlet 9.2a and outlet 9.2b to convey supplied compressed air via the second air dryer cartridge 4.2 and to condition compressed air, wherein the second vent valve 9.4 is switched separately.

[0115] To operate a regeneration mode (not shown in Fig. 1), the second inlet valve 9.2 is switched to the closed position, while the second vent valve 9.4 is switched to the open position, so that a connection between the inlet 4.2a of the second air dryer cartridge 4.2 and the second regeneration outlet 8.2 can be provided via the second vent valve 9.4. The outlet 4.2b of the second air dryer cartridge 4.2 is connected, as shown in Fig. 1, to an inlet 5.2a of the second main check valve 5.2 and an outlet 6.2b of the second regeneration check valve 6.2.

[0116] Compressed air conditioned from the outlet 4.2b of the second air dryer cartridge 4.2 can therefore be supplied to a first pneumatic circuit outlet 10.1 of the main component 20 along the inlet 5.2a and the outlet 5.2b of the second main check valve 5.2.

[0117] Furthermore, the main component 20 has a control unit 14 for controlling and / or regulating the first, second and third solenoid valve MV1; MV2; MV3.

[0118] The first, second and third solenoid valves MV1 ; MV2; MV3 can each provide a connection via their inputs MV1a; MV2a; MV3a to a second pneumatic circuit output 10.2 or to a vent line 12.

[0119] The second pneumatic circuit outlet 10.2 preferably always has a pneumatic pressure of treated compressed air.

[0120] The output MV1b of the first solenoid valve is connected to a compressor control line 13. Venting of the control line 13 causes the associated compressor to switch off.

[0121] The output MV3b of the third solenoid valve is connected via a control line 11 to the first control port 9.1c of the first inlet valve and the control port 9.3c of the first vent valve 9.3.

[0122] The first air preparation component 3.1, in particular the first inlet valve 9.1 and the first vent valve 9.3, can be controlled and / or regulated by means of the third solenoid valve MV3 via an optional connection to the vent line 12 or the second pneumatic circuit outlet 10.2. The output MV2b of the second solenoid valve MV2 is connected to an inlet 6.1a of the first regeneration check valve 6.1 and an inlet 6.2a of the second regeneration check valve 6.2.

[0123] The output MV2b of the second solenoid valve MV2 is also connected or connectable to the output 4.1b of the second air dryer cartridge 4.1 via the first regeneration check valve 6.1.

[0124] The second regeneration check valve 6.2 connects the output MV2b of the second solenoid valve MV2 to the output 4.2b of the second air dryer cartridge 4.2.

[0125] The second solenoid valve MV2 can be used to provide treated compressed air as needed to initiate or terminate a regeneration operation, provided that the first or second air treatment component 3.1 ; 3.2 is switched to a regeneration position.

[0126] Based on the third solenoid valve MV3, in conjunction with the control ports 9.1c; 9.3c of the first inlet / exhaust valve 9.1; 9.3, a control or

[0127] Operability of the first air treatment component 3.1 will be provided.

[0128] The first air preparation component 3.1 can be controlled or regulated by means of the third solenoid valve MV3, in particular switched to a drying position or a regeneration position.

[0129] The second air preparation component 3.2 can be controlled or regulated by means of the first air preparation component 3.1, in particular inversely or alternately to the first air preparation component 3.1, into a drying position or a regeneration position.

[0130] Via the second solenoid valve MV2, and a supply of treated compressed air, a regeneration operation of one of the air treatment components 3.1 ; 3.2 can be carried out independently of the continuous operation of the other.

[0131] The air preparation component is executed, i.e., started and stopped.

[0132] Fig. 2 shows an air preparation device 1 for motor vehicles, preferably commercial vehicles, according to a second embodiment. The differences between the embodiment according to Fig. 2 and the embodiment according to Fig. 1 are discussed in detail below.

[0133] In particular, the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 differs in the design of the second air preparation component 3.2.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 2, the second regeneration check valve 6.2 and the second regeneration throttle 7.2 can be arranged in the main component 20.

[0135] Thus, the first and second air preparation components 3.1 ; 3.2 can be designed identically.

[0136] The main component 20 and the air preparation components 3.1 ; 3.2 can be designed modularly to each other, with the air preparation components 3.1 ; 3.2 being interchangeable.

[0137] Fig. 3 shows an air preparation device 1 for motor vehicles, preferably commercial vehicles, according to a third embodiment. The differences between the embodiment according to Fig. 3 and the embodiment according to Fig. 2 are discussed in detail below.

[0138] As shown in Fig. 3, it is specifically provided that the first and second air preparation components 3.1 and 3.2 are each designed with only a single inlet valve 9.1 and 9.2. The (integrally formed) inlet valves 9.1 and 9.2 according to Fig. 3 thus combine the functionality of the inlet valves 9.1 and 9.2 and the outlet vent valves 9.3 and 9.4 according to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0139] The inlet valve 9.1 ; 9.2 of the first or second air preparation component 3.1 ; 3.2 can be provided as a spring-loaded 3 / 2 solenoid valve according to Fig. 3.

[0140] The integrally designed inlet valve 9.1 ; 9.2 has, in addition to an inlet 9.1a; 9.2a and an outlet 9.1 b; 9.2b, a vent outlet 9.1e; 9.2e.

[0141] Based on the first control input 9.1c; 9.2c, the inlet valve 9.1 ; 9.2 according to Fig. 3 can be switched to a drying position (shown in Fig. 3) or a regeneration position.

[0142] In the drying position, the inlet valve 9.1; 9.2 is in a flow-through position to connect the compressed air connection 2.1; 2.2 to the inlet 4.1a; 4.2a of the respective air dryer cartridge 4.1; 4.2, via the inlet 9.1a; 9.2a and the outlet 9.1b; 9.2b of the (integral) inlet valve 9.1; 9.2.

[0143] In a regeneration position, the inlet valve 9.1 ; 9.2 has a through-flow position for connecting the inlet 4.1a; 4.2a of the air dryer cartridge 4.1 ; 4.2 with the regeneration outlet 8.1 ; 8.2 of the respective air preparation component 3.1 ; 3.2, via the outlet 9.1 b; 9.2b and the vent outlet 9.1 e; 9.2e.

[0144] In this way, as shown in Fig. 3, simplified controllability or regulation of the first and second air preparation components 3.1 ; 3.2 is available.

[0145] In summary, the present invention provides an air treatment device 1 which allows the independent operation of the first and second air treatment components 3.1 and 3.2, thus ensuring a preferably continuous supply of treated compressed air. Furthermore, the present invention allows the regeneration of the first and / or second air treatment component 3.1 and 3.2 to be carried out specifically by selectively determining the humidity level or wetness level using inverse controllability.

[0146] Furthermore, the first and second air preparation components 3.1 ; 3.2 can be modular in design with respect to the main component 20, preferably interchangeable with each other, so that its cost-efficient provision, handling and maintenance is made possible.

[0147] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0148] 1 Air treatment unit

[0149] 2.1 First compressed air connection

[0150] 2.2 Second compressed air connection

[0151] 3.1 First air treatment component

[0152] 3.2 Second air treatment component

[0153] 3.2' second air preparation component

[0154] 4.1 First air dryer cartridge

[0155] 4.1a Inlet of the first air dryer cartridge

[0156] 4.1b Outlet of the first air dryer cartridge

[0157] 4.2 Second air dryer cartridge

[0158] 4.2a Inlet of the second air dryer cartridge

[0159] 4.2b Outlet of the second air dryer cartridge

[0160] 5.1 First main check valve

[0161] 5.1a Inlet of the first main check valve

[0162] 5.1b Outlet of the first main check valve

[0163] 5.2 Second main check valve

[0164] 5.2a Inlet of the second main check valve

[0165] 5.2b Outlet of the second main check valve

[0166] 6.1 First regeneration check valve

[0167] 6.1a Inlet of the first regeneration check valve

[0168] 6.1b Outlet of the first regeneration check valve

[0169] 6.2 Second regeneration check valve

[0170] 6.2a Inlet of the second regeneration check valve

[0171] 6.2b Outlet of the second regeneration check valve

[0172] 7.1 First regeneration throttle

[0173] 7.2 Second regeneration throttle

[0174] 8.1 First regeneration outcome

[0175] 8.2 Second regeneration output

[0176] 9.1 First inlet valve

[0177] 9.1a Inlet of the first inlet valve

[0178] 9.1b Output of the first inlet valve 9.1c First control input of the first inlet valve

[0179] 9.1 d second control input of the first inlet valve

[0180] 9.1e first vent outlet

[0181] 9.2 second inlet valve

[0182] 9.2a Inlet of the second inlet valve

[0183] 9.2b Outlet of the second inlet valve

[0184] 9.2c first control input of the second inlet valve

[0185] 9.2d Second control input of the second inlet valve

[0186] 9.2e second vent outlet

[0187] 9.3 First exhaust valve

[0188] 9.3a Inlet of the first exhaust valve

[0189] 9.3b Outlet of the first exhaust valve

[0190] 9.3c Control input of the exhaust valve

[0191] 9.4 second exhaust valve

[0192] 9.4a Inlet of the second outlet valve

[0193] 9.4b Outlet of the second exhaust valve

[0194] 9.4c Control input of the second exhaust valve

[0195] 10.1 First pneumatic circuit outlet

[0196] 10.2 Second pneumatic circuit outlet

[0197] 11 Control line

[0198] 12 Vent line

[0199] 13 Compressor control line

[0200] MV1 first solenoid valve

[0201] MV1a Inlet of the first solenoid valve

[0202] MV1b Output of the first solenoid valve

[0203] MV2 second solenoid valve

[0204] MV2a Input of the second solenoid valve

[0205] MV2b output of the second solenoid valve

[0206] MV3 third solenoid valve

[0207] MV3a Inlet of the third solenoid valve

[0208] MV3b output of the third solenoid valve

[0209] 14 Control unit

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Air preparation device (1) for motor vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles, comprising a main component (20), at least one first air preparation component (3.1), preferably with a first compressed air connection (2.1), and a second air preparation component (3.2), preferably with a second compressed air connection (2.2), wherein the main component (20) comprises at least one third solenoid valve (MV3), wherein the first air preparation component (3.1) comprises at least one first air dryer cartridge (4.1) and a first inlet valve (9.1), wherein the second air preparation component (3.2) comprises at least one second air dryer cartridge (4.2) and a second inlet valve (9.2), wherein the first and second air preparation components (3.1; 3.2) each be switchable to at least one air drying position or one regeneration position, so that one air drying operation or one regeneration operation can be carried out, wherein the third solenoid valve (MV3), in particular connected to at least one first control input (9.1c) of the first inlet valve (9.1), is provided for controlling the first air conditioning component (3.1), wherein the first air dryer cartridge (4.1), in particular an output (4.1b) of the first air dryer cartridge (4.1), is connected to at least one first control input (9.2c) of the second inlet valve (9.2), for controlling the second air conditioning component (3.2), in particular for controlling the second air conditioning component (3.2) by providing conditioned compressed air at the output (4.1b) of the first air dryer cartridge (4.1), wherein the control of the first air conditioning component (3.1) and the second air conditioning component (3.2) is provided in the air drying position or the regeneration position in reverse to each other.

2. Air treatment device (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the second air treatment component (3.2) can be switched to a regeneration position when the first air treatment component (3.1) is in air drying mode performs, in particular provides treated compressed air at the outlet (4.1b) of the first air dryer cartridge (4.1), and / or the second air treatment component (3.2) can be switched to an air drying position when the first air treatment component (3.1) does not perform an air drying operation, in particular does not provide treated compressed air.

3. Air treatment device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the air treatment direction (1) has a second solenoid valve (MV2), wherein compressed air treated by means of the second solenoid valve (MV2) can be made available for regeneration operation of the first air treatment unit (3.1) and / or the second air treatment unit (3.2), in particular such that - in the regeneration position of the second air preparation component (3.2), a regeneration operation by the second air preparation unit (3.2) can be carried out by supplying treated compressed air via the second solenoid valve (MV2); and / or - in the regeneration position of the first air preparation unit (3.1) a regeneration operation can be carried out by the first air preparation unit (3.1) by supplying treated compressed air via the second solenoid valve (MV2).

4. Air treatment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the regeneration operation of the second air treatment component (3.2) can be carried out independently of an air drying operation of the first air treatment component (3.1), in particular can be initiated and terminated independently of a continuous air drying operation of the first air treatment component (3.1), and a regeneration operation of the first air treatment component (3.1) can be carried out independently of an air drying operation of the second air treatment component (3.2), in particular can be initiated and terminated independently of a continuous air drying operation of the second air treatment component (3.2).

5. Air treatment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air preparation device (1) has a first main check valve (5.1) and a second main check valve (5.2), wherein the first and second main check valves (5.1 ; 5.2) are arranged in the main component (20).

6. Air preparation device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that an inlet (5.1a) of the first main check valve (5.1) is connected to the outlet (4.1b) of the first air dryer cartridge (4.1) and an inlet (5.2a) of the second main check valve (5.2) is connected to an outlet (4.2b) of the second air dryer cartridge. (4.2) is connected, wherein an output (5.1b) of the first main check valve (5.1) and an output (5.2b) of the second main check valve (5.2) are each connected to a first pneumatic circuit output (10.1).

7. Air preparation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air preparation device (1) has a first regeneration check valve (6.1) and a second regeneration check valve (6.2) as well as a first regeneration throttle (7.1) and a second regeneration throttle (7.2), wherein the first regeneration check valve (6.1) and the first regeneration throttle (7.1) are arranged in the main component and wherein the second regeneration check valve (6.2) and the second regeneration throttle (7.2) are arranged in the second air preparation component (3.2) or in the main component (20).

8. Air conditioning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first air conditioning component (3.1) has a first outlet valve (9.3) for connecting the first air dryer cartridge (4.1), in particular an inlet (4.1a) of the first air dryer cartridge (4.1), to a first Regeneration outlet (8.1) of the first air preparation component (3.1) in the regeneration position of the first air preparation component (3.1), wherein the second air preparation component (3.2) has a second outlet valve (9.4), for connecting the second air dryer cartridge (4.2), in particular an inlet (4.2a) of the second air dryer cartridge (4.2), to a second regeneration outlet (8.2) of the second air preparation component (3.2) in the regeneration position of the second air preparation component (3.2) as required.

9. Air preparation device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that a control input (9.3c) of the first exhaust valve (9.3) is connected to the first control input (9.1c) of the first inlet valve (9.1), in particular so that the first inlet valve (9.1) and the first exhaust valve (9.3) can be jointly controlled, wherein a control input (9.4c) of the second exhaust valve (9.4) is connected to the first control input (9.2c) of the second inlet valve (9.2), in particular so that the second inlet valve (9.2) and the second exhaust valve (9.4) can be jointly controlled.

10. Air treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first inlet valve (9.1) has a first vent outlet (9.1e) for connecting, on demand, the first air dryer cartridge (4.1), in particular an inlet (4.1a) of the first air dryer cartridge (4.1), to a first regeneration outlet (8.1) of the first air treatment component (3.1) in the regeneration position of the first air treatment component (3.1), and / or the second inlet valve (9.2) has a second vent outlet (9.2e) for connecting, on demand, the second air dryer cartridge (4.2), in particular an inlet (4.2a) of the second air dryer cartridge (4.2), to a second regeneration outlet (8.2) of the second air treatment component (3.2) in the regeneration position of the second air treatment component (3.2), wherein the first inlet valve (9.1) and / or the second inlet valve (9.2) are preferably designed as spring-loaded 3 / 2-way valves.

11. Air preparation device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the second solenoid valve (MV2) is arranged such that an inlet (MV2a) of the second solenoid valve (MV2) is connected to a second pneumatic circuit outlet (10.2) and the outlet (MV2b) of the second solenoid valve (MV2) - is connected to the first regeneration check valve (6.1), in particular to an inlet (6.1a) of the first regeneration check valve (6.1), and - is connected to the second regeneration check valve (6.2), in particular to an inlet (6.2a) of the second regeneration check valve (6.2).

12. Air preparation component (3.1 ; 3.2) for use with an air preparation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air preparation component (3.1 ; 3.2) is configured in particular as a first air preparation component (3.1) or as a second air preparation component (3.2).

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