CN115583232A - Control module for an air handling unit of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a control module for an air handling unit of a vehicle, the air handling unit comprising an air dryer having a valve body and a drying cylinder, the drying cylinder being fittable over a top surface of the valve body; the control module comprises a shell, a controller, a first electromagnetic valve and a second electromagnetic valve, wherein the controller, the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are arranged in the shell; the shell comprises a cover plate and a protective cover, a control port is arranged on the side surface of the protective cover, and the output end of the first electromagnetic valve is connected with the control port through a control channel; the control channel is provided with a quick discharge device, a channel wall of the control channel is provided with a quick discharge port which is matched with the quick discharge device, and the quick discharge port is connected with the control channel through the quick discharge channel.

Description

Control module for an air handling unit of a vehicle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a control module for an air handling unit of a vehicle.

Background

The degree of air cleanliness in pneumatic systems of vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles, has a considerable effect on the reliability, service life, etc. of the pneumatic systems of the vehicles, and therefore increasingly higher demands are being placed on the quality of the air.

An Air Processing Unit (APU) is an air purification unit which integrates multiple functions. The air passage system can be used as one of core components of an air passage system of the whole vehicle, and plays an important role in ensuring normal air consumption and safe driving of the braking, suspension and other systems of the whole vehicle. The air handling unit may typically include an Air Dryer (AD) and a multi-circuit protection valve (MCPV). The air dryer may be used to dry and clean compressed air supplied by the air compressor and control the air pressure in the brake line; and a multi-circuit protection valve may be used to limit brake pressure in the multi-circuit and to function as a brake protection. Compressed air supplied by an air compressor may enter a desiccant-carrying desiccant canister of an air dryer, the air passing through the desiccant may become clean and dry, and the dried air may then enter a multi-circuit protection valve and be distributed to various output ports via the multi-circuit protection valve for supply to various components requiring air.

For controlling the air treatment unit, mechanical control devices are often used, and control means such as pressure regulating valves and time switches can be used. However, mechanical control devices have the disadvantage that they are less intelligent and they are not flexible and bulky. Furthermore, semi-electronically or electronically controlled control devices for air handling units have also been proposed. The electric control device can make up for the mechanical deficiency (such as pressure attenuation and low intelligent degree brought by the structure). However, they are still not compact enough in construction to be easily assembled and maintained.

In addition, in order to quickly restore the air compressor to exhaust the air at the control end of the air compressor as soon as possible, a quick exhaust valve is usually required to be arranged independently to improve the response speed of the air compressor. This adds cost and is process intensive.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a control module for an air handling unit of a vehicle, which enables the air handling unit to have a more compact structure and to be intelligently controlled. In addition, the control module of the present disclosure may be integrated with a quick exhaust device, so that it can implement a function of making the pressure acting on the control end of the air compressor quick exhaust and thus improve the response speed of the air compressor.

To this end, according to the present disclosure there is provided a control module for an air handling unit of a vehicle, the air handling unit comprising an air dryer having a valve body and a drying cylinder, the drying cylinder being fittable over a top surface of the valve body; the control module comprises a shell, a controller, a first electromagnetic valve and a second electromagnetic valve, wherein the controller, the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are arranged in the shell; the shell comprises a cover plate and a protective cover, a control port is arranged on the side surface of the protective cover, and the output end of the first electromagnetic valve is connected with the control port through a control channel; the control channel is provided with a quick-exhaust device, and the channel wall of the control channel is provided with a quick-exhaust port which is matched with the quick-exhaust device, and the quick-exhaust port is connected with the control channel through the quick-exhaust channel.

Therefore, since the control module is designed as an integrated module assembly according to the present disclosure, the volume of the air handling unit can be reduced to make it compact, and mass production is facilitated to be more cost-effective. Also, the controller CAN control the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve by information transmitted through the CAN bus due to communication with the CAN bus of the vehicle, and the controller CAN also transmit its information to the vehicle through the CAN bus. Therefore, the control module according to the present disclosure can intelligently control the air processing unit according to the working condition of the vehicle, so that the energy consumption of the vehicle can be reduced and the consumption of related components can be reduced. In addition, since the control module according to the present disclosure is a separate component, the control module may be easily installed and is convenient to replace and maintain. In other words, a control module according to the present disclosure may be applied to different air handling units, thereby facilitating model iterative upgrades. In addition, because the control module is provided with the quick exhaust device and the quick exhaust port which is matched with the quick exhaust device according to the disclosure, the gas still in the control channel can be exhausted from the quick exhaust port, so that the air exhaust can be accelerated, and the response speed of the air compressor can be improved.

Preferably, in the assembled state, the housing of the control module is opposite to the inlet opening of the valve body with respect to the valve body. This can facilitate the arrangement of the lines, so that the air treatment unit is more compact in terms of design and the manufacturability of the air treatment unit is facilitated.

Preferably, the air handling unit comprises a multi-circuit protection valve having a plurality of passage outlets, a first pressure sensor being provided at a first passage outlet of the plurality of passage outlets and/or a second pressure sensor being provided at a second passage outlet of the plurality of passage outlets; the first pressure sensor and/or the second pressure sensor can be connected to a control unit of the control module. Whereby the control module is controllable based on the pressure at the outlet of the first passage and the pressure at the outlet of the second passage.

According to one embodiment, the first solenoid valve can be connected at the input end via a first input channel to a first solenoid valve input channel of the valve body and at the output end via a vent valve channel to a vent valve channel of the valve body; the second solenoid valve can be connected at the input end via a second input channel to a second solenoid valve input channel of the valve body and at the output end via a corresponding regeneration channel to a regeneration channel of the valve body. The control module can thus switch the air dryer between the normal operating state, the shut-off state and the regeneration state by means of an arrangement of two solenoid valves.

In this connection, it is preferred that the first solenoid valve inlet channel opening, the outlet valve channel opening, the second solenoid valve inlet channel opening and the regeneration channel opening of the valve body are arranged on a mounting face of the valve body, and that the first inlet channel opening, the corresponding outlet valve channel opening, the second inlet channel opening and the corresponding regeneration channel opening of the housing are arranged on a corresponding mounting face of the housing, and that, in the mounted state, the first inlet channel opening, the corresponding outlet valve channel opening, the second inlet channel opening and the corresponding regeneration channel opening of the housing are aligned with the first solenoid valve inlet channel opening, the outlet valve channel opening, the second solenoid valve inlet channel opening and the regeneration channel opening of the valve body, respectively. The piping arrangement can thereby be optimized.

According to a further embodiment, the first solenoid valve can be connected at the input end via a first input channel to a solenoid valve input channel of the valve body and at the output end via a first output channel to a first output channel opening; the second solenoid valve can be connected at the input end via a second input channel to the second input channel opening, and at the output end via a corresponding regeneration channel to the regeneration channel of the valve body, and at the output end via a corresponding exhaust valve channel to the exhaust valve channel of the valve body. The control module can thus switch the air dryer between the normal operating state, the shut-off state and the regeneration state by means of a further arrangement of the two solenoid valves. Further, with this embodiment, the air in the intake port from the air compressor to the valve body can be held in the passage with the specific air compressor without being discharged to the atmosphere, so energy can be saved. In this connection, the particular air compressor can be designed here as an air compressor with internal circulation.

In this connection, it is preferred that the solenoid valve inlet channel opening, the exhaust valve channel opening and the regeneration channel opening of the valve body are arranged on a mounting face of the valve body, and the first inlet channel opening, the corresponding exhaust valve channel opening, the first outlet channel opening, the second inlet channel opening and the corresponding regeneration channel opening of the housing are arranged on a corresponding mounting face of the housing, and in the mounted state, the first inlet channel opening, the corresponding exhaust valve channel opening and the corresponding regeneration channel opening of the housing are aligned with the solenoid valve inlet channel opening, the exhaust valve channel opening and the regeneration channel opening of the valve body, respectively, and the first outlet channel opening and the second inlet channel opening are connected. The piping arrangement can thereby be optimized.

Preferably, a pressure sensor can also be provided in the housing of the control module, which pressure sensor can be connected to the controller and via a detection channel to a detection opening provided on the side of the protective cover. Whereby the pressure in other passages, for example at the outlet of the third passage, can be detected.

Preferably, the detection port and the control port face in the same direction. The pipe arrangement can thereby be optimized.

Preferably, the quick release means comprises a one-way valve. Thereby realizing a fast-discharging device in the simplest manner.

Preferably, the quick release device further comprises a valve seat for supporting the one-way valve and an O-ring for sealing the valve seat against said control passage. A more efficient fast-drain arrangement can thereby be achieved.

Preferably, the quick release device further comprises a seat fixed to the valve seat for fixing the check valve. Thereby making the quick-release device more reliable.

Preferably, the quick-release opening is provided on a corresponding mounting surface of the housing, with which the housing is mounted on the valve body of the air dryer. Whereby the piping can be facilitated.

Drawings

The technical solution of the present disclosure will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of an air handling unit for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a schematic front view of the air handling unit of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a schematic rear view of the air handling unit of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a control module for the air handling unit of FIGS. 1A-1C;

FIG. 2B is a front view of the control module of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a rear view of the control module of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a side view of the control module of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A isbase:Sub>A cross-sectional view of the control module of FIG. 2B taken along line A-A;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the control module of FIG. 2B taken along line B-B;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the control module of FIGS. 2A-2D;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a solenoid valve arrangement of the control module of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 6A is a rear view of another embodiment of a control module for the air handling unit of FIGS. 1A-1C;

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of a solenoid valve arrangement of the control module of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the quick release device for the control module shown in FIG. 3B;

fig. 7B is a perspective view of the quick-release device of fig. 7A.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.

In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for convenience of describing and simplifying the present disclosure, but do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus, should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

Within the scope of the present disclosure, the expression "and/or" is used herein in the sense of including at least one of the components listed before and after the expression. Also, the expression "connected" is used in a sense that it includes a direct connection with another component or an indirect connection through another component. The singular forms herein also include the plural unless specifically mentioned in the context of a phrase. Further, as used herein, reference to "comprising" or "including" components, steps, operations, and elements means that at least one other component, step, operation, and element is present or added.

It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms as used herein generally includes motor vehicles, such as passenger vehicles including Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), buses, vans, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including various boats, ships, aircraft, and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuel derived from sources other than petroleum). Here, the hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more power sources, such as a gasoline-powered vehicle and an electric-powered vehicle.

Fig. 1A-1C schematically illustrate an air handling unit for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The air handling unit according to the present disclosure is particularly suitable for vehicles using an air brake system, such as commercial vehicles.

The air handling unit may include an air dryer 100, a multi-circuit protection valve 200, and a control module 300.

The air dryer 100 may include a valve body 110 and a drying cylinder 120 that can be fitted on a top surface of the valve body 110. The drying cylinder 120 may contain a desiccant, such as a molecular sieve, for drying and cleaning the air.

The air inlet 11 and the air outlet 17 of the air dryer 100 may be disposed on a side surface of the valve body 110, and the air outlet 13 of the air dryer 100 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the valve body 110. An intake passage is provided between the intake port 11 and the drying drum 120, an exhaust passage is provided between the drying drum 120 and the exhaust port 13, and an exhaust passage is provided between the intake port 11 and the exhaust port 13. Compressed air, for example from an air compressor, can enter the air handling unit via the air inlet 13 and reach the drying cylinder 120 via the air inlet channel. The compressed air may be output from the air outlet 17 through the air outlet passage after passing through the drying drum 120. A first check valve 14 may be provided in the outlet passage for preventing backflow of air. An exhaust passage may branch from the intake passage, and an exhaust valve 12 may be provided in the exhaust passage. When the exhaust valve 12 is opened, air may be exhausted from the exhaust port 13. In this regard, the vent valve 12 may be configured as a safety valve and may open when pneumatic pressure is applied thereto. Accordingly, an exhaust valve channel to the exhaust valve 12 can be provided in the valve body 110.

A muffler 130 may be provided at the air outlet 130 for reducing noise of the air processing unit. Further, a heater 15 capable of heating the exhaust passage to prevent water in the exhaust passage from freezing may be further provided in the valve body 110. The heater 15 may be automatically turned on and off according to the ambient temperature.

A regeneration passage may branch off in the outlet passage of the valve body 110 upstream of the first check valve 14. In the regeneration state of the air dryer 100 air can be blown back into the drying cylinder 120 via said regeneration channel, and in said regeneration channel a second non-return valve 16 can be provided for preventing backflow of air. At least one solenoid valve input passage may branch off in the outlet passage of the valve body 110 downstream of the first check valve 14. Gas can flow to the input of the first solenoid valve 340 and/or the second solenoid valve 350 of the control module 300 via the solenoid valve input passages, as will be described further below.

The multi-circuit protection valve 200 may be laterally fitted on the valve body 110 of the air dryer 100 and connected with the air outlet 17 of the air dryer 100, for example, by bolting. The multi-circuit protection valve 200 is a six-circuit protection valve in this embodiment and has six passage outlets, a first passage outlet 21, a second passage outlet 22, a third passage outlet 23, a fourth passage outlet 24, a fifth passage outlet 25 and a sixth passage outlet 26. In other embodiments, the multi-circuit protection valve 200 may be implemented as a three-circuit protection valve or a four-circuit protection valve, etc. according to actual needs. As an example, the first and second passage outlets 21, 22 may be used for service braking, the third passage outlet 23 may be used for trailer braking, the fifth passage outlet 25 may be used for manual braking, the fourth passage outlet 24 may be used for auxiliary braking, and the sixth passage outlet 26 may be used for an MT automatic transmission. In the assembled state, each of the passage outlets 21 to 26 of the multi-circuit protection valve 200 may be oriented in the same direction as the air intake 11 of the air dryer 100. This reduces the space for fitting the lines, which makes the air treatment unit more compact in construction and facilitates assembly and maintenance of the air treatment unit.

A pressure limiting valve 210 may also be provided in the multi-circuit protection valve 200 for making the output pressures of the third to sixth passage outlets 23 to 26 smaller than the output pressures of the first and second passage outlets 21 and 22.

Further, a first pressure sensor 220 for detecting the pressure in the first passage outlet 21 may be provided at the first passage outlet 21 of the multi-circuit protection valve 200, and a second pressure sensor 230 for detecting the pressure in the second passage outlet 22 may be provided at the second passage outlet 22 of the multi-circuit protection valve 200. The first pressure sensor 220 and the second pressure sensor 230 may be connected to a controller 330 of the control module 300.

The control module 300 may also be mounted to the valve body 110 of the air dryer 100, for example by bolting, for controlling the air dryer 100.

Fig. 2A-2D, 3A-3B, 4 and 5 illustrate one implementation of a control module 300 according to the present disclosure.

The control module 300 may be configured as a one-piece module assembly. In particular, the control module 300 may include a housing and a controller 330, a first solenoid valve 340, and a second solenoid valve 350 disposed in the housing.

The housing of the control module 300 can be mounted laterally on the valve body 110 of the air dryer 100, for example by screwing, and in particular lies opposite the air inlet 11 of the valve body 110. This can facilitate the arrangement of the lines, so that the air treatment unit is more compact in construction and the manufacturability of the air treatment unit is facilitated.

The housing of the control module 300 may include a cover plate 310 and a protective cover 320. The protective cover 320 has an opening and can be hermetically closed by the cover plate 310. The housing can rest against the mounting surface of the valve body 110 with the surface of the protective cap 320 opposite the cover plate 310 as a counter-mounting surface. The corresponding mounting surface of the housing can be mounted, in particular form-fittingly, on the mounting surface of the valve body 110.

The controller 330 CAN be connected to a CAN bus of the vehicle and CAN control the first solenoid valve 340 and the second solenoid valve 350. In particular, the controller 330 CAN control based on information obtained from the CAN bus and/or the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 220 and/or the second pressure sensor 230. The controller may comprise any type of computing device, computing circuitry, or any type of processor or processing circuitry capable of executing a series of instructions stored in a memory. The controller may include multiple processors and/or multi-core Central Processing Units (CPUs) and/or Graphics Processors (GPUs) and may include any type of processor, such as a microprocessor, digital signal processor, microcontroller, or the like. The controller may also include a memory to store data and/or algorithms to execute a series of instructions.

The controller 330 may be configured in the form of a PCBA board. The first and second solenoid valves 340, 350 are mechanically and electrically connected to the PCBA board and may be secured to the substrate 370.

The first solenoid valve 340 can be connected at the input end via a first input channel to a solenoid valve input channel, in particular a first solenoid valve input channel, of the valve body 110 and at the output end via a corresponding exhaust valve channel to an exhaust valve channel of the valve body 110 and thus to the exhaust valve 12.

The second solenoid valve 350 can be connected at the input end via a second input channel to a solenoid valve input channel, in particular a second solenoid valve input channel, of the valve body 110 and at the output end via a corresponding regeneration channel to the regeneration channel of the valve body 110. An orifice 351 may be provided in the corresponding regeneration passage. In a further embodiment, the first supply channel and the second supply channel can partially overlap.

A first inlet port 321, a corresponding exhaust port 322, a second inlet port 323, and a corresponding regeneration port 324 may be provided in the housing of the control module 300. The first solenoid valve 340 can be connected at the input end via a first input channel to a first input channel opening 321 and at the output end via a corresponding outlet valve channel to a corresponding outlet valve channel opening 322. The second solenoid valve 350 can be connected at the input end via a second input channel to the second input channel opening 323 and at the output end via a respective regeneration channel to the respective regeneration channel opening 324. Accordingly, a first solenoid valve inlet port, an exhaust valve port, a second solenoid valve inlet port, and a regeneration port may be provided on the valve body 110. The first solenoid valve input channel port is connected to the outlet channel of the valve body 110 downstream of the first check valve 14 via a first solenoid valve input channel, the exhaust valve channel port is connected to the exhaust valve 12 via an exhaust valve channel, the second solenoid valve input channel port is connected to the outlet channel of the valve body 110 downstream of the first check valve 14 via a second solenoid valve input channel, and the regeneration channel port is connected to the outlet channel of the valve body 110 upstream of the first check valve 14 via a regeneration channel.

The first inlet channel opening 321, the corresponding outlet valve channel opening 322, the second inlet channel opening 323 and the corresponding regeneration channel opening 324 of the housing can be arranged on corresponding mounting surfaces of the housing, in particular on the surface of the protective cap 320 opposite the cover plate 310. The first solenoid valve inlet channel opening, the exhaust valve channel opening, the second solenoid valve inlet channel opening and the regeneration channel opening of the valve body 110 can be arranged on a mounting surface of the valve body 110 that is in contact with the protective cap 320 of the control module 300. In the assembled state, the housing first inlet passage port 321, the corresponding exhaust valve passage port 322, the second inlet passage port 323, and the corresponding regeneration passage port 324 may be aligned with the first solenoid valve inlet passage port, the exhaust valve passage port, the second solenoid valve inlet passage port, and the regeneration passage port, respectively, of the valve body 110.

Furthermore, the first solenoid valve 340 can be connected at the output via a control channel to a control port 341. The control port 341 may be provided on a housing of the control module 300, for example, on a side of the protective cover 320. The control port 341 may be connected to, for example, an air compressor so that air pressure may be fed back to the air compressor. The control port 341 may be provided in a first junction 342 located at the outlet of the control passage. The control port 340 may be closed by a protective cap 343 to prevent the inflow of process foreign matter. Additionally or alternatively, a supplementary control opening 18 can be provided on the valve body 110, which can be connected to the outlet valve channel via a supplementary control channel, and the first solenoid valve 340 can be connected at the output to the supplementary control opening 18 via the corresponding outlet valve channel, the outlet valve channel of the valve body 110 and the supplementary control channel. The supplementary control port 18 may also be connected to the air compressor, for example, so that air pressure can be fed back to the air compressor. The supplemental control port 18 may be plugged by a plug 363 (as will be further described below).

A pressure sensor 360 may be further provided in the housing of the control module 300, which may be connected to the detection port 361 via a detection passage and may detect the air pressure input from the detection port 361. Pressure sensor 360 is mechanically and electrically coupled to controller 330 and can communicate sensed data to controller 330. The detection port 361 may be provided on a housing of the control module 300, for example, on a side of the protective cover 320. In particular, the detection port 361 may be oriented in the same direction as the control port 341 to facilitate tubing placement. The detection port 361 can be connected to other channels requiring detection. Thus, the pressure sensor 360 may detect the pressure at other passageways, such as at the third passageway outlet 23. Further, a detection port 361 may be provided in the second junction 362, which is located at the outlet of the detection channel. The detection port 361 may be closed by a stopper 363. A pressure tube 364 may be provided in the detection channel for guiding the gas to be detected.

In addition, a pressure compensating device 380 may be disposed between the controller 330 and the base 370 for balancing the pressure inside and outside the housing. The tightness of the housing can thereby be maintained.

In a normal operation state of the air dryer 100, the controller 330 may control the first and second solenoid valves 340 and 350 to be closed. Compressed air, for example supplied by an air compressor, can enter from the air inlet 11 of the air dryer 100 and pass through the drying cylinder 120 of the air dryer 100 and thus be dried and cleaned. The dried air may then enter the multi-circuit protection valve 200 after passing through the first check valve 141 and then be output from the corresponding passage outlet to the corresponding component requiring the use of air through each passage of the multi-circuit protection valve.

Depending on the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 220 and/or the second pressure sensor 230, in particular depending on different operating conditions of the vehicle and the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 220 and/or the second pressure sensor 230, the controller 330 can control the first solenoid valve 340 to open and the second solenoid valve 350 to close, thereby putting the air dryer 100 in its switched-off state. In this regard, different pressure thresholds may be set according to different operating conditions of the vehicle, and the controller 330 may place the air dryer 100 in its off state when the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 220 and/or the second pressure sensor 230 exceeds the respective pressure threshold. For example, when the vehicle goes downhill, the engine can be used for reverse dragging to increase the cut-off pressure, so that more compressed air can be used for braking, and the braking force is increased, thereby achieving the effects of safe braking and energy conservation; or the cut-off pressure can be reduced in the case of a vehicle overtaking in which the engine needs to output a greater power, so that the transmission power and thus the kinetic energy of the vehicle are increased.

In the shut-off state of the air dryer 100, since the first electromagnetic valve 340 is opened, there is air pressure fed back to the exhaust valve 12 via the corresponding exhaust valve passage and the exhaust valve passage, thereby opening the exhaust valve 12, and thus, for example, compressed air supplied from the air compressor can be discharged from the exhaust port 13. At the same time, air pressure is fed back from the control opening 341 to the air compressor via the control channel, so that the air compressor no longer delivers compressed air to the air treatment unit and the compressed air supply to the air compressor is thus cut off.

The controller 330 can control the first solenoid valve 340 and the second solenoid valve 350 to be simultaneously opened according to the pumping amount of the air compressor, especially considering the engine speed, thereby putting the air dryer 100 in its regeneration state. The regeneration control realizes intelligent regeneration, thereby realizing accurate control of regeneration and improving regeneration efficiency. This reduces the gas consumption and thus saves more energy. In particular, the control module can also realize 'intermediate regeneration' to avoid incomplete filtration of the compressed gas. When the continuous air pumping amount is large (exceeding the drying capacity of the drying cylinder), the control module can control the electromagnetic valve to work according to the air pumping amount to complete regeneration, so that the drying cylinder recovers the drying capacity, and the phenomenon that the rear-end brake loop and the air storage cylinder are accumulated water due to incomplete filtration of compressed air is avoided.

In the regeneration state of the air dryer 100, since the first solenoid valve 340 is opened, as described above, the compressed air supplied from the air compressor may be discharged from the exhaust port 13 and the air compressor may no longer deliver the compressed air to the air handling unit. In addition, since the second solenoid valve 350 is opened, air may blow back the drying cylinder 120 through the corresponding regeneration channel and the regeneration channel, thereby regenerating the desiccant in the drying cylinder 120. The air flows through the drying cylinder 120 through the orifice 351 and the second check valve 16 of the air dryer 100 and may then be exhausted through the exhaust port 13. Thus, air can be returned to the drying cylinder to blow back the drying cylinder 120, thereby regenerating the drying agent after the drying cylinder is saturated with the drying agent. The air may be discharged from the exhaust port 13 through the exhaust passage after passing through the drying drum 120.

Fig. 6A and 6B show another embodiment of a control module 300 according to the disclosure. Only the differences between this further embodiment and the embodiment described with reference to fig. 2A to 2D, fig. 3A to 3B, fig. 4 and fig. 5 are described below.

The first solenoid valve 340 can be connected at the input end via a first input channel to a solenoid valve input channel of the valve body 110 and at the output end via a first output channel and a second input channel to an input end of the second solenoid valve 350.

The second solenoid valve 350 can be connected at the output end via a corresponding regeneration channel to the regeneration channel of the valve body 110 and at the output end via a corresponding exhaust valve channel to the exhaust valve channel of the valve body 110 and thus to the exhaust valve 12. Also, an orifice 351 may be provided in the corresponding regeneration passage. In other embodiments, the respective regeneration channel and the exhaust valve channel may partially overlap.

A first inlet port 321, a corresponding exhaust port 322, a first outlet port 3231, a second inlet port 3232 and a corresponding regeneration port 324 may be provided in the housing of the control module 300. The first solenoid valve 340 can be connected at the input end to the first input channel port 321 via a first input channel and at the output end to the first output channel port 3231 via a first output channel. The second solenoid valve 350 can be connected at the input end via a second input channel to the second input channel port 3232, and at the output end via a corresponding regeneration channel to the corresponding regeneration channel port 324 and via a corresponding exhaust valve channel to the corresponding exhaust valve channel port 322. Accordingly, a solenoid valve input passage port, an exhaust valve passage port, and a regeneration passage port may be provided on the valve body 110. The solenoid valve input passage port is connected to the outlet passage of the valve body 110 downstream of the first check valve 14 via the solenoid valve input passage, the exhaust valve passage port is connected to the exhaust valve 12 via the exhaust valve passage, and the regeneration passage port is connected to the outlet passage of the valve body 110 upstream of the first check valve 14 via the regeneration passage.

The first inlet channel opening 321, the corresponding outlet channel opening 322, the first outlet channel opening 3231, the second inlet channel opening 3232 and the corresponding regeneration channel opening 324 of the housing can be arranged on corresponding mounting surfaces of the housing, in particular on the surface of the protective cap 320 opposite the cover plate 310. The solenoid valve inlet, exhaust valve and regeneration ports of the valve body 110 can be arranged on the mounting surface of the valve body 110 that is in contact with the protective cap 320 of the control module 300. In the assembled state, the housing first inlet passage port 321, the corresponding exhaust valve passage port 322, and the corresponding regeneration passage port 324 may be aligned with the solenoid valve inlet passage port, the exhaust valve passage port, and the regeneration passage port, respectively, of the valve body 110. Meanwhile, the first output passage port 3231 and the second input passage port 3232 of the housing may be connected, for example, by a passage formed through a mounting surface of the valve body 110 and a corresponding mounting surface of the housing.

In a normal operation state of the air dryer 100, the controller 330 may control the first and second solenoid valves 340 and 350 to be closed. Compressed air, for example supplied by an air compressor, can enter from the air inlet 11 of the air dryer 100 and pass through the drying cylinder 120 of the air dryer 100 and thus be dried and cleaned. The dried air may then enter the multi-circuit protection valve 200 after passing through the first check valve 141 and then be output from the corresponding passage outlet to the corresponding component requiring the use of air through each passage of the multi-circuit protection valve.

In the shut-off state of the air dryer 100, the controller 330 can control the first solenoid valve 340 to be opened and the second solenoid valve 350 to be closed. Since the first solenoid valve 340 is open, there is a feedback of air pressure from the control port 341 to the air compressor via the control channel, so that the air compressor no longer delivers compressed air to the air handling unit and the compressed air supply to the air compressor is thus cut off. The air in the air intake port 11 from the air compressor to the valve body 110 can be kept in the passage without being discharged to the atmosphere by the use of a specific air compressor, so that energy can be saved. In this connection, the particular air compressor can be designed here as an air compressor with internal circulation.

In the regeneration state of the air dryer 100, the controller 330 can control the first and second solenoid valves 340 and 350 to be simultaneously opened. Since the first solenoid valve 340 is opened, the air compressor may no longer deliver compressed air to the air handling unit, as described above. In addition, since the second solenoid valve 350 is opened, air may blow back the drying cylinder 120 through the corresponding regeneration channel and the regeneration channel, thereby regenerating the desiccant in the drying cylinder 120. Meanwhile, there is air pressure fed back to the exhaust valve 12 via the corresponding exhaust valve passage and exhaust valve passage, thereby opening the exhaust valve 12. The air passes through the drying cylinder 120 through the orifice 351 and the second check valve 16 of the air dryer 100 and then may be discharged through the discharge port 13. Thus, air can be returned to the drying cylinder to blow back the drying cylinder 120, thereby regenerating the drying agent after the drying cylinder is saturated with the drying agent. The air may be discharged from the exhaust port 13 through the exhaust passage after passing through the drying drum 120.

In addition, the control module 300 may also implement anti-condensation control. For example, in the winter season where the temperature is low, if the vehicle is not used at night, the accumulated water in the exhaust passage and the air compressor pipe may freeze, thereby affecting the use of the vehicle. Therefore, when the ambient temperature is low, after the engine is shut down, the whole vehicle is powered off in a delayed mode, the control module controls the electromagnetic valve to work, regeneration is achieved after the engine is shut down, water vapor at the air compressor pipeline from the air compressor to the air dryer and at the air outlet of the air dryer is discharged, and accordingly freezing of the air compressor pipeline and the air outlet of the air dryer is avoided. In addition, the air consumption of the vehicle on the highway is low, the exhaust valve is always in a closed state, and the temperature is low in winter, so that the risk of icing at the exhaust port of the air dryer exists in the driving process. Thus, it is also possible that the control module may control the exhaust valve to open to allow water within the exhaust passage to drain when the ambient temperature is below the threshold temperature. The risk of icing of standing water in the exhaust passage can thereby be eliminated in advance. Thus, based on the information obtained from the CAN bus, and if necessary also based on the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor (220) and/or the second pressure sensor (230), the control module may control the exhaust valve to open to allow water in the exhaust passage to drain.

As particularly shown in fig. 3B, 5, 6B, 7A, and 7B, the control module 300 according to the present disclosure may also include a quick drain 390. A quick-discharge device 390 is provided in the control channel, and a quick-discharge port 3901 is also provided on a channel wall of the control channel (see also fig. 2C and 6A).

Quick drain port 3901 may be connected with the control channel via a quick drain channel. Further, quick exhaust port 3901 can vent to an exhaust port via an inline exhaust passageway in valve body 110.

The quick drain 390 may include a check valve 392, a valve seat 393 for supporting the check valve 392, a seat 391 secured to the valve seat 393 for securing the check valve 392, and an O-ring 394 for sealing the valve seat 393 from the control passage.

After the air compressor is shut off by receiving a feedback signal, it is desirable in some cases to return the air compressor from the shut off condition to the air supply condition as quickly as possible (particularly in clutched air compressors). For this reason, it is necessary to discharge the air supplied to the control port 361 as quickly as possible. By means of the quick exhaust device 390 and the quick exhaust port 3901, the gas still in the control channel can be exhausted from the quick exhaust port, so that the air exhaust can be accelerated, for example, the response time can be reduced from 1-2 seconds to 0.5-1 second, and therefore the response speed of the air compressor can be increased.

Furthermore, quick-release opening 3901 may also be provided on a corresponding mounting surface of the housing, in particular on the surface of protective cap 320 opposite cover plate 310.

The foregoing embodiments are merely examples provided for clarity of explanation and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art in light of the above description. This need not be, nor should it be exhaustive of all embodiments. And obvious variations or modifications of this disclosure may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims (13)

1. A control module for an air handling unit of a vehicle,

the air handling unit comprises an air dryer (100), the air dryer (100) is provided with a valve body (110) and a drying cylinder (120), and the drying cylinder (120) can be assembled on the top surface of the valve body (100);

characterized in that the control module (300) comprises a housing and a controller (330), a first solenoid valve (340) and a second solenoid valve (350) arranged in the housing, the housing of the control module (300) being laterally fittable on the valve body (110) of the air dryer (100), the controller (330) being connectable with a CAN bus of the vehicle and with the first solenoid valve (340) and the second solenoid valve (350);

the housing comprises a cover plate (310) and a protective cover (320), a control port (341) is arranged on the side surface of the protective cover (320), and the first electromagnetic valve (340) is connected with the control port (341) at the output end through a control channel; a quick-release device (390) is arranged in the control channel, a quick-release opening (3901) which is matched with the quick-release device (390) is arranged in the channel wall of the control channel, and the quick-release opening (3901) is connected with the control channel through the quick-release channel.

2. Control module according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the assembled state, the housing of the control module (300) is opposite to the inlet opening (11) of the valve body (110) with respect to the valve body (110).

3. The control module of claim 1, wherein the air handling unit comprises a multi-circuit protection valve (200) having a plurality of passage outlets, a first pressure sensor (220) being provided at a first passage outlet (21) of the plurality of passage outlets and/or a second pressure sensor (223) being provided at a second passage outlet (22) of the plurality of passage outlets; and the first pressure sensor (220) and/or the second pressure sensor (230) are connectable with a controller (330) of the control module (300).

4. The control module of any one of claims 1 to 3,

the first solenoid valve (340) can be connected at the input end via a first input channel to a first solenoid valve input channel of the valve body (110) and at the output end via a corresponding exhaust valve channel to an exhaust valve channel of the valve body (110);

the second solenoid valve (350) can be connected at the input end to a second solenoid valve input channel of the valve body (110) via a second input channel and at the output end to a regeneration channel of the valve body (110) via a corresponding regeneration channel.

5. A control module according to claim 4, characterized in that the first solenoid valve input passage port, the exhaust valve passage port, the second solenoid valve input passage port and the regeneration passage port of the valve body (110) are provided on a mounting face of the valve body, and the first input passage port (321), the corresponding exhaust valve passage port (322), the second input passage port (323) and the corresponding regeneration passage port (324) of the housing are provided on a corresponding mounting face of the housing, and in the mounted state the first input passage port (321), the corresponding exhaust valve passage port (322), the second input passage port (323) and the corresponding regeneration passage port (324) of the housing are aligned with the first solenoid valve input passage port, the exhaust valve passage port, the second solenoid valve input passage port and the regeneration passage port, respectively, of the valve body (110).

6. The control module of any one of claims 1 to 3,

the first solenoid valve (340) can be connected at the input end to a solenoid valve input channel of the valve body (110) via a first input channel and at the output end to a first output channel opening (3231) via a first output channel;

the second solenoid valve (350) can be connected at the input end to the second input channel opening (3232) via a second input channel, and at the output end to a regeneration channel of the valve body (110) via a corresponding regeneration channel, and at the output end to an exhaust valve channel of the valve body (110) via a corresponding exhaust valve channel.

7. Control module according to claim 6, characterized in that the solenoid valve input channel port, the exhaust valve channel port and the regeneration channel port of the valve body (110) are arranged on a mounting face of the valve body and the first input channel port (321), the corresponding exhaust valve channel port (322), the first output channel port (3231), the second input channel port (3232) and the corresponding regeneration channel port (324) of the housing are arranged on a corresponding mounting face of the housing and in the mounted state the first input channel port (321), the corresponding exhaust valve channel port (322) and the corresponding regeneration channel port (324) of the housing are aligned with the solenoid valve input channel port, the exhaust valve channel port and the regeneration channel port of the valve body (110) respectively and the first output channel port (3231) and the second input channel port (3232) are connected.

8. A control module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a pressure sensor (360) can also be provided in the housing of the control module (300), the pressure sensor (360) being connectable with the controller (330) and with a detection port (361) via a detection channel, the detection port (361) being provided on the side of the protective cover (320).

9. The control module of claim 8, wherein the detection port (361) faces in the same direction as the control port (341).

10. A control module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the quick-release means (390) comprises a non-return valve (392).

11. The control module of claim 10, wherein the quick exhaust (390) further includes a valve seat (393) for supporting the check valve (392) and an O-ring (394) for sealing the valve seat (393) against the control passage.

12. The control module of claim 11, wherein the quick release device (390) further includes a seat (391) secured to the valve seat (393) for securing the check valve (392).

13. The control module of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the quick-release port (3901) is provided on a corresponding mounting face of the housing with which the housing is mounted on a valve body (110) of an air dryer (100).

Images