Air preparation device for motor vehicles

Abstract

An air-preparation device for a motor vehicle, including: at least one first compressed air connection and a second compressed air connection; and a first air-preparation component and a second air-preparation component; wherein the first air-preparation component has at least one first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve and a third solenoid valve, a first air drier cartridge, a first main nonreturn valve, a first regeneration nonreturn valve, a first regeneration throttle and a first inlet valve, wherein the second air-preparation component has at least one second air drier cartridge, a second main nonreturn valve, a second regeneration nonreturn valve, a second regeneration throttle and a second inlet valve, wherein the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are for controlling the first air-preparation component, and wherein a control line is configured so that the second air-preparation component is connected to the third solenoid valve of the first air-preparation component.

Claims

1. An air preparation device for a motor vehicle, comprising: at least one first compressed air connection and a second compressed air connection; and a first air preparation component and a second air preparation component; wherein the first air preparation component has at least one first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve and a third solenoid valve, a first air drier cartridge, a first main nonreturn valve, a first regeneration nonreturn valve, a first regeneration throttle and a first inlet valve, wherein the second air preparation component has at least one second air drier cartridge, a second main nonreturn valve, a second regeneration nonreturn valve, a second regeneration throttle and a second inlet valve, wherein the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are for controlling the first air preparation component, wherein a control line is configured so that the second air preparation component is connected to the third solenoid valve of the first air preparation component, and wherein the second solenoid valve is configured so that an input of the second solenoid valve is connected to a second pneumatic circuit output and the output of the second solenoid valve is connected to the first regeneration nonreturn valve and to a control input of the first inlet valve.

2. The air preparation device of claim 1, wherein an output of the third solenoid valve is connected by the control line to an input of the second regeneration nonreturn valve and to a control input of the second inlet valve so that the second air preparation component is controllable by the third solenoid valve.

3. The air preparation device of claim 1, wherein an input of the first main nonreturn valve is connected to an output of the first air drier cartridge and an input of the second main nonreturn valve is connected to an output of the second air drier cartridge, and wherein an output of the first main nonreturn valve and an output of the second main nonreturn valve are each connected to a first pneumatic circuit output.

4. The air preparation device of claim 1, wherein the first inlet valve and/or the second inlet valve include a 3/2-way directional control valve, and wherein a venting output of the first inlet valve and/or the second inlet valve is connected to a first regeneration output or a second regeneration output.

5. The air preparation device of claim 1, further comprising: a rapid venting valve configured so that an input of the first solenoid valve is connected to the second pneumatic circuit output and an output of the first solenoid valve is connected to the rapid venting valve.

6. An air preparation device for a motor vehicle, comprising: at least one first compressed air connection and a second compressed air connection; and a first air preparation component and a second air preparation component; wherein the first air preparation component has at least one first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve and a third solenoid valve, a first air drier cartridge, a first main nonreturn valve, a first regeneration nonreturn valve, a first regeneration throttle and a first inlet valve, wherein the second air preparation component has at least one second air drier cartridge, a second main nonreturn valve, a second regeneration nonreturn valve, a second regeneration throttle and a second inlet valve, wherein the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are for controlling the first air preparation component, wherein a control line is configured so that the second air preparation component is connected to the third solenoid valve of the first air preparation component, and wherein the first regeneration throttle is integrated in the second solenoid valve and/or in that the second regeneration throttle is integrated in the third solenoid valve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an air preparation device with a first and second air preparation component.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of an air preparation device with a first and second air preparation component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(3) FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic illustration, an air preparation device 1 for motor vehicles according to a first exemplary embodiment.

(4) FIG. 1 shows the air preparation device 1 with at least one first compressed air connection 2.1 and a second compressed air connection 2.2, and a first air preparation component 3.1 and a second air preparation component 3.2.

(5) The first air preparation component 3.1 is illustrated with a first inlet valve 9.1, a first air drier cartridge 4.1, a first main nonreturn valve 5.1, a first regeneration nonreturn valve 6.1 and a first regeneration throttle 7.1. Furthermore, the first air preparation component 3.1 has a first, a second and a third solenoid valve MV1; MV2; MV3.

(6) The first inlet valve 9.1 is configured, according to FIG. 1, in the form of a 3/2-way directional control valve.

(7) An input 9.1a of the first inlet valve 9.1 is connected to the first compressed air connection 2.1. An output 9.1b of the first inlet valve 9.1 is connected to an input 4.1a of the first air drier cartridge 4.1.

(8) According to FIG. 1, the first inlet valve 9.1 is switched in such a manner that preparation of compressed air takes place.

(9) Fresh compressed air can thus be supplied for preparation to the first air drier cartridge 4.1.

(10) An output 4.1b of the first air drier cartridge 4.1 is furthermore connected to an input 5.1a of the first main nonreturn valve 5.1. An output 5.1b of the main nonreturn valve 5.1 is connected to a first pneumatic circuit output 10.1.

(11) Prepared compressed air can be transferred from the first air drier cartridge 4.1 to the first pneumatic circuit output 10.1 via the main nonreturn valve 5.1.

(12) The first main nonreturn valve 5.1 here opens up the flow path to the first pneumatic circuit output in a manner corresponding to the pressure gradient.

(13) For regeneration of the first air drier cartridge 4.1, the first inlet valve 9.1 is brought into a disconnected switching position, and therefore there is no connection between input 9.1a and output 9.1b.

(14) For this purpose, a control input 9.1c of the first inlet valve 9.1 is connected to an output MV2b of the second solenoid valve MV2.

(15) An input MV2a of the second solenoid valve MV2 is connected to a second pneumatic circuit output 10.2 of the first air preparation component 3.1.

(16) Furthermore, a control unit 14 is provided for activating the first, second and third solenoid valve MV1; MV2; MV3.

(17) Prepared compressed air can thus be recycled as required from the second pneumatic circuit output 10.2 via the input MV2a and the output MV2b of the second solenoid valve MV2. The first inlet valve 9.1 is switched over using the pressure present at the control input 9.1c, in order to regenerate the first air drier cartridge 4.1.

(18) Furthermore, the first regeneration nonreturn valve 6.1 and the first regeneration throttle 7.1 are provided between the output MV2b of the second solenoid valve MV2 and the output 4.1b of the first air drier cartridge 4.1.

(19) The input 6.1a of the first regeneration nonreturn valve 6.1 is connected to the output MV2b of the second solenoid valve MV2, wherein the output 6.1b is connected to an output 4.1b of the first air drier cartridge 4.1.

(20) For the purposes of regeneration, prepared compressed air can be supplied from the second pneumatic circuit output 10.2 to the first air drier cartridge 4.1 by means of the second solenoid valve MV2 via the first regeneration nonreturn valve 6.1 and the first regeneration throttle 7.1 as required.

(21) From the first air drier cartridge 4.1, the saturated compressed air is guided via the output 9.1b and a venting output 9.1d of the first inlet valve 9.1 to a first regeneration output 8.1 of the first air preparation component 3.1 and let out of the system.

(22) In the event of regeneration with the first inlet valve 9.1 switched into a disconnected state, a drainage valve 9.4 is provided according to FIG. 1.

(23) The drainage valve 9.4, in particular an input 9.4a, is connected to the first compressed air connection 2.1 and to the input 9.1a of the first inlet valve 9.1.

(24) Thus, during a situation in which the system pressure lies above the permissible value, excess compressed air can be let out of the first compressed air connection 3.1 via the drainage valve 9.4, in particular via an output 9.4b.

(25) If a compressor or another compressed air source is connected to the first compressed air connection, the compressed air source can continue to convey compressed air even during the regeneration of the first air drier cartridge and with the first inlet valve 9.1 switched to a disconnected state. A compressor or the like can therefore be operated continuously.

(26) An input MV1a of the first solenoid valve MV1 is connected to the second pneumatic circuit output 10.2. An output MV1b of the first solenoid valve MV1 is connected to a rapid venting valve 13.

(27) It is thus possible to let prepared compressed air out of the second pneumatic circuit output 10.2 by means of the first solenoid valve MV1 via the rapid venting valve 13 as required.

(28) In particular, the first, second and third solenoid valves MV1; MV2; MV3 are switchable independently of one another by the control unit 14.

(29) The second pneumatic circuit output 10.2 can be rapidly vented independently of a regeneration or preparation of compressed air, for example, of the first air preparation component 3.1.

(30) According to FIG. 1, the air preparation device 1 is furthermore provided with a second air preparation component 3.2.

(31) The second air preparation component 3.2 is illustrated with a second compressed air connection 2.2, a second inlet valve 9.2, a venting valve 9.3, a second air drier cartridge 4.2, a second main nonreturn valve 5.2, a second regeneration nonreturn valve 6.2 and a second regeneration throttle 7.2.

(32) According to FIG. 1, the second inlet valve 9.2 and the venting valve 9.3 are switched in such a manner that preparation of compressed air takes place.

(33) In particular, an output 9.2b is connected to an input 9.2a of the second inlet valve 9.2 in such a manner that compressed air from the second compressed air connection 2.2 can be introduced into the second air drier cartridge 4.2 via an input 4.2a.

(34) Prepared compressed air can be transferred from an output 4.2b of the second air drier cartridge 4.2 to an input 5.2a of the second main nonreturn valve 5.2.

(35) An output 5.2b of the second main nonreturn valve 5.2 is connected to the first pneumatic circuit output 10.1, and therefore prepared compressed air can be brought together from the second air preparation component 3.2 and the first air preparation component 3.1 and can be made available for downstream pneumatic circuits.

(36) The second air preparation component 3.2 is connected via a control line 11 to an output MV3b of the third solenoid valve MV3.

(37) In particular, according to FIG. 1, an input 6.2a of the regeneration nonreturn valve 6.2, a control input 9.2c of the second inlet valve 9.2 and an output 9.3a and a control input 9.3c of the venting valve 9.3 are connected via the control line 11 to the output MV3b of the third solenoid valve MV3.

(38) An input MV3b of the third solenoid valve MV3 is connected to the second pneumatic circuit output 10.2 which may have a high fluid pressure or air pressure.

(39) As soon as the third solenoid valve MV3 is switched to a continuous state, i.e. there is a connection between input MV3a and output MV3b, the compressed air transferred to the control inputs 9.2c; 9.3c of the second inlet valve 9.2 and of the venting valve 9.3 brings about switching of the second inlet valve 9.2 and of the venting valve 9.3 into the regeneration mode.

(40) The second inlet valve 9.2, as an alternative to the first inlet valve 9.1, is configured in the form of a spring-loaded 2/2-way directional control valve. Accordingly, the second air preparation component has a further, separate venting valve 9.3 in the form of a 2/2-way directional control valve.

(41) In the regeneration mode, the inlet valve 9.2 is switched to a disconnected state because of the compressed air present at the control input 9.2c, and therefore there is no connection between the input 9.2a and the output 9.2b. Compressed air cannot be transferred from the second compressed air connection 2.2 to the second air drier cartridge 4.2.

(42) For the regeneration of the second air drier cartridge 4.2, the compressed air can flow from the third solenoid valve MV3 via the control line 11 to an input 6.2a of the second regeneration nonreturn valve 6.2.

(43) Within the meaning of the pressure gradient which is present, the compressed air can pass out of the control line 13 from the input 6.2a to the output 6.2b of the second regeneration nonreturn valve 6.2.

(44) From the output 6.2b of the second regeneration nonreturn valve 6.2, the prepared compressed air originating from the second pneumatic circuit output 10.2 passes via the second regeneration throttle 7.2 as far as the output 4.2b of the second air drier cartridge 4.2.

(45) From the input 4.2a of the second air drier cartridge 4.2, the saturated compressed air can flow to the input 9.3a of the venting valve 9.3.

(46) For the regeneration mode of the second air drier cartridge 4.2, the venting valve 9.3 is switched to a passage state by means of the control input 9.3c, and therefore the input 9.3a and the output 9.3b are connected to each other.

(47) The output 9.3b of the venting valve 9.3 is connected to a second regeneration output 8.2.

(48) Compressed air, which is saturated with moisture and oil, from the regeneration of the second air drier cartridge 4.2 can thus be let out of the system via the output 9.3b of the venting valve 9.3 and the second regeneration output 8.2.

(49) The first air preparation component 3.1 is also called “master” since it can control the second air preparation component 3.2 (in particular via the third solenoid valve MV3). The air preparation component 3.2 is therefore also called “slave”.

(50) An advantage of this arrangement is, for example, that the two air preparation components “master” and “slave” can be based on standard components and can thus be operated from the same module construction set for air preparation components. Complicated custom-made adaptation are thus not required. As a result, cost advantages over known double air driers are also achieved since said double air driers are a custom-made product or a custom-made construction. In addition, the air preparation component “master” can be installed in the utility vehicle at the same location as the standard pipework, as is otherwise also customary in the case of utility vehicles from series production. Only the additional component “slave” has to be added, which component is likewise based on standard components and merely requires a corresponding connection and pipework.

(51) FIG. 2 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of an air preparation device 1′ with a first and second air preparation component 3.1; 3.2′.

(52) In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the second exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 differs in particular in that the second inlet valve 9.2′ is configured in the form of a 3/2-way directional control valve.

(53) The first and second inlet valves 9.1; 9.2′ according to FIG. 2 are therefore provided identically to each other.

(54) Within this context, the venting valve 9.3, illustrated in FIG. 1, of the second air preparation component 3.2 is omitted.

(55) By contrast, according to FIG. 2, the second air preparation component 3.2′ also has a second drainage valve 9.5, identically to the first drainage valve 9.4.

(56) The first and second air preparation components 3.1; 3.2′ according to FIG. 2 therefore have substantially identical interconnections to a first or a second inlet valve 9.1; 9.2′ and to a first or a second drainage valve 9.4; 9.5.

(57) Alternatively, the first inlet valve 9.1 of the first air preparation component 3.1 can, of course, also be configured in the form of two 2/2-way directional control valves in accordance with the combination of second inlet valve 9.2 and venting valve 9.3 of the second air preparation component 3.2 according to FIG. 1.

THE LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS ID AS FOLLOWS

(58) 1 air preparation device 2.1 first compressed air connection 2.2 second compressed air connection 3.1 first air preparation component 3.2 second air preparation component 3.2′ second air preparation component 4.1 first air drier cartridge 4.1a input of the first air drier cartridge 4.1b output of the first air drier cartridge 4.2 second air drier cartridge 4.2a input of the second air drier cartridge 4.2b output of the second air drier cartridge 5.1 first main nonreturn valve 5.1a input of the first main nonreturn valve 5.1b output of the first main nonreturn valve 5.2 second main nonreturn valve 5.2a input of the second main nonreturn valve 5.2b output of the second main nonreturn valve 6.1 first regeneration nonreturn valve 6.1a input of the first regeneration nonreturn valve 6.1b output of the first regeneration nonreturn valve 6.2 second regeneration nonreturn valve 6.2a input of the second regeneration nonreturn valve 6.2b output of the second regeneration nonreturn valve 7.1 first regeneration throttle 7.2 second regeneration throttle 8.1 first regeneration output 8.2 second regeneration output 9.1 first inlet valve 9.1a input of the first inlet valve 9.1b output of the first inlet valve 9.1c control input of the first inlet valve 9.1d venting output of the first inlet valve 9.2 second inlet valve 9.2a input of the second inlet valve 9.2b output of the second inlet valve 9.2c control input of the second venting valve 9.2′ second inlet valve 9.2′a input of the second inlet valve 9.2′b output of the second inlet valve 9.2′c control input of the second venting valve 9.2′d venting output of the second inlet valve 9.3 venting valve 9.3a input of the venting valve 9.3b output of the venting valve 9.3c control input of the venting valve 9.4 first drainage valve 9.4a input of the first drainage valve 9.4b output of the first drainage valve 9.5 second drainage valve 10.1 first pneumatic circuit output 10.2 second pneumatic circuit output 11 control line MV1 first solenoid valve MV1a input of the first solenoid valve MV1b output of the first solenoid valve MV2 second solenoid valve MV2a input of the second solenoid valve MV2b output of the second solenoid valve MV3 third solenoid valve MV3a input of the third solenoid valve MV3b output of the third solenoid valve 13 rapid venting valve 14 control unit