SE541399C2

SE541399C2 - A method and system for controlling air supply

Info

Publication number: SE541399C2
Application number: SE1650099A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Tehrani Hossein Jeddi; Mathias Björkman; Richard Vadasz
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2016-01-28
Filing date: 2016-01-28
Publication date: 2019-09-17
Also published as: SE1650099A1; DE102017000379A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling air supply of a vehicle (1; 1a). The air processing system (200) is configured to receive compressed air (A) distributed by means of a compressor (20) operable by means of a drive member (10). The air processing system is configured to distribute the compressed air to different air consumers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) for different vehicle functions, certain vehicle functions being necessary for allowably operating the vehicle (1; 1a). The method comprises the steps of: determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle; and, if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate, disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate.The present invention also relates to a system for controlling air supply. The present invention also relates to a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

Description

A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AIR SUPPLY TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a method for controlling air supply according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a system for controlling air supply. The invention also relates to a vehicle. The invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

BACKGROUND ART Vehicles such as heavy vehicles are usually equipped with a so called air processing system to which compressed air is distributed by means of a compressor operated by a drive member such as a combustion engine, an electric motor or the like. The air processing system is configured to distribute the compressed air to different air consumers for different vehicle functions. Certain vehicle functions are necessary for allowably operating the vehicle, for example the brake function. If compressed air supplied to the consumers is not supplied at a desired air pressure level and all consumers continue consuming air, the vehicle will need to stop due to low pressure in brake circuits resulting in the brake function of the vehicle not functioning satisfactory.

US20100074764 discloses a compressed air supply system for a commercial vehicle, wherein particular consumer circuits can be decoupled selectively from the rest of the compressed air supply system.

There is however a need for improving control of air supply systems of vehicles.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling an air supply system which improves drivability of the vehicle in that the times the vehicle need to stop due to low pressure level for consumers for vehicle functions being necessary for allowably operating the vehicle.

An object of the present invention is to provide a system for controlling an air supply system which improves drivability of the vehicle in that the times the vehicle need to stop due to low pressure level for consumers for vehicle functions being necessary for allowably operating the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achieved by a method, a system, a vehicle, a computer program and a computer program product, as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the arrangement are defined in appended dependent claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a method for controlling air supply of a vehicle. An air processing system is configured to receive compressed air distributed by means of a compressor operable by means of a drive member. The air processing system is configured to distribute the compressed air to different air consumers for different vehicle functions, certain vehicle functions being necessary for allowably operating the vehicle. The method comprises the steps of: determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle; and, if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate, disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate.

During normal operation when compressed air is distributed to different air consumers for different vehicle functions, certain vehicle functions being necessary for allowably operating the vehicle, i.e. when compressed air is distributed to a certain set of vehicle functions of consumers, the pressure of the compressed air distributed to the consumers is changing within a certain range and within a certain rate. The air pressure may e.g. vary within a range of 9-12 bar. During normal operation of such pressure distribution the rate of change of the pressure will not exceed a certain level. Thus, the pressure will not drop at a rate or speed exceeding a certain rate level/speed level.

If it is determined that the pressure change is above said certain rate, e.g. is dropping at a rate above said certain, it will result in the pressure dropping to a pressure level below a level for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle. Thus, the term “for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle” comprises operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle at a certain point of time after the determination. The term “for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle” comprises continuously being able to operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle for a certain time.

Thus, if it is determined that the pressure change is above said certain rate, e.g. is dropping at a rate above said certain rate, the disabling of one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle may be done when the pressure level is within the normal pressure range such that it thereby can be avoided to reach a pressure level necessary for operating allowably operating the vehicle. Reasons for compressed air distributed to the consumers not being provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change above a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle may comprise the compressor not being able provide maximum capacity, this problem generally occurring when the drive member for driving the compressor being an electric drive member for electrically driving the compressor. An electric drive member may advantageously be used for a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. Reasons for the compressor not being able to operate at maximum capacity may be due to malfunction of the electric drive member, malfunction of the electric drive member being caused by e.g. too high temperature, low oil pressure, problems with power electronics/inverter such as power electronics/inverter becoming too hot. Reasons for the compressor not being able to operate at maximum capacity may be due lack of available power/energy for the electric drive member which may be due to low battery level, battery being too cold, battery being too hot, power for operating the electric drive member not being sufficient due to other units necessary and essential for vehicle operation such as 24 V dc/dc converter, cooling liquid pump, auxiliary units necessary for the vehicle such as electric machine necessary for operating e.g. a crane or the like, garbage compressor, cooling arrangement or the like.

Reasons for compressed air distributed to the consumers not being provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change above a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle may comprise leakage in one or more circuits for consumers and/or too many consumers being used at the same time such that maximum capacity of the compressor is not sufficient to provide the certain pressure level.

Functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises safety critical functions such as the brake function, the brake system of the vehicle being supplied with air compressed air and thus constituting consumer.

Functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises safety functions for legally operating the vehicle such as the exhaust after treatment system, the exhaust after treatment system being part of the powertrain, the powertrain comprising the engine and transmission, being supplied with compressed air and thus constituting a consumer.

By disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate drivability of the vehicle is improved in that the stops due to low pressure for consumers for vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle are reduced. The vehicle will thus be able to drive for longer times without stops.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle is performed in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence. Hereby drivability of the vehicle may be optimized in that stops will be reduced and vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle not being required to be disabled will be the most necessary functions for the particular vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises the step of determining the operational status of the compressor so as to determine a possible pressure and/or amount of air to be provided by said compressor to said certain set of vehicle functions. Reasons for the compressor not being able to operate at maximum capacity may be due to malfunction of the electric drive member, malfunction of the electric drive member being caused by e.g. too high temperature, low oil pressure, problems with power electronics/inverter such as power electronics/inverter becoming too hot. Reasons for the compressor not being able to operate at maximum capacity may be due lack of available power/energy for the electric drive member which may be due to low battery level, battery being too cold, battery being too hot, power for operating the electric drive member not being sufficient due to other units necessary and essential for vehicle operation such as 24 V dc/dc converter, cooling liquid pump, auxiliary units necessary for the vehicle such as electric machine necessary for operating e.g. a crane or the like, garbage compressor, cooling arrangement or the like.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises the step of determining the current pressure and/or current pressure change rate provided in the air processing system. Reasons for compressed air distributed to the consumers not being provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle may comprise leakage in one or more circuits for consumers and/or too many consumers being used at the same time such that maximum capacity of the compressor is not sufficient to provide the certain pressure level.

According to an embodiment of the method said drive member is an electric drive member for electrically driving the compressor.

According to an embodiment of the method said drive member is an internal combustion engine.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a system for controlling air supply of a vehicle. An air processing system is configured to receive compressed air distributed by means of a compressor operable by means of a drive member. The air processing system is configured to distribute the compressed air to different air consumers for different vehicle functions, certain vehicle functions being necessary for allowably operating the vehicle. The system comprises means for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle; and means for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate. The air processing system is according to an embodiment comprised in the system for controlling air supply.

According to an embodiment of the system the means for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises means for performing said disabling in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence.

According to an embodiment of the system the means for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises means for determining the operational status of the compressor so as to determine a possible pressure and/or amount of air to be provided by said compressor to said certain set of vehicle functions.

According to an embodiment of the system means for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises means for determining the current pressure and/or current pressure change rate provided in the air processing system.

According to an embodiment of the system said drive member is an electric drive member for electrically driving the compressor.

According to an embodiment of the system said drive member is an internal combustion engine.

The system for controlling an air pressure system is adapted to perform the methods as set out herein.

The system according to the invention has the advantages according to the corresponding method claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle comprising a system according to the invention as set out herein.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer program for controlling an air pressure system , said computer program comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit, causes the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to the invention.

A computer program product comprising a digital storage medium storing the computer program according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle according to the present invention; Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a drive member operating a compressor connected to an air processing system of a vehicle; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system for controlling air supply according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an air processing system of a vehicle receiving compressed air from a compressor and distributing compressed air to a set of consumers according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a hybrid vehicle with an electric drive member operating a compressor connected to an air processing system distributing compressed air to consumers according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for controlling air supply according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION hereinafter the term “link” refers to a communication link which may be a physical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication wire, or a nonphysical connector such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle 1 according to the present invention. The exemplified vehicle 1 is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. The vehicle according to the present invention could be any vehicle such as a bus or a car. The vehicle according to the present invention could be a hybrid vehicle or a conventional non-hybrid vehicle. The vehicle comprises an air processing system. The vehicle according to the present invention could be an electric vehicle. The vehicle comprises a system I for controlling air supply according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a drive member 10 operating a compressor 20 connected to an air processing system 200 of a vehicle, for example a vehicle 1 in accordance with the vehicle in fig. 1. The drive member 10 may be any suitable drive member 10. The drive member 10 is according to an embodiment an electric drive member 10a comprising an electric machine. The drive member 10 is according to an alternative embodiment an internal combustion engine 10b. The drive member 10 may according to an embodiment be an energy source such as a battery unit.

The air processing system 200 is configured to receive compressed air A distributed by means of the compressor 20 operated by the drive member 10. The compressor 20 is connected to the air processing system via a feeding line 22 via which said compressed air A is arranged to be fed to the air processing system I.

The compressor 20 is operably connected to the drive member 10. The compressor 20 is according to this embodiment operably connected to the drive member 10 via a clutch arrangement 30. The compressor 20 is according to an alternative embodiment connected to the drive member via a gear arrangement (not shown). The clutch arrangement 30 or gear arrangement is used when the compressor 10 is driven/operated by a drive member which is dependent from other power sources, e.g. the case with the internal combustion engine which is driving both the transmission and the compressor or a case with an electric drive member which is arranged to drive/operate the compressor and other units of the vehicle.

The air processing system 200 is configured to distribute the compressed air to different air consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 for different vehicle functions. One air consumer may have one or more vehicle functions. An air consumer may thus have more than one vehicle function. Air consumers comprise e.g. the brake system of the vehicle, the air suspension system of the vehicle, the powertrain including the transmission/gearbox and the engine. The brake system comprises brake functions requiring sufficient air pressure in air circuits to function correctly and safely. The air suspension system comprises suspension functions requiring sufficient air pressure in air circuits to function correctly and safely, this suspension vehicle function of the air suspension system thus being necessary for safely operating the vehicle. The air suspension system may comprise functions for adjusting the level relative to the ground, which may comprise kneeling which is common for buses. A level changing function of the air suspension system such as the kneeling function is not a vehicle function which is necessary for allowably/safely operating the vehicle. The powertrain comprises functions requiring sufficient air pressure in circuits, such as gear shift functions of the transmission/gearbox, and exhaust after treatment system of the internal combustion engine. Certain vehicle functions are necessary for allowably operating the vehicle such as the brake function of the vehicle.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system I for controlling air supply of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The system I comprises or is connected to an air processing system 200. The air processing system 200 is according to an embodiment an air processing system 200 in accordance with fig. 2, 4 and 5. The air processing system 200 is configured to receive compressed air distributed by means of a compressor operable by means of a drive member. The air processing system 200 is further configured to distribute the compressed air to different air consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 for different vehicle functions, certain vehicle functions being necessary for allowably operating the vehicle.

The system I comprises or is connected to the different air consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 for different vehicle functions.

The system I comprises an electronic control unit 100.

The system I comprises means 110 for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle.

The means 110 for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises means 112 for determining the operational status of the compressor so as to determine a possible pressure and/or amount of air to be provided by said compressor to said certain set of vehicle functions.

Reasons for compressed air distributed to the consumers not being provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle may comprise the compressor not being able provide maximum capacity, this problem generally occurring when the drive member for driving the compressor being an electric drive member for electrically driving the compressor. An electric drive member may advantageously be used for a hybrid vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the system I the drive member is an electric drive member for electrically driving the compressor.

The means 112 for determining the operational status of the compressor so as to determine a possible pressure and/or amount of air to be provided by said compressor to said certain set of vehicle functions comprises means 112a for determining malfunction of the electric drive member. Malfunction of the electric drive member may be caused by e.g. too high temperature, low oil pressure, problems with power electronics/inverter of electric drive member such as power electronics/inverter becoming too hot. The means 112a for determining malfunction of the electric drive member may thus comprise any suitable sensor unit comprising a temperature sensor unit for determining the temperature of the electric drive member comprising determining the temperature of the power electronics/inverter.

The means 112 for determining the operational status of the compressor so as to determine a possible pressure and/or amount of air to be provided by said compressor to said certain set of vehicle functions comprises means 112b for determining available power for the electric drive member. Lack of available power/energy for the electric drive member may be due to low battery level, battery being too cold, battery being too hot, or the like. The means 112b for determining available power for the electric drive member may comprise means for determining battery level such as a sensor unit for determining battery power, a temperature sensor unit for determining battery temperature or the like. Lack of available power/energy for the electric drive member may be due to power for operating the electric drive member not being sufficient due to other units necessary and essential for vehicle operation such as 24 V dc/dc converter, cooling liquid pump, auxiliary units necessary for the vehicle such as electric machine necessary for operating e.g. a crane or the like, garbage compressor, cooling arrangement or the like. The means 112b for determining available power for the electric drive member may comprise means for determining required power needed for other units/auxiliary units.

The means 110 for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises means 114 for determining the current pressure and/or current pressure change rate provided in the air processing system 200. The means 114 may comprise any suitable pressure sensor unit. The means 114 may comprise one or more pressure sensor units.

The system I comprises means 120 for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate.

The means 120 for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises according to an embodiment valve members for closing circuit for air supply to functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle necessary to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate to functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprising brake function of the brake system.

Functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises safety critical functions such as the brake function, the brake system of the vehicle being supplied with air compressed air and thus constituting consumer. Functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises safety functions for legally operating the vehicle such as the exhaust after treatment system, the exhaust after treatment system being part of the powertrain, the powertrain comprising the engine and transmission, being supplied with compressed air and thus constituting a consumer.

The means 120 for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises means 122 for performing said disabling in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence. Hereby drivability of the vehicle may be optimized in that stops will be reduced and vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle not being required to be disabled will be the most necessary functions for the particular vehicle.

The means 122 for performing said disabling in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence comprises according to an embodiment predetermined priorities of functions of consumers, wherein the function not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle having the lowest priority is disabled first, wherein, if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate, the function not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle having the second lowest priority is disabled secondly and so on until pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate has been obtained.

According to an embodiment of the system I the drive member is an internal combustion engine.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 110 for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle via a link 110a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 110a arranged to receive a signal from said means 110 representing data for pressure level and/or data for amount and/or data for rate of pressure change of compressed air distributed to the consumers.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 112 for determining the operational status of the compressor so as to determine a possible pressure and/or amount of air to be provided by said compressor to said certain set of vehicle functions via a link 112A. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 112A arranged to receive a signal from said means 112 representing data for operational status of the compressor.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 112a for determining malfunction of the electric drive member via a link 112a1. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 112a1 arranged to receive a signal from said means 112a representing data for malfunction of the electric drive member comprising temperature data and/or oil pressure data and/or data for status of power electronics comprising temperature data.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 112b for determining available power for the electric drive member via a link 112b1. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 112b1 arranged to receive a signal from said means 112b representing data for available power for the electric drive member comprising data for battery status comprising battery level and/or battery temperature and/or data for power being occupied/used by other units.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 114 for determining the current pressure and/or current pressure change rate provided in the air processing system 200 via a link 114a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 114a arranged to receive a signal from said means 114 representing data for current pressure and/or data for current pressure change rate provided in the air processing system 200.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 120 for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate via a link 120a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 120a arranged to receive a signal from said means 120 representing data for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 122 for performing said disabling in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence via a link 122a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 122a arranged to receive a signal from said means 122 representing data for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate.

The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to process the data for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to process the data for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the respective consumer C1-C5 via links L21, L22, L23, L24, L25, i.e. a link connected to the respective consumer. The electronic control unit 100 is via one or more of the links L21, L22, L23, L24, L25 arranged to send a signal to one or more of the consumers C1-C5 representing data for disabling, for said one or more consumers, one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate. The disabling of one or more functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle is preferably performed in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence.

According to an embodiment the electronic control unit is operably connected to the air processing system 200 via a link 200a. According to an embodiment the electronic control unit can be arranged to send a signal via the link 200a to the air processing system 200 for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an air processing system 200 of a vehicle receiving compressed air from a compressor 20 and distributing compressed air to a set of consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The compressor is operated by means of a drive member 10. The drive member 10 is according to an embodiment an electronic drive member. The drive member 10 is according to an embodiment the internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

The air processing system 200 comprises an air dryer device 40 for drying and filtering the air from particles from e.g. oil from the engine. The compressor 20 is connected to the air dryer device 40 via a feeding line 22.

The air processing system 200 comprises a multi circuit protection valve 50 connected to the air dryer device 40. The multi circuit protection valve 50 is configured to distribute the dried air from the air dryer device 40 via a distribution block 60 to different air consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 for different vehicle functions, certain vehicle functions being necessary for allowably operating the vehicle. The multi circuit protection valve 50 is configured to distribute the dried air from the air dryer device 40 via a distribution block 60 to circuits of the different air consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 for different vehicle functions. The consumers comprise e.g. brake system C1 and air suspension system C2. The multi circuit protection valve 50 is configured to distribute the dried air from the air dryer device 40 via a distribution block 60 to different air consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 via an air reservoir unit 70 said a reservoir unit comprising one or more air reservoirs or air tanks.

According to an embodiment there is provided means 114 for determining the current pressure and/or current pressure change rate provided in the air processing system 200. The means 114 may comprise any suitable means for determining the pressure and/or current pressure change rate such as a pressure sensor unit. The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 114 via a link L1. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to receive a signal from the means 114 representing data for pressure and/or pressure change rate provided in the air processing system 200. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to process the pressure data from the means 114 so as to determine whether compressed air distributed to the consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 is provided at a certain pressure level and/or or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle. According to an embodiment it is also provided a means for determining the current amount of air provided in the air processing system 200, not shown. The means for determining the current amount of air provided in the air processing system 200 may be any suitable means such as one or more flow sensor units.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the respective consumer C1-C5 via links L21, L22, L23, L24, L25, i.e. a link connected to the respective consumer.

If it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate, the electronic control unit is arranged to send a signal via a link connected to the consumer/consumers having vehicle function not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle, e.g. via the link L25, for disabling one or more vehicle functions so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate. According to an embodiment the electronic control unit can be arranged to send a signal via a link L2 to the air processing system 200, .e.g. to the multi circuit protection valve 50 for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate. Disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle is performed in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence. The predetermined priority sequence vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle is according to a variant performed such that the consumer/function of consumer with lowest priority is disabled first, e.g. the consumer C5, this continuing until the certain pressure is obtained.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a hybrid vehicle 1a with an electric drive member 12 operating a compressor 20 connected to an air processing system 200 distributing compressed air to consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 1a could be the vehicle 1 in fig. 1.

The hybrid vehicle comprises a powertrain 300. The powertrain 300 comprises an electric motor arrangement 310 for driving the vehicle and a combustion engine 20 for driving the vehicle. The electric motor arrangement 310 comprises at least one electric machine 312. The electric motor arrangement 310 further comprises power electronics 314 for the electric machine 312. The power electronics is configured to provide electric energy to the electric machine 312. The powertrain also comprises an energy source 316 which according to an embodiment comprises a battery unit. The energy source 316 is configured to supply energy to the electric motor arrangement 310 via the power electronics.

The powertrain 300 comprises an internal combustion engine 320 The powertrain 300 comprises a transmission unit 330 connected to a drive axle X1 of the hybrid vehicle. The drive axle X1 is connected to ground engaging members which according to an embodiment are constituted by drive wheels.

The hybrid vehicle 1a is driveable by means of the electric motor arrangement 310 and/or the combustion engine 320.

The electric motor arrangement 310 is connectable to the transmission unit 330 via coupling means 10a.

The combustion engine 320 is connectable to the transmission unit 30 via coupling means 320a.

The hybrid vehicle 1a comprises the electric drive member 10a for driving the compressor 20. The electric drive member 10a comprises an electric machine 12 and power electronics 14.

The electric drive member 10a is powered by means of the electric drive arrangement 310. The electric drive member 10a is powered by means of the energy source 316, e.g. battery unit, of electric drive arrangement 310.

The electric drive arrangement 310, i.e. the energy source 316, e.g. battery unit, of electric drive arrangement 310 is arranged to power other units necessary and essential for vehicle operation 410, 420, 430.

Said other units 410, 420, 430 comprises according to an embodiment a 24 V dc/dc converter 410. Said other units 410, 420, 430 comprises according to an embodiment a AC-compressor 420. Said other units 410, 420, 430 comprises according to an embodiment one or more auxiliary units 430 necessary for the vehicle. Such auxiliary units 430 may comprise an electric machine necessary for operating e.g. a crane or the like and/or a garbage compressor, and/or a cooling arrangement and/or other necessary auxiliary units.

The hybrid vehicle 1a comprises an air processing system 200. The electric drive member 10a is configured to operate the compressor 20 for providing compressed air for the air processing system 200. The air processing system 200 is configured to supply compressed air to different air consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 for different vehicle functions. The consumers comprise e.g. brake system C1 and air suspension system C2. The air processing system 200 is configured to distribute the compressed air to different air consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 via an air reservoir unit 70 said a reservoir unit comprising one or more air reservoirs or air tanks.

The hybrid vehicle 1a comprises according to an embodiment means 114 for determining the current air pressure provided in the air processing system 200. The means 114 may comprise any suitable means for determining the pressure such as one or more air pressure sensor units. Here the means 114 for determining the current pressure and/or current pressure change rate provided in the air processing system 200 comprises an air pressure unit 114a arranged to sense the air pressure in the reservoir unit 70 and an air pressure unit 114b for sensing the air pressure within the air processing system 200. The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 114 via a link L1. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to receive a signal from the means 114 representing provided in the air processing system 200. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to process the pressure data from the means 114 so as to determine whether compressed air distributed to the consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle.

The hybrid vehicle 1a comprises according to an embodiment means for determining the current amount of air provided in the air processing system 200, not shown. The means for determining the current amount of air provided in the air processing system 200 may be any suitable means such as one or more flow sensor units.

The hybrid vehicle 1a comprises an electronic control unit 100. In fig. 5, the electronic control unit 100 is arranged to control a number of systems, units etc. of the hybrid vehicle. The electronic control unit 100 may of course be a set of different control units 100 arranged to control different systems, units and the like of the hybrid vehicle 1a, where such a set of different electronic control units may be operably connected or may be separated.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the electric motor arrangement 310. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to control the electric motor arrangement 310.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the internal combustion engine 320. The electronic control unit is arranged to control the internal combustion engine, said control according to an embodiment comprising deactivating operation of the combustion engine such that the vehicle is driven solely by means of the electric motor arrangement 310.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the transmission unit 330 for controlling the transmission unit.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the air processing system 200 for controlling the air processing system 200.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the electric drive member 10a for controlling driving of the compressor 20.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the drive member 10a. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to determine malfunction of the electric drive member 10a. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to determine available power for the electric drive member.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to one or more of the units 410, 420, 430. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to determine required power for units 410, 420, 430 so as to determine the available power for the electric drive member 10a.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 114 for determining current air pressure in the air processing system 200.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the air consumers C1 -C5 for controlling the air consumers C1 -C5.

The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to process the pressure data from the means 114 and data regarding operational status of the electric drive member 10a comprising data regarding possible malfunction of the electric drive member 10a and data regarding available power for the electric drive member 10a so as to determine whether compressed air distributed to the consumers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle.

If it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate and/or if, the electronic control unit 100 is arranged to send signal to one or more of the consumers C1-C5 and/or to the air processing system 200 for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate. Disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle is performed in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence. The predetermined priority sequence vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle is according to a variant performed such that the consumer/function of consumer with lowest priority is disabled first, e.g. the consumer C5, this continuing until the certain pressure is obtained.

The electronic control unit 100 described above with reference to fig. 3-5 may be one electronic control unit or more than one electronic control unit, e.g. a set of control units.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for controlling air supply of a vehicle. The air processing system is configured to receive compressed air distributed by means of a compressor operable by means of a drive member. The air processing system is configured to distribute the compressed air to different air consumers for different vehicle functions, certain vehicle functions being necessary for allowably operating the vehicle.

According to the embodiment the method for controlling air supply comprises a step S1. In this step it is determined, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle.

According to the embodiment the method for controlling air supply comprises a step S2. In this step, if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate, one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle are disabled so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate.

Thus, if it is determined that the pressure change is above said certain rate, e.g. is dropping at a rate above said certain rate, the disabling of one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle may be done when the pressure level is within the normal pressure range such that it thereby can be avoided to reach a pressure level necessary for operating allowably operating the vehicle. Reasons for compressed air distributed to the consumers not being provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle may comprise the compressor not being able provide maximum capacity, this problem generally occurring when the drive member for driving the compressor being an electric drive member for electrically driving the compressor. An electric drive member may advantageously be used for a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. Reasons for the compressor not being able to operate at maximum capacity may be due to malfunction of the electric drive member, malfunction of the electric drive member being caused by e.g. too high temperature, low oil pressure, problems with power electronics/inverter such as power electronics/inverter becoming too hot. Reasons for the compressor not being able to operate at maximum capacity may be due lack of available power/energy for the electric drive member which may be due to low battery level, battery being too cold, battery being too hot, power for operating the electric drive member not being sufficient due to other units necessary and essential for vehicle operation such as 24 V dc/dc converter, cooling liquid pump, auxiliary units necessary for the vehicle such as electric machine necessary for operating e.g. a crane or the like, garbage compressor, cooling arrangement or the like.

Reasons for compressed air distributed to the consumers not being provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle may comprise leakage in one or more circuits for consumers and/or too many consumers being used at the same time such that maximum capacity of the compressor is not sufficient to provide the certain pressure level.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle is performed in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence. Flereby drivability of the vehicle may be optimized in that stops will be reduced and vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle not being required to be disabled will be the most necessary functions for the particular vehicle.

With reference to figure 7, a diagram of an apparatus 500 is shown. The control unit 100 described with reference to fig. 3-5 may according to an embodiment comprise apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 comprises a nonvolatile memory 520, a data processing device 510 and a read/write memory 550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 wherein a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of apparatus 500. Further, apparatus 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, l/O-means, an A/D-converter, a time date entry and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.

A computer program P is provided comprising routines for controlling air supply of a vehicle. The air processing system is configured to receive compressed air distributed by means of a compressor operable by means of a drive member. The air processing system is configured to distribute the compressed air to different air consumers for different vehicle functions, certain vehicle functions being necessary for allowably operating the vehicle. The program P comprises routines for determining the compressed air pressure in the respective air circuits. The program P comprises routines for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle. The program P comprises routines for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle, if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate, so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate. The routines for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle is performed in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence. The routines for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises routines for determining the current pressure and/or current pressure change rate provided in the air processing system. The routines for The computer program P may be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed condition in a separate memory 560 and/or in read/write memory 550.

When it is stated that data processing device 510 performs a certain function it should be understood that data processing device 510 performs a certain part of the program which is stored in separate memory 560, or a certain part of the program which is stored in read/write memory 550.

Data processing device 510 may communicate with a data communications port 599 by means of a data bus 515. Non-volatile memory 520 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 512. Separate memory 560 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 511. Read/write memory 550 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 514. To the data communications port 599 e.g. the links connected to the control unit 100 may be connected.

When data is received on data port 599 it is temporarily stored in second memory portion 540. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, data processing device 510 is set up to perform execution of code in a manner described above. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle, if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate, so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate. The signals used by apparatus 500 for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle is performed in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence. The signals used by apparatus 500 for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises signals used by apparatus 500 for determining the operational status of the compressor so as to determine a possible pressure and/or amount of air to be provided by said compressor to said certain set of vehicle functions. The signals used by apparatus 500 for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises signals used by apparatus 500 for determining the current pressure and/or current pressure change rate provided in the air processing system.

Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by apparatus 500 by means of data processing device 510 running the program stored in separate memory 560 or read/write memory 550. When apparatus 500 runs the program, parts of the methods described herein are executed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. . A method for controlling air supply of a vehicle (1; 1 a), the air processing system (200) being configured to receive compressed air (A) distributed by means of a compressor (20) operable by means of a drive member (10), and configured to distribute the compressed air to different air consumers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) for different vehicle functions, certain vehicle functions being necessary for allowably operating the vehicle, characterized by the steps of: - determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle; and, - if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate, disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle (1, 1a) is performed in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises the step of determining the operational status of the compressor (10) so as to determine a possible pressure and/or amount of air to be provided by said compressor to said certain set of vehicle functions.

4. A method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the step of determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises the step of determining the current pressure and/or current pressure change rate provided in the air processing system.

5. A method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein said drive member (10) is an electric drive member (10a) for electrically driving the compressor (20).

6. A method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein said drive member (10) is an internal combustion engine (10b).

7. A system (I) for controlling air supply of a vehicle (1; 1a), an air processing system (200) being configured to receive compressed air (A) distributed by means of a compressor (20) operable by means of a drive member (10), and configured to distribute the compressed air to different air consumers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) for different vehicle functions, certain vehicle functions being necessary for allowably operating the vehicle, characterized by means (110) for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle (1; 1a); and means (120) for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle if it is determined that the pressure provided is below said certain pressure level and/or the amount of air provided is below said certain amount and/or the pressure change is above said certain rate so as to provide pressure at said certain pressure level and/or amount of air at said certain amount and/or pressure change within said certain rate.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the means (120) for disabling one or more vehicle functions not necessary for allowably operating the vehicle (1; 1a) comprises means (122) for performing said disabling in accordance with a predetermined priority sequence.

9. A system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the means (110) for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises means (112) for determining the operational status of the compressor so as to determine a possible pressure and/or amount of air to be provided by said compressor to said certain set of vehicle functions.

10. A system according to any of claims 7-9, wherein the means (110) for determining, for a certain set of vehicle functions, whether compressed air distributed to the consumers is provided at a certain pressure level and/or at a certain amount and/or has a pressure change within a certain rate for operating the vehicle functions necessary for allowably operating the vehicle comprises means (114) for determining the current pressure and/or current pressure change rate provided in the air processing system.

11. A system according to any of claims 7-10, wherein said drive member (10) is an electric drive member (10a) for electrically driving the compressor (20).

12. A system according to any of claims 7-10, wherein said drive member (10) is an internal combustion engine.

13. A vehicle (1) comprising a system (I) according to any of claims 7-12.

14. A computer program (P) for controlling an air pressure system (200), said computer program (P) comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit (100) or another computer (500) connected to the electronic control unit (100), causes the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to claim 1-6.

15. A computer program product comprising a digital storage medium storing the computer program according to claim 14.