EP2655883A1

EP2655883A1 - Valve device for controlling the air intake for a compressor of a vehicle, and compressor system and method for controlling a compressor system

Info

Publication number: EP2655883A1
Application number: EP11793782.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Huba NÉMETH; Laslo Menyhart
Original assignee: Knorr Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
Current assignee: Knorr Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
Priority date: 2010-12-22
Filing date: 2011-12-07
Publication date: 2013-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-07
Also published as: JP2014504346A; CN103270302B; KR101935063B1; RU2584765C2; JP5976667B2; EP2655883B1; RU2013133996A; MX336668B; DE102010055692A1; BR112013015617B1; MX2013007250A; US20130276764A1; CN103270302A; WO2012084517A1; BR112013015617A2; US9422856B2; KR20130131396A

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve device (40) for controlling the air intake for a compressor (24) of a vehicle (10), wherein the valve device (40) comprises a valve housing (100), comprising a first compressed air inlet (102) for connecting to an ambient air infeed (32), a second compressed air inlet (104) for connecting to a charge air infeed (34), through which pre-compressed air can be fed, and a compressed air outlet (106) for connecting to the compressor (24). The valve device (40) comprises a first switched state in which the compressed air outlet (106) is fluidically connected to the first compressed air inlet (102), and comprises a second switched state in which the compressed air outlet (106) is fluidically connected to the second compressed air inlet (104). The valve device (40) further comprises a switching device capable of switching the valve device (40) between the first switched state and the second switched state. The invention further relates to a compressor system having such a valve device and a method for controlling an air infeed for a compressor system.

Description

Valve device for controlling the air supply for a compressor of a vehicle and compressor system and method for controlling a compressor system

The present invention relates to a valve device for controlling the air supply for a compressor of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a compressor system with such a valve device and a method for controlling an air supply for a compressor of a compressor system of a vehicle. In modern vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, often used with compressed air systems. Such systems can be found, for example, in brake systems and suspension systems. For the production and processing of the compressed air compressed air treatment plants are used, which generate, for example, compressed air, filter, store and forward to the appropriate systems. Such compressed air treatment plants are used for example in trucks, rail vehicles and tractors and have a compressor and associated components of a compressor system to put air under pressure. In order to achieve efficient utilization of energy from a central drive device such as an engine, turbochargers are frequently used in such vehicles. For example, energy can be drawn from a flow of exhaust gas via a turbocharger. It is already known to use a turbocharger to precompress air before it is fed to the compressor of the compressed air treatment device or to the compressor system in order to increase the volume of air flowing out of the compressor per time. From document WO 2009/146866 A1 it is known in this context to use the compressor either with a turbocharger or with a turbocharger. compressed air or to supply it with ambient air, which is supplied to the compressor, bypassing the turbocharger.

Object of the present invention is to provide a reliable, simple and inexpensive way to supply a compressor of a vehicle either ambient air or pre-compressed air.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments and developments emerge from the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a valve device is provided for controlling the air supply for a compressor of a vehicle, wherein the valve device comprises a valve housing which can be supplied with a first compressed air input for connection to an ambient air feed, a second compressed air input for connection to a charge air feed via which pre-compressed air can be supplied, and a compressed air outlet for connection to the compressor. The valve device has a first switching state, in which the compressed-air outlet is fluid-conductively connected to the first compressed-air inlet, and has a second switching state, in which the compressed-air outlet is fluid-conductively connected to the second compressed-air inlet. The valve device also has a switching device, which is able to switch the valve device between the first switching state and the second switching state. Thus, a switch between an ambient air supply and a charge air supply to the compressor can be done in a simple manner. The valve device can be provided in particular for use in a compressor system of a vehicle. The valve device can have in addition to two compressed air inputs in particular only one output for connection to the compressor. The switching device or the valve device can be controlled to switch between switching states electrically or pneumatically. It is conceivable that in the area of the compressed air outlet, in the compressed air outlet or downstream of the compressed air outlet, a sensor device can be connected or connected. The sensor device may in particular comprise a pressure sensor and / or a flow sensor. It is expedient if the sensor device or its sensors are connected to an electronic control device. It is conceivable to design or view the sensor device as part of the valve device and / or as part of a compressor system. The sensor device may be designed or connected to determine the switching state of the valve device and / or to determine and transmit data for a determination and / or control of the switching state. The valve device may have an electronic control device and / or be connected or connectable to an electronic control device. Such a control device can be designed in particular for activating and / or switching the valve device or the switching device between different switching states. It may be provided that the electronic control device of the valve device is connected or connectable for communication with at least one further, possibly superordinate, control device of the vehicle. In particular, the switching device can be designed to be controlled by the control device. It is expedient if a sensor device for signal transmission is connected to a corresponding control device. The valve device can be designed such that in each switching state it provides a fluid-conducting connection of its single output, namely the compressed-air outlet, with at least one of the compressed-air inlets. In particular, it can be provided that in no switching state of the valve device at the same time the fluid line between the first compressed air inlet and the compressed air outlet and the fluid line is shut off the second compressed air inlet and the compressed air outlet.

It can be provided that a fluid line between the second compressed air inlet and the compressed air outlet is blocked by the switching device in the first switching state and / or in the second switching state, a fluid line between the first compressed air inlet and the compressed air outlet is blocked. Thus, in the first switching state, only compressed air via the first compressed air inlet to the compressed air outlet and finally to the compressor, while a compressed air supply via the second compressed air inlet is prevented. Conversely, only a compressed air supply via the second compressed air inlet is possible in the second switching state.

The valve device may have at least one third switching state, in which the first compressed air inlet and the second compressed air inlet are fluid-conductively connected to the compressed-air outlet. Thus, a mixing of supplied air can be achieved. As a result, for example, in the event that the charge air is supplied with compressed air at a critical pressure for the compressor, a reduction of the pressure by supplying ambient air or discharging precompressed air via the first compressed air inlet can be achieved. As a result, on the one hand the compressor can be spared. On the other hand, it is not necessary to intervene in the turbocharger system in order to reduce the charge air pressure, which reduces the circuit complexity for the vehicle. It can be provided, in particular, that the valve device has a number of different switching states, in which the first compressed air inlet and the second compressed air inlet are fluid-conductively connected to the compressed-air outlet. The switching states may differ with respect to the cross sections of the first compressed air inlet and the second compressed air inlet released in the valve device and / or with respect to the ratio of the released cross sections. As a result, different mixing ratios can be set. It may be expedient if the switching state of the valve device between the first switching state and the second switching state is substantially continuously adjustable. The valve device can thus have further intermediate switching states between the first switching state and the second switching state. It may be expedient if a sensor for determining the pressure level of the supplied air is arranged in the ambient air supply and / or the charge air supply. The sensors can be connected directly or indirectly via other electronic components to the electronic control of the switching device. way of the valve device to be connected. An electronic control can be configured such that it sets a switching state of the valve device in which a predetermined pressure threshold value is not exceeded by air guided via the compressed air outlet to the compressor. Such a control can for example be based on the sensor signals and achieved by switching between switching states.

The switching device of the valve device may have a piston which is movable between a first position corresponding to the first switching state, in which it releases a fluid-conducting connection between the first compressed air inlet and the compressed-air outlet, and a second position corresponding to the second switching state, in which it has a fluid-conducting Connection between the second compressed air inlet and the compressed air outlet releases. The piston can be received within the valve housing, in particular in a channel for piston guide. It is conceivable that the piston has a seal, for example, to provide a seal between the piston and the elements of the valve housing or the valve device in which it moves, for example, the channel. Thus, a switchover can be achieved in a simple manner, in particular between the first switching state and the second switching state.

It can be provided that the valve housing has a first valve seat which is assigned to the first compressed air inlet and a second valve seat which is assigned to the second compressed air inlet. A piston of the switching device can be provided to be controllably brought into contact with the first valve seat and to be controllably brought into contact with the second valve seat. In the first switching state, the piston is in contact with the second valve seat and blocks the fluid line between the second compressed air inlet and the compressed air outlet. In the second switching state, the piston is in contact with the first valve seat and blocks the fluid line between the first compressed air inlet and the compressed air outlet. This structure offers a well-defined Movement space for the piston. In the region of at least one valve seat, a sensor, for example a contact sensor, can be provided, for example, for locating the piston. Such a sensor may be connected to a control device. A valve seat can be formed, for example, as a constriction in an opening corresponding to the compressed air inlet or a line section. In particular, the piston can be reciprocated between a position in which it is in contact with the first valve seat and a position in which it is in contact with the second valve seat. It is conceivable that intermediate switching states are set.

The switching device may have a switching disk which is rotatable between a first position corresponding to the first switching state, in which it releases a fluid-conducting connection between the first compressed-air inlet and the compressed-air outlet, and a second position corresponding to the second switching state, in which it opens a fluid-conducting connection between the second compressed air inlet and the compressed-air outlet. This is another way to provide an easy to switch and reliable switching device. In a further development, the switching device further comprises an output disk with an outlet opening, via which a fluid-conducting connection can be produced or set up from the indexing disk to the compressed-air output, and an input disk with a first input opening, via which a fluid-conducting connection can be produced or set up from the first compressed air input to the indexing disk is, and a second input port via which a fluid-conducting connection from the second compressed air inlet to the switching disc can be produced or established. The indexing disk is rotatably arranged between the output disk and the input disk and has a switching opening. Furthermore, it can be provided that the indexing disk is rotatable between a first position, in which a fluid-conducting connection between the outlet opening and the first inlet opening exists via the switching opening of the indexing disk, and in a second position which is a fluid-conducting connection between the outlet opening and the second inlet opening via the switching opening. Thus, a simple switching device can be produced in which the rotation of the switching disk is hardly loaded by compressed air from one of the compressed air inputs, since the switching disk is rotatable orthogonal to the air flow. The first position corresponds to the first switching position and the second position corresponds to the second switching position. It can be provided that the switching disc in the first position, the second input port and in the second position, the first input port so covers that it shuts off a fluid line through the respective openings. In this variant, of course, intermediate switching states are possible in which a defined mixing of supplied from two compressed air inputs compressed air as mentioned above is possible. The output disk and / or the input disk may be secured within the valve housing so that they are immovable relative to the housing.

It is conceivable that the switching device has an electric motor as an actuating device for switching between switching states. The switching device may also be connected to a separate actuating device such as such a motor. As an actuating device, an electromagnet and / or a spring device can be used. The actuating device can be activated by one of the control devices described above.

The valve device can be designed in particular as a 3/2-way valve. Thus, there are no unnecessary inputs and outputs, which simplifies construction and control.

The present invention also relates to a compressor system having a valve means for controlling an air supply to a compressor as described above. For the compressor system, depending on the design of the valve device, there are essentially identical advantages as already stated. The compress The sensor system can have an ambient air feed and a charge air feed.

It can be provided that the compressor system has a shut-off valve, which is connected between the compressed-air outlet of the valve device and the compressor and which is capable of shutting off or releasing the compressed-air supply from the valve device to the compressor. In particular, it can be provided that the shut-off valve is able to shut off a compressed-air supply between the compressed-air outlet and the compressor in a shut-off position and to permit compressed-air supply between the compressed-air outlet and the compressor in a let-through position. Thus, in a simple way an undesired compressed air supply to the compressor can be prevented, for example when it is operated in an idling phase. It can also be provided that the compressor is alternatively or additionally coupled to a compressor clutch, via which it can be decoupled from a drive.

Conveniently, the compressor system may comprise an electronic control device which is suitable for controlling the valve device. The control device can be connected directly to the valve device or the switching device. It is conceivable that the control device of the compressor system is connected to a control device of the valve device. The compressor system may have a sensor device connected between the compressed air outlet of the valve device and the compressor. The sensor device may in particular comprise a pressure sensor and / or a flow sensor. The sensor device or its sensors can be connected to an electronic control device. It is conceivable that the sensor device is designed or connected to determine the switching state of the valve device and / or to determine data for a determination and / or control of the switching state and to transfer it to a control device comprising a control device of the compressor system and / or part of an on-board electronics can be. Such a control device can in particular for driving and / or Switching of the valve device or the switching device may be formed between different switching states. It is expedient if the sensor device is connected to a corresponding control device for signal transmission. The control device can be connected to a CAN bus of the vehicle.

The invention also relates to a method for controlling an air supply for a compressor of a compressor system, as described herein, wherein the compressor is closed for supplying air to the compressed air outlet of the valve device, comprising the step of: actuating the valve device such that the valve device between two switching states on. The driving may be based on sensor signals of the sensor devices or sensors described herein. When driving vehicle parameters such as the vehicle speed, engine parameters such as the engine speed and / or compressor parameters such as the compressor speed can be considered.

In a development, it is provided that the valve device is controlled such that it switches between the first and the second switching state.

It can also be provided that the valve device is controlled in such a way that it is switched to or from a third switching state in which the first compressed air inlet and the second compressed air inlet are fluid-conductively connected to the compressed-air outlet.

In the context of this description, a vehicle may be any type of motor vehicle. In particular, a vehicle may be a commercial vehicle, a mobile construction machine, a rail vehicle, a tractor or a truck. A compressor system may include a compressor. A compressor or compressor system may include a compressor clutch. It can be provided that a compressor system components for compressed air supply, gene, valves, compressed air connections and / or similar components. Components for controlling compressed air flow, controlling the compressor or a compressor clutch may also be considered parts of a compressor system. A compressed air treatment device with air dryer, multi-circuit protection valve and other components can be considered as a compressor system or comprise a compressor system. A control can be electronic, electrical or pneumatic. It may also be provided a combination of electronic and pneumatic control. A compressor system may in particular comprise one or more electronic control devices. An electronic control device can be provided, for example, for controlling the compressor and / or the compressor clutch and / or a valve device, in particular for controlling one of the valve devices described above, and / or can be connected accordingly. It can be provided that a control device carries out a control based on signals from one or more pressure sensors. It is particularly expedient if the control is carried out based on signals transmitted from the sensor device located downstream of the valve device and / or based on signals from in the charge air supply and / or the ambient air supply. Control may be made taking into account vehicle parameters such as vehicle speed, engine parameters such as engine speed, and / or compressor parameters such as compressor speed. It may be appropriate to transmit corresponding parameters via an on-board electronics, for example a CAN bus, to the control device which carries out the control. A charge air supply serves to supply pre-compressed air for a compressor. The pre-compression of the air may be through a turbocharger or other suitable means. An ambient air supply serves to supply ambient air which is not precompressed. The ambient air can thus have atmospheric pressure. The shutting off of a fluid line can be interpreted as the blocking of any direct or indirect fluid-conducting connection. It is expediently provided that two components, between which a fluid line is shut off, no fluid, in particular no Compressed air, can replace. Between fluid-connected devices, such as a compressed air inlet and a compressed air outlet, a fluid can flow, in particular air or compressed air. A compressed air inlet or compressed air outlet of a valve housing may be assigned one or more openings and / or line sections and / or pressure chambers. An input or output can thus be understood as an input region or output region, as long as compressed air essentially only flows in at an opening point and only flows out of the region at an opening point. The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a vehicle with a compressor system;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a variant of a valve device; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of another variant of a valve device;

FIGS. 4a and 4b show different schematic views of yet another variant and 4b of a valve device;

5a different schematic views of yet another variant to 5d of a valve device;

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a valve device with further

Components. In the following description of the figures, the same reference numerals designate the same or functionally similar components. In Figure 1 pneumatic lines are shown as solid lines, while electrical lines and connections are shown in dashed lines.

1 shows a schematically illustrated commercial vehicle 10. The illustrated commercial vehicle 10 comprises, in addition to a drive motor 14 and a compressor system 12, a compressed air treatment system with consumers 16, an air filter 18, a charge air cooler 20 and a turbocharger 22. The compressor system 12 itself comprises, in addition to a compressor 24, which may be a single cylinder or a double cylinder compressor, an electronic control unit 26 having a port 28 on egg nen CAN bus 30. There are an ambient air supply 32 and a charge air supply 34 is provided. In the ambient air supply, a first pressure sensor 36 is provided and in the charge air supply 34, a second pressure sensor 38 is provided. Flow sensors or other suitable sensor devices, for example with a pressure sensor and a flow sensor, may be provided instead of the pressure sensors 36, 38. The ambient air feed 32 leads air from the circuit directly behind the air filter 18 to an air supply valve device 40. The charge air supply carries pre-compressed air, also referred to as charge air, which is pre-compressed by the turbocharger 22 and then cooled in the charge air cooler 20, also to the air supply valve means 40. The air supply valve means 40 is connected to the compressor 24 to supply air for compression , Between the compressor 24 and connected to this output of the air supply valve means 40, a sensor device 39 is connected. The sensor device 39 has a pressure sensor and a flow sensor. The valve device 40 preferably has only a single compressed air outlet for connection to the compressor 24 or for supplying air to the compressor 24. Depending on the switching state of the valve device 40, the compressor 24 already draws in pre-compressed air from the turbocharger 22 via the charge air intake. 34 or not pre-compressed ambient air via the ambient air supply 32 at. If the valve device 40 is in its illustrated first switching state, then the compressor 24 sucks in ambient air via the air filter 18 and the ambient air feed 32. In the second switching state, which is not illustrated, the compressor 24 sucks air which has already been pre-compressed by the turbocharger 22 via the air filter 18, the turbocharger 22, the intercooler 20 and the charge-air feed 34. Due to the boost pressure increased relative to the ambient pressure, the volume of air delivered by the compressor 24 increases per unit time with the same number of revolutions of the compressor 24. The turbocharger 22 is driven by the exhaust gases of the drive motor 14, wherein the main task of the turbocharger 22 is seen in a charge of the drive motor 14, that is, six illustrated cylinders 42 of the drive motor 14 are operated with a larger amount of combustion air. The drive of the compressor 24 takes place in a manner known to those skilled in the art by the drive motor 14. For example, the compressor 24 can be driven by the drive motor 14 via a gear drive. The compressed air supplied by the compressor 24 is supplied to the compressed air treatment plant with consumers 16. The compressed air treatment plant with consumers 16 comprises in particular a known to the expert compressed air treatment plant and several, for example, by a multi-circuit protection valve against each other secured consumer circuits to which the individual consumers are connected. The compressor 24 furthermore has a dead space 46, which can be activated by a valve device 44, of approximately 10 cc per cylinder, in order to reduce pressure peaks during the compressed air delivery. As a dead space 46 is generally referred to each associated with a piston chamber of the compressor volume in space, which remains at the end of a compression stroke of the compressor. The connection of a dead space 46 therefore decreases the possible maximum compression of the compressor and thus reduces the pressure peaks occurring during a compression stroke. Between the compressor 24 and the air supply valve device 40, a shut-off valve 48 may be arranged, via which an air supply from the air supply valve device 40 to the compressor 24 can be shut off or opened. The compressor 24 can then, when the shut-off valve is closed, no air suck and consequently no longer promote compressed air. It is known that in this state oil, which is usually used for lubrication of the compressor 24 is sucked by the resulting negative pressure during an expansion stroke of the compressor sors 24 in the compression space and at the next compression stroke of the compressor 24 in the direction of the connected compressed air treatment plant with consumers 16 is ejected. To prevent this, it is conceivable that the shut-off valve 48 does not completely seal, but has a defined residual leakage to limit the Ansaugunterdruck the compressor 24. In this way, the oil discharge of the compressor 24 is reduced. The shut-off of the air supply to the compressor 24 through the shut-off valve is an easy way to put the compressor 24 in an energy-saving mode of operation. Alternatively or additionally, the compressor 24 may be coupled to its drive via a coupling device. By releasing the clutch, the compressor 24 can be placed in an energy-saving mode of operation.

As long as the boost pressure provided by the turbocharger 22 is below an adjustable charge pressure threshold, the air supply valve device 40 is in its second switching state, not shown. The compressor 24 then receives pre-compressed air via the charge air supply 34. The compressor 24 is optimized for the intake of non-pre-compressed air, which is why even small boost pressures significantly increase the volume of air it promotes. Up to a boost pressure of approximately 0.6 bar, the compressor 24, which is optimized for the suction of non-precompressed air, can also easily convey precompressed air. If the boost pressure provided by the turbocharger 22 exceeds this first limit, which is also referred to as dead space boost pressure threshold, the dead space 46 associated with the compressor 24 is switched via the valve device 44 in order to reduce the delivery pressures occurring during the delivery of the already precompressed air. If the charging pressure provided by the turbocharger 22 continues to increase and finally exceeds a further limit, referred to as the boost pressure threshold, then the delivery pressures that occur may cause the compressor 24 damage 46 despite the dead space. When the charge pressure threshold is exceeded, therefore, the air supply valve device 40 is transferred to its illustrated first switching state. The dead space 46 assigned to the compressor 24 can be closed again by actuating the valve device 44. The compressor 24, which is not optimized for intake of uncompressed air, now sucks air which has not been precompressed via the ambient air supply 32. The connection of the dead space 46 can also be used otherwise to reduce the volume of air delivered or to save energy when no large amount of air is needed. The valve device 44 can be actuated or actuated, for example via the control unit 26.

The air supply valve device 40 is an electrically or pneumatically actuated valve device, which releases in particular depending on their switching state as large a flow cross section of the air supply lines 32, 34. The air supply valve device 40 may be connected to the electronic control unit 26, which may be designed to control the valve device, in particular based on signals of the sensor device 39 and / or the sensors 36, 38. A control can also be carried out in a direct manner via one or more of the sensors n 36, 38, 39, which are then connected correspondingly to the air supply valve device 40, wherein for switching the valve device 40 then no further data from an engine control unit are needed. The control of the air supply valve device 40 may be effected via the electronic control unit 26 as a function of the engine speed and / or the compressor speed and / or further engine and / or vehicle parameters. The engine speed and other parameters may preferably be read by an engine controller and / or other controller. In this case, the map of the engine turbocharger can be assumed to be known. Corresponding data can be transmitted via the CAN bus 30. Figures 2 to 5 are schematic diagrams of various valve means, each as an air supply valve means 40 for a compressor system can be used. Each of these valve devices has a valve housing 100. On the valve housing, a first compressed air inlet 102, a second compressed air inlet 104 and a single compressed air outlet 106 are provided. Expediently, the first compressed air inlet 102 are provided for connection to an ambient air supply and the second compressed air inlet 104 for connection to a charge air supply. The compressed air outlet 106 is provided for supplying compressed air from at least one of the compressed air inputs 102, 104 to a compressor. The valve devices each have at least one first switching state, in which the compressed-air outlet 106 is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the first compressed-air inlet 102, and a second switching state, in which the compressed-air outlet 106 is connected in fluid-conducting manner to the second compressed-air inlet 104. Furthermore, a switching device is provided to switch the valve device between different switching states. The switching device in each case comprises an actuating device 108, which can be controlled via an electrical control line 110. The control line 110 may be connected to a control device 26 and / or one or more sensor devices, for example. The actuator 108 may include a shaft or rod 109 for power transmission. It is conceivable that the actuating device 108 is designed as an electric motor or electromagnet. The actuating device 108 may be controllable such that it adjusts a plurality of switching states of the valve device. Thus, in particular intermediate switching states are conceivable in which both the first compressed air inlet 102 and the second compressed air inlet 104 are simultaneously connected to the compressed air outlet 106. Thus, in these Zwischenschalt- states a different mixture of the supplied air or it is possible for from the loading air supply 34 Coming compressed air due to different set flow cross sections to varying degrees possible to escape through the ambient air supply 32. The activation of the intermediate switching states can take place continuously. In the valve device shown in Figure 2, the switching device comprises a piston 1 12, which by the actuator 108 within the housing 100 is movable. In the valve housing 100, a first valve seat 114 is provided, which is assigned to the first compressed air inlet 102. A second valve seat 1 16 is associated with the second compressed air inlet 104. The valve seats 1 14, 1 16 each form a stop for the piston 1 12, the movement is thus limited to the area between the valve seats 1 14, 1 16. If the piston 1 12 at the first valve seat 1 14, it blocks the fluid connection between the compressed air outlet 106 and the first compressed air inlet 102. Between the second compressed air inlet 104 and the compressed air outlet 106 is a fluid-conducting connection, so that air can flow there. This position of the piston corresponds to the second switching state of the valve device. On the other hand, when the piston 1 12 at the second valve seat 1 16, as shown in Figure 2, it blocks the fluid communication between the compressed air outlet 106 and the second compressed air inlet 104. Between the first compressed air inlet 102 and the compressed air outlet 106 is a fluid-conducting connection, so that air can flow there. This position of the piston 112 corresponds to the first switching state of the valve device. Intermediate switching states can be adjusted by positioning the piston in a position between the valve seats 1 14, 16.

FIG. 3 shows a variant of a valve device, in which the switching device has a piston 122, which can be moved by the actuating device 108. The piston 122 has a seal 124 which serves to seal against the valve housing 100. In this variant, no valve seats are provided which restrict movement of the piston 122. Rather, the piston 122 is received in a channel 126 and can be moved therein. At one end of the passage 126, the piston may at least partially penetrate into the first compressed air inlet 102 or an associated conduit to block fluid communication between the first compressed air inlet 102 and the compressed air outlet 106. Air can flow between the second compressed air inlet 104 and the compressed air outlet 106. This position corresponds to the second switching state. Piston 122 may also be moved to a position between second compressed air inlet 104 and compressed air outlet 106, as shown in FIG. it blocks a fluid connection between the second compressed air inlet 104 and the compressed air outlet 106. Air can flow between the first compressed air inlet 102 and the compressed air outlet 106. This position corresponds to the first switching state. In this variant, the compressed-air outlet 106 and the second compressed-air inlet 104 branch off from the channel 126 at right angles to the direction of movement of the piston 122, while the first compressed-air inlet 102 can receive the piston 122 in the direction of movement. The channel 126 in the housing 100 has a recess in which the piston 122 can be received to completely release both compressed air inlets 102, 104. Thus, the maximum cross-section can be released for both air inlets.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show different sectional views of a further variant of a valve device. In this example, the switching device on a rotatable by the actuator 108 switching disk 132. The indexing disk 132 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 109 of the actuator 108 and has a seal 134. The valve housing 100 is designed such that the indexing disk 132 can be rotated within the housing 100 in such a way that at least in certain positions a sealing contact between the housing wall and the seal 134 of the indexing disk 132 takes place. FIG. 4 a shows a corresponding position in which the switching disk 132 blocks a fluid connection between the first compressed air inlet 102 and the compressed air outlet 106. Between the second compressed air inlet 104 and the compressed air outlet 106 there is a fluid-conducting connection. FIG. 4a thus shows the second switching state. By turning the switching disk 132, the switching state can be switched. It is understood that intermediate switching states can be taken, which are defined by a suitable rotational position of the switching disk 132. Figure 4b shows a side view in which the actuator 108 and the shaft 109 can be seen. FIGS. 5a to 5d show a further variant of the valve device in which the switching device has a switching disk 142 with a slotted opening 144. has, which is shown in Figure 5c. The indexing disk 142 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 109 of the actuator 108. Furthermore, the switching device has an output disk 152 fastened in the valve housing 100 and an input disk 162 fastened in the valve housing 100. The indexing disk 142 is disposed between input disk 162 and the output disk 152 and rotatable relative thereto. A first flat side of the input disk 162 and a first flat side of the output disk 152 each face a flat side of the indexing disk 142 and are expediently airtight to this. The second flat side of the output disk 152 faces a pressure chamber 154 connected to the compressed air outlet 106. The output disk 152 has an opening slot 156, which can be seen in FIG. 5b, through which a fluid connection can be produced from the indexing disk 142 to the compressed-air outlet 106. As can be seen in FIG. 5d, the input disk 162 has a first input slot 164, via which a fluid connection with the first compressed air input 102 can be produced. Furthermore, the input disk 162 has a second input slot 166, via which a fluid connection with the second compressed air input 104 can be produced. The discs also have structures that allow the shaft 109 to be received such that the indexing disc 142 can rotate between the other two discs. By turning the switching disc 142 and the slotted opening 144 is rotated. The openings of the indexing disk 142 and input disk 162 are dimensioned such that the indexing disk completely obscures the second input slot 166 of the input disk 162 at least in a first position and thus blocks the fluid connection to the second compressed air input 104 via the input disk 162. In this position, the slotted opening 144 of the indexing disk 142 and the first input slot 164 are superimposed such that there is at least a partial overlap of the opening slot 156 of the output disk 152, the opening 144 of the indexing disk 142 and the first input slot 164. Compressed air can thus flow from the first compressed-air inlet 102 to the compressed-air outlet 106 through these openings or slots, while a fluid connection between the second compressed-air inlet 104 and the compressed-air outlet 106 can be made. is locked. This corresponds to the first switching state. Analogously, the indexing disk 142 can be rotated in such a way that the first input slot 164 is covered by the indexing disk 142, and a fluid-conducting connection between the compressed-air outlet 106 and the second compressed-air input 104 is established via the openings 144, 156 and 166. This position of the switching disc 142 corresponds to the second switching state. By rotating the switching disk 142 into a position in which the slotted opening 144 partially overlaps the first input opening 164 and the second input opening 166 and the opening 156 of the output disk 152, intermediate switching states are adjustable, in which both compressed air inputs are fluid-conducting with the compressed-air outlet 106 are connected. The input disk 162, the output disk 152, and / or the indexing disk 142 may be made of ceramic material. It is also conceivable that sealing devices are provided for sealing between the disks or between the output disk 152 and the compressed-air outlet 106 and / or between the input disk and the compressed-air inlets in order to prevent compressed-air from unintentionally flowing past the openings of the disks.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a partial view of a valve device 40 with further components. In this example, a valve device as shown in Figure 2 can be seen. It is understood that in the context of Figure 6 any other of the valve devices described above can be used. The actuating device 108 of the valve device 40 is connected via a control line 1 10 to an electronic control device 170, which may be an electronic control device 26 as described with reference to FIG. It is also conceivable that the control device 170 is a stand-alone control device that can communicate, for example, with a control unit 26 of a compressor system or with an on-board computer system of the vehicle. Downstream of the compressed air outlet 106 of the valve device 40, a sensor device 39 is provided. In this example, the sensor device 39 comprises a pressure sensor 172 and a flow sensor 174. It is also conceivable that the sensor device 39 has only one of the two sensors 172, 174 or additional sensors. The Sensor device 39 or the sensors 172, 174 are connected to the control device 170 for signal transmission. The control device 170 is also connected via a signal connection 176 to one or more components, such as a control unit of the compressor device or other devices of the on-board electronics, for example via a CAN bus. Based on the signals of the sensor device 39 and / or via the signal line 176 provided signals, which may represent engine parameters such as engine speed, compressor parameters such as compressor speed or other vehicle parameters such as vehicle speed, the position of the valve device 40 and its switching state can be determined and controlled. The control can take place, for example, by the control device 170.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims can be essential for the realization of the invention both individually and in any desired combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 commercial vehicle

12 compressor system

14 engine

16 Compressed air treatment plant with consumers

18 air filters

20 intercooler

22 turbochargers

24 compressor

26 control unit

28 connection

30 CAN bus

32 ambient air supply

34 Charge air supply

36 pressure sensor

38 pressure sensor

39 sensor device

40 air supply valve device

42 engine cylinders

44 valve device

46 dead space

48 shut-off valve

100 valve housing

02 compressed air inlet

104 compressed air inlet

106 compressed air outlet

108 actuator

109 shaft / rod

1 10 control line piston

valve seat

Valve seat piston

poetry

Channel switching disc sealing switching disc opening

Output disk Pressure chamber Opening slot Input disk Input slot Input slot Controller Pressure sensor Flow sensor

Claims

claims

Valve means (40) for controlling the supply of air to a compressor (24) of a vehicle (10), said valve means (40) comprising a valve housing (100) comprising:

a first compressed air inlet (102) for connection to an ambient air supply (32);

a second compressed air inlet (104) for connection to a charge air supply (34) via which pre-compressed air can be supplied;

a compressed air outlet (106) for connection to the compressor (24); wherein the valve device (40) has a first switching state, in which the compressed-air outlet (106) is fluid-conductively connected to the first compressed-air inlet (102), and

the valve device (40) has a second switching state in which the compressed-air outlet (106) is fluid-conductively connected to the second compressed-air inlet (104), and

wherein the valve means (40) further comprises a switching means capable of switching the valve means (40) between the first switching state and the second switching state.

2. Valve device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid line between the second compressed air inlet (104) and the compressed-air outlet (106) is blocked by the switching device in the first switching state and / or in the second Schaltzu- was the fluid line between the first compressed air inlet (102) and the compressed air outlet (106) is locked.

3. Valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve device (40) has at least one third switching state in which the first compressed air inlet

(102) and the second compressed air inlet (104) are fluid-conductively connected to the compressed-air outlet (106).

4. Valve device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the switching device comprises a piston (1 12, 122) between a first switching state corresponding to the first position in which it has a fluid-conducting connection between the first compressed air inlet (102) and the compressed air outlet (106) releases, and a second switching state corresponding second position is movable, in which it releases a fluid-conducting connection between the second compressed air inlet (104) and the compressed air outlet (106).

5. Valve device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein

the valve housing (100) has a first valve seat (1 14) associated with the first compressed air inlet (102) and

the valve housing (100) further comprises a second valve seat (116) associated with the second compressed air inlet (104), and

wherein the switching device has a piston (122) which can be driven in abutment with the first valve seat (1 14) and can be brought into controllable contact with the second valve seat (1 16),

wherein the piston (122) is in the first switching state in abutment with the second valve seat (1 16) and the fluid line between the second compressed air inlet (104) and the compressed air outlet (104) blocks, and the piston (122) in the second switching state in Is located with the first valve seat (1 14) and the fluid line between the first compressed air inlet (102) and the compressed air outlet (106) blocks.

6. Valve device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the switching device comprises a switching disc (132, 142) which between a first switching state corresponding to the first position in which they have a fluid-conducting connection between the first compressed air inlet (102) and the compressed air outlet ( 106), and a second position corresponding to the second switching state is rotatable, in which it releases a fluid-conducting connection between the second compressed air inlet (104) and the compressed air outlet) 106).

7. Valve device according to claim 6, wherein the switching device further comprises:

an output disk (152) having an output port (156) via which a fluid conducting connection can be made or established from the indexing disk (142) to the compressed air outlet (106);

an input disk (162) having a first input port (164), via which a fluid-conducting connection from the first compressed air input (164) to the switching disk (142) can be produced or set up, and a second input port, via which a fluid-conducting connection from the second compressed air input (104) to the switching disc (142) can be produced or set up; in which

the indexing disk (142) is rotatably disposed between the output disk (152) and the input disk (162) and has a switching opening (144); and further wherein the indexing disk (142) is rotatable between a first position in which a fluid-conducting connection exists between the output port (156) and the first input port (154) via the switching port (144) of the indexing disk (142) and a second position in which a fluid-conducting connection exists between the outlet opening (156) and the second inlet opening (166) via the switching opening (144).

8. Valve device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the switching device comprises an electric motor as an actuating device (108) for switching between switching states.

9. Valve device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the valve device (40) is designed as a 3/2-way valve.

10. A compressor system (12) with a valve device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and with a compressor (24) for a vehicle (10), wherein the

Compressed air outlet (106) of the valve device (40) for compressed air supply to the compressor (24) is connected or connectable, the first compressed air inlet (102) of the valve device (40) is connected or connectable to an ambient air supply (32) and the second compressed air inlet (104) to a charge air supply (34) for supplying precompressed air is connected or connectable.

1 1. A compressor system according to claim 10, further comprising a shut-off valve (48) which is connected between the compressed air outlet (106) of the valve device (40) and the compressor (24) and which is able to supply the compressed air from the valve means (40). to shut off or release the compressor (24).

12. A compressor system according to claim 10 or 1 1, which further comprises an electronic control device (26, 170) which is suitable for driving the valve device (40).

13. A method for controlling an air supply to a compressor (24) of a compressor system (12) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the compressor (24) for supplying air to the compressed air outlet (106) of the valve device (40) is connected to the Step:

Driving the valve device (40) such that it switches between two switching states.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the valve means (40) is controlled such that it switches between the first and second switching state.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the valve device (40) is controlled such that it is switched to or from a third switching state in which the first compressed air inlet (102) and the second compressed air inlet (104) fluidly connected to the compressed air outlet (106). are connected.