PRESSURE AIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND VOLUME EQUALIZED SIMETRICALLY DYNAMIC

专利摘要:
The present invention relates to an air management system for a vehicle that has a first pneumatic circuit and a second pneumatic circuit, in which the first and second pneumatic circuits are connected pneumatically in a neutral position via a flow mechanism. crossed. The first pneumatic circuit includes a first leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a first side of the vehicle. The second pneumatic circuit includes a second leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a second side of the vehicle. The first and second leveling valves are configured to establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the first leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the first side of the vehicle and the second leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the second side of the vehicle.
公开号:BR112019026584A2
申请号:R112019026584-8
申请日:2018-06-15
公开日:2020-06-23
发明作者:Vaughan Matthew；Matthew Vaughan；Calaway Joseph；Joseph Calaway；Bryan Lewis David；David Bryan LEWIS；Arrants George；George Arrants
申请人:Base Air Management Limited；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

[0001] [0001] This application claims benefit under 35 USC § 119 (e) from the filing date of provisional patent application 62/520918 filed on June 16, 2017, from provisional patent application 62/573587 filed on October 17, 2017 2017 and provisional patent application 62/626373 filed on February 5, 2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. DESCRIPTION FIELD
[0002] [0002] The present invention relates to improvements in air management systems for vehicles, trailers and trailers of any type, including main motor vehicles and cargo transport trailers with one or more axles supported by air springs. BACKGROUND
[0003] [0003] Air suspension systems for vehicles have a plurality of air suspension bags that support one or more vehicle axles in pairs on both sides of each axle. In a well-known vehicle, the pairs of air springs are connected by common large diameter air lines that extend between air springs correspondingly positioned on adjacent axes. Common air lines are connected by an air line to a height control valve directed to the respective side of a vehicle. The height control valve controls the air supply to the common air lines to adjust the inflation of the air springs to ensure that the vehicle is kept level as it is driven under varying road conditions. Unless otherwise defined, the term "height control valve" is used as equivalent to the term "leveling valve", so that the terms "height control valve" and "leveling valve" can be used interchangeably .
[0004] [0004] For example, when a vehicle negotiates a curve, the vehicle's center of gravity changes along its width in relation to the curve. Due to the change in weight, the air on the side of the vehicle facing away from the curve begins to contract, while the air on the side of the vehicle facing the curve begins to extend. Consequently, the vehicle is uneven from side to side. In response, one of the leveling valves on the lowered side of the vehicle supplies air to the contracted air springs, while the other leveling valve on the raised side of the vehicle removes the air from the extended air springs to keep the vehicle level. it has now been found that leveling valves generally overcompensate for responding to dynamic vehicle weight changes, in which air springs that receive air from the leveling valve tend to have a higher air pressure than air springs that were purged by the leveling valve. As a result, a pressure difference persists between the two sides of the air suspension system, after the leveling valves attempt to level the vehicle. Although a pressure differential remains between the air springs on opposite sides of the vehicle, the leveling valves return to neutral mode (for example, the rotating disk is set within a deadband range), in which there is a lack of communication between air springs on opposite sides of the vehicle. Due to this pressure differential between the air springs, the vehicle remains uneven even after the leveling valves have adjusted the pressure of the air springs in response to the vehicle's weight change.
[0005] [0005] Other types of air suspension systems have replaced mechanical leveling valves with electrically operated valves to control the height of the airbags. Although some electrically operated valves are designed to respond to changes in vehicle weight or vehicle rolling, electrically operated valves fail to take into account the pressure differentials between air springs that persist after the heights of the springs air were adjusted in response to changes in vehicle weight.
[0006] [0006] Therefore, the present inventors have recognized that an air management system is needed that solves the problem of persistent pressure imbalance, so that the vehicle can be restored to balance air pressure, level and driving height. SUMMARY
[0007] [0007] The present invention provides an improved air suspension system for a vehicle in which the air management system includes a first pneumatic circuit, a second pneumatic circuit and a cross flow mechanism that pneumatically connects the first pneumatic circuit to the second circuit pneumatic. The first pneumatic circuit includes a first leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a first side of the vehicle. The second pneumatic circuit includes a second leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a second side of the vehicle. The first and second leveling valves are configured to establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the first leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the first side of the vehicle and the second leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the second side of the vehicle. According to the various examples of air management systems described in this document, all air management systems are subject to modification, so that each air management system can be used in mechanical or electronic operations (for example, a actuator for a leveling valve can be switched from a mechanical mechanism to an electronic component).
[0008] [0008] The first pneumatic circuit includes a first set of air springs arranged on a first side of the vehicle, a first supply tank, a first plurality of air lines pneumatically connecting the first set of air springs with the first air valve leveling and a first supply line pneumatically connecting the first leveling valve to the first supply tank. The second pneumatic circuit includes a second set of air springs arranged on a second side of the vehicle, a second supply tank, a second plurality of air lines pneumatically connecting the second set of air springs with the second leveling valve and a second supply line pneumatically connecting the second leveling valve to the second supply tank. The cross flow connections extend from the first leveling valve to the second leveling valve. In another example, the first and second pneumatic circuits can be supplied to air by a common air supply tank, so that the air management system includes only one air supply tank to provide air flow to the air springs. air on both sides of the vehicle. In one example, the first plurality of air lines and the second plurality of air lines can have substantially the same diameter and length, and the first supply line and the second supply line can have substantially the same diameter and length.
[0009] [0009] In one configuration, each leveling valve can include a housing and a control arm hingedly connected to the leveling valve, in which the control arm is configured to rotate between a neutral position and one or more response positions in response to compression or extension of the air springs. The first and second leveling valves can be configured to establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the control arm of the first and second level valves is placed in the neutral position. The first and second leveling valves can be configured to prevent pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the control arm of one of the first and second leveling valves is set to one or more response positions. The first and second leveling valves can include a control arm sensor configured to detect the position of the control arm. The air management system can include a control unit in electrical communication with each sensor in the control arm. Each sensor on the control arm can be configured to transmit the position of the control arm as a position input from the control arm to the control unit. The control unit can be configured to determine a vehicle height from the axis on the first and second sides of the vehicle based on the input of the control arm position.
[0010] [0010] In one example, the first and second leveling valves can each be a rotary valve comprising a housing body and a rotating disk configured to rotate within the housing body to alter the communication between the first and the according to pneumatic circuits. Each housing body may comprise a supply port configured to receive air from an air source, an exhaust port configured to draw air into an atmosphere, one or more spring ports configured to receive or supply air to one of the first or second pneumatic circuits, and a cross flow port configured to receive or supply air to one of the first or second leveling valves. In one configuration, the rotating disk can be configured to establish communication between one or more spring ports and the cross flow port, while not establishing communication between one or more spring ports and the supply port, or the one or more more spring doors and the exhaust port. In one configuration, the first and second leveling valves can each comprise a control arm hingedly connected to the housing body and configured to rotate around the valve in response to a change in height by one of the first or according to pneumatic circuits. In one configuration, the rotation of the control arm can induce the rotating disk to rotate between a plurality of angular positions to alter the communication between the supply port, the exhaust port, the one or more spring ports and the flow port. crossed.
[0011] [0011] In one example, the first and second leveling valves can each include a distributor housing, a valve element arranged in a bore in the distributor housing and an electronic actuator. The valve element can be configured to move in the distributor housing bore to one or more positions, including at least one neutral position to establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits and a supply position to supply air to a respective pneumatic circuit of an air supply tank and an exhaust position to remove air from the respective pneumatic circuit in the atmosphere. The electronic actuator is configured to trigger the movement of the piston between one or more positions. The valve element can be selected from the group consisting of a piston, a rotating disk and a trigger. The electronic actuator is, for example, a solenoid, a servo motor and a stepping motor.
[0012] [0012] In one example, the air management system can include a control module in electrical communication with the electronic actuator of each leveling valve. The control module can be configured to transmit a command to each electronic actuator to trigger the movement of the valve element between the neutral, supply and exhaust positions. The air management system can include one or more level sensors. Each level sensor can be configured to detect a vehicle height from the axis along a vehicle position and transmit the detected vehicle height to the control module as a vehicle level input. The control module can be configured to determine a vehicle height from the axis on the first and second sides of the vehicle based on the vehicle's leveling input.
[0013] [0013] In one configuration, each leveling valve can include a cylindrical shaped distributor, a valve element arranged in the distributor and in sliding coupling with an interior surface of the distributor and an electronic actuator operably connected to the valve member. The dispenser may comprise a plurality of openings arranged along a side surface of the dispenser. The electronic actuator can be configured to drive the valve member to slide along the longitudinal axis of the distributor to control the exposure of the plurality of openings, so that a respective leveling valve is configured to selectively: (i) supply air to the respective pneumatic circuit, (ii) remove air from the respective pneumatic circuit or (iii) establish a cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits.
[0014] [0014] The present invention includes a leveling valve. The leveling valve can comprise an upper housing mounted in a lower housing to form a valve body, in which the valve body defines a chamber that extends between the upper housing and the lower housing.
[0015] [0015] The present invention can include a method for controlling the stability of a vehicle. The method may comprise the step of providing an air management system comprising a first pneumatic circuit and a second pneumatic circuit. The first pneumatic circuit can include a first leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a first side of the vehicle. The second pneumatic circuit may include a second leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a second side of the vehicle. The air management system may include a cross flow line that connects the first leveling valve with the second leveling valve. The method may comprise the step of establishing, by the first and second leveling valves, pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the first leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the first side of the vehicle and the second leveling valve it is not independently adjusting the height of the second side of the vehicle.
[0016] [0016] The present invention can include a method for adjusting the air pressure of a vehicle air management system comprising one or more air supply tanks, a first pneumatic circuit arranged on a first side of the vehicle and a second pneumatic circuit arranged on a second side of the vehicle. The method may comprise a step of independently adjusting the air pressure of the first pneumatic circuit by a first leveling valve, so that the first leveling valve is supplying air from one or more air supply tanks to the first pneumatic circuit or removing air from the first pneumatic circuit to the atmosphere. The method may comprise the step of independently adjusting the air pressure of the second pneumatic circuit by a second leveling valve, so that the second leveling valve is supplying air from one or more air supply tanks to the second pneumatic circuit or removing air from the second pneumatic circuit to the atmosphere. The method can comprise the step of establishing pneumatic communication between the first pneumatic circuit and the second pneumatic circuit only when the first leveling valve and the second leveling valve are configured in neutral mode, so that each leveling valve does not supply air from the one or more air supply tanks or remove air in the atmosphere.
[0017] [0017] The present invention can include a control unit associated with an air spring of an air management system for a vehicle. The control unit may comprise a housing configured to be mounted on an air spring top plate, the housing comprising a valve chamber. The control unit may comprise a valve arranged in the valve chamber. The valve can be configured to switch between a plurality of modes, including: (i) an active mode in which the valve is independently adjusting an associated air spring height and (ii) a neutral mode in which the valve is establishing pneumatic communication between the associated air spring and a cross flow line connected to a second air spring of the air management system when the valve is not in active mode. The control unit can comprise one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one air spring condition and generate a measurement signal indicating at least one air spring condition. The control unit may comprise a communication interface configured to transmit and receive data signals to and from a second control unit associated with the second air spring of the air management system. The control unit may comprise a processing module operatively connected to the valve, one or more sensors and the communication interface, in which the processing module is configured to: (i) receive measurement signals from one or more sensors and signals data from the communication interface and (ii) activate the valve to switch between active mode and neutral mode based on the measurement signals received from one or more sensors and the data signals from the communication interface.
[0018] [0018] The present invention can include an air management system for a vehicle. The air management system can comprise a first pneumatic circuit with one or more air springs arranged on the first side of a vehicle. The air management system may comprise a second pneumatic circuit with one or more air springs arranged on the second side of a vehicle. The air management system may comprise one or more cross flow lines, where each cross flow line extends from an air spring associated with the first pneumatic circuit to an air spring associated with the second pneumatic circuit. Each air spring can comprise a control unit. Each control unit can comprise a housing configured to be mounted on a top plate of an associated air spring, the housing comprising a valve chamber. Each control unit may comprise a valve arranged in the valve chamber, where the valve is configured to switch between a plurality of modes, including: (i) an active mode in which the valve is independently adjusting an associated air spring height and (ii) a neutral mode in which the valve is establishing pneumatic communication between the associated air spring and a respective cross flow line when the valve is not in active mode. Each control unit can comprise one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one condition of the associated air spring and generate a measurement signal indicating at least one condition of the associated air spring. Each control unit can comprise a communication interface configured to directly transmit and receive data signals to and from other control units associated with other air sources in the air management system. Each control unit can comprise a processing module operatively connected to the valve, one or more sensors and the communication interface, where the processing module is configured to: (i) receive measurement signals from one or more sensors and signals data from the communication interface and (ii) activate the valve to switch between active mode and neutral mode based on the measurement signals received from one or more sensors and the data signals from the communication interface.
[0019] [0019] The present invention may include a method for controlling the stability of a vehicle comprising an air management system, in which the air management system may comprise a first pneumatic circuit with one or more air springs arranged on the first side of a vehicle, a second pneumatic system circuit with one or more air springs arranged on the second side of a vehicle and one or more cross flow lines, in which each cross flow line extends from an air spring associated with the first pneumatic circuit to an air spring associated with the second pneumatic circuit. The method can comprise the step of monitoring, by a height sensor and an air pressure sensor, the height and air pressure of a respective air spring. The method can comprise the step of generating, by the height sensor and the air pressure sensor, a signal indicating the height and air pressure of the respective air spring. The method may comprise the step of receiving, by a processing module, the signal indicating the height and air pressure of the respective air spring. The method can comprise the step of calculating, by the processing module, a height differential rate and pressure differential rate of the respective air spring based on the received signal indicating the height of the respective air spring. The method can comprise the step of determining, by the processing module, whether to adjust the height of the air spring independently or establish a pneumatic communication between the air spring and a respective cross flow line. The method may comprise the step of driving, through the processing module, a valve to switch to one of the modes: (i) an active mode in which the valve is independently adjusting an associated air spring height and (ii) a neutral mode where the valve is establishing pneumatic communication between the associated air spring and a respective cross flow line when the valve is not in active mode. In one configuration, the height sensor, the processing module and the valve are arranged in an air spring chamber.
[0020] [0020] According to the various examples of air management systems described in this document, all air management systems include at least two independent pneumatic circuits, in which each independent pneumatic circuit is configured to independently adjust the height of one side of the vehicle in response to dynamic changes in vehicle weight. In a state of height adjustment independent of one side of the vehicle, the respective pneumatic circuit is not in pneumatic communication with the other pneumatic circuit arranged on the opposite side of the vehicle, so that the air on one side of the vehicle is not in communication. pneumatic with air springs arranged on the opposite side of the vehicle. According to the various examples of air management systems described in this document, all air management systems can selectively establish a cross flow between the two independent circuits, so that the air springs arranged on one side of the vehicle are in pneumatic communication with the air springs on the other side of the vehicle when all the leveling valves are set in neutral or neutral mode. In the present context, the leveling valve is adjusted in a neutral position or in neutral mode when the leveling valve is not supplying air from the air supply tank to the air sources or purging air from the air sources into the atmosphere (for example, example, the rotating disc is within a dead band range).
[0021] [0021] Other features and characteristics of the object of this description, as well as the methods of operation, functions of related elements of the structure and the combination of parts and manufacturing savings, will become more evident with consideration of the following description and the attached claims with reference to the attached drawings, all of which are part of this specification, in which similar reference numbers designate corresponding parts in the various figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] [0022] The attached drawings, which are incorporated here and are part of the specification, illustrate various modalities of the object of this description. In the figures, similar reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
[0023] [0023] FIG. 1A is a schematic view of an air management system according to a configuration of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a schematic view of an air management system comprising leveling valves arranged in a central portion of a vehicle according to a configuration of the present invention. FIG. 1C is a schematic view of an air management system comprising leveling valves, wherein each leveling valve has a plurality of airbag ports, according to a configuration of the present invention.
[0024] [0024] FIG. 2 is a top view of a leveling valve according to a configuration of the present invention.
[0025] [0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a leveling valve according to a configuration of the present invention.
[0026] [0026] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a leveling valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] [0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] [0028] FIGS. 6A-C are schematic views of a rotating disk in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] [0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an air management system in accordance with the present invention.
[0030] [0030] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an air management system according to the present invention.
[0031] [0031] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an air management system according to the present invention.
[0032] [0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lower housing of the present invention.
[0033] [0033] FIG. 11 is a top view of a lower housing of the present invention.
[0034] [0034] FIG. 12A is a top cross-sectional view of the lower housing taken along the Z-Z line according to the present invention. FIG. 12B is a side sectional view of the lower housing taken along the line Y-Y according to the present invention, FIG. 12C is a side cross-sectional view of the lower housing taken along the line X-X according to the present invention.
[0035] [0035] FIG. 13 is a top view of a rotating disc in accordance with the present invention.
[0036] [0036] FIGS. 14A is a perspective view of a first trigger to be used in the present invention. FIG. 14B is a sectional view taken along line B-B of the first trigger to be used in the present invention.
[0037] [0037] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a second trigger of the present invention. FIG. 15B is a sectional view taken along line C-C of the second trigger according to the present invention.
[0038] [0038] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an air management system according to the present invention.
[0039] [0039] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an air management system according to the present invention.
[0040] [0040] FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an air management system according to the present invention.
[0041] [0041] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of an air management system according to the present invention.
[0042] [0042] FIG. 20 is a schematic view of an air management system according to the present invention.
[0043] [0043] FIG. 21A is a schematic view of an air management system in accordance with the present invention.
[0044] [0044] FIG. 21B is a schematic view of an air management system in accordance with the present invention.
[0045] [0045] FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a control unit according to the present invention.
[0046] [0046] FIG. 23 is a schematic view of a system controller according to the present invention.
[0047] [0047] FIG. 24 is a schematic view of a control unit according to the present invention.
[0048] [0048] FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a system controller according to the present invention.
[0049] [0049] FIG. 26A is a schematic view of a valve according to the present invention.
[0050] [0050] FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to the present invention taken along line A in FIG. 26A.
[0051] [0051] FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of a lower housing of the present invention.
[0052] [0052] FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of a lower housing of the present invention.
[0053] [0053] FIG. 29 is an end view of a lower housing of the present invention.
[0054] [0054] FIG. 30 is a side view of a lower housing of the present invention.
[0055] [0055] FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a lower housing of the present invention.
[0056] [0056] FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view in perspective of a lower housing of the present invention.
[0057] [0057] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a rotating disc according to the present invention.
[0058] [0058] FIG. 34 is a top plan view of a rotating disc according to the present invention.
[0059] [0059] FIG. 35 is a side view of a rotating disc according to the present invention.
[0060] [0060] FIG. 36 is a side sectional view of a rotating disc according to the present invention taken along line 36 in FIG. 34.
[0061] [0061] FIGS. 37 and 38 are perspective views of an axis according to the present invention.
[0062] [0062] FIG. 39 is a side view of an axis according to the present invention.
[0063] [0063] FIG. 40 is a bottom end view of an axis according to the present invention.
[0064] [0064] FIG. 41 is a top end view of a rotating disc in accordance with the present invention.
[0065] [0065] FIG. 42 is a side view of an axis according to the present invention.
[0066] [0066] FIG. 43 is a graph showing the air pressure of the various valve ports at various stages of operation of the leveling valve according to the present invention.
[0067] [0067] FIG. 44 is a flow chart illustrating a method for adjusting the air pressure of an air management system comprising the first and second pneumatic circuits in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0068] [0068] Although aspects of the object of the present invention can be incorporated in a variety of forms, the following description and accompanying drawings are intended only to disclose some of these forms as specific examples of the object. Therefore, the object of this description is not intended to be limited to the forms or modalities described and illustrated.
[0069] [0069] The present invention includes an air management system for a vehicle with a first pneumatic circuit with a first leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a first side of the vehicle, a second pneumatic circuit with a second leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a second side of the vehicle and a cross flow mechanism that connects the first leveling valve with the second leveling valve. The first and second leveling valves establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the first leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the first side of the vehicle and the second leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the second side of the vehicle, for example, when the travel height control arms on both sides of the vehicle are in a neutral position or when an electrically operated valve is set to neutral. The first and second leveling valves are configured to be set to neutral or neutral mode under all driving conditions, including when the vehicle is traveling at a speed substantially above zero miles per hour.
[0070] [0070] As used in this document, the terms "neutral position" and "neutral mode" are defined as the state in which no leveling valve is supplying air from the air supply tank to the air springs or removing air from the springs of air into the atmosphere and each of the leveling valves are in pneumatic communication with each other.
[0071] [0071] As used in this document, the term "active mode" is defined as the state in which the valve is independently adjusting the height or air pressure of one or more air springs in a pneumatic circuit while the valve is not in pneumatic communication with any component of another pneumatic circuit.
[0072] [0072] As used herein, a "cross flow mechanism" or "cross flow system" includes any components necessary to establish pneumatic communication between a first pneumatic circuit and a second pneumatic circuit, where the first and second pneumatic circuits they are provided on opposite sides of a vehicle, that is, left and right sides. The cross flow mechanism or cross flow system may include a cross flow air line connecting a first level valve and a second level valve connected to a cross flow port on each level valve, in which the air line cross-flow is not directly connected to a supply tank or a supply line connected to the supply tank. The cross flow mechanism or cross flow system may also include a cross flow controller device connected to each of the first leveling valve and the second leveling valve. The cross-flow mechanism or cross-flow system can also include electrical sensors, for example, air pressure sensors, air flow sensors, driving height sensors, stability control sensors.
[0073] [0073] As used in this document, the "response position" is defined as the state in which one or more leveling valves on each side of the vehicle are adjusting the air pressure of the air springs independently in the pneumatic circuits.
[0074] [0074] As used in this document, "deadband" refers to the range of rotation in which a disc surface of a rotating disc completely covers the reservoir cavity of the lower housing, so that the leveling valve is not supplying air from the air supply tank to the air springs or by removing air from the air springs into the atmosphere.
[0075] [0075] In one example, each leveling valve includes a housing, a valve element arranged in a hole in the housing and a control arm hingedly connected to the housing, so that it rotates from a neutral position to one or more position response to induce rotation or movement of the valve element. In another example, each leveling valve includes a housing and a travel height sensor electrically connected to it instead of a control arm. In another example, each leveling valve includes a housing, a valve element arranged in a hole in the housing, a control arm hingedly connected to the housing to induce movement or rotation of the valve element, and a sensor arranged in the housing to detect movement of the valve. control arm. In another example, each leveling valve can include a housing, a valve element and a motor (e.g., stepping motor) to induce rotation or movement of the valve element. The valve element can be selected from the group consisting of a piston, a rotating disk and a trigger.
[0076] [0076] In one example, the first and second leveling valves establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the control arm of the first and second level valves are set in the neutral position, and the first and second second leveling valves are configured to prevent pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the control arm of one of the first and second leveling valves is defined in one or more response positions.
[0077] [0077] In one example, the first pneumatic circuit includes a first set of air springs arranged on the first side of the vehicle, a first supply tank, a first plurality of air lines pneumatically connecting the first set of air springs with the first leveling valve, and a first supply line pneumatically connecting the first leveling valve to the first supply tank; and the second pneumatic circuit includes a second set of air springs arranged on a second side of the vehicle, a second supply tank, a second plurality of air lines pneumatically connecting the second set of air springs with the second leveling valve and a second supply line pneumatically connecting the second leveling valve to the second supply tank. In another example, the first and second pneumatic circuits can be supplied to air by a common air supply tank, so that the air management system includes only one air supply tank to provide air flow to the air springs. air on both sides of the vehicle.
[0078] [0078] In one example, air lines are provided to provide equal volumes of air to maintain symmetry within the pneumatic circuits on both sides of the vehicle. The air lines are substantially the same (for example, within ± 10% or ± 5% or ± 2% or ± 1%) or the same diameter and / or length. Supply lines are substantially the same (for example, within ± 10% or ± 5% or ± 2% or ± 1%) or equal diameter and / or length
[0079] [0079] FIGS. 1A-C show air management system configurations for a vehicle, as disclosed in this document, indicated by reference number 100. Air management set 100 includes a first pneumatic circuit arranged on the first side of a vehicle 1, a second pneumatic circuit arranged on the second side of the vehicle 1 and a cross flow line 38 pneumatically connecting the first and second pneumatic circuits. Vehicle 1 may have front and rear axles with driven and / or not driven wheels 2 and 3, which are supported in a known manner on chassis 1 by pairs of airbags (also interchangeably referred to as air springs) 4 and 5, 6 and 7, 8 and 9 and 10 and 11, positioned as shown on both sides of axes 2 and 3. The present invention is not limited to having the specific number of axles, airbags (air springs), air lines / hoses , air supply tank (s) that are shown in the drawings, as these elements vary depending on the type of vehicle used as would be immediately clear to a person skilled in the art. In another example, the first and second pneumatic circuits can be supplied to the air by a common air supply tank, so that the air management system 100 includes only one air supply tank to provide air flow to the springs 4-11 on both sides of the vehicle 1.
[0080] [0080] In FIGS. 1A-C, air springs 4, 5, 8 and 9 are positioned on the first side of vehicle 1 and connected by separate air lines 12, 13 and 18-21 to form a first set of air springs. Air springs 4, 5, 8 and 9 and separate air lines 12, 13 and 18-21 are supplied with air through a valve hose 28, which is connected to a first level valve 16. A supply hose 30 extends directly from the first leveling valve 16 to a first supply tank 32 to supply air to the first leveling valve 16. Supply hose 30 is also provided with a pressure protection valve 34. Therefore, the air springs 4, 5, 8 and 9, the separate air lines 12, 13 and 18-21, the valve hose 28, the first leveling valve 16, the supply hose 30, the pressure protection valve 34 (it is not required in some air management systems or vehicles) and the first supply tank 32 forms the first pneumatic circuit adapted to independently adjust the height of the first side of the vehicle 1.
[0081] [0081] In some embodiments (not shown), the air management set 100 may comprise a single air supply tank to supply air simultaneously to the first and second pneumatic circuits and a single pressure protection valve connected to the supply tank of air through a single hose and connected to the first and second pneumatic circuits through two supply hoses. The single pressure protection valve is configured to provide sufficient air pressure for the first and second pneumatic circuits in the event of a leak or failure in the air management system 100. The single pressure protection valve is configured to have a increased air capacity for double pressure protection valves 34 in order to supply sufficient air for the first and second pneumatic circuits simultaneously.
[0082] [0082] Air springs 6, 7, 10 and 11 are positioned on a second side of vehicle 1 and connected together by separate air lines 14, 15 and 22-25 to form a second set of air springs. Air springs 6, 7, 10 and 11 and separate air lines 14, 15 and 22-25 are supplied with air through a valve hose 29, which is connected to a second level 17 valve. A supply hose 31 extends directly from the second leveling valve 17 to a second supply tank 33 to supply air to the second leveling valve 17. The supply hose 31 is also provided with a pressure protection valve 35. Therefore, the air springs 6, 7, 10, 11, the separate air lines 14, 15 and 22-25, the valve hose 29, the second leveling valve 17, the supply hose 31, the pressure protection valve 35 and the second supply tank 33 forms the second pneumatic circuit adapted to independently adjust the height of the second side of the vehicle 1. Both the first pneumatic circuit and the second pneumatic circuit are independently operable, so that the first leveling valve 16 distributes independently or bleed air from the first side of the vehicle 1 and the second level valve 17 distributes independently or bleed air from the second side of the vehicle 1.
[0083] [0083] To ensure a balanced supply air of substantially the same volume and pressure for each air spring, the separate air lines 12, 13 and 18-21 on the first side of the vehicle 1 and the separate air lines 14, 15 and 22-25 on the second side of vehicle 1 are substantially the same size (internal diameter) and length. In the illustrated configuration, the separate air lines 18-21 and 22-25 each have a diameter of about 12 mm (1/2 inch). Other sizes can be used with similar results, as long as the size and length of the air lines in each set or group (for example, 18 to 25, 28 and 29, 30 and 30 31 etc.) are the same. For similar reasons, valve hoses 28 and 29 have substantially the same size or diameter and internal length, and supply hoses 30 and 31 have substantially the same size or diameter and internal length. The supply of the separate air lines 18-21 and 21-25 and the connection of these lines to the separately supplied leveling valves 16 and 17 ensure that an equal volume of air is quickly supplied to each of the air springs, so that the internal air spring pressure responds adequately to changes in road conditions relayed to valves 16 and 17. Thus, the rate of change in the internal pressure of the first set of air springs is substantially symmetrical to the rate of change in the internal pressure of the second set of air springs.
[0084] [0084] The first control valve 16 and the second control valve 17 each include control arms 16a, 17a connected to a rigid bar 36 mounted under air springs 9 and 11. The control arms 16a, 17a are configured to move up and down in response to compression and extension of the air springs, which drive the first and second control valves 16, 17 to supply or purge air to and from the air springs. Both the first and second leveling valves 16, 17 do not supply air from the supply tank to the air springs nor remove air from the air springs into the atmosphere when the control arms 16a, 17a are in a neutral position. A cross flow line 38 extends from the first leveling valve 16 to the second leveling valve 17 to connect the first and second leveling valves. As shown in FIG. 1A, the cross flow line 38 is not directly connected to supply lines 30, 31 or air supply tanks 32,
[0085] [0085] The first and second leveling valves 16, 17 only allow pneumatic communication to each other through the crossed flow line 38 when the control arms 16a, 17a are both in the neutral position. In other words, the first and second leveling valves 16a, 17a prevent pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when one of the control arms 16a, 17a is not in the neutral position.
[0086] [0086] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a leveling valve 50 according to a configuration of the present invention. The leveling valve 50 includes a housing 60 and a control arm 70. Housing 60 includes a supply port 61 connected to the supply tank, an exhaust port 62 connected to the atmosphere, an air spring port 63 connected to the springs of air on one side of the vehicle and a cross flow port 64 connected to a second leveling valve on the other side of the vehicle. While FIG. 2 illustrates compartment 60 with an air spring door, compartment 60 can include two or more air spring doors to communicate with several sets of air springs arranged on a respective side of the vehicle. In addition, the relative positioning of the doors relative to each other and to the control arm may vary and is not intended to be limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0087] [0087] As shown in FIG. 2, the control arm 70 is connected to the housing 60 and rotates around the housing 60 between a plurality of positions in response to the compression and extension of the air springs arranged on one side of the vehicle. When the air springs are compressed, the control arm 70 rotates upward from a horizontal position to a first position, which establishes communication between the supply port 61 and the air spring port 63 of the housing. Consequently, air is supplied from the supply tank to the respective air springs, thereby increasing the air pressure of the air springs. When the respective air springs extend, the control arm 70 rotates downwards from a horizontal position to a second position, which establishes the communication between the exhaust port 62 and the air spring port 63 of the housing 60. Consequently, the air is removed from the air springs and released into the atmosphere, thereby decreasing the air pressure of the air springs. When the control arm 70 rotates from the neutral position in any direction, the air spring port 63 does not communicate with the cross flow port
[0088] [0088] According to an exemplary configuration, the leveling valve may include a rotating member (not shown), such as a disc, received in a central hole (not shown) of the housing, in which the central hole is pneumatically connected to each housing door. The rotating member is rotatably connected to the control arm, so that the rotation movement of the control arm induces the rotation of the rotating member. The rotating member can rotate between a plurality of positions to change the communication between the doors of the housing. Each leveling valve is a symmetrically dynamic equalized pressure and volume distribution valve, having at least one rotating member (not shown) with different sized grooves or orifices for distributing or purging air to the air springs when actuated in a position of response or cut off the air flow to the purge and supply ports when operated in a neutral position and open the pneumatic communication on the cross flow port in the neutral position. Therefore, if a level valve on one side of the vehicle is in a neutral position, but the level valve on the opposite side of the vehicle is not in a neutral position, there will be no pneumatic communication between the two level valves. Only when the two leveling valves are activated to the neutral position is pneumatic communication established between the pneumatic circuits on the opposite sides of the vehicle.
[0089] [0089] The establishment of cross flow when no leveling valve is independently adjusting the height of a respective side of the vehicle attenuates the unbalanced pressure differentials between the air springs on each side of the vehicle. Gravity has been found to contribute to these pressure differentials. For example, when a vehicle is negotiating a curve and experiences a dynamic lateral weight change, one of the leveling valves responds by supplying air to the compressed air springs, while the other leveling valve removes the air from the extended air springs. However, the leveling valve that supplies air in response to the change in lateral weight tends to supply air with a much greater force to overcome the force of gravity acting against compressed air springs. As a result, the leveling valve generally supplies more air to its air spring assembly than the volume of air removed from the other air spring assembly on the opposite side of the vehicle. Although a pressure differential remains between the air springs on opposite sides of the vehicle, the control arms return to a horizontal and neutral position, in which the supply and bleed ports for each leveling valve are closed (for example, in position deadband), not counting the supercompensated air supplied to one of the air spring assemblies.
[0090] [0090] The air management system of the present invention provides the unexpected advantage of mitigating the pressure differential between the air springs on each side of the vehicle, connecting at least two independent pneumatic circuits to form a common pneumatic circuit when the two valves leveling are in neutral mode. In the present context, a leveling valve is in a "neutral mode" when the leveling valve is not supplying air from an air supply tank or purging air into the atmosphere. Therefore, the air management system of the present invention can adjust each side of the vehicle independently, preventing communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when at least one of the leveling valves is not in neutral mode. The air management system of the present invention can also connect the first and second pneumatic circuits to a common circuit, establishing cross-flow communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits only when both leveling valves are in neutral mode. The establishment of cross flow between the air springs on each side of the vehicle allows the supercompensated air springs to have greater pressure to release air to the air springs on the other side of the vehicle through the cross flow line, thus promoting the balance between the air springs on both sides of the vehicle. Finally, the ability to selectively provide cross flow when all leveling valves are set to neutral allows the air management system to maintain a highly stable, safe and comfortable ride with better traction.
[0091] [0091] FIGS. 3 and 4 show different views of a mechanically driven valve according to a configuration of the present invention. The leveling valve 300 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes a valve body 310 comprising an upper housing 320 mounted in a lower housing 330, wherein a control arm
[0092] [0092] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower housing 330 comprises at least five ports 334a-e, including a supply port 334a, which connects to an air tank (not shown), an exhaust port 334b to purge air from the air springs (not shown), a first port 334c that connects to a first set of air springs (not shown), a second port 334d that connects to a second set of air springs (not shown) and a cross flow port 334e that connects to another leveling valve (not shown). The first and second doors 334c and 334d are arranged so that the first spring door 334c on one side of the lower housing 330 coincides with a second spring door 334d on the other side of the lower housing 330. Doors 334a-d are still arranged so that the supply port 334a on one side of the lower housing 330 coincides with the exhaust port 334b on the opposite side of the lower housing 330.
[0093] [0093] The lower housing 330 includes separate airflow passages (not shown) for each port 334a-e of the lower housing 330, so that the air supplied by the supply port 334a or the air purged to the exhaust port 334b occurs regardless of the air flowing through the flow port 334e. With reference to FIG. 5, the lower housing 330 includes a first surface 336 which defines a plurality of circular shaped cavities 338a-c. Supply port 334a is connected to a supply cavity 338a by an airflow passage formed in the lower housing 330 and the exhaust port 334b is connected to an exhaust cavity 338b by a second passed airflow formed in the lower housing 330. The crossflow port 334e is connected to a crossflow cavity 338c by a third airflow passage formed in the lower housing 330. The first and second spring holes 334c, 334d can be connected by a reservoir cavity (not shown) formed in the lowered housing 330.
[0094] [0094] FIGS. 4 and 6A-C show a rotating disk 350 according to a configuration of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 4, the rotating disk 350 is received in a central hole defined between the lower and upper housing. The rotating disk 350 includes a central opening 352 configured to rotatively receive a post (not shown), which extends from the lower housing 330 and through the upper housing 320 to connect to the control arm. The rotating disk 350 is configured to rotate around the post (not shown) within a central hole in the lower housing 330, thus defining the central opening 352 as a pivot point. The rotating disc 350 includes two oblong slots 354 spaced around the central opening 352 with the disc surface 353 defined between them and along the periphery of the rotating disc
[0095] [0095] The angular position of the rotating disc 350 changes as the control arm 340 rotates around the valve body 310 of the valve
[0096] [0096] FIGS. 10, 11 and 12A-C illustrate a lower housing 430 according to a configuration of the present invention. The lower housing 430 is configured to mount on the upper housing 320 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to form a valve body of a leveling valve. Similar to the configuration shown in FIGS. 3-5, the lower housing 430 comprises at least five ports 434a-e, including a supply port 434a that connects to an air tank (not shown), an exhaust port 434b to purge air from the air springs ( (not shown), a first port 434c that connects to a first set of air springs (not shown), a second port 434d that connects to a second set of air springs (not shown) and a cross flow port 434e that connects to another leveling valve (not shown). The lower housing 430 can optionally also include a sixth port 434f (shown in FIG. 12A and 12B) that connects to a discharge valve (not shown), where the discharge valve is configured to remove all air from each spring air from the air management system simultaneously.
[0097] [0097] As shown in FIGS. 12A-C, the lower housing 430 includes separate airflow passages for each port 434a-f, including a supply passage 432a connected to supply port 434a, an exhaust passage 432b connected to exhaust port 434b, a first passage 432c connected to the first port 434c, a second passage 432d connected to the second port 434d, a cross flow passage 432e connected to the cross flow port 434e and a discharge passage 432f connected to the discharge port 434f. The lower housing 430 includes a first surface 436 that defines a plurality of circular shaped blind holes 438a-c and a reservoir cavity 439. Blind holes 438a-c include a supply hole 438a connected to the supply port 434a through the supply passage 432a, an exhaust port 438b connected to the exhaust port 434b through the exhaust port 432b and a crossflow port 438c connected to the crossflow port 434e through the crossflow port 432e. The lower housing 430 further includes a central hole 438d configured to receive a post (not shown) that extends through the upper housing 320 to receive the control arm. The first passage 432c, the second passage 432d and the discharge passage 432f are interconnected and extend from the reservoir cavity 439. In an example shown in FIG. 10, the lower housing 430 may include a raised surface 437 projected from the first surface 436, in which the holes 438a-c and the cavity 439 are defined along the raised surface 437. The raised surface 437 of the lower housing 430 is configured to engage a surface bottom of the top housing 320 to define a camera in it.
[0098] [0098] FIG. 13 illustrates a rotating disk 450 according to a configuration of the present invention. Similar to the configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 6A-C, the rotating disc 450 includes a central opening 452, two oblong slits 454 and a crossflow slot 455 with the surface of the disc 453 extending between them and along the periphery of the rotating disc 450 The central opening 452 is arranged between the two slits 454 and the crossflow slot 455. Two slots 454 are spaced symmetrically from a central axis AA of the rotating disc 455, and the crossflow groove 455 covers the central axis AA of the rotating disk 450, in which the central opening 452 is arranged between the rectangular slits at 454 and the crossflow slot 455. The cross-sectional area of the crossflow slot 455 is substantially smaller than the area cross-section of each 454 slit. For example, the cross-sectional area of the 455 cross-flow slit is at least three, four, five, ten, twenty, thirty, forty or more times smaller than the section area transvers in addition to the oblong slits 454. In some non-limiting embodiments (for example, FIGS. 33-36), the width or diameter of the crossflow slot 455 can vary across its depth, so that the width or diameter of the crossflow slot 455 has a first cross-dimension dimension on a first face of the rotating disc 450 and a second transverse dimension on a second face of the rotating disc 450, wherein the first transverse dimension is greater than the second transverse dimension.
[0099] [0099] The rotating disk 450 is received on the raised surface 437 of the lower housing 430 and the central opening 452 receives an axis (not shown) that extends from the first surface 436 of the lower housing 430 to the upper housing (not shown) rotating. Similar to the configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 6A-C, the rotating disc 450 is configured to rotate about the axis between a plurality of positions, including a neutral position, a first angular position and a second angular position. In the neutral position, the surface of disc 453 of rotating disc 450 covers supply hole 438a and exhaust hole 438b of the lower housing 430, so that the air springs are connected neither to supply port 434a nor to exhaust 434b. Thus, the rotating disk 450 is adjusted within the rotation range of the deadband when adjusted in a neutral position. In the neutral position, the crossflow slot 455 covers the crossflow hole 438c, so that the first and second springs are in communication with the crossflow hole 434e.
[00100] [00100] When the rotating disc 450 is rotated away from the neutral position clockwise to the first angular position, the oblong slots 454 connect the supply hole 438a to the reservoir cavity 439 so that the air springs receive air from the supply tank, thereby increasing the air pressure of the air springs. When the rotating disc 450 is set in the first angular position, the crossflow slot 455 is rotated away from the crossflow hole 438, so that the deadband 453 overlaps the crossflow hole 438c. When the rotating disc 450 is turned away from the neutral position counterclockwise to the second angular position, the oblong grooves 454 connect the exhaust hole 438b with the reservoir cavity 439 so that air is removed from the springs. air. When the rotating disk 450 is defined in the second angular position, the crossflow slot 455 is rotated away from the crossflow hole 438c, so that the deadband 453 covers the crossflow hole 438c.
[00101] [00101] Due to the dimensioning of the crossflow groove 455, the rotating disc 450 only needs to be turned slightly about 1 ° to 2 ° clockwise or counterclockwise from the neutral position to the deadband 453 to completely overlap the 438c cross flow port. Thus, the rotating disc can make the quick transition to allow cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits to control air flow to one side of the vehicle independently, without cross flow occurring. While the rotating disc is rotating about 1 ° to 2 ° clockwise or counterclockwise from the neutral position, the oblong notches 454 are not in communication with the supply port 438a or the exhaust port 438b of the housing lower 430. When the rotational speed of the rotating disc exceeds a predetermined threshold speed, the rotating disc 450 can rotate from the first angular position to the second angular position without allowing air to flow through the crossflow orifice 438c and the flow port 434e crossover during the transition. Therefore, when the vehicle experiences subsequent dynamic weight changes, the rotating disc can alternate between supplying and removing air to and from the air springs without allowing cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits to occur during the transition.
[00102] [00102] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a first trigger 460 according to a configuration used in the present invention. The first trigger 460 includes a cylindrical shaped body 462 that extends from a first end 464 to a second end 466. The first trigger 460 includes a passage 463 that extends through the body 462 of a first opening 463a defined along the first end 464 to a second opening 463b defined along the second end 466. The size of the first opening 463a is equivalent to the size of the second opening 463b. The first trigger 460 is arranged in the supply hole 438a and in the exhaust hole 438b of the lower housing 430, in which the first end 464 protrudes from the first surface 436 of the lower housing 430 and engages the rotating disk 450 to provide a seal tightly sealed between supply and exhaust holes 438a, 438b and oblong slots 454. In some other configurations (not shown), the size of the first opening 463a may differ from the size of the second opening 463b, so that the diameter or width of passage 463 vary across its length. In one example, the first opening 463a can comprise a first diameter and the second opening 463b can comprise a second diameter, in which the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter.
[00103] [00103] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a second trigger 470 according to a configuration of the present invention. Similar to the first trigger 460, the second trigger 470 includes a cylindrical shaped body 472 that extends from a first end 474 to a second end 476. The first trigger 470 includes a passage 473 that extends through body 472 from a first opening 473a defined along the first end 474 to a second opening 473b defined along the second end 476. Unlike the first trigger 460, the size of the first opening 473a in the second trigger 470 is smaller than the size of the second opening 473b. The size and shape of the first opening 473a of the second trigger 470 corresponds to the size and shape of the crossflow slot 455 in the rotating disk 450. The second trigger 470 is arranged in the crossflow hole 438c of the lower housing, in which the first end 474 projects from the first surface 436 of the lower housing 436 and engages the rotating disc 450 to provide an airtight seal between the crossflow slot 455 of the rotating disc 450 and the crossflow orifice 438c.
[00104] [00104] In a non-limiting embodiment, the lower housing 430 may comprise a fourth blind orifice (not shown) arranged along the first surface 436, whereby the fourth blind orifice is aligned with the crossflow orifice 438c and the reservoir cavity 439 is arranged between the fourth blind hole and the cross flow hole 438c. In some embodiments, the fourth blind hole is ninety degrees separate from the supply and exhaust holes 438a, 438b in relation to the central hole 438d and one hundred and eighty degrees separate from the crossflow hole 438c in relation to the central hole 438d. The fourth blind hole is not in pneumatic communication with any of the supply passages 432a, exhaust pass 432b, first pass 432c, second pass 432d, second pass 432d, crossflow pass 432e and discharge pass 432f. In some embodiments, a third trigger (not shown) can be placed in the fourth blind hole. In some embodiments, the third trigger may comprise the same configuration as the first trigger 460 received at the crossflow orifice 438c, so that the third trigger comprises a first end configured to project above the first surface 436 of the lower housing 430. When the rotating disk 450 is received on the first surface 436 of the lower housing 430, the third trigger is configured to engage the rotating disk 450, so that a lower surface of the rotating disk 450 engages four triggers: the first pair of triggers 460 received in the holes of supply and exhaust 438a, 438b, the second rotary trigger 470 received at the crossflow orifice and the third rotary trigger received at the fourth blind orifice. By engaging the four triggers that are displaced by every ninety degrees in relation to the central hole 438d, the rotating disk 450 is held in a level position.
[00105] [00105] FIG. 43 illustrates the relationship between the angle of the control arm and the air pressure in the various orifices of the lower housing of a leveling valve in an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 43, the x-axis reflects the motorized operating time in seconds, and the y-axis indicates the angle of the control arm in degrees (that is, represented by the solid line) and the air pressure in the pressure gauge per square inch (PSIG) ) of the various valve ports in response to the change in the angle of the control arm (represented by the dotted or dashed lines). With reference to FIG. 43, when the vehicle dynamically encounters a changing road condition, that is, when the control arm initially rotates out of the neutral position, indicated by the x-axis, the air pressure in the work port (ie the spring connected to the air spring) increases exponentially, while the air pressure in the supply port decreases slightly.
[00106] [00106] According to various modalities, FIG. 44 illustrates a method 900 for adjusting the air pressure of an air management system 100 comprising one or more air supply tanks 32, 33, a first pneumatic circuit disposed on the first side of a vehicle and a second pneumatic circuit disposed on the second side of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 44, method 900 comprises a step 910 of independently adjusting the air pressure of the first pneumatic circuit by a first leveling valve 16. In various embodiments, the independent adjustment of the air pressure of the first pneumatic circuit includes the air supply of the or more air supply tanks 32, 33 for the first pneumatic circuit or the removal of air from the first pneumatic circuit into the atmosphere. As shown in FIG. 44, method 900 comprises a step 920 of independent adjustment of the air pressure of the second pneumatic circuit by a second leveling valve 17. In various embodiments, the independent adjustment of the air pressure of the second pneumatic circuit includes the air supply of the one or more air supply tanks 32, 33 for the second pneumatic circuit or the removal of air from the second pneumatic circuit into the atmosphere. As shown in FIG. 44, method 900 comprises a step 930 of establishing pneumatic communication between the first pneumatic circuit and the second pneumatic circuit only when both the first leveling valve 16 and the second leveling valve 17 are adjusted in a neutral mode. In several embodiments, the level valve in neutral mode is not supplying air from one or more air supply tanks or removing air from the atmosphere.
[00107] [00107] The air management system can include mechanically or electronically operated leveling valves to control communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits. In an exemplary configuration, the air management system may include a leveling valve arranged on each air spring, in which each leveling valve includes a distributor and a piston arranged in a distributor chamber. The piston is configured to move in the distributor chamber between one or more positions, including at least a first position to establish a cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits and a second position to independently adjust the height of a respective side of the vehicle. Instead of having a control arm to trigger the air flow, the distributor can include an electronic actuator to move the piston between one or more positions, so that the air flow can be supplied or removed from the respective air spring. In an exemplary configuration, the air management system may have a central distributor that includes individual ports connected to each air spring in the air management system.
[00108] [00108] In an exemplary configuration, leveling valves can consist of one or more solenoid valves that allow air to be adjusted on each side of the vehicle independently, selectively allowing cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits to equalize the air pressure between the first and second sets of air springs. The air management system can also include a controller in electrical communication (for example, wireless or wired) with the leveling valves to control the operation of the electronically operated leveling valves. The air management system can also include air pressure sensors supplied in the air lines to detect changes and pressure imbalances and communicate this data to a controller in electrical communication (for example, wireless or wired) with the air valves. leveling or with one or more leveling valves. The air management system can also include inputs based on ride height sensors for height control, flow sensors on one or more of the doors and communication with electronic systems, for example, any electronic stability control system (ESC) , including, among others, electronic stability program (ESP), dynamic stability control (DSC), vehicle stability control (VSC), automatic traction control (ATC) and / or vehicle roll stability control 1. Linking the performance of the air management system to a controller that is also linked to the vehicle's ESP, DSC ATC or VSC improves the overall safety of the vehicle by synchronizing the braking and steering control with the operation of the air management system.
[00109] [00109] In various configurations, the air management system controller is in electrical communication with the vehicle's leveling valves, sensors and other electronic systems (for example, ESC, ESP, DSC, VSC, ATC, etc.). In various modalities, the controller can receive measurement signals, such as height and pressure measurements of the air springs, transmitted by the sensors. Based on the measurement signals and data, the controller is configured to calculate a current state for each air spring in the air management system and a dynamic operating state of the vehicle. In one configuration, the controller is configured to calculate a pressure differential or a height differential between the air springs of the air management system based on the measurements received and the data signals. The controller is configured to activate the valve in active mode when the pressure differential or the height differential between the air springs is above a predetermined threshold and to activate the valve in neutral mode when the pressure differential or height differential is below of a predetermined threshold. Therefore, when there is a substantial difference in height between the respective sides of the vehicle, the controller is configured to transmit commands to the leveling valves to independently adjust the height of the air springs of their respective pneumatic circuit to bring the vehicle to a level at a faster rate. In various modes, the controller can transmit commands to the leveling valve to operate in an active mode at any speed of the vehicle. When there is only a slight height difference between the respective sides of the vehicle that does not trigger a rolling condition, the controller is configured to transmit a command to the leveling valves to be adjusted in neutral mode and to attenuate any pressure differential between the pressure springs. air establishing a cross flow between the air springs. In various modalities, the controller transmits commands to the leveling valves to operate in neutral mode at any speed of the vehicle, including speeds substantially above zero miles per hour or kilometers per hour.
[00110] [00110] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate air management systems comprising a series of air lines, in which the lengths of all air lines extending between a respective air spring and a control valve are of equal length and internal diameter. FIG. 7 illustrates an air management system 200a comprising a first pneumatic circuit, a second pneumatic circuit and at least two leveling valves 300a. Each pneumatic circuit includes one or more air springs 205a, an air supply tank 210a, a supply line 220a that extends between the leveling valve 300a and the supply tank 210a and a set of spring lines 230a connecting a or more air springs 205a for the leveling valve 300a. The air management system 200a also includes a pressure protection valve 240a (not required for all air management systems) connected to each supply line 220a. In some configurations of the air management system 200a, the spring lines 230a can have equal lengths and diameters, and the supply lines 220a can have equal lengths and diameters. Each leveling valve 300a is mechanically actuated by a control arm 305 and configured to independently adjust the air flow to one of the first or second pneumatic circuits. Leveling valves 300a are connected together by a cross flow line 250a to establish fluid communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when all leveling valves are set in neutral mode. Thus, the leveling valves 300a are configured to provide cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits when neither air is supplied from the air tank to the air springs nor the air is removed from the air springs into the atmosphere.
[00111] [00111] FIG. 8 illustrates an air management system 200b comprising a first pneumatic circuit, a second pneumatic circuit and at least two leveling valves 300b. Each pneumatic circuit includes one or more air springs 205b, an air supply tank 210b, a supply line 220b that extends between the leveling valve 300b and the supply tank 210b and a set of spring lines 230b connecting a or more air springs 205b for leveling valve 300b. In some configurations of the air management system 200b, spring lines 230b may have equal lengths and diameters, and supply lines 220b may have equal lengths and diameters. The air management system 200b also includes a pressure protection valve 240b connected to each supply line 220b. As shown in FIG. 8, the leveling valves 300b are electronically operated leveling valves connected together by a cross flow line 250b. The electronically operated leveling valve is configured to provide cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits when neither air is supplied from the air tank to the air springs nor the air is removed from the air springs into the atmosphere, ie , in neutral mode.
[00112] [00112] FIG. 9 illustrates an air management system 200c comprising a first pneumatic circuit, a second pneumatic circuit and at least two leveling valves 300c. The air management system 200c comprises one or more air springs 205c, a supply air tank 210c that is connected to each leveling valve 300c by a respective supply line 220c, in which a pressure protection valve 240c is incorporated in the 220c supply line. Each leveling valve 300c is connected to one or more air springs 205c by a series of spring lines 230c. In some configurations of the air management system 200c, spring lines 230c may have equal lengths and diameters, and supply lines 220c may have equal lengths and diameters. Leveling valves 300c are connected together by a cross flow line 250c. As shown in FIG. 9, leveling valves 300c are electronically operated leveling valves and are in electrical communication with a 260 control unit. Electrical communication can be established via a wired or wireless connection. The electronically operated leveling valve is configured to provide cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits when neither air is supplied from the air tank to the air springs nor the air is removed from the air springs into the atmosphere, ie , in neutral mode.
[00113] [00113] FIGS. 16-18 illustrate air management systems that synchronize air flow control with an electronic control unit. FIG. 16 shows illustrates an air management system
[00114] [00114] FIG. 17 shows an air management system 500b comprising an air supply tank 505b, a first pneumatic circuit 510b connected to the supply tank 505b, a second pneumatic circuit 520b connected to the supply tank 505b and at least two leveling valves 600b, wherein each leveling valve is configured to independently control air flow to one of the first or second pneumatic circuits 510b, 520b.
[00115] [00115] In one configuration, the control unit 650b is configured to trigger level valves 600b to establish cross flow when the pressure differential or height differential between the air springs of the first and second pneumatic circuits 510b, 520b are inside of a predetermined threshold. The control unit 650 is configured to activate the valves 600b in active mode to independently adjust the air pressure of its associated pneumatic circuit when the pressure differential or height differential between the air springs of the first and second pneumatic circuits 510b, 520b are greater than a predetermined threshold. The control unit 650b can determine the pressure differential or the height of the air springs 530b based on the measurement signals received from the sensors 630.
[00116] [00116] FIG. 18 shows an air management system comprising an air supply tank 505c, a first pneumatic circuit 510c, a second pneumatic circuit 520c and a distributor 600c which, in certain embodiments, is arranged at or near the center of the vehicle. In other configurations of the 500c air management system, the air management system can have more than one 505c air supply tank. The 600c dispenser is connected to the 505c supply tank by one or more 506c supply lines. Each pneumatic circuit 510c, 520c includes one or more air springs 530c. The dispenser 600c includes a plurality of ports 640, including at least one port 640 connected to each air spring 530c by a spring line 535c. The dispenser 600c includes a valve element (not shown) arranged in each port 640 to control the flow of air through the port.
[00117] [00117] In one configuration, the control unit 650c is configured to drive distributor 600c to establish cross flow when the pressure differential or height differential between the air springs of the first and second pneumatic circuits 510c, 520c are within a predetermined threshold. The control unit 650c is configured to activate the distributor 600c in active mode to independently adjust the air pressure of its associated pneumatic circuit when the pressure differential or height differential between the air springs of the first and second pneumatic circuits 510c, 520c are greater than a predetermined threshold. The control unit 650c can determine the pressure differential or the height of the air springs 530b based on the measurement signals received from the sensors 630.
[00118] [00118] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate air management systems that synchronize air flow control with a control unit associated with each air spring. FIG. 19 shows an air management system 700a comprising an air source 702a, a supply air tank 704a, a first pneumatic circuit 710a disposed on a first side of the vehicle and a second pneumatic circuit 720a disposed on a second side of the vehicle. Each pneumatic circuit 710a, 720a includes one or more air springs 730a. Each air spring 730a comprises a control unit 740a arranged within an air spring chamber 730a. The control unit 740a comprises a housing 780a mounted on a top plate 732a of the air spring 730a. When placed inside the air spring 730, the control unit 740a is not exposed to the external environment, thus being protected against damage caused by debris or adverse weather conditions. The control unit 740a is configured to adjust the height of the air spring 730b to a desired height that is determined based on one or more operating conditions monitored by the control unit 740a. The control unit 740a can take into account the conditions of other air springs 730a in the air management system 700a in determining the desired height for its associated air spring 730a, but the control unit 740a adjusts the height of its air spring associated air 730a independent of the other control units 740a of the air management system 700a. As shown in FIG. 19, a cross flow line 760a connects control unit 740a of an air spring 730a in the first pneumatic circuit 710a to a control unit 740a of an air spring 730a in the second pneumatic circuit 720a. Each control unit 740a is configured to provide cross flow between the two air springs 730a of the first and second pneumatic circuits 710a, 720a when neither air is supplied from air source 702a to air springs 730a nor is air removed. from the air springs 730a to the atmosphere, that is, in neutral mode.
[00119] [00119] With reference to FIGS. 19 and 22, the control unit 740a comprises an inlet port 741a disposed along a first surface of the housing 780a, an outlet port 742a disposed along the first surface of the housing 780a, a cross flow port 743a disposed along of a first surface of the housing 780a and a distribution port 744a disposed along a second surface of the housing 780a. The control unit 740a comprises a valve chamber 745a and a plurality of passages 751a-754a connecting the dispensing port 744a, the inlet port 741a, the outlet port 742a and the crossflow port 743a to the valve chamber 745a . Inlet port 741a is configured to connect to an accessory 736a disposed on top plate 732a, thereby establishing pneumatic communication between the air supply tank 704a and the control unit 740a. The outlet port 742a is configured to connect to an exhaust port 738a arranged on the upper plate 732a, thus establishing a pneumatic communication between the atmosphere and the control unit 740a. The cross flow port 743a is configured to connect to the cross flow line 760a, thereby establishing pneumatic communication between a control unit 740a of a first air spring 730a and a control unit 740a of a second air spring 730a. The delivery port 744a is configured to establish pneumatic communication between the valve chamber 745a and the air spring chamber 730a, so that air can be supplied or released from the air spring chamber 730a.
[00120] [00120] As shown in FIG. 22, the control unit 740a comprises a valve 746a disposed in the valve chamber 745a to selectively control air supply and exhaust to and from the air spring chamber 730a. The valve 746a is configured to switch between a plurality of modes, including a first mode in which air is released out of the air spring chamber 730a, a second mode in which air is supplied to the air spring chamber 730a , a neutral mode in which the air spring chamber 730a is pneumatically connected to the cross flow line 760a. In the first mode, valve 746a establishes pneumatic communication between inlet port 741a and dispensing port 744a. In the second mode, valve 746a establishes pneumatic communication between outlet port 742a and dispensing port 744a. When valve 746a is configured in the first or second modes, valve 746a is independently adjusting the height of its associated air spring 730a (ie, active mode), so that valve 746a is not in pneumatic communication with other springs air management system 730a. In neutral mode, valve 746a establishes pneumatic communication between the cross flow port 743a and the distribution port 744a, resulting in cross flow between its associated air spring 730a and a second air spring 730a disposed on the opposite side of the vehicle.
[00121] [00121] The 746a valve can take any suitable shape or configuration, such as a two-way, three-way or variable position valve, to selectively control the air flow in and out of the air spring chamber 730a at a plurality of rates flow. In an example (not shown), valve 746a comprises a rotating member disposed in the valve chamber and an electronic actuator operably connected to the rotating member. In one configuration, the electronic actuator is a stepping motor. The rotating member is configured to rotate between a plurality of positions, including a first position establishing pneumatic communication between the entrance door and the distribution door, a second position establishing pneumatic communication between the exit door and the distribution door and a third position establishing pneumatic communication between the distribution port and the cross flow port. The electronic actuator (for example, stepping motor) is configured to receive energy from a power source and trigger the movement of the rotating member between the plurality of positions. In some configurations, the rotating member is a disk that comprises a plurality of holes configured to selectively overlap the plurality of passages in the first, second and third positions, and the stepping motor includes an axis that is rotatably coupled to the disk. In some configurations, the stepping motor is configured to drive the movement of the rotating member to a plurality of positions, so that the volumetric flow rate for supplying or removing air from the chamber can vary at each respective position of the rotating member. Therefore, the stepping motor can drive the movement of the rotating element to a first position, in which air is supplied or removed from the air spring chamber 730a at a first speed, and the stepping motor can drive the movement of the element rotating to a second position, in which air is supplied or removed from the air spring chamber 730a at a second rate which is greater or less than the first rate.
[00122] [00122] In another example (not shown), valve 746a may include a piston received in valve chamber 745a and a solenoid operatively connected to the piston. The piston is configured to slide into the valve chamber 745a between a plurality of positions, including a first position establishing pneumatic communication between the inlet port and the dispensing port, a second position establishing pneumatic communication between the outlet port and the port and a third position establishing pneumatic communication between the distribution port and the cross flow port. The solenoid is configured to receive energy from a power source and trigger the movement of the piston between the plurality of positions. In some configurations, the solenoid is configured to trigger the movement of the piston to a plurality of positions, so that the volumetric flow rate to supply or remove air from the chamber can vary at each respective position of the piston.
[00123] [00123] In another example, as shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, valve 746a may include a cylindrical shaped distributor 780 and an accelerating element 790 received telescopically at distributor 780, so that the accelerating element 790 is in sliding engagement with the inner surface of distributor 780. In one configuration the dispenser 780 includes a plurality of openings 781-783 arranged along a surface of the dispenser 780. The plurality of openings 781-783 includes a first opening 781 arranged approximately a first end of the dispenser 780, a second opening 782 arranged approximately one second end of dispenser 780, a third opening 783 disposed between the first and second openings 781, 782. The first opening 781 is configured to provide pneumatic communication between inlet port 741a and dispensing port 744a of control unit 740a. The second opening 782 is configured to provide pneumatic communication between the air spring chamber and the outlet port 742a of the control unit 740a. The third opening 783 is configured to provide pneumatic communication between the crossflow port 743a and the air spring chamber.
[00124] [00124] In one configuration, the accelerator element 790 is configured to receive an electrical signal and slide along the longitudinal axis of the distributor 780 in response to receiving an electrical signal. When sliding along the longitudinal axis of the distributor 780, the throttle element 790 is configured to control the exposure of the first, second and third openings 781-783, so that valve 746a is configured to selectively supply air, remove air or establish cross flow for the associated air spring 730a. The displacement of the accelerator element 790 further controls the rate of air flow through the control unit 740a. The accelerator element 790 can also be placed in a position that isolates the air spring 730a from all other components of the air management system 700, so that the air pressure of the air spring 730a remains static.
[00125] [00125] In another configuration (not shown), the accelerator element is configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the distributor in response to receiving an electrical signal. When rotating around the longitudinal axis of the distributor, the distributor is configured to control the exposure of the first, second and third openings, so that the valve 746a is configured to selectively supply or remove air from the air spring chamber. The valve 746a may include an electronic actuator configured to drive the movement of the accelerator element along the longitudinal axis of the distributor.
[00126] [00126] In another configuration (not shown), the dispenser includes a plurality of openings arranged along a surface of the dispenser. The plurality of openings includes a first opening disposed approximately a first end of the dispenser, a second opening disposed approximately a second end of the dispenser, a third opening disposed between the first and second openings and disposed on an opposite side of the dispenser to the first and second openings and a fourth opening arranged between the first and second openings. The first opening is in direct pneumatic communication with the inlet port 741a. The second opening is in direct pneumatic communication with outlet port 742a. The third opening is in direct pneumatic communication with the distribution port 744a. The second opening is in direct pneumatic communication with the cross flow port 143a. In one configuration, the accelerator element is configured to receive an electrical signal and to slide along the longitudinal axis of the distributor in response to receiving an electrical signal. When sliding along the longitudinal axis of the distributor, the throttle element is configured to control the exposure of the first, second, third and fourth openings, so that valve 746a is configured to selectively supply air, remove air or establish flow crossed to the associated air spring 730a. The displacement of the accelerator element also controls the air flow rate through the control unit 740a. The throttle element can also be placed in a position that isolates the air spring from all other components of the air management system 700, so that the air pressure in the air spring remains static.
[00127] [00127] In another configuration (not shown), the accelerator element is configured to rotate around the distributor's longitudinal axis in response to receiving an electrical signal. When rotating around the longitudinal axis of the distributor, the distributor is configured to control the exposure of the first, second and third openings, so that the valve 746a is configured to selectively supply or remove air from the air spring chamber. The valve 746a may include an electronic actuator configured to drive the movement of the accelerator element along the longitudinal axis of the distributor.
[00128] [00128] The control unit 740a comprises one or more sensors 748a, a communication interface 749a and a processing module 750a operatively connected to one or more sensors 748a and the communication interface 749a. In some configurations, the control unit 740a may comprise a power source (not shown), such as a rechargeable battery and / or a supercapacitor integrated into housing 780a of control unit 740a or external to housing 780a of control unit 740a, for provide operational power to one or more sensors, communication interface and processing module. The power supply can be operatively connected to the vehicle's power supply to receive a recharge current. In other configurations (not shown), the control unit housing 740a may extend above the top plate, so that the valve chamber, valve and processing module are mounted above the top plate and arranged outside the air spring chamber.
[00129] [00129] The one or more 748a sensors can be any configuration or device suitable for detecting a condition of the vehicle or any of the components of the air management system. In one example, the one or more sensors 748a include a height sensor configured to continuously monitor the axial distance between the top plate 732a and a base plate 734a of the air spring 730a. The height sensor is configured to generate a signal indicating a height or distance associated with the air spring 730a, such as the axial distance between the top plate 732a and the base plate 734a. In one configuration, the height sensor can be an ultrasonic sensor, in which the sensor transmits ultrasonic waves, detects the waves reflected in the base plate 734a and determines the axial separation between the top plate and the base plate based on the detected waves . In another configuration, the height sensor can be an infrared sensor, in which the sensor transmits an infrared light through a transmitter, receives an infrared light reflected by a receiver and determines the axial separation between the top and base plates based on amount of infrared radiation reflected back into the receiver. The height sensor can be any other type or configuration suitable for monitoring the height of the air spring 730a, such as a potentiometer, linear position transducer, laser sensor or electromagnetic wave sensor. In another example, the one or more sensors may include a pressure sensor configured to continuously monitor the internal air pressure of the air spring 730a and generate a signal indicating the internal air pressure of the air spring 730a. In one configuration, the pressure sensor is a pressure transducer.
[00130] [00130] The communication interface 749a can be any device or component suitable for relaying analog or digital signals to, from and between the processing module 750a and the control units 740a of other air springs 730a of the air management system 700a and / or other vehicle operating systems. In the illustrated configuration shown in FIG. 19, the air spring 730a includes a plurality of taps 735a that connect the control unit 740a to the control units 740a of other air springs 730a of the air management system 700a and another vehicle operating system, such as a CAN, RSC , ESC, ABS, PTC, AEB, collision avoidance systems, etc. The communication interface
[00131] [00131] The processing module 750a of the control unit 740a can be any device or component suitable for receiving input signals from one or more sensors 748a and the communication interface 749a and issuing commands to adjust the height of the air spring 730a to a desired height based on the input signals received. The processing module 750a can comprise one or more processors, central processing units, integrated circuits for specific applications, microprocessors, digital signal processors, microcontrollers or microcomputers. The processing module 750a can also comprise memory, such as read-only memory, to store all the necessary software that incorporates the control strategy and mathematical formulations for the operation of the control unit 740a. The processing module 750a can comprise an oscillator and a clock circuit to generate clock signals that allow the processing module 750a to control the operation of the control unit 740a. The processing module 750a can comprise a drive module, such as a drive circuit, operably connected to the valve, so that the processing module can selectively drive the valve. The processing module 750a can signal to the actuation module to actuate the valve in any suitable way, such as by pulse width modulation or actuation of actuation and holding. For example, the 750a processing module can change the valve rotation by modulating the electronic signal transmitted from the actuator module to the valve's electronic actuator. The processing module 750a can comprise a sensor interface for receiving signals generated by one or more sensors. The processing module 750a can comprise an analog-to-digital converter linked to the sensor interface, so that analog signals received from one or more sensors can be converted into digital signals. In turn, digital signals are processed by the processing module 750a to determine one or more conditions of the air spring 730a, such as the height of the spring or the internal air pressure. Therefore, the processing module 750a is configured to receive all the inputs necessary to calculate a desired air pressure for the air spring 730a, determine the air flow rate required to change the air pressure of the air spring 730a, and transmit commands in terms of supply or bleed to valve 746a of control unit 740a.
[00132] [00132] The control unit 740a operates as a closed loop control system to adjust the height of its associated air spring 730a to a desired height based on the monitored operating conditions of the vehicle. In operation, the processing module 750a receives input from one or more sensors 748a, such as the height sensor and pressure sensor, to determine the height and internal air pressure of the air spring 730a.
[00133] [00133] In one configuration, each control unit 740a is configured to provide cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits 710a, 720a when neither air is supplied from supply tank 704a to air springs 730a nor is air removed from the air springs 730a into the atmosphere. In operation, each time the processing module 750a determines that the height or air pressure of its associated air spring 730a does not need to be adjusted independently, the processing module 750a activates valve 746a to switch to its neutral state, establishing pneumatic communication between dispensing port 744a and crossflow port 743a. The processing module 750a can determine to drive the valve 746a in its neutral mode based on the sensor input signals from its associated sensors 748a and data signals from the control units 740a of the other air springs 730a. In one configuration, the processing module 750a is configured to take into account a difference between a spring height of its associated air spring 730a and a second spring height of the second air spring 730a in determining to trigger the valve between mode active and neutral mode. In one configuration, the processing module 750a is configured to take into account a difference between the air pressure of its associated air spring 730a and a second air pressure of the second air spring 730a in determining to activate valve 746a between the active mode and neutral mode. Since each control unit 740a drives its associated valve 746a to its neutral mode, pneumatic communication is established between air spring 730a in the first pneumatic circuit 710a and air spring 730a in the second pneumatic circuit 720a through the flow line. crossover 760a. As a result, pressure differences between air springs 730a arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle are eliminated, providing a more stable driving for the vehicle. In various embodiments, the 740 control unit is configured to provide cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the vehicle is traveling at any speed, including speeds substantially above zero miles per hour or kilometers per hour, so that pressure differences between air springs 730a arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle are eliminated at any time during operation of the vehicle.
[00134] [00134] In one configuration, the processing module 750a is configured to receive measurement signals, such as height and pressure measurements from the air spring 730a, from one or more sensors 748a and data signals from the communication interface 749a. The data signals can include measurement signals from the control units 740a of other air springs 730a of the air management system 700. Based on the measurement and data signals, the processing module 750a is configured to calculate a current state of the its associated air spring 730a, the current state of the other air springs 730a of the air management system 700 and a dynamic operating state of the vehicle. Based on the calculated current states of the air springs 730a and the dynamic operating state of the vehicle, the processing module 750a is configured to determine the performance of valve 746a between active mode and neutral mode. In one configuration, the processing module 750a is configured to calculate a pressure differential or height differential between the air springs 730a of the air management system 400 based on the received data and measurement signals. The processing module 750a is configured to activate valve 746a in active mode when the pressure differential or height differential between air springs 730a is above a predetermined threshold and to activate the valve in neutral mode when the pressure differential or height differential is below a predetermined threshold. Therefore, when there is a substantial height difference between the respective sides of the vehicle, the control unit 740a is configured to independently adjust the height of its air spring to bring the vehicle to a level condition at a faster rate. The control unit 740a can activate valve 746a in an active mode at any speed of the vehicle. On the other hand, when there is only a slight height difference between the respective sides of the vehicle that does not trigger a rolling condition, the 740a control unit is configured to mitigate any pressure differential between the air springs, establishing a cross flow between the air springs. The 740a control unit can operate the valve in a neutral mode at any speed of the vehicle.
[00135] [00135] The current state of an air spring can include the current height of the air spring, the current internal pressure of the air spring, the differential rate of air spring height and / or the differential rate of internal pressure of the spring of air. The vehicle's dynamic operating state may include the vehicle's step rate and the vehicle's roll rate. The vehicle pitch is a relative displacement between the front and the rear of a vehicle, which can be represented by a rotation around a lateral axis that passes through the center of mass of the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle's pitch rate refers to the angular movement speed of the vehicle around its lateral axis, the axis extending from one side to the opposite side of the vehicle. Vehicle rollover is a relative displacement between the two sides of a vehicle, which can be represented by a rotation about a longitudinal axis that passes through the central mass of the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle's roll rate refers to the angular movement speed of the vehicle body in relation to its longitudinal axis, that is, the axis extending from the rear of the vehicle forward.
[00136] [00136] FIG. 20 shows an air management system 700b comprising a supply air tank 704b, a first pneumatic circuit 710b disposed on the first side of the vehicle and a second pneumatic circuit 720b disposed on the second side of the vehicle. Each pneumatic circuit 710b, 720b includes one or more air springs 730b. Each air spring 730b comprises a control unit 740b arranged within an air spring chamber 730b. The air management system 700b further comprises a system controller 770 which is operatively connected to the air springs 730b. The 770 system controller allows the 700b air management system to selectively supply air or remove air from each air spring 730b of the 700b air management system. As shown in FIG. 20, a cross flow line 760b connects the control unit 740b of an air spring 730b in the first pneumatic circuit 710b to a control unit 740b of an air spring 730b in the second pneumatic circuit 720b. The system controller 770 is configured to command each control unit 740b to provide cross flow between the two air springs 730b of the first and second pneumatic circuits 710b, 720b when no air is supplied from the supply tank 704b to the air springs 730b nor the air is removed from the air springs 730b into the atmosphere, that is, in neutral mode.
[00137] [00137] As shown in FIG. 23, the system controller 770 comprises a processing module 772 which can consist of one or more processors, central processing units, integrated circuits for specific applications, microprocessors, digital signal processors, microcontrollers or microcomputers. The system controller 770 comprises memory 774, as read-only memory or random access memory, to store all necessary software that incorporates the control strategy and mathematical formulations for the operation of the system controller. The system controller 770 comprises a communication interface 776 for relaying signals to, from and between the processing module 772 and the control units of other air sources 730b of the air management system 700b and / or other vehicle operating systems. . The system controller 770 comprises a bus 778 that couples the various components of the system controller to the processing module 772. Therefore, the system controller 770 is configured to receive all inputs necessary to calculate a desired air pressure for each spring airflow 730b from the air management system 700b, determine the airflow rate required to change the air pressure of each air spring 730b from the air management system 700b and transmit commands in terms of supply or bleed to the control unit 740b of each air spring 730b of the air management system 700b.
[00138] [00138] Similar to the control unit 740a shown in FIG. 22, the control unit 740b shown in FIG. 24 comprises an inlet port 741b arranged along a first surface of the housing 780b, an outlet port 742b arranged along the first surface of the housing 780b, a crossflow port 743b disposed along a first surface of the housing 780b,
[00139] [00139] The system controller 770 and the control units 740b are linked together to operate as a closed loop control system to adjust the height of each air spring 730b to a desired height based on the monitored operating conditions of the vehicle . In operation, each control unit 740b transmits signals indicating the height of the spring and the internal air pressure of its associated air spring 730b to the 770 system controller. In return, the 770 system controller determines the desired air pressure and the desired volumetric flow rate to remove and supply air to and from each air spring 730b based on the signals received from the control units 740b. In determining the desired air pressure for each 730b air spring, the 770 system controller can take into account the differences between air pressures and spring heights between all air springs 730b of the 700b air management system. After determining the desired air pressure and flow rate for each air spring 730b, the system controller 770 transmits commands to the control unit for each air spring 730b in the air management system 700b, in which the command includes activate the 746b valves of each control unit 740b between the active and neutral modes.
[00140] [00140] In one configuration, the system controller 770 is configured to provide cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits 710b, 720b when neither air is supplied from supply tank 704b to air springs 730b nor air is removed from the air springs 730b into the atmosphere. In operation, each time the system controller 770 determines that the height of the air springs 730b does not need to be adjusted independently, the system controller 770 transmits command signals to the control units 740b to drive its respective valve 746b to mode neutral. The system controller 770 can determine to command each control unit 740b to switch to its neutral mode based on the height measurement signals received from the control units 740b. Since each control unit 740b drives its associated valve 746b to its neutral mode, pneumatic communication is established between air spring 730b in the first pneumatic circuit 710b and air spring 730b in the second pneumatic circuit 720b through the flow line. crossover 760b. Therefore, the pressure differences between the air springs 730b arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle are eliminated, providing a more stable driving for the vehicle.
[00141] [00141] FIG. 21A shows an air management system 800 comprising a supply air tank 804, a first pneumatic circuit 810 disposed on the first side of the vehicle and a second pneumatic circuit 820 disposed on the second side of the vehicle. Each pneumatic circuit 810, 820 includes one or more air springs 830. The air management system 800 further comprises a system controller 840 and a plurality of valves 850 operatively connected to the system controller 840. Referring to FIG. 21A, one of the 850 valves is disposed on the first pneumatic circuit 810 and the other of the 850 valves is disposed on the second pneumatic circuit 820. The system controller 840 allows the air management system 800 to selectively supply air or remove air from each spring 830 of the air management system 800, the plurality of valves 850 acting.
[00142] [00142] As shown in FIG. 21A, a cross flow line 860 connects a valve 850 on the first pneumatic circuit 810 to a valve 850 on the second pneumatic circuit 820, thereby establishing a pneumatic connection between the air springs 830 of the first and second pneumatic circuits 810, 820. Each valve 850 is configured to switch between a plurality of states, including a first mode in which air is released out of the air spring 830, a second mode in which air is supplied to the spring 830, a neutral mode in which the air spring 830 is pneumatically connected to the cross flow line 860. The system controller 840 is configured to command each valve 850 to switch to a neutral mode to provide cross flow between the two air springs 830b of the first and second pneumatic circuits 810, 820 when no air is supplied from supply tank 804 to air springs 830 nor air is removed from air springs 830 into the atmosphere.
[00143] [00143] With reference to FIG. 21A, a height sensor 870 is arranged on the top plate 832 of each air spring 830 and is configured to continuously monitor the height of its associated air spring 830. The height sensor 870 can be any device suitable for monitoring height axial air spring, as the examples described above. Each height sensor 870 is connected to the system controller 840, so that each height sensor 870 can transmit signals indicating the height of its associated air spring 830 to the system controller 840. In other configurations, the height management system air 800 can include an air pressure sensor arranged on the 832 top plate of each 830 air spring. The air pressure sensor is configured to monitor the air pressure of its associated 830 air spring and generate a signal indicating the air pressure of its associated air spring.
[00144] [00144] Similar to the system controller shown in FIG. 23, the system controller 840 shown in FIG. 25 comprises a processing module 842 for determining the desired air pressure and flow rate for each air spring 830 of the air management system 800, a communication interface 8464 for relaying signals to and from the processing module 842 and the air spring height sensors 830, an 844 memory to store all the necessary software that incorporates the mathematical control strategy and formulations for the operation of the 840 system controller, and an 848 bus connecting the 846 communication interface and the memory 84 to the processing module 842. The system controller 840 further comprises an actuator module 845, such as a drive circuit, which operatively connects the processing module 842 to each valve 850, so that the system controller 840 can selectively drive the valve 850. The 842 processing module of the 840 system controller can signal to the 845 driver module to trigger the 850 valve at any time adequate strength, such as pulse width modulation or actuation and holding. Therefore, the 840 system controller is configured to receive all the necessary inputs to calculate a desired air pressure for each air spring in the air management system 800, to determine the air flow rate required to change the air pressure of each air spring 830 of the air management system 800 and activate at least one of the valves 850 to adjust the air pressure and height of at least one of the springs 830 of the air management system 800.
[00145] [00145] In one configuration, the 840 system controller is configured to provide cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits 810, 820 when neither air is supplied from supply tank 804 to air springs 830 nor air is removed from the air springs 830 into the atmosphere. In operation, each time the 840 system controller determines that air does not need to be removed or added to the 830 air springs, the 840 system controller drives each valve 850 in its neutral mode. The system controller 840 can determine to drive the 850 valves to neutral mode when the pressure differentials between the 830 air springs are within a predetermined tolerance. The 840 system controller can calculate the pressure differentials between the 830 air springs based on the signals received from the 830 air spring pressure sensors. The 840 system controller can determine to drive the valve 850 to its neutral mode with based on the height measurement signals received from the height sensors 870. The system controller 840 can take into account the height differences between the air springs 830 when determining whether the valves should be activated in an active mode (ie the first or second modes) or a neutral mode. Once each valve 850 is activated in its neutral mode, pneumatic communication is established between air spring 830 in the first pneumatic circuit 810 and air spring 830 in the second pneumatic circuit 820 through the cross flow line 860. Therefore , the pressure differences between the air springs 830 arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle are eliminated, providing a more stable driving for the vehicle.
[00146] [00146] FIG. 21B illustrates an air management system 800 'in accordance with a configuration of the present invention. The air management system 800 'is similar to the air management system 800 of FIG. 21A, except that the system controller 840 'comprises a single valve 850' which is pneumatically connected to each air spring 830 of the air management system 800 '. Therefore, the system controller 840 'can selectively supply or remove air from the air springs 830 through the use of only one valve 850'. In one configuration, the system controller 840 'is configured to calculate a difference between the air pressures of the air springs 830 based on the measurement signals received from the sensor. If the system controller 840 'determines that the difference between the air pressures of the air springs 830 is within a predetermined tolerance, the system controller 840' drives valve 850 'to set the air pressure for each air spring 830 for the same air pressure.
[00147] [00147] In each configuration of the air management system shown in FIGS. 19-21B, the control units or the system controller can be configured to run a discharge cycle so that air is released from each air spring of the air management at the same time. In each air management system shown in FIGS. 19-21B, the air management system may include a user interface unit operably linked to the control units or the system controller and configured to transmit a command to the system controller or control units to perform a discharge cycle , so that air is released from all air springs. The user interface unit can be displayed on the vehicle's dashboard or configured as an application downloaded to a display device, such as a smartphone or handheld.
[00148] [00148] All configurations of the air management systems described here can be incorporated into any type of vehicle, trailer or towable, including, among others, sport utility vehicles, passenger vehicles, racing vehicles, pick-ups, trucks. unloading, freight forwarders, trailers of any type, including trailers for boats, livestock, horses, heavy equipment, tractors, agricultural implements (for example, granular spreaders, fertilizer sprayers and other types of sprayers, feeders and spreaders), transport vehicles of liquids, tank trucks, machinery, towing equipment, railway vehicles, railway vehicles, wagons and any other type of chassis with airbags, etc.
[00149] [00149] It has been found that the air management systems described here significantly increase tire life, both in terms of reduced wear and even wear, even when the tires are not rotated. In an exemplary modality, it was observed that truck tires with an average service life of
[00150] [00150] It has been found that the air management systems described here significantly reduce the unsafe effects of wind shears on vehicles traveling at high speed, particularly on truck trailers. Wind shears destabilize trucks that transport trailers at highway speeds and cause those trailers to fall, causing devastating injuries and loss of life, cargo and debris from various vehicles. In an exemplary embodiment, trailers and recreational vehicles equipped with the air management systems described in this document can be significantly more stable and resistant to wind shear forces at highway speeds. As such, an unexpected and significant safety and comfort advantage is achieved as additional surprising advantages of the inventions of this description.
[00151] [00151] It was found that the air management systems described here significantly reduce noise, vibrations and discomfort on the roads, for drivers, passengers and live loads, including cattle, horses and the like. In an exemplary modality, it was observed that noise, vibrations and discomfort on the road are significantly reduced, so that drivers who previously could drive large vehicles only a few hundred kilometers a day due to discomfort could drive significantly greater distances due to to the reduction in suffering, pain, discomfort and fatigue, which has been achieved with much improved driving quality and stability. As such, an unexpected and significant comfort advantage is achieved as additional surprising advantages of the inventions of this description.
[00152] [00152] It has been found that the air management systems described here significantly reduce or even eliminate the nose plunge of the vehicle when braking. This nose plunge can create unsafe conditions, is highly uncomfortable for drivers and passengers, and increases stress on various components of the vehicle. By reducing and, in many cases, eliminating such nasal dips, an unexpected and significant safety and comfort advantage is achieved as additional surprising advantages of the inventions of this description.
[00153] [00153] It was found that the air management systems described here significantly increase traction, resulting in better handling, even in slippery conditions. In an exemplary modality, it was observed that trucks that require the use of the four-wheel drive mode (when they are not equipped with the air management systems described here) to drive on uneven and / or slippery terrain were able to drive by the same terrain in two-wheel drive mode without losing traction and becoming immobilized. As such, an unexpected and significant safety and utility advantage is achieved as additional surprising advantages of the inventions of this description.
[00154] [00154] The air management systems described here can improve brake performance. On vehicles equipped with electronic stability systems, for example, any electronic stability control (ESC) system, including, but not limited to, electronic stability program (ESP), dynamic stability control (DSC), vehicle stability control ( VSC), automatic traction control (ATC), it was found that the air management systems described in this document reduce the incidence rate of such electronic systems that apply brakes because the vehicle is kept in a level and stable position and thus , prevents the activation of such electronic systems, which can improve the performance and life of the brake.
[00155] [00155] In the present context, the phrase "adjust independently" refers to a state in which the leveling valve is adjusting the air pressure of the air springs in a pneumatic circuit while the leveling valve is not in communication pneumatic with any components of another pneumatic circuit.
[00156] [00156] As used herein, the terms "substantially" and "substantial" refer to a considerable degree or extent. When used in conjunction with, for example, an event, circumstance, characteristic or property, the terms may refer to cases in which the event, circumstance, characteristic, or property occurs accurately, as well as in cases where the event, circumstance , characteristic or property occurs with an approximate approximation, such as accounting for typical levels of tolerance or variability in the examples described here.
[00157] [00157] As used in this document, the term "about" when used in connection with a numerical value should be interpreted to include any values that are within 5% of the recited value. In addition, the term recitation about and approximately in relation to a range of values should be interpreted to include the upper and lower ends of the recited range.
[00158] [00158] As used in this document, the terms "attached", "connected" or "attached" can be interpreted to include two elements that are stuck together by contacting or not contacting each other.
[00159] [00159] The present invention includes methods, kits and systems for modernizing vehicles that were manufactured without air springs, including, among others, helical spring or leaf spring suspension systems. A symmetrical dynamic symmetrical pressure and volume distributed air management system can be installed as a recondition on such vehicles, providing a kit comprising an air tank, a compressor, a symmetrically dynamic equalized pressure and volume distribution valve on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle, at least one air spring connected to each symmetrically equalized pneumatic pressure and volume distribution valve and a plurality of air hoses that connect the components of the air management system, as described and illustrated here. In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of air hoses can have equal lengths and diameters.
[00160] [00160] In the appended claims, the term "including" is used as the pure English equivalent of the respective term
[00161] [00161] Various embodiments of the invention comprise one or more of the following items:
[00162] [00162] 1. An air management system for a vehicle, the air management system comprising: a first pneumatic circuit having a first leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a first side of the vehicle; a second pneumatic circuit with a second leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a second side of the vehicle; and a cross flow line connecting the first leveling valve with the second leveling valve; where the first and second leveling valves are configured to establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the first leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the first side of the vehicle and the second leveling valve is not adjusting regardless of the height of the second side of the vehicle.
[00163] [00163] 2. The air management system of item 1, in which the first and second leveling valves include a housing body and a control arm articulated to an axis that extends through the housing body , and the control arm is configured to rotate from a neutral position to one or more response positions.
[00164] [00164] 3. The air management system of items 1 or 2, in which the first and second leveling valves are configured to establish pneumatic communication between the first and the second pneumatic circuits when the control arm of the first and the second level valves are set in the neutral position, and the first and second leveling valves are configured to prevent pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the control arm of one of the first and second leveling valves is set one or more response positions.
[00165] [00165] 4. The air management system of any of items 1-3, in which the first and second leveling valves each include a control arm sensor configured to detect the position of the control arm .
[00166] [00166] 5. The air management system of any of items 1-4, further comprising a control unit in electrical communication with each sensor of the control arm, in which each sensor of the control arm is configured to transmit the position of the control arm as an input of position of the control arm to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to determine a height of the vehicle in relation to the axis on the first and second sides of the vehicle based on the input of the control arm position.
[00167] [00167] 6. The air management system of any of items 1-5, in which the first pneumatic circuit comprises a first set of air springs arranged on the first side of the vehicle, a first supply tank, a first plurality air lines pneumatically connecting the first set of air springs with the first leveling valve, and a first supply line pneumatically connecting the first leveling valve to the first supply tank; and the second pneumatic circuit comprises a second set of air springs arranged on a second side of the vehicle, a second supply tank, a second plurality of air lines pneumatically connecting the second set of air springs with the second leveling valve and a second supply line pneumatically connecting the second leveling valve to the second supply tank.
[00168] [00168] 7. The air management system of any of items 1-6, wherein the first plurality of air lines and the second plurality of air lines have substantially the same diameter and length, and the first line of air supply and the second supply line are of substantially the same diameter and length.
[00169] [00169] 8. The air management system of any one of items 1-7, wherein the first and second leveling valves are each a rotary valve comprising a housing body and a rotating disk configured to rotate inside the housing body to change the communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits.
[00170] [00170] 9. The air management system of any of items 1-8, wherein the first and second leveling valves include a distributor housing, a valve element arranged in a bore in the distributor housing and an actuator electronic, where the valve element is configured to move in the distributor housing bore to one or more positions, including at least one neutral position to establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits and a supply position for supply air to a respective pneumatic circuit from an air supply tank and an exhaust position to remove air from the respective pneumatic circuit to the atmosphere, and the electronic actuator is configured to drive the piston movement between one or more positions.
[00171] [00171] 10. The air management system of any of items 1-9, in which the valve element is selected from the group consisting of a piston, a rotating disk and a trigger.
[00172] [00172] 11. The air management system of any of items 1-10, in which the electronic actuator is selected from the group consisting of a solenoid, a servomotor and a stepping motor.
[00173] [00173] 12. The air management system of any of items 1-11, further comprising a control module in electrical communication with the electronic actuator of each leveling valve, in which the control module is configured to transmit a command to each electronic actuator to trigger the movement of the valve element between the neutral, supply and exhaust positions.
[00174] [00174] 13. The air management system of any of items 1-12, further comprising one or more leveling sensors, in which each leveling sensor is configured to detect the height of the vehicle in relation to the axis along a vehicle position and transmit the detected vehicle height to the control module as a vehicle leveling input, and the control module is configured to determine a vehicle height in relation to the axle on the first and second sides of the vehicle based on at the vehicle leveling entrance.
[00175] [00175] 14. The air management system of any of items 1-13, in which the first pneumatic circuit comprises one or more air springs and the second pneumatic circuit comprises one or more air springs; and wherein the first leveling valve and the second leveling valve are each electronically operated valve arranged in a chamber of a respective air spring.
[00176] [00176] 15. The air management system of any of items 1-14, characterized by the fact that the first and second leveling valves include a cylindrical shaped distributor, a valve member arranged in the distributor and in engagement slider with an inner surface of the distributor and an electronic actuator operatively connected to the valve member; wherein the distributor comprises a plurality of openings arranged along a lateral surface of the distributor, and the electronic actuator is configured to drive the valve member to slide along the longitudinal axis of the distributor to control exposure of the plurality of openings, so that a respective leveling valve is configured to selectively: (i) supply air to the respective pneumatic circuit, (ii) remove air from the respective pneumatic circuit or (iii) establish a cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits.
[00177] [00177] 16. A leveling valve comprising: an upper housing mounted in a lower housing to form a valve body, wherein the valve body defines a chamber that extends between the upper housing and the lower housing; the lower housing comprising a plurality of doors communicating with the chamber, wherein the plurality of doors includes a supply port, an exhaust port, one or more spring ports and a cross flow port; a control arm having a first end attached to an axle that extends across an upper surface of the upper housing, where the control arm is configured to rotate around the valve body in response to the extension or compression of the vehicle suspension ; a rotating disk positioned in the valve body chamber and connected to the control arm by the shaft, where the rotating disk is configured to rotate around the support element within the valve body chamber; and where the rotating disk is configured to establish communication between one or more spring ports and the cross flow port, while not establishing communication between one or more spring ports and the supply port, or one or more ports spring and the exhaust port.
[00178] [00178] 17. The leveling valve of item 16, in which the lower housing comprises a discharge port, in which the cross flow port is arranged on a first side of the lower housing and the discharge port is arranged in a second side of the lower housing opposite the first side.
[00179] [00179] 18. The leveling valve of any of the items 16-17, in which the control arm induces the rotating disk to rotate between a plurality of angular positions to alter the communication between the supply port, the exhaust port , one or more spring ports and the crossflow port, where the plurality of angular positions include (i) a neutral position, in which one or more spring ports communicate pneumatically with the crossflow port and neither the port supply port nor the exhaust port communicate pneumatically with one or more spring ports, (ii) a supply position, in which one or more spring ports communicate pneumatically with the supply port and neither the exhaust port nor the cross flow port communicates pneumatically with one or more spring ports, and (iii) an exhaust position, in which one or more spring ports communicate pneumatically with the exhaust port and neither the supply port nor the flow port cr used to communicate pneumatically with one or more spring doors.
[00180] [00180] 19. The leveling valve of any of items 16-18, in which the lower housing comprises a corresponding first surface with a lower surface of the upper housing, in which the first surface defines a supply port that communicates directly with the supply port; an exhaust port that communicates directly with the exhaust port; a reservoir cavity communicating directly with one or more spring ports.
[00181] [00181] 20. The leveling valve of any of the items 16-19, in which the rotating disk comprises a central opening for receiving the shaft, a plurality of slits in an oblong shape and a crossflow slot, in which the plurality oblong and cross-flow slits are spaced around the central opening with dead band defined there between and along the periphery of the rotating disk.
[00182] [00182] 21. The leveling valve of any of items 16-20, in which each cavity in an oblong shape is configured to at least partially overlap the cavity of the reservoir of the lower housing and the cross flow over slot is configured to overlap the crossflow orifice of the lower housing when the rotating disk is placed in the neutral position.
[00183] [00183] 22. The leveling valve of any of the items 16-20, in which the oblong grooves are symmetrically spaced from a central axis that extends along a face of the rotating disk and the crossflow slot covers the central axis.
[00184] [00184] 23. A method for controlling the stability of a vehicle, comprising: providing an air management system comprising: a first pneumatic circuit having a first leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a first side of the vehicle; a second pneumatic circuit with a second leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a second side of the vehicle; and a cross flow line connecting the first leveling valve with the second leveling valve; establishing pneumatic communication between the first and the second pneumatic circuits by the first and second leveling valves when the first leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the first side of the vehicle and the second leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the second side of the vehicle.
[00185] [00185] 24. The method of item 23, in which the first and second leveling valves include a housing and a control arm hingedly connected to an axis extending through the housing, and the control arm is configured to rotate from a neutral position to one or more response positions.
[00186] [00186] 25. The method of item 24, further comprising: establishing, through the first and second leveling valves, pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the control arm of the first and second level valves are adjusted in neutral position, and preventing, by the first and second leveling valves, pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the control arm of one of the first and second leveling valves is defined in one or more response positions.
[00187] [00187] 26. The method of any of items 23-25, in which the first pneumatic circuit comprises a first set of air springs arranged on the first side of the vehicle, a first supply tank, a first plurality of air lines pneumatically connecting the first set of air springs with the first leveling valve, and a first supply line pneumatically connecting the first leveling valve to the first supply tank; and the second pneumatic circuit comprises a second set of air springs arranged on a second side of the vehicle, a second supply tank, a second plurality of air lines pneumatically connecting the second set of air springs with the second leveling valve and a second supply line pneumatically connecting the second leveling valve to the second supply tank.
[00188] [00188] 27. The method of any of items 23-26, wherein the first plurality of air lines and the second plurality of air lines have substantially the same diameter and length, and the first supply line and the second supply line are substantially the same diameter and length.
[00189] [00189] 28. The method of any of items 23-27, in which the first pneumatic circuit comprises one or more air springs and the second pneumatic circuit comprises one or more air springs; and wherein the first leveling valve and the second leveling valve are each electronically operated valve arranged in a chamber of a respective air spring.
[00190] [00190] 29. The method of any of items 23-28, characterized by the fact that the first and second leveling valves include a cylindrical shaped distributor, a valve member arranged in the distributor and in sliding coupling with a surface interior of the distributor and an electronic actuator operatively connected to the valve member; wherein the distributor comprises a plurality of openings arranged along a lateral surface of the distributor, and the electronic actuator is configured to drive the valve member to slide along the longitudinal axis of the distributor to control exposure of the plurality of openings, so that a respective leveling valve is configured to selectively: (i) supply air to the respective pneumatic circuit, (ii) remove air from the respective pneumatic circuit or (iii) establish a cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits.
[00191] [00191] 30. A method for adjusting the air pressure of a vehicle air management system comprising one or more air supply tanks, a first pneumatic circuit arranged on a first side of the vehicle and a second pneumatic circuit arranged on a second side of the vehicle, the method comprising: independently adjusting the air pressure of the first pneumatic circuit by a first leveling valve, so that the first leveling valve is supplying air from one or more air supply tanks to the first pneumatic circuit or removing air from the first pneumatic circuit into the atmosphere, independently adjust the air pressure of the second pneumatic circuit by a second leveling valve, so that the second leveling valve is supplying air from one or more supply tanks air to the second pneumatic circuit or removing air from the second pneumatic circuit to the atmosphere, and establish communication pneumatic connection between the first pneumatic circuit and the second pneumatic circuit only when the first leveling valve and the second leveling valve are configured in neutral mode, so that each leveling valve is not supplying air from one or more supply tanks. air or removing air in the atmosphere.
[00192] [00192] 31. The method of item 30, wherein each leveling valve includes a housing body comprising a supply port connected to the air supply tank, an exhaust port to purge air in the atmosphere, one or more ports connected to one or more air springs and a cross flow port connected to the other of the first or second leveling valves.
[00193] [00193] 32. The method of item 31, in which each leveling valve includes a valve element arranged in a chamber of the housing body and an actuator configured to drive the movement of the valve element, in which the valve element is configured to move between a plurality of positions to change communication between the plurality of ports.
[00194] [00194] 33. The method of item 32, in which the plurality of positions includes a neutral position for establishing pneumatic communication between the first and the second pneumatic circuits, a supply position for supplying air from one or more air supply tanks for a respective pneumatic circuit and an exhaust position to remove air from the respective pneumatic circuit to the atmosphere.
[00195] [00195] 34. The method of items 32 or 33, in which the valve element is selected from the group consisting of a piston, a rotating disk and a trigger.
[00196] [00196] 35. The method of any of items 32-34, in which the actuator is a control arm hingedly connected to an axis that extends through the housing body and the valve element is a rotating disk.
[00197] [00197] 36. The method of any of items 32-35, in which the control arm is configured to rotate from a neutral position to one or more response positions, and each level valve is set in neutral mode when the control arm is set in the neutral position, and each leveling valve is independently adjusting the air pressure of a respective pneumatic circuit when the control arm is set to one or more response positions.
[00198] [00198] 37. The method of any of items 32-36, in which the actuator is an electronic actuator selected from the group consisting of a solenoid, a servomotor and a stepping motor.
[00199] [00199] 38. The method of item 37, also comprising a control module in electrical communication with the electronic actuator of each leveling valve, in which the control module is configured to transmit a command to each electronic actuator to trigger the movement of the valve element between the plurality of positions.
[00200] [00200] 39. The method of item 38, further comprising one or more leveling sensors, in which each leveling sensor is configured to detect the height of the vehicle in relation to the axis along a vehicle position and transmit the height of the vehicle. vehicle detected to the control module as a vehicle leveling input, and the control module is configured to determine a vehicle height from the axis on the first and second sides of the vehicle based on the vehicle leveling input.
[00201] [00201] 40. The method of any of items 30-39, in which the first pneumatic circuit comprises a first set of air springs arranged on the first side of the vehicle, a first plurality of air lines pneumatically connecting the first set of air springs air springs with the first leveling valve, and a first supply line that pneumatically connects the first leveling valve with at least one of the one or more air supply tanks; and the second pneumatic circuit comprises a second set of air springs arranged on the second side of the vehicle, a second plurality of air lines connecting pneumatically the second set of air springs with the second leveling valve and a second supply line connecting pneumatically the second leveling valve with at least one of the one or more air supply tanks.
[00202] [00202] 41. The method of any of items 30-40, wherein the first pneumatic circuit comprises one or more air springs and the second pneumatic circuit comprises one or more air springs; and wherein the first leveling valve and the second leveling valve are each electronically operated valve arranged in a chamber of a respective air spring.
[00203] [00203] 42. A control unit associated with an air spring from an air management system for a vehicle, the control unit comprising: a housing configured to be mounted on an air spring top plate, in which the housing comprises a valve chamber; a valve arranged in the valve chamber, where the valve is configured to switch between a plurality of modes, including: (i) an active mode in which the valve is independently adjusting an associated air spring height and (ii) a mode neutral in which the valve is establishing pneumatic communication between the associated air spring and a cross flow line connected to a second air spring of the air management system when the valve is not in active mode; one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one air spring condition and generate a measurement signal indicating at least one air spring condition; a communication interface configured to transmit and receive data signals to and from a second control unit associated with the second air spring of the air management system; and a processing module operatively connected to the valve, one or more sensors and the communication interface; where the processing module is configured to: (i) receive measurement signals from one or more sensors and data signals from the communication interface and (ii) activate the valve to switch between active mode and neutral mode based on the measurement signals received from one or more sensors and data signals from the communication interface.
[00204] [00204] 43. The control unit of item 42, in which the housing comprises: an inlet port configured to receive air flow from an air source, an outlet port configured to release air into the atmosphere, an air port cross flow configured to connect to the cross flow line connected to the second air spring of the suspension system and a distribution port configured to supply or release air to and from an air spring chamber, where the valve chamber is connected to the entrance door, the exit door and the distribution door by a plurality of passages.
[00205] [00205] 44. The control unit of items 42 or 43, in which the one or more sensors comprise a height sensor configured to monitor the height of the air spring and generate a signal indicating the height of the air spring.
[00206] [00206] 45. The control unit of item 44, in which the height sensor is an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, an electromagnetic wave sensor or a potentiometer.
[00207] [00207] 46. The control unit of any of items 42-45, in which the processing module is configured to take into account a difference between a spring height of its associated air spring and a second spring height of second air spring in the determination to activate the valve between active mode and neutral mode.
[00208] [00208] 47. The control unit of any of items 42-46, in which the valve chamber, the valve and the processing module are mounted below the top plate and arranged in the air spring chamber.
[00209] [00209] 48. The control unit of any of items 42-47, in which the valve chamber, the valve and the processing module are mounted above the top plate and arranged outside the air spring chamber.
[00210] [00210] 49. The control unit of any of items 42-48, in which the valve comprises a cylindrical distributor, a valve member arranged in the distributor and in sliding coupling with an interior surface of the distributor and an electronic actuator operatively connected to the valve member and the processing module; wherein the distributor comprises a plurality of openings arranged along a lateral surface of the distributor, and the electronic actuator is configured to drive the valve member to slide along the longitudinal axis of the distributor to control exposure of the plurality of openings, so that the valve switches between active mode and neutral mode.
[00211] [00211] 50. An air management system for a vehicle, the air management system comprising: a first pneumatic circuit that has one or more air springs arranged on a first side of a vehicle; a second pneumatic circuit with one or more air springs arranged on the second side of a vehicle; and one or more cross flow lines, wherein each cross flow line extends from an air spring associated with the first pneumatic circuit to an air spring associated with the second pneumatic circuit; wherein each air spring comprises a control unit and each control unit comprises: a housing configured to be mounted on a top plate of an associated air spring, wherein the housing comprises a valve chamber; a valve arranged in the valve chamber, where the valve is configured to switch between a plurality of modes, including: (i) an active mode in which the valve is independently adjusting an associated air spring height and (ii) a mode neutral in which the valve is establishing pneumatic communication between the associated air spring and a respective cross flow line when the valve is not in active mode; one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one condition of the associated air spring and generate a measurement signal indicating at least one condition of the associated air spring; a communication interface configured to directly transmit and receive data signals to and from other control units associated with other air sources in the suspension system; and a processing module operatively connected to the valve, one or more sensors and the communication interface; where the processing module is configured to: (i) receive measurement signals from one or more sensors and data signals from the communication interface and (ii) activate the valve to switch between active mode and neutral mode based on the measurement signals received from one or more sensors and data signals from the communication interface.
[00212] [00212] 51. The air management system of item 50 comprising a system controller in electrical communication with the communication interface of each control unit of the air management system and in which the system controller is configured for :( i) receive measurement signals from each control unit of the air management system, (ii) determine a desired volumetric flow rate to remove or supply air to and from the chamber of each air spring of the air management system based in the measurement signals received and (iii) transmit commands to each control unit of the air management system, so that each control unit acts its associated valve between active mode and neutral mode.
[00213] [00213] 52. The air management system of items 50 or 51, in which the housing comprises: an entrance door configured to receive air flow from an air source, an exit door configured to release air into the atmosphere , a cross flow port configured to connect to the cross flow line connected to the second air spring of the air management system and a distribution port configured to supply or release air to and from an air spring chamber, in that the valve chamber is connected to the inlet, outlet port and distribution port by a plurality of passages.
[00214] [00214] 53. The air management system of any of items 50-52 the valve chamber, the valve and the processing module are mounted below the top plate and arranged in the air spring chamber.
[00215] [00215] 54. The air management system of any of items 50-53, in which the valve chamber, the valve and the processing module are mounted above the top plate and arranged outside the air spring chamber .
[00216] [00216] 55. A method for controlling the stability of a vehicle comprising an air management system, wherein the air management system comprises a first pneumatic circuit with one or more air springs arranged on the first side of a vehicle; a second pneumatic circuit with one or more air springs arranged on the second side of a vehicle; and one or more cross flow lines, where each cross flow line extends from an air spring associated with the first pneumatic circuit to an air spring associated with the second pneumatic circuit, the method comprising: monitoring, by a height sensor and an air pressure sensor, a height and an air pressure of a respective air spring; generate, by the height sensor and air pressure sensor, a signal indicating the height and air pressure of the respective air spring; receive, by a processing module, the signal indicating the height and air pressure of the respective air spring; calculating, through the processing module, a differential height rate and differential pressure rate of the respective air spring based on the received signal, indicating the height and atmospheric pressure of the respective air spring; determining, by the processing module, whether to adjust the height and air pressure of the air spring independently or establish a pneumatic communication between the air spring and a respective cross flow line; and trigger,
[00217] [00217] 56. A method to reduce the nose plunge of the vehicle when braking, avoid overturning a vehicle, trailer or towable due to wind shear or rapid changes in road conditions, increase the life of the tire on a vehicle, reduce vehicle brake wear and / or increasing vehicle traction, comprising providing a vehicle equipped with an air management system in accordance with any of items 1-55; driving the vehicle under varying road conditions; manage the air in a plurality of pneumatic circuits in the vehicle, in accordance with any of items 1-55, so that the vehicle suffers at least a reduced nose dive of the vehicle when braking, avoid overturning the vehicle or a trailer or towable, increased tire life in the vehicle, reduced brake wear and increased vehicle traction.
[00218] [00218] 57. A kit comprising two or more dynamically symmetric equalized pneumatic pressure and volume distribution valves, at least one air spring configured to be connected to each symmetrically dynamic equalized pneumatic volume and pressure distribution valve, a plurality of air hoses configured to be connected to air management components, as described and illustrated in any of items 1-56, and optionally an air tank, a compressor, a pressure protection valve and / or a discharge valve.
[00219] [00219] 58. An air management system for a vehicle, the air management system comprising: a first pneumatic circuit having a first leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a first side of the vehicle; a second pneumatic circuit with a second leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a second side of the vehicle; and a cross flow line connecting the first leveling valve with the second leveling valve; where the first and second leveling valves are configured to establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the first leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the first side of the vehicle and the second leveling valve is not adjusting independently the height of the second side of the vehicle; where the air management system is configured to perform the method in item 30.
[00220] [00220] 59. The air management system of item 58 further comprising the object of any of items 2-14.
[00221] [00221] 60. An air management system for a vehicle, the air management system comprising: a first pneumatic circuit that has one or more air springs arranged on a first side of a vehicle; a second pneumatic circuit with one or more air springs arranged on the second side of a vehicle; and one or more cross flow lines, wherein each cross flow line extends from an air spring associated with the first pneumatic circuit to an air spring associated with the second pneumatic circuit; wherein each air spring comprises a control unit and each control unit comprises: a housing configured to be mounted on a top plate of an associated air spring, wherein the housing comprises a valve chamber; a valve arranged in the valve chamber, where the valve is configured to switch between a plurality of modes, including: (i) an active mode in which the valve is independently adjusting an associated air spring height and (ii) a mode neutral in which the valve is establishing pneumatic communication between the associated air spring and a respective cross flow line when the valve is not in active mode; one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one condition of the associated air spring and generate a measurement signal indicating at least one condition of the associated air spring; a communication interface configured to directly transmit and receive data signals to and from other control units associated with other air sources in the suspension system; and a processing module operatively connected to the valve, one or more sensors and the communication interface; where the processing module is configured to: (i) receive measurement signals from one or more sensors and data signals from the communication interface and (ii) activate the valve to switch between active mode and neutral mode based on the measurement signals received from one or more sensors and data signals from the communication interface; where the air management system is configured to perform the method of item
[00222] [00222] 61. The air management system of item 60 further comprising the object of any of items 52-54.
[00223] [00223] The present invention includes the decorative design for a leveling valve, its lower housing, its top housing, one or more rotating discs, an axis and any other embodiment of the present invention, as shown and described.
[00224] [00224] Although the object of this description has been described and shown in considerable detail with reference to certain illustrative modalities, including various combinations and subsets of characteristics, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other modalities and variations and modifications thereof, as included in the scope of the present invention.
In addition, the descriptions of such modalities, combinations and sub-combinations are not intended to convey that the object claimed requires characteristics or combinations of characteristics different from those expressly mentioned in the claims.
Therefore, the scope of this description is intended to include all modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the following appended claims.

权利要求:
Claims (55)
[1]
1. Air management system for a vehicle, the air management system characterized by the fact that it comprises: a first pneumatic circuit having a first leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a first side of the vehicle; a second pneumatic circuit having a second leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a second side of the vehicle; and a cross flow line that connects the first leveling valve with the second leveling valve; where the first and second leveling valves are configured to establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the first leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the first side of the vehicle and the second leveling valve is not adjusting regardless of the height of the second side of the vehicle.
[2]
2. Air management system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first and the second leveling valves include a housing body and a control arm articulated to an axis extending through the housing body, and the control arm is configured to rotate from a neutral position to one or more response positions.
[3]
3. Air management system, according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the first and second leveling valves are configured to establish pneumatic communication between the first and the second pneumatic circuits when the control arm of the first and second the second level valves are set in the neutral position, and the first and second leveling valves are configured to prevent pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the control arm of one of the first and second leveling valves is defined in one or more response positions.
[4]
4. Air management system according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the first and second leveling valves each include a control arm sensor configured to detect the position of the control arm.
[5]
5. Air management system, according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a control unit in electrical communication with each sensor of the control arm, in which each sensor of the control arm is configured to transmit the position of the control arm as an input of position of the control arm to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to determine a height of the vehicle in relation to the axis on the first and second sides of the vehicle based on the input of the control arm position.
[6]
6. Air management system, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first pneumatic circuit comprises a first set of air springs arranged on a first side of the vehicle, a first supply tank, a first plurality of air lines pneumatically connecting the first set of air springs with the first leveling valve and a first supply line pneumatically connecting the first leveling valve with the first supply tank; and the second pneumatic circuit comprises a second set of air springs arranged on a second side of the vehicle, a second supply tank, a second plurality of air lines pneumatically connecting the second set of air springs with the second leveling valve and a second supply line pneumatically connecting the second leveling valve to the second supply tank.
[7]
Air management system according to claim 6, characterized in that the first plurality of air lines and the second plurality of air lines have substantially the same diameter and length, and the first supply line and the second supply line is substantially the same diameter and length.
[8]
8. Air management system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first and second leveling valves are each a rotary valve comprising a housing body and a rotating disk configured to rotate within the housing body to change the communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits.
[9]
9. Air management system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first and second leveling valves include a distributor housing, a valve element arranged in a bore in the distributor housing and an electronic actuator, wherein the valve element is configured to move in the distributor housing bore to one or more positions, including at least one neutral position to establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits and a supply position to supply air for a respective pneumatic circuit of an air supply tank and an exhaust position to remove the air from the respective pneumatic circuit to the atmosphere, and the electronic actuator is configured to trigger the movement of the piston between one or more positions.
[10]
10. Air management system according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the valve element is selected from the group consisting of a piston, a rotating disk and a trigger.
[11]
11. Air management system, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the electronic actuator is selected from the group consisting of a solenoid, a servomotor and a stepping motor.
[12]
12. Air management system, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a control module in electrical communication with the electronic actuator of each leveling valve, in which the control module is configured to transmit a command to each electronic actuator to trigger the movement of the valve element between the neutral, supply and exhaust positions.
[13]
13. Air management system, according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that it also comprises one or more leveling sensors, in which each leveling sensor is configured to detect the height of the vehicle in relation to the axis along a vehicle position and transmit the detected vehicle height to the control module as a vehicle leveling input, and the control module is configured to determine a vehicle height in relation to the axle on the first and second sides of the vehicle based on at the vehicle leveling entrance.
[14]
Air management system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first pneumatic circuit comprises one or more air springs and the second pneumatic circuit comprises one or more air springs; and wherein the first leveling valve and the second leveling valve are each an electronically operated valve arranged in a chamber of a respective air spring.
[15]
15. Air management system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first and second leveling valves each include a cylindrical shaped distributor, a valve element arranged in the distributor and in sliding coupling with an interior surface of the distributor and an electronic actuator operably connected to the valve member. wherein the distributor comprises a plurality of openings arranged along a lateral surface of the distributor and the electronic actuator is configured to drive the valve member to slide along the longitudinal axis of the distributor to control exposure of the plurality of openings, so that a respective leveling valve be configured to selectively: (i) supply air to the respective pneumatic circuit, (ii) remove air from the respective pneumatic circuit or (iii) establish a cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits.
[16]
16. Leveling valve, characterized by the fact that it comprises: an upper housing mounted in a lower housing to form a valve body, in which the valve body defines a chamber that extends between the upper housing and the lower housing; the lower housing comprising a plurality of doors communicating with the chamber, wherein the plurality of doors includes a supply port, an exhaust port, one or more spring ports and a cross flow port; a control arm having a first end attached to an axle that extends across an upper surface of the upper housing, where the control arm is configured to rotate around the valve body in response to the extension or compression of the vehicle suspension ; a rotating disk positioned in the valve body chamber and connected to the control arm by the axis extending through the upper housing, where the rotating disk is configured to rotate around the support element within the valve body chamber; and wherein the rotating disk is configured to establish communication between one or more spring ports and the cross flow port, while not establishing communication between one or more spring ports and the supply port, or one or more ports spring and the exhaust port.
[17]
Leveling valve according to claim 16, characterized in that the lower housing comprises a discharge port, in which the cross flow port is arranged on a first side of the lower housing and the discharge port is arranged on a second side of the lower housing opposite the first side.
[18]
18. Leveling valve according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that the control arm induces the rotating disk to rotate between a plurality of angular positions to alter the communication between the supply port, the exhaust port, a or more spring ports and the cross flow port, where the plurality of angular positions include (i) a neutral position, in which one or more spring ports communicate pneumatically with the cross flow port and neither the supply port neither the exhaust port communicates pneumatically with one or more spring ports, (ii) a supply position, in which one or more spring ports communicate pneumatically with the supply port and neither the exhaust port nor the port cross flow systems communicate pneumatically with one or more spring ports, and (iii) an exhaust position, in which one or more spring ports communicate pneumatically with the exhaust port and neither the supply port nor ap cross flow ports communicate pneumatically with one or more spring ports.
[19]
19. Leveling valve according to claim 18, characterized in that the lower housing comprises a first corresponding surface with a lower surface of the upper housing, wherein the first surface defines a supply orifice that communicates directly with the supply port; an exhaust port that communicates directly with the exhaust port; a reservoir cavity communicating directly with one or more spring ports.
[20]
20. Leveling valve according to claim 19, characterized in that the rotating disk comprises a central opening for receiving the shaft, a plurality of slits in an oblong shape and a crossflow slot, in which the plurality of slots oblong and cross-flow are spaced around the central opening with dead band defined there between and along the periphery of the rotating disk.
[21]
21. Leveling valve according to claim 20, characterized in that each oblong shaped cavity is configured to at least partially overlap the reservoir cavity of the lower housing and the cross flow over slot is configured to overlap the orifice cross-flow from the lower housing when the rotating disk is placed in the neutral position.
[22]
22. Leveling valve according to claim 20, characterized in that the oblong-shaped grooves are symmetrically spaced from a central axis that extends along a face of the rotating disk and the crossflow slot covers the axis central.
[23]
23. Method for controlling the stability of a vehicle, characterized by the fact that it comprises: providing an air management system comprising: a first pneumatic circuit having a first leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a first side of the vehicle; a second pneumatic circuit having a second leveling valve configured to independently adjust the height of a second side of the vehicle; and a cross flow line that connects the first leveling valve with the second leveling valve; establish, by the first and second leveling valves, pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the first leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the first side of the vehicle and the second leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the second side of the vehicle.
[24]
24. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the first and second leveling valves include a housing and a control arm hingedly connected to an axis extending through the housing, and the control arm The control is configured to rotate from a neutral position to one or more response positions.
[25]
25. Method, according to claim 24, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: establishing, by the first and second leveling valves, pneumatic communication between the first and the second pneumatic circuits when the control arm of the first and second valves level is in the neutral position, and prevent, by the first and second leveling valves, pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the control arm of one of the first and second leveling valves is set to a or more response positions.
[26]
26. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the first pneumatic circuit comprises a first set of air springs arranged on a first side of the vehicle, a first supply tank, a first plurality of air lines connecting pneumatically the first set of air springs with the first leveling valve and a first supply line pneumatically connecting the first leveling valve with the first supply tank; and the second pneumatic circuit comprises a second set of air springs arranged on a second side of the vehicle, a second supply tank, a second plurality of air lines pneumatically connecting the second set of air springs with the second leveling valve and a second supply line pneumatically connecting the second leveling valve to the second supply tank.
[27]
27. Method according to claim 26, characterized in that the first plurality of air lines and the second plurality of air lines have substantially the same diameter and length, and the first supply line and the second line of supply are substantially the same diameter and length.
[28]
28. The method of claim 23, characterized in that the first pneumatic circuit comprises one or more air springs and the second pneumatic circuit comprises one or more air springs; and wherein the first leveling valve and the second leveling valve are each an electronically operated valve arranged in a chamber of a respective air spring.
[29]
29. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the first and second leveling valves each include a cylindrical shaped distributor, a valve element arranged in the distributor and in sliding coupling with an inner surface distributor and an electronic actuator operably connected to the valve member. wherein the distributor comprises a plurality of openings arranged along a lateral surface of the distributor and the electronic actuator is configured to drive the valve member to slide along the longitudinal axis of the distributor to control exposure of the plurality of openings, so that a respective leveling valve be configured to selectively: (i) supply air to the respective pneumatic circuit, (ii) remove air from the respective pneumatic circuit or (iii) establish a cross flow between the first and second pneumatic circuits.
[30]
30. Method for adjusting the air pressure of a vehicle air management system comprising one or more air supply tanks, a first pneumatic circuit disposed on a first side of the vehicle and a second pneumatic circuit disposed on a second side of the vehicle, characterized by the fact that the method comprises: independently adjusting the air pressure of the first pneumatic circuit by a first leveling valve, so that the first leveling valve is supplying air from one or more air supply tanks to the first pneumatic circuit or removing air from the first pneumatic circuit to the atmosphere,
independently adjust the air pressure of the second pneumatic circuit by a second leveling valve, so that the second leveling valve is supplying air from one or more air supply tanks to the second pneumatic circuit or removing air from the second pneumatic circuit into the atmosphere, and establish pneumatic communication between the first pneumatic circuit and the second pneumatic circuit only when the first leveling valve and the second leveling valve are configured in neutral mode, so that each leveling valve does not supply air from either more air supply tanks or remove air in the atmosphere.
[31]
31. Method according to claim 30, characterized by the fact that each leveling valve includes a housing body comprising a supply port connected to the air supply tank, an exhaust port to purge air in the atmosphere, one or more ports connected to one or more air springs and a cross flow port connected to the other of the first or second leveling valves.
[32]
32. Method according to claim 31, characterized in that each leveling valve includes a valve element arranged in a chamber of the housing body and an actuator configured to drive the movement of the valve element, wherein the element valve is configured to move between a plurality of positions to change the communication between the plurality of ports.
[33]
33. Method according to claim 32, characterized in that the plurality of positions includes a neutral position for establishing pneumatic communication between the first and the second pneumatic circuits, a supply position for supplying air from one or more air tanks. air supply to the respective pneumatic circuit and an exhaust position to remove air from the respective pneumatic circuit to the atmosphere.
[34]
34. Method according to claim 32, characterized by the fact that the valve element is selected from the group consisting of a piston, a rotating disk and a trigger.
[35]
35. Method according to claim 32, characterized by the fact that the actuator is a control arm hingedly connected to an axis that extends through the housing body and the valve element is a rotating disk.
[36]
36. Method according to claim 35, characterized in that the control arm is configured to rotate from a neutral position to one or more response positions, and each leveling valve is set in neutral mode when the control arm control is set in the neutral position, and each leveling valve is independently adjusting the air pressure of a respective pneumatic circuit when the control arm is set to one or more response positions.
[37]
37. Method, according to claim 32, characterized by the fact that the actuator is an electronic actuator selected from the group consisting of a solenoid, a servomotor and a stepping motor.
[38]
38. Method, according to claim 37, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a control module in electrical communication with the electronic actuator of each leveling valve, in which the control module is configured to transmit a command to each actuator electronic to drive the movement of the valve element between the plurality of positions.
[39]
39. Method according to claim 38, characterized by the fact that it further comprises one or more leveling sensors, in which each leveling sensor is configured to detect the height of the vehicle in relation to the axis along a vehicle position and transmit the detected vehicle height to the control module as a vehicle leveling input, and the control module is configured to determine a vehicle height from the axis on the first and second sides of the vehicle based on the leveling input of the vehicle.
[40]
40. Method according to claim 30, characterized in that the first pneumatic circuit comprises a first set of air springs arranged on the first side of the vehicle, a first plurality of air lines pneumatically connecting the first set of air springs air with the first leveling valve and a first supply line pneumatically connecting the first leveling valve with at least one of the one or more air supply tanks; and the second pneumatic circuit comprises a second set of air springs arranged on the second side of the vehicle, a second plurality of air lines connecting pneumatically the second set of air springs with the second leveling valve and a second supply line connecting pneumatically the second leveling valve with at least one of the one or more air supply tanks.
[41]
41. The method of claim 30, characterized in that the first pneumatic circuit comprises one or more air springs and the second pneumatic circuit comprises one or more air springs; and wherein the first leveling valve and the second leveling valve are each an electronically operated valve arranged in a chamber of a respective air spring.
[42]
42. Control unit associated with an air spring of an air management system for a vehicle, the control unit, characterized by the fact that it comprises: a housing configured to be mounted on a top plate of the air spring, wherein the housing comprises a valve chamber; a valve arranged in the valve chamber, where the valve is configured to switch between a plurality of modes, including: (i) an active mode in which the valve is independently adjusting an associated air spring height and (ii) a mode neutral in which the valve is establishing pneumatic communication between the associated air spring and a cross flow line connected to a second air spring of the air management system when the valve is not in active mode; one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one air spring condition and generate a measurement signal indicating at least one air spring condition; a communication interface configured to transmit and receive data signals to and from a second control unit associated with the second air spring of the air management system; and a processing module operatively connected to the valve, one or more sensors and the communication interface; where the processing module is configured to: (i) receive measurement signals from one or more sensors and data signals from the communication interface and (ii) activate the valve to switch between active mode and neutral mode based on measurement signals received from one or more sensors and data signals from the communication interface.
[43]
43. Control unit according to claim 42, characterized by the fact that the housing comprises: an entrance door configured to receive air flow from an air source, an exit door configured to release air into the atmosphere, a cross flow port configured to connect to the cross flow line connected to the second air spring of the suspension system and a distribution port configured to supply or release air to and from an air spring chamber, in which the chamber the valve is connected to the inlet, outlet and distribution port by a plurality of passages.
[44]
44. Control unit according to claim 42, characterized by the fact that the one or more sensors comprise a height sensor configured to monitor the height of the air spring and generate a signal indicating the height of the air spring.
[45]
45. Control unit according to claim 44, characterized by the fact that the height sensor is an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, an electromagnetic wave sensor or a potentiometer.
[46]
46. Control unit according to claim 45, characterized in that the processing module is configured to take into account a difference between a spring height of its associated air spring and a second spring height of the second spring of air in determining to activate the valve between active mode and neutral mode.
[47]
47. Control unit according to claim 42, characterized in that the valve chamber, the valve and the processing module are mounted below the top plate and arranged in the air spring chamber.
[48]
48. Control unit, according to claim 42,
characterized by the fact that the valve chamber, the valve and the processing module are mounted above the top plate and arranged outside the air spring chamber.
[49]
49. Control unit according to claim 42, characterized in that the valve comprises a cylindrical shaped distributor, a valve element arranged in the distributor and in sliding coupling with an interior surface of the distributor and an operatively connected electronic actuator the valve member and the processing module; wherein the distributor comprises a plurality of openings arranged along a lateral surface of the distributor and the electronic actuator is configured to drive the valve member to slide along the longitudinal axis of the distributor to control exposure of the plurality of openings, so the valve to switch between active mode and neutral mode.
[50]
50. Air management system for a vehicle, the air management system characterized by the fact that it comprises: a first pneumatic circuit with one or more air springs arranged on the first side of a vehicle; a second pneumatic circuit with one or more air springs arranged on the second side of a vehicle; and one or more cross flow lines, wherein each cross flow line extends from an air spring associated with the first pneumatic circuit to an air spring associated with the second pneumatic circuit; wherein each air spring comprises a control unit and each control unit comprises: a housing configured to be mounted on a top plate of an associated air spring, wherein the housing comprises a valve chamber; a valve arranged in the valve chamber, where the valve is configured to switch between a plurality of modes, including: (i) an active mode in which the valve is independently adjusting an associated air spring height and (ii) a mode neutral in which the valve is establishing pneumatic communication between the associated air spring and a respective cross flow line when the valve is not in active mode; one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one condition of the associated air spring and generate a measurement signal indicating at least one condition of the associated air spring; a communication interface configured to directly transmit and receive data signals to and from other control units associated with other air sources in the suspension system; and a processing module operatively connected to the valve, one or more sensors and the communication interface; where the processing module is configured to: (i) receive measurement signals from one or more sensors and data signals from the communication interface and (ii) activate the valve to switch between active mode and neutral mode based on measurement signals received from one or more sensors and data signals from the communication interface.
[51]
51. Air management system, according to claim 50, characterized by the fact that it comprises a system controller in electrical communication with the communication interface of each control unit of the air management system and in which the controller of the air management system. The system is configured to: (i) receive measurement signals from each control unit of the air management system, (ii) determine a desired volumetric flow rate to remove or supply air to and from the chamber of each air spring in the system air management based on the received measurement signals and (iii) transmit commands to each control unit of the air management system, so that each control unit acts its associated valve between active mode and neutral mode.
[52]
52. Air management system according to claim 50, characterized by the fact that the housing comprises: an inlet port configured to receive air flow from an air source, an outlet port configured to release air into the air atmosphere, a cross flow port configured to connect to the cross flow line connected to the second air spring of the air management system and a distribution port configured to supply or release air to and from an air spring chamber, wherein the valve chamber is connected to the inlet, outlet port and dispensing port by a plurality of passages.
[53]
53. Air management system according to claim 51, characterized in that the valve chamber, the valve and the processing module are mounted below the top plate and arranged in the air spring chamber.
[54]
54. Air management system according to claim 51, characterized in that the valve chamber, the valve and the processing module are mounted above the top plate and arranged outside the air spring chamber.
[55]
55. A method for controlling the stability of a vehicle comprising an air management system, in which the air management system comprises a first pneumatic circuit with one or more air springs arranged on the first side of a vehicle, a second air circuit pneumatic system with one or more air springs arranged on the second side of a vehicle; and one or more cross flow lines, where each cross flow line extends from an air spring associated with the first pneumatic circuit to an air spring associated with the second pneumatic circuit, the method characterized by the fact that it comprises: monitor, by a height sensor and an air pressure sensor, a height and an air pressure of a respective air spring; generate, by the height sensor and the air pressure sensor, a signal indicating the height and air pressure of the respective air spring; receive, by a processing module, the signal indicating the height and air pressure of the respective air spring; calculate, by the processing module, a differential height rate and differential pressure rate of the respective air spring based on the received signal indicating the height and air pressure of the respective air spring; determine, by the processing module, whether to adjust the height of the air pressure of the air spring independently or establish a pneumatic communication between the air spring and a respective cross flow line; and actuating, through the processing module, a valve to change to one of the modes: (i) an active mode in which the valve is independently adjusting an associated air spring height and (ii) a neutral mode in which the valve is establishing pneumatic communication between the associated air spring and a respective cross flow line when the valve is not in active mode;
where the height sensor, the processing module and the valve are arranged in an air spring chamber.

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法律状态:
2021-11-03| B350| Update of information on the portal [chapter 15.35 patent gazette]|

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US201762520918P| true| 2017-06-16|2017-06-16|

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US62/520,918|2017-06-16|

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US201762573587P| true| 2017-10-17|2017-10-17|

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US62/573,587|2017-10-17|

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US201862626373P| true| 2018-02-05|2018-02-05|

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US62/626,373|2018-02-05|

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PCT/US2018/037807|WO2018232276A1|2017-06-16|2018-06-15|Symmetrically dynamic equalized volume and pressure air management system|

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