Method and system for adjusting a vehicle aligned with an artificial horizon
Abstract
A method of adjusting a suspension system (FSS) of a vehicle (2) having a su spended mass and a non-suspended mass, the suspension system (FSS) being selectively adjustable, with the use of a control system (42) which is usable in a standard stabilization mode during the route use of the associated vehicle where the suspended mass is stabilized with respect to the a suspended mass and in a horizon stabilization mode during use stationary of the associated vehicle where the suspended mass is stabilized with respect to a predetermined reference (71) independent of the relative position of the suspended mass, said method comprising the following steps: a) entering a horizon stabilization mode where the control system (42) of the suspension system (FSS) is capable of approximately aligning the suspended mass of the vehicle (2) with a predetermined reference (71), whereas the predetermined reference (71) is an imaginary reference plane; b) adjust the suspended mass in a condition approximately aligned with said predetermined reference (71) using the suspensi on system (FSS), said condition occurring approximately aligned at a first level height; c) checking an approximate alignment of the suspended mass with said predetermined reference (71); d) generating and memorizing objective initial height data corresponding to said first level level of the suspended mass; e) receive an operator input corresponding to a desired change of said first level height of the suspended mass; f) modify said initial height target data in function of at least in part, said operator input; g) check an approximate positioning of the suspended mass at a second level height corresponding to said objective height data modified in step f); h) determine that the suspended mass is at a level height that is different from said second level height, corresponding to said modified target height data in step f) and i) adjusting the suspended mass at an approximate position in said second level height using said suspension system (FSS) while maintaining the suspended m ass in approximate alignment with said predetermined reference (71).

Term
1.1 yearsto projected expiry
Projected expiry 16 November 2027, counted from filing; an application has no term until it is granted.
- Priority
- Filed
- Published
- Today
- Projected expiry
14 claims: 2 independent, 12 dependent
- 1ES 2 385 684 T3 REIVINDICACIONES 1. Un método de ajuste de un sistema de suspensión (FSS) de un vehículo (2) que tiene una masa suspendida y una masa no suspendida, siendo el sistema de suspensión (FSS) ajustable, de forma selectiva, con la utilización de un sistema de control (42) que es utilizable en un modo de estabilización estándar durante el uso en ruta del vehículo asociado en donde la masa suspendida se estabiliza con respecto a la masa no suspendida y en un modo de estabilización de horizonte durante una utilización estacionaria del vehículo asociado en donde la masa suspendida está estabilizada con respecto a una referencia predeterminada (71) independiente de la posición relativa de la masa no suspendida, comprendiendo dicho método las etapas siguientes:a) entrar en un modo de estabilización de horizonte en donde el sistema de control (42) del sistema de suspensión (FSS) es capaz de alinear aproximadamente la masa suspendida del vehículo (2) con una referencia predeterminada (71), en donde la referencia predeterminada (71) es un plano de referencia imaginario;b) ajustar la masa suspendida en una condición aproximadamente alineada con dicha referencia predeterminada (71) utilizando el sistema de suspensión (FSS), ocurriendo dicha condición aproximadamente alineada en una primera altura nivelada;c) comprobar una alineación aproximada de la masa suspendida con dicha referencia predeterminada (71);d) generar y memorizar datos objetivos de altura inicial correspondientes a dicha primera altura nivelada de la masa suspendida;e) recibir una entrada de operador correspondiente a un cambio deseado de dicha primera altura nivelada de la masa suspendida;f) modificar dichos datos objetivos de altura inicial en función de al menos en parte, dicha entrada de operador;g) comprobar un posicionamiento aproximado de la masa suspendida en una segunda altura nivelada que corresponde a dichos datos objetivos de altura modificados en la etapa f);h) determinar que la masa suspendida está en una altura nivelada que es distinta de dicha segunda altura nivelada, que corresponde a dichos datos objetivos de altura modificados en la etapa f) y i) ajustar la masa suspendida en una posición aproximada en dicha segunda altura nivelada utilizando dicho sistema de suspensión (FSS) mientras se mantiene la masa suspendida en alineación aproximada con dicha referencia predeterminada (71).
- 2Un método según la reivindicación 1 que comprende, además, la etapa que consiste en esperar una duración predeterminada y en comprobar una posición aproximada de la masa suspendida en dicha segunda altura nivelada.
- 3Un método según la reivindicación 2, en donde la espera de dicha duración predeterminada comprende la espera durante un periodo de aproximadamente 30 minutos a aproximadamente 120 minutos.
- 4Un método según la reivindicación 1 que comprende, además, la determinación de un fin de carrera del sistema de suspensión (FSS) y la determinación según la cual dichos datos objetivos de altura modificados en la etapa f) es capaz de alcanzarse por el sistema de suspensión (FSS).
- 5Un método según la reivindicación 4 que comprende, además, la indicación a un operador de que el sistema de suspensión (FSS) es incapaz de alcanzar la segunda altura nivelada cuando se determina que dichos datos objetivos de altura modificados en la etapa f) superan la capacidad del sistema de suspensión (FSS).
- 6Un método según la reivindicación 1 que comprende, además, la recepción de una señal de entrada correspondiente a una de entre la elevación y descenso de la masa suspendida en función de dicha entrada de operador y la asignación a dicha señal de entrada de un valor discreto correspondiente a una distancia predeterminada y en donde la etapa f) comprende la modificación de dichos datos objetivos de altura inicial para dicha distancia predeterminada.
- 7Un método según la reivindicación 1 que comprende, además, la recepción, como dicha entrada de operador, de un valor de entrada correspondiente a una distancia de entre de elevación y de descenso de la masa suspendida, en donde la etapa f) comprende la modificación de dichos datos objetivos de altura inicial por dicho valor de entrada y la etapa i) incluye el ajuste incremental de la masa suspendida para alcanzar la posición aproximada de dicha segunda altura nivelada.
- 8Un sistema de suspensión de vehículo (FSS) dispuesto, de forma operativa, entre una masa suspendida asociada y una masa no suspendida asociada de un vehículo asociado (2) y adaptado para alinear aproximadamente la masa suspendida asociada con una referencia predeterminada (71) y para ajustar una altura nivelada de la masa suspendida ES 2 385 684 T3 asociada en relación con una superficie del suelo manteniendo la masa suspendida asociada en alineación aproximada con dicha referencia predeterminada (71), en donde la referencia predeterminada (71) es un plano de referencia imaginario, comprendiendo dicho sistema de suspensión de vehículo (FSS):una pluralidad de órganos de suspensión de fluido (6 a 9) soportados entre las masas suspendidas y no suspendidas asociadas;una fuente de fluido bajo presión (20) en comunicación fluídica con dicha pluralidad de órganos de suspensión de fluido (6 a 9);un dispositivo de control (25) dispuesto, de forma fluídica, entre dicha fuente de fluido bajo presión (20) y dicha pluralidad de órganos de suspensión de fluido (6 a 9) y operativo para transferir, de forma selectiva, el fluido bajo presión entre ellos;un sensor de alineación (65) soportado sobre la masa suspendida asociada y operativo para proporcionar, a la salida, una señal indicativa de una orientación de la masa suspendida asociada;un sensor de altura (40) conectado, de forma operativa, entre las masas suspendida y no suspendida asociadas y operativo para proporcionar, a la salida, una señal indicativa de una distancia entre ellas y un sistema de control (42) en comunicación con al menos dicho dispositivo de control (25), dicho sensor de alineación (65) y dicho sensor de altura (40), comprendiendo dicho sistema de control (42) una memoria y un dispositivo de determinación, y estando dicho sistema de control (42) adaptado para accionar dicho sistema de suspensión de vehículo (FSS) en un modo de estabilización estándar durante el uso en ruta del vehículo asociado (2) en donde la masa suspendida está estabilizada con respecto a la masa no suspendida y en un modo de estabilización de horizonte durante el uso estacionario del vehículo asociado, en donde la masa suspendida está estabilizada con respecto a una referencia predeterminada (71) e independiente de la posición relativa de la masa no suspendida, siendo dicho sistema de control (42) operativo para: recibir una señal procedente de dicho sensor de alineación (65) y activar, de forma selectiva, dicho dispositivo de control (25) hasta que dicha señal procedente de dicho sensor de alineación (65) es indicativa de que la masa suspendida asociada está aproximadamente alineada con dicha referencia predeterminada (71);recibir dicha señal procedente de dicho sensor de altura (40) y almacenar, en dicha memoria datos objetivos de altura que tengan una relación con dicha señal como una altura objetivo;recibir una entrada de operador y modificar dichos datos objetivos de altura en función de dicha entrada de operador y ajustar dicha altura nivelada de la masa suspendida asociada en función de dichos datos objetivos de altura modificados.
- 9Un sistema de suspensión de vehículo (FSS) según la reivindicación 8, en donde dicho sistema de control (42) está adaptado para comparar periódicamente dicha señal procedente de dicho sensor de altura (40) con dicha altura objetivo para comprobar una altura nivelada de la masa suspendida asociada.
- 10Un sistema de suspensión de vehículo (FSS), según la reivindicación 9, en donde dicho sistema de control (42) incluye un temporizador y está adaptado para comprobar dicha altura nivelada de la masa suspendida asociada con respecto a dicho objetivo de altura después de una duración predeterminada.
- 11Un sistema de suspensión de vehículo (FSS) según la reivindicación 8, en donde dicho sistema de control (42) incluye una interfaz de operador (70) capaz de recibir entradas del operador y de proporcionar, a la salida, señales correspondientes a dichas entradas de operador.
- 12Un sistema de suspensión de vehículo (FSS) según la reivindicación 11, en donde dicha interfaz de operador (70) está adaptada para comunicar a un operador asociado que dicho sistema de control (42) está ajustando dicha altura nivelada de la masa suspendida asociada.
- 13Un sistema de suspensión de vehículo (FSS) según la reivindicación 8, en donde dicho sistema de control (42) está adaptado para determinar, utilizando dicho dispositivo de determinación, si el ajuste de dicha altura objetivo, según dichos datos objetivos de altura modificados, está dentro de la capacidad de dicha pluralidad de órganos de suspensión de fluido (6 a 9).
- 14Un sistema de suspensión de vehículo (FSS) según la reivindicación 13, en donde dicho sistema de control (42) incluye datos de fin de carrera almacenados en dicha memoria y está adaptado para comparar dichos datos objetivos de altura modificados con dichos datos de fin de carrera.
Independent claims14
91 paragraphs in 9 sections, as filed
ES 2 385 684 T3
DESCRIPTION
Method and system of adjustment of a vehicle aligned with an artificial horizon
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general terms, to air suspension systems and, more particularly, to an air suspension system, under electronic control, for use in association with a stationary vehicle, which adjusts the pneumatic springs of the vehicle. stationary to vary the level height of the vehicle chassis while maintaining approximate alignment of the vehicle chassis with an artificial horizon or other predetermined reference.
The present invention finds particular application in association with the use of larger mobile vehicles, such as so-called motorized mobile homes (RVs), travel trailers, and other on-road truck trailers, for example, and will be described here with special reference to said vehicles. However, it is to be understood that such vehicles are merely exemplary structures and that the present invention is capable of broader application in association with the alignment of a wide variety of structures and vehicles. Other examples of such structures and vehicles include weapons platforms, military and civilian personnel carriers, and ambulances.
Much older vehicles, such as RVs, travel trailers, road truck trailers, and the like, have an air suspension system to regulate the height of the vehicle's chassis relative to the support axles, in such a way as to depend on the load placed on the vehicle, to adjust the height of the chassis in response to the driving conditions experienced by the vehicle. These suspension systems usually consist of a plurality of fluid suspension members, such as air springs, that support the vehicle chassis above the axles. The height of the air springs is controlled by the inlet and outlet of fluid under pressure from a suitable supply source mounted on the vehicle, such as a compressor. One or more intervention valves are traditionally used to facilitate the entry and exit of fluid under pressure, respectively, into and out of the pneumatic springs, thereby adjusting the height of the pneumatic springs, and correspondingly, the position of the vehicle chassis relative to the vehicle axles. Such systems further allow the vehicle chassis to be maintained in an orientation substantially aligned with the axles, while the vehicle is stationary. This is done by individually regulating the heights of the pneumatic springs that support the vehicle chassis on the axles. A drawback of such systems, however, is that the chassis can only be positioned with respect to the axles, thus, if the axles are arranged in an undesirable orientation, the chassis, even if it is level with the axles, will also be arranged in a undesirable orientation.
As an alternative, many of these vehicles, such as RVs, will also use a plurality of hydraulic jacks, which are lowered in order to level the ground of the RV when it is in a stationary parked condition. However, in some situations, the use of hydraulic jacks is not allowed, such as when the RV is parked on an asphalt parking space, as the jacks could damage the asphalt. Consequently, vehicle leveling cannot be performed under these circumstances. Another drawback is the cost associated with these systems, as some of the standard vehicle components are used there. That is, hydraulic jacks, control valves, hydraulic lines, electronic control unit and user interface, as well as other components, must be installed in the vehicle, in and above all of the standard components that are already installed. In this way, these extra components increase the cost of the vehicle in order to obtain the leveling characteristic.
Additionally, some RVs may use existing suspension air springs to adjust ground height and to level the ground by using mercury switches or other controls that will raise and lower some of the air springs to adjust ground height with relative to the vehicle axles until a level condition is reached. Some examples of such fluid actuated leveling systems for trailers, RVs, etc., are disclosed in United States Patent Nos. 5,228,704, 5,465,209, 5,180,024, 5,499,845, 6,431,557 and 6,428,026. However, it will be appreciated that these systems may be useful in situations where the weight distribution changes in a parked or otherwise stationary vehicle. However, these systems remain ineffective in leveling a vehicle chassis when the vehicle axles are not themselves in a level orientation.
The aforementioned patents disclose numerous suspension control and leveling systems for air springs in vehicles, some of which are operative while the vehicle is moving, while others are actuated when the vehicle is stationary. Most of these systems use pneumatic springs to adjust the height of the vehicle chassis relative to the axles or the wheel support structure in order to achieve a level condition. Additionally, many of these systems require separate control systems that are in addition to the existing suspension components and the vehicle's pneumatic drive control system.
Another problem that can arise with known leveling and suspension control systems involves the level height at which the suspended mass of the vehicle is parked above the ground. Once the chassis or body of a vehicle has been leveled, the known leveling and suspension control systems are often not available.
ES 2 385 684 T3 provided with the necessary capacity to modify the level height of the chassis or body, while maintaining its level orientation. That is, known systems are often unable to raise or lower the suspended mass of the vehicle without undesirably altering the level condition of the vehicle.
WO 2005/005178 discloses a relevant suspension system for aligning a stationary vehicle. By way of example, where the suspension system of an RV vehicle has been adjusted so that the suspended mass of the RV is in a level condition, it may be desirable to raise or lower the level height of the suspended mass of the RV vehicle. Such a situation could exist where the RV's folding stairs are not fully extended because the RV's body is parked too low to the ground. As an alternative, there could be a situation where the RV's folding stairs are too far off the ground, even when fully extended. In either case, it may be desirable to raise or lower the RV vehicle body.
To adjust the height of a level body or chassis of a vehicle that is equipped with a known leveling or suspension control system, such as may be provided in an existing RV, for example, an operator could individually adjust each of the suspension members of the suspension system, in an attempt to achieve a level condition at the target or desired height. Due to the manual actuation of such known systems, however, further adjustment of the suspension system might be required to re-level the vehicle body or chassis to a level orientation. Unfortunately, this new setting can undesirably alter the leveled height from the target or previously desired height. As such, adjusting the height of known ride and grade control systems can be an iterative process that is difficult and somewhat time consuming.
For at least these reasons, it is considered desirable to develop an air suspension system that overcomes these and other disadvantages.
SHORT DESCRIPTION
A method of adjusting a level height of a vehicle is disclosed in accordance with the present inventive concept. The vehicle has a suspended mass supported by a suspension system on an unsprung mass. The suspension system is selectively adjustable using a control system that is operable in a standard leveling mode in which the suspended mass is leveled relative to the unsprung mass and a horizon stabilization mode in which The suspended mass is leveled relative to a predetermined reference, independent of the relative position of the suspended mass. The method comprises entering the horizon stabilization mode and roughly aligning the suspended mass with the predetermined reference to a first leveled height while in the horizon stabilization mode. The method further comprises receiving an operator input corresponding to one of increasing the first level height and decreasing the first level height while in the horizon stabilization mode. The method further comprises adjusting the suspended mass from the first leveled height to a second leveled height based on operator input, while in the horizon stabilization mode.
A method according to the previous section that further comprises the generation of first height objective data corresponding to the first leveled height.
A method according to one of the two previous sections, further comprising modifying the first height target data as a function of operator input and generating second height target data corresponding to a second level height.
A method according to any of the three preceding sections further comprising determining a current level height of the suspended mass and comparing the current level height with the objective data of the second height to determine that the current level height is roughly aligned with the second leveled height, awaiting a predetermined duration and determining that the current leveled height is not approximately aligned with the second leveled height, adjust the suspended mass in step d).
A method according to any of the four previous sections wherein step d) includes the incremental adjustment of the suspension system to keep the suspended mass in approximate alignment with said predetermined reference.
A method of adjusting a suspension system of a vehicle having a suspended mass and an unsprung mass is disclosed in accordance with the present inventive idea. The method comprises introducing a mode of operation in which a suspension system control system is capable of roughly aligning the suspended mass of a vehicle with a predetermined reference. The method further comprises adjusting the suspended mass to a condition roughly aligned with the predetermined reference using the suspension system. The roughly aligned condition occurs at a first level height. The method further comprises checking the approximate alignment of the suspended mass with the predetermined reference. The method further comprises the generation and storage of objective data of the initial height corresponding to the first leveled height of the suspended mass. The method also includes receiving
ES 2 385 684 T3 an operator input corresponding to a desired change in the first leveled height of the suspended mass and the modification of the objective data of the initial height as a function of, at least in part, the operator input. The method further comprises checking the approximate positioning of the suspended mass at a second leveled height, which corresponds to the modified target height data. The method further comprises determining that the suspended mass is at a leveled height that is different from the second leveled height, which corresponds to the modified height objective data and adjusting the suspended mass in an approximate position in the second level height, using the suspension system, while maintaining the suspended mass in rough alignment with the predetermined reference.
A vehicle suspension system, in accordance with the current inventive idea, is disclosed and is operatively arranged between an associated suspended mass and an associated unsprung mass of an associated vehicle. The vehicle suspension system is adapted to roughly align the associated suspended mass with a predetermined reference and to adjust a level height of the associated suspended mass with respect to a ground surface, while maintaining the associated suspended mass in alignment. approximate with the default reference. The vehicle suspension system comprises a plurality of fluid suspension members supported between the associated suspended and unsprung masses. A source of fluid under pressure is in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid suspension members and a control device is fluidly disposed between the source of fluid under pressure and the plurality of fluid suspension members. The control device is operative to selectively transfer fluid under pressure between the source of fluid under pressure and the plurality of fluid suspension members. An alignment sensor is supported on the associated suspended mass and is operative to provide at the output, a signal indicative of an orientation of the associated suspended mass. A height sensor is operatively connected between the associated suspended and unsprung masses and is operative to provide, at the output, a signal indicative of a distance between them. A control system is in communication with at least the control device, the alignment sensor, and the height sensor. The control system comprises a memory and a determining device and is adapted to operate the vehicle suspension system in a standard stabilization mode during en route use of the associated vehicle and in a horizon stabilization mode during stationary use of the vehicle. associated vehicle. In addition, the control system operates to receive a signal from the alignment sensor and to selectively activate the control device until the signal from the alignment sensor is indicative of the associated suspended mass that is approximately aligned with the default reference. The control system is also operative to receive the signal from the height sensor and store in memory the target height data that has a relationship to the signal as a target height. The control system is also operative to receive an operator input and to modify the target height data as a function of the operator input. The control system is furthermore operative to adjust the leveled height of the associated suspended mass based on the modified target height data.
The present invention provides an electronic control system for stabilizing a vehicle chassis, such as the frame, subframe, floor and / or body of an RV vehicle or a road transport trailer, for example, using the existing air suspension components for the vehicle's drive system, thus avoiding additional and costly duplicated components and the utilization of additional space in order to provide the desired stabilization effect for the vehicle chassis, particularly when the vehicle is stationary.
Another characteristic of the invention is to provide a leveling system, which requires only the addition of an alignment sensor or another level detection device, such as an accelerometer, a tilt sensor, a gyroscopic sensor or a sensor of the type similar, for example. The alignment sensor is supported on the chassis of the vehicle and operatively connected to an electronic control unit (ECU), which is used to control the driving suspension system in combination with the computer program for the ECU to performing a method of the present invention.
Another characteristic of the invention is to provide a horizon stabilization control system, which aligns the vehicle chassis with respect to an artificial horizon or other predetermined reference, independent of the distance of the vehicle chassis from the axles or wheels, introducing that artificial horizon or predetermined reference in the computer program of the ECU.
Another feature of the invention is to provide the system with an interlock via the standard height stabilization system to ensure that the ECU automatically disconnects the horizon stabilization system of the invention and goes to normal ride height leveling. to the movement of the vehicle or placement of the vehicle in a transmission gear in preparation for a subsequent movement.
Another aspect of the invention is to allow the system to determine whether the individual air springs have sufficient offset to allow the vehicle to achieve a level condition after the vehicle's inclination or orientation is initially determined by the system before attempting to perform actual stabilization by inserting or letting air escape into or from selected air springs.
Another feature of the invention is the ability to adjust the heights of individual air springs in a particular sequence so that it is initially adjusted for large amounts of non-uniformity by adjusting
ES 2 385 684 T3 the air springs on one side of the vehicle, after which the lower magnitudes of height can be compensated by individually adjusting the front or rear air springs on the selected side of the vehicle.
Another advantage of the present invention is to enable the system to initially exhaust air from the air springs on a high side or corner of the vehicle after the non-uniformity is detected by the level detection device, before introducing the low fluid. additional pressure on one or more of the air springs to raise a lower side, thereby reducing depletion of the fluid supply under pressure and minimizing additional work by the vehicle's compressor.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a vehicle suspension system that is capable of increasing and decreasing the leveled height of the suspended mass of a vehicle. In this way, an operator can selectively raise and lower the chassis or body of a vehicle while maintaining the chassis or body in rough alignment with the predetermined reference during changes in level height.
In summary, the invention provides a horizon stabilization system that utilizes most of the features and components of the air suspension drive system of a vehicle, such as an RV, travel trailer or road transport trailer, for example, by adding a level sensing device and programming the ECU with an artificial horizon or other predetermined reference. The present system is adapted to adjust the orientation of the vehicle chassis in alignment with the artificial horizon regardless of the position of the vehicle axles.
The above advantages, construction, and operation of the present invention will become even more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the horizon stabilization system and its components mounted on a traditional dual axle vehicle.
Figure 2, including sub-figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, is a flow chart of a method of the present invention for performing alignment and level height changes of a vehicle chassis.
Figure 3, including sub-figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, is a flow chart of a modified method for performing alignment and level height changes of the vehicle chassis.
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the manner in which the vehicle chassis is aligned by the methods illustrated by the flow diagrams of Figures 2 and 3.
Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side view of a vehicle to be aligned by the method and system of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view in the direction of line 7-7 in Figure 5.
Figure 8 is a diagrammatic plan view of the suspension system and control panel located inside the vehicle.
Figure 9 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of determining whether a setting is within the capacity of a suspension system.
Figure 10 is a flow chart of an example method of calibrating a sensor to a predetermined reference.
Like reference numerals correspond to like components throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The term chassis, as used herein, is to be understood to refer generally to the suspended mass of the vehicle, which typically includes one or more of the components supported on the fluid suspension members. This may include, without limitation, a frame, subframe, floor and / or body of the vehicle, for example. Furthermore, the terms level, stabilization and the like, as used herein, as well as the term "horizon stabilization", for example, are not intended to be, in any way, limited to horizontal or vertical stabilization. Instead, such terms refer to substantial alignment with a predetermined reference, regardless of the orientation of the predetermined reference.
ES 2 385 684 T3
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the stab system horizon stabilization the present invention, which is usually indicated by the reference numeral 1 and is illustrated as being used in a vehicle 2, such as an RV, for example. However, System 1 can be used in other types of vehicles, such as travel trailers, en-route truck trailers, ambulances, and personnel transport vehicles, for example. The system can also be used in stationary equipment, such as a weapons platform, for example, which is supported on fluid suspension members, such as pneumatic springs, for example. Vehicle 2 includes a plurality of wheels 3, one of which is illustrated at each corner of the vehicle, and an FSS fluid suspension system. The fluid suspension system includes air springs 6, 7, 8 and 9 mounted adjacent to each wheel 3 at the ends of the supporting front and rear axles 11 and 12 and supports a vehicle chassis 4 on said components. For smaller vehicles, only a single axle that has a pair of air springs can be used. However, for most RVs or other large pieces of equipment or vehicles, at least one pair of axles will be used that have one or more pneumatic springs adjacent to each end.
Pneumatic springs are of the usual construction having a pair of spaced end members 15 and 16 (Figures 5 and 6) with a flexible intervention sleeve 17 that forms an internal fluid chamber. Some examples of known air springs are shown in US Patent Nos. 5,374,037, 4,852,861, and 4,718,650, which are incorporated herein by reference. Suspension members of the air damping type can also be used within the scope of protection of the present invention, as illustrated in US Patent No. 4,712,776.
The stabilization system 1 comprises a compressor 20, which can be electrically actuated or driven by the vehicle engine or in another suitable way, to supply fluid under pressure, usually air, through a supply conduit 21 to a reservoir or tank. supply 22. It will be appreciated that such compressors are known to be operable independently of the vehicle engine. A dryer 23 may optionally be included, and is preferably fluidically interconnected along conduit 21 to remove moisture from fluid under pressure before it enters reservoir 22. If desired, fluid under Pressure can be supplied directly to the air springs from the compressor without first passing through reservoir 22.
A main control valve assembly 25 comprises an intake valve 26, an exhaust valve 27, and individual air spring control valves 28, 29, 30, and 31. The intake valve 26 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 22 a through the fluid supply conduit 33 and the exhaust valve 27 is in fluid communication with an exhaust silencer 34. Individual control valves 28, 29, 30, and 31 are connected, in fluid communication with individual air springs 6, 7, 8, and 9, respectively, via fluid conduits 35, 36, 37, and 38, respectively. It should be noted that the valve assembly 25 previously described and illustrated in Figure 1 is only one example of a suitable valve assembly and that any other suitable arrangement can be used without deviating from the principles of the inventive idea herein. invention. For example, multi-position valves, such as 2- or 3-way valves, for example, could be used in place of one or more of the illustrated and described control valves.
Each of the pneumatic springs has a height sensor or detector, which is usually indicated by reference 40, associated with it and which can have any of several known constructions. The height sensors 40 could utilize the Hall effect, sonic, electromagnetic wave, infrared, resistance, or a similar basis, which operate, or simply in association with, air springs and which are well known in the air springs art. Some examples of such air spring height detectors, which are part of the air spring itself, are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 5,707,045, 5,229,829, and 4,798,369.
As indicated in Figure 6, however, the height sensor 40 may be a separate component externally supported on the vehicle and extending between separate parts of the vehicle, such as between the axle and the chassis or body of the vehicle, for instance. Each height sensor 40 is preferably supported adjacent to one of the individual air springs and is also in communication with an electronic control unit (ECU) 42, such as via control line 43. Furthermore, an end-of-stroke signal can be provided, at the output, by the height sensors indicating that one of the extreme positions has been reached or is close to being reached, so that it is fully extended or compressed, for example, the associated air spring. Alternatively, the limit switch data can be determined by the ECU based on a comparison of the signal from the height detector with known limit switch values stored within the ECU. The ECU 42 preferably includes a standard integrated circuit that can be programmed by one of ordinary skill in this art to provide features, such as those described herein and shown in the various figures of the drawings.
ECU 42 is illustrated in Figure 1 as being connected to an optional service switch 45 by control line 46 to selectively actuate hydraulic jacks that are optionally provided on numerous RVs. Optionally, the switch can also include ON and / or OFF positions (Figure 8) for the automatic stabilization system used during vehicle operation. The ECU 42 is also connected to a height switch 49 by a control line 50 to a key operated vehicle ignition switch 51, by a control line 52 and to a pair of indicator lights 55 and 56 by the control lines. control 57 and 58, respectively. The height switch 49 could alternatively be a multi-position switch that is suitable for controlling the automatic stabilization system as well as for adjusting or of any
In another way, regulate the height of the suspended mass of the vehicle during the automatic stabilization operation. That is, operations in which the suspended mass stabilizes relative to the unsprung mass of the vehicle during its dynamic operation.
The ECU 42 is furthermore operatively connected to the vehicle speedometer or indicator 59 via a control line 60 and to the individual air spring control valves in the valve control unit 25 by a plurality of lines. collectively indicated at 61. As such, the ECU 42 is adapted to selectively actuate one or more of the plurality of valves. It will be appreciated that any suitable speed or motion indicating device may be operably connected to the ECU in addition to or alternatively to the speedometer 59.
The ECU 42 is also connected to a horizon stabilization switch 72 in a suitable mode, such as through a control line 73 for example. As will be discussed in more detail below, the horizon stabilization switch 72 is usable to activate and deactivate a horizon stabilization system in which the suspended mass of the vehicle is stabilized relative to a predetermined reference instead of the non-mass. suspended from the vehicle. The ECU 42 may also be connected to level height adjustment switches 67A and 67B in a suitable way, such as via the respective control line 68A and 68B, for example. As will be discussed in more detail below, level height adjustment switches 67A and 67B allow an operator to selectively increase or decrease, respectively, the height of the vehicle's suspended mass after the mass has been leveled. relative to a predetermined reference and while maintaining the suspended mass in an approximately level condition while the height adjustment is made. An indicator light 74 is also connected to the ECU in a suitable way, such as via a control line 69, for example. As an alternative arrangement, the horizon stabilization switch 72 could be a multi-position switch that is suitable for controlling the horizon stabilization system as well as adjusting the leveled height of the suspended mass of the vehicle. It will be appreciated, however, that any other suitable control device (s) could be used alternatively.
It will be appreciated that the aforementioned control devices can be of any suitable type, class and / or construction. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that communications to and from the various devices and components of the vehicle, such as height sensors 40, ECU unit 42, height switch 49, speedometer 59, horizon stabilization switch 72, and speed adjustment switches level height 67A and 67B, for example, can be conveyed in any suitable manner. For example, each of the devices and components can be wired to one another as established by each of the various operating systems in the vehicle, with the signals communicated between the devices and components along the individual cables. As an example, if five different vehicle systems rely on a signal from the speedometer, five different wires can be interconnected to the speedometer to provide the signal output by the speedometer to each of the systems directly.
However, many vehicles now include a CAN bus (vehicle data bus) communication system that networks the various devices and components together. Such CAN bus communication systems are well known and in frequent use. These systems can include a standalone controller or alternatively, be integrated into another vehicle controller, such as the ECU 42, for example. An example of a suitable protocol or standard for such systems is SAE J1939. However, it will be appreciated that a variety of other protocols exist and could alternatively be used, such as CANOpen and DeviceNET, for example.
An advantage of using a CAN bus communication system is that the actual physical wiring of the vehicle is greatly simplified. Another advantage is that the addition of a new device and / or system can be done without the need for a major physical modification of the vehicle. For example, the new system can be added to the vehicle simply by properly mounting a new device on the vehicle, placing the device in communication with the CAN bus communication system and making any pertinent software and / or firmware modifications. to existing devices and / or components. Once installed, the new system can send and receive any other signals, information and / or data through the CAN bus communication system in order to use the recently added system.
In accordance with the invention, an alignment sensor or a level detection device, which is generally indicated at 65 and diagrammatically illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, is mounted on, or operatively connected to, the chassis of vehicle 4 Device 65 provides an alignment signal to ECU 42 via control line 66. The alignment signal is indicative of the orientation of the vehicle chassis. The level sensing device 65 can be of any type of suitable apparatus, such as an accelerometer, a tilt sensor, a gyro sensor, and a transducer or other device that can detect the position, orientation, or amount of tilt of a structural body. and providing a signal, such as a relative voltage or current, as to the approximate position, orientation, or amount of tilt of the associated structural body. One particular type of level sensing device is a dual axis accelerometer manufactured by Memsic, Inc., of North Andover, MA, identified as the MXR299ML model. This sensor operates on a thermal principle, which generates a signal, such as an output voltage, for example, for both X and Y axes, which varies as a function of the angular orientation of the sensor. The accelerometer 65 provides an analog or digital value or a signal that depends on the inclination or unevenness of the chassis of the vehicle on which the sensor is supported. This signal is supplied to the ECU 42
ES 2 385 684 T3 through line 66. Accelerometer 65 can be incorporated into any part of the vehicle chassis without affecting the invention. For example, the accelerometer could be attached to a part of a frame, such as a cross beam, or to a part of the body, such as a roof, side wall, or floor. Additionally, the accelerometer can optionally be mounted centrally on the vehicle's chassis. However, center mounting is not required.
Thus, in accordance with one of the characteristics of the invention, a typical air suspension system for a vehicle, as described above, is used without major modifications to the vehicle with the exception of incorporating an alignment sensor or a device level detection device 65 that is operatively connected to equipment unit 42, in combination with the appropriate computer program used by unit 42 to provide the features set forth in the Figures of the drawings and discussed below.
Figure 8 depicts an example embodiment of a type of control panel 70 that can be positioned on the dashboard of a vehicle to control the driving suspension system for the vehicle during its dynamic operation as well as the horizon stabilization system. of the present invention. Panel 70 includes a height switch 49 that controls the standard stabilization system for the vehicle. Panel 70 also includes indicator lights 55 and 56, a service switch 45, level height switches 67A and 67B, horizon stabilization switch 72, and an indicator light 74. Service switch 45 can be moved to one of three positions. as indicated in Figure 8. Furthermore, the horizon stabilization switch 72 could alternatively be a multi-position switch that is capable of performing one or more other actions, such as those performed by the level height switches 67A and 67B, for example, in which case, level height switches 67A and 67B could be omitted. In addition, the switch positions can optionally be backlit to indicate the selected position. If so desired, panel 70 could be a touch panel or touch screen that could eliminate the rocker or rocker switches and lights previously noted.
In accordance with one of the characteristics of the invention, a horizon or artificial level position is indicated, schematically, by a dotted line 71 (Figures 5 and 6). This artificial horizon is programmed into the ECU 42 as the predetermined reference. The default reference is an imaginary reference plane that the system uses to align the vehicle's chassis regardless of the orientation of the axles, vehicle wheels, or supporting ground. Although line 71, indicated in Figures 5 and 6 as being substantially horizontal, it will be appreciated that line 71 could be arranged in any desired orientation as set forth above.
The steps to implement an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated in Figure 2, with a second embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, by the flow diagrams contained therein. Referring to Figure 2, the vehicle operator, after the vehicle comes to a stop in an area such as a parking space, campground or similar place, will actuate the horizon stabilization system by actuating the control switch. 72 located on panel 70 in the cabin portion of the vehicle, as indicated by block 75 (Figure 2A). In a preferred arrangement, this operation is performed by pressing and holding the control switch 72 for a predetermined period of time. A similar button press can also be used to disarm the system. In this way, the opportunity for inadvertent initiation (or alternatively, disconnection) of the system, such as toggling of the switch, for example, is minimized. An example of a suitable duration to hold the switch in the depressed position is about 3 to 10 seconds, and preferably 4 seconds.
The ECU 42 initially determines whether the vehicle chassis is aligned with the predetermined reference in block 77 by comparing the signals received from the accelerometer 65 with respect to the artificial horizon 71 preset in the ECU 42. If the ECU detects that the vehicle chassis is misaligned with the predetermined reference, then it will determine if the magnitude of the vehicle chassis misalignment is within the capacity of the system for correction in block 79. If it is outside the capacity of the system, it will send a signal to the operator, such as an audible tone or the flashing of a light 74, as indicated by block 80, which immediately warns the driver that the vehicle is excessively destabilized and that the suspension system will not be able to sufficiently compensate for the uneven terrain on which the vehicle is currently parked. The driver can then reset the vehicle to that position or move to a different, more level position. If the off-level signal, generated by the accelerometer 65, is within the correction capability of the system, the ECU will then proceed to block 81 where it will detect which side of the vehicle is above the artificial horizon 71, that is, the right side 62 or left side 63, as indicated in Figure 7.
An exemplary embodiment of block 79 is illustrated in Figure 9 and includes a block 79A for supplying limit switch data, so that from a height sensor, for example, a signal indicative of one of the extreme positions is provided of a pneumatic crossbow. Block 79 may include a block 79B for storing the limit switch data in an ECU, for example. Block 79 may further include a block 79C for acquiring a signal indicative of the orientation of the vehicle chassis, such as from a height detector or an alignment sensor, for example. Block 79 may also include an additional block 79D for comparing the orientation indicative signal with the memorized limit switch data. However, an additional block 79E for determining whether any difference between the signal and the limit switch data exceeds a predetermined value can be included in the implementation of block 79. Another block 79F for selectively operating the control device
ES 2 385 684 T3 to discontinue the flow of fluid under pressure, if the predetermined value is exceeded, it can also be included in block 79.
Upon determination, at block 81, which is the high side of the vehicle, a determination is then made at block 82 as to whether the magnitude of the non-uniformity is within the correction capability of the suspension system. by lowering the high side. If a determination is made with a positive result (YES) that the right side can be lowered sufficiently at block 82 (assuming, for the purposes of this description, that the right side was determined to be the high side), it is sent, to then a signal via block 83 to block 84 (Figure 2C) to determine whether the front 62A or rear 62B side of the right side 62 is misaligned. After the determination is made, at block 84 that the front or rear is misaligned, block 85 determines whether it can be lowered sufficiently to correct for the detected non-uniformity and if it is permissible, block 86 provides the signal to lower the appropriate air spring by letting air escape from it, such as from air spring 6 since this is the air spring on the right rear side of the vehicle chassis.
If the right side 62 cannot be lowered sufficiently, block 88 (Figure 2B) determines if the opposite side 63 can be raised sufficiently to compensate for the non-uniformity. If not, block 89 determines that excess ground has been found and the system is unable to achieve the desired alignment. Block 91 is then reached whereby the indicator light 74 is illuminated or flashes warning the driver of said condition. If the left side 63 can be raised sufficiently to achieve the desired alignment, then it is determined at block 84 whether, as discussed above, the front or rear of the left side is in misalignment and whether it can be lowered to achieve the aligned position. desired. If it is determined, at block 85, that the front or rear cannot be lowered, a determination is made at block 88 (FIG. 2C) as to whether the opposite front or rear portion can be raised. If not, block 89 determines that excess ground has been found and the system is unable to achieve the desired alignment. Block 91 is then reached whereby the indicator light 74 lights up or flashes warning the driver of such a situation.
It is understood that if the left side 63 of the vehicle is determined by block 81 to be the high side, the same procedure described above is performed for the right side. Also, if the front end is determined to be out of level at block 84, the same procedure is performed for the front end as described above for the rear end. It is preferable that the air spring (s) on the side or end are lowered before the air spring (s) on the bottom or end side is raised, as this only involves the escape of air from the individual air spring which will not exhaust the supply of pressurized air into reservoir 22. However, if necessary, the appropriate air spring can be raised by supplying it with additional pressurized fluid from reservoir 22. This feature prematurely prevents utilization of the pressurized fluid supply from reservoir 22.
After alignment with the predetermined reference has been achieved, such as by lowering the high corners of the vehicle (eg blocks 83 and 86), raising the low corners of the vehicle (eg, blocks 90) or some of their combinations, for example, the system returns to block 77. A positive result determination (YES) is then reached at block 77, and a suitable signal is sent to light 74 via block 78 (Figure 2A) to indicate to the driver or operator that a level condition has been achieved.
The signals from one or more of the height sensors 40 are then received by the unit ECU 42 and their corresponding data is memorized, such as in a suitable memory within the unit ECU, for example, as the initial height targets corresponding to the initial height of the suspended mass of the vehicle. This action is indicated in block 120. In a preferred embodiment, a signal from a height sensor adjacent to each corner of the vehicle is received and the corresponding data is stored as height targets for each corner of the vehicle. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable arrangement or operation could be used as an alternative.
The ECU 42 preferably includes a suitable timer or timing circuit (not illustrated) that operates, as represented by block 122, to indicate when a predetermined duration or a preset period of time has elapsed, such as one, two, etc. . hours. The system then checks the vehicle body or chassis height against initial height targets, as indicated in decision block 124. This determination can be made in any suitable way. For example, the ECU 42 could receive or otherwise obtain updated signals from the height sensors 40 and compare the corresponding updated data with the initial height targets. If the updated height of the suspended mass is approximately the same as the initial height, such as being within a predetermined range, for example, a determination with a positive result (YES) is made at decision block 124. The system will then indicate to the user or operator that the vehicle is level or otherwise properly aligned, as indicated by block 126 and will reset the timer or timing circuit, as indicated by block 122, for a continuous operation in horizon stabilization mode.
If, however, the updated height of the suspended mass is not approximately the same as the initial height, such as being outside a predetermined range, for example, a negative (NO) determination is made at decision block 124 . The system will then continue, initiating an action of adjusting one or more corners of the vehicle to be leveled or in any other way, aligning the suspended mass with the predetermined reference.
ES 2 385 684 T3 on the above height targets, as indicated by block 128. Optionally, the system may indicate to the driver or operator that the suspension system is being adjusted, such as by illuminating light 74 in a mode suitable, for example. Such action is indicated by block 130. Upon completion of the corner leveling action at block 128, the system returns to decision block 124 to check the height of the suspended mass relative to the initial height targets. If a deviation persists, the process is repeated until the vehicle body or chassis has returned to the initial height. In this way, this part of the process can be repeated several times.
Another feature of the system allows a driver or operator to raise and lower the chassis or body of the vehicle once it has been leveled or otherwise aligned with the predetermined reference. In this way, the height of the vehicle body or chassis can be increased or decreased by an operator, so as to provide an extra extension of a folding ladder or to position the same at a distance closer to the ground surface, by example. In a preferred embodiment, said action is performed while maintaining the vehicle body or chassis in approximately the same level or aligned orientation.
To raise or lower the sprung mass of the vehicle while in a horizon stabilization mode, a driver or operator enters a signal to increase or decrease the height of the sprung mass. Such an input can be generated in any suitable way. For example, the operator could press one of the level height adjustment switches 67A or 67B. The system or one of its components, such as ECU 42, for example, receives input from the operator, as indicated at block 132. A determination can then be made at decision block 134 as to whether the suspension system has the ability to make the required height change. This operation can be performed in any suitable way. For example, the operator input may correspond to, or otherwise be assigned to, a discrete value or magnitude to increase or decrease the height of the vehicle. Initial or previously memorized height targets could then be recalled from memory and increased or decreased by this discrete value. A determination can then be made by the unit eCu as to whether the required height change can be made such as by comparing the target heights for each corner with the memorized limit switch data corresponding to the respective corners, for example. If the required height change is determined to be outside the capacity of the vehicle's suspension system, a negative (NO) determination is made at decision block 134. The system can then optionally proceed to block 136 in which an indication can be provided to the operator that the proposed height change is outside the capacity of the suspension system. This operation can be performed in any suitable way, such as by flashing or otherwise illuminating the light 74 using a suitable setting, for example. Alternatively, the system could simply take no action. In either case, the operator could then optionally enter a different value (eg, higher or lower) for the desired setting and the process will be repeated.
If it is determined that the required height change is within the capacity of the vehicle's suspension system, a determination with a positive result (YES) is made in decision block 134. Block 138 is then reached, where the initial height or previous target heights as a function of input (s) received from the operator at block 132. The system then proceeds to check whether the vehicle height is correct in relation to the height targets set in decision block 124. Since only the target height values have been modified, a negative (NO) determination typically will be reached at decision block 124 and the level height change action will be performed. Once the set target height has been reached, a determination with a positive result (YES) will return to decision block 124 and the system will proceed as described above.
It will be appreciated that the level height adjustments described herein may be made in any suitable way to keep the chassis or body of the vehicle in rough alignment with the predetermined reference. For example, to raise or lower the suspended mass of a vehicle by a desired amount, each of the fluid suspension members could simultaneously leak or fill fluid by the same amount to effect the change in height. In a preferred embodiment, however, each of the fluid suspension members is separately inflated or deflated to the desired extent. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid suspension members will be selected to fill or leak fluid in an order that roughly corresponds to the amount of displacement in the desired direction of motion. In this preferred embodiment, the fluid suspension member with the largest amount of displacement will be adjusted first, followed by the fluid suspension member with the next largest amount of displacement, and so on. Regardless of which mode of adjustment is used, it is desirable to adjust the fluid suspension members in increments that are small enough that the approximate alignment of the suspended mass of the vehicle can be maintained.
An advantage of the present system and method is that the ECU initially determines, depending on the reading received from the level indicating device 65, whether the magnitude of the non-uniformity is too great to be compensated for by the system and to initially alert the operator to proceed to move the vehicle. This avoids the need to attempt vehicle body alignment by actuating the appropriate air springs only to find that the vehicle body cannot be aligned due to excessive terrain unevenness. This saves time and unnecessary handling of air spring components, fluid supply, etc. In addition, the system determines which side of the vehicle is the high side and then, if it can be compensated and, accordingly
ES 2 385 684 T3 new, if this unevenness of the terrain can be compensated and then which corner or extreme of the high side can be lowered to bring the vehicle body into alignment with the artificial horizon or the predetermined reference memorized in the unit ECU 42 .
Again, air is preferably exhausted from the high side air springs or just a corner air spring rather than introducing air into the lower air springs to achieve the desired level to conserve the stored pressurized fluid. In addition, it is preferred to lower the vehicle chassis, sides or corners to achieve the desired leveling, since a lower vehicle chassis, when stationary, facilitates the entry and exit of occupants in and out of the chassis. vehicle. This mode, if the vehicle chassis were initially raised to achieve release, would make entry and exit somewhat more difficult.
A modified embodiment of the improved method is illustrated in Figures 3A to 3C. After a determination is made at block 79 that the amount of misalignment is within the capacity of the system, a determination is then made at block 100 as to which direction is out of alignment, that is , as illustrated in Figure 3B, whether it is front right, front left, rear left, rear right, or full front, full rear, the full left side or the full right side of the vehicle chassis. After this determination is made by one of the blocks illustrated in Figure 3B, the system proceeds to the blocks of Figure 3C which then determine at block 101 whether the location that is out of alignment can be sufficiently down and, if so, whether it would be the lowest side as determined by block 102 or the lowest corner as determined by block 103. Again, if the out-of-alignment location cannot be lowered effectively, the system then determines, as indicated by the alternating blocks in Figure 3C, if the opposite position is a side, end, or corner, which is can be raised to compensate for misalignment. Again, light 74 will flash as indicated by block 105 if alignment of the misaligned area cannot be achieved and in a similar manner, as described above, for the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2. After it has been determined that the desired alignment can be achieved by lowering a particular location on the vehicle chassis, the appropriate air spring is actuated by the corresponding control valve 28-31 to exhaust air from one or more of the air springs. or, if necessary, to supply air to the appropriate air spring through the associated control valve to raise the corner, side or end, in an unlevel state, of the vehicle chassis.
After alignment with the predetermined reference has been achieved, such as by lowering the high corners of the vehicle (eg, block 103), raising the low corners of the vehicle (eg, "Raise opposite side" block in Figure 3C) or some of their combinations, for example, the system is returned to block 77. Next, a positive result determination (YES) is reached at block 77 and a suitable signal is sent to light 74 through block 78 (Figure 3A) to indicate to the driver or operator that a balanced condition has been achieved. The system then proceeds to block 120 to register the initial height targets and enters the periodic wait state at block 122. Later, the level height check operation in blocks 124-130 can be performed, as discussed in detail above. In addition, level height adjustment operations in blocks 132-138 can also be performed in the manner described above.
The difference between the method in Figures 2 and 3 is that the method illustrated by the flowcharts in Figure 2 initially determines which side is out of alignment, after which it is determined whether it is the front or the rear of the that side that needs to be adjusted, while the method illustrated by the flow chart of Figure 3 immediately determines which location of the vehicle chassis is out of alignment for subsequent correction.
Figure 4 is another diagrammatic representation of how the system works to achieve alignment with respect to the analog or digital signal supplied by accelerometer 65. Center point 110 represents the exact alignment on the X and Y axes determined by accelerometer 65. In this situation, the accelerometer will provide, at the output, signals corresponding to a mid-range value or a value around the calibrated midpoint 110 of the accelerometer from the reading of the X and Y axes, which indicates that both planes are level. with the default reference. The inner dot-and-dash circle 111 represents that the position which, when reached, will indicate that the vehicle chassis or, alternatively, the ground or other part of the vehicle chassis, being monitored, is substantially in alignment with the default reference. The outer concentric circle 112 represents the maximum unevenness that can be compensated for by the vehicle and its suspension system.
In the particular example of Figure 4, when a signal greater than the value represented by circle 112 is obtained at the output, this will indicate that the misalignment or inclination is excessive and cannot be compensated by the vehicle's suspension system, depending on it is represented by block 79 of Figure 2A or other blocks 89, Figures 2B and 2C. As an example, suppose that the two signals provided by accelerometer 65 intersect at point 113, indicating that the front and left side should be lowered until this point reaches the inner circle 111. If the measured point falls within the inner circle 111, no further alignment is needed by the system. It will be appreciated that such a determination of excessive misalignment can be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, the limit switch analysis described above. However, if this point value falls outside the outer circle 112, as indicated by point 115, then the system indicates that the existing degree of misalignment is too great and that the suspension system's ability to handle is exceeded. correct such misalignment.
ES 2 385 684 T3
Under certain circumstances, it can be determined that the chassis orientation is or was within the suspension system's ability to level, but after one or more leveling operations, the level condition cannot be achieved. These situations are represented by blocks 89 and 91 in Figures 2B and 2c as well as by blocks 104 and 105 in Figure 3C. An example of such a situation could be when the operator has inadvertently parked the vehicle adjacent to a foreign object, which prevents a part of the chassis from lowering. In such a situation, the suspension system might have the ability to fully lift the vehicle but the foreign object will only allow partial lift of the chassis. In Figure 4, for example, the initial chassis orientation is indicated by point 113 and the partial lift condition is indicated by point 113 '. Under such circumstance, an indication, such as a blink of the light or an audible signal, for example, may be provided at the output, so that from the control panel 70, for example, to the vehicle operator to indicate that the vehicle It has been partially leveled, but is still out of fully level condition. Thus, the operator is given the option of either resetting the vehicle to a full level or accepting the existing partially level condition.
It should be noted that the artificial horizon or the predetermined reference to which reference is made here is not limited, in any way, to a horizontal or practically horizontal term. Rather, the predetermined reference may be a plane aligned in any desired orientation relative to the X axis, the Y axis, or any combination thereof, without thereby deviating from the principles of the present invention. A method 200 of calibration of the predetermined reference is illustrated in Figure 10 and includes the physical positioning of the vehicle chassis in the desired orientation, such that when the chassis floor is practically horizontal or the slope from the rear to the front , with the front being substantially lower than the rear, for example, as indicated in block 202. Once the vehicle chassis is physically oriented, a signal indicating the orientation is acquired from the alignment sensor, as indicated in block 204, and the data associated with the signal is memorized in the ECU as alignment data, as indicated in block 206. Hereinafter, the system operates as described above and the signals, output object from the alignment sensor, are repeatedly compared with the alignment data in the ECU.
In this way, the improved system and method of the present invention allow a vehicle chassis and, in particular, the floor or other wall of an RV vehicle, trailer or other structure, to be aligned, easily and efficiently, as well as raised and lowered in the horizon level condition using the vehicle's existing air suspension system, by adding an accelerometer 65 or other type of alignment sensor in combination with the ECU 42, that has been programmed based on the flowcharts illustrated in the drawings. The ECU 42 interprets the return values from the plane and X-axis readings provided by the accelerometer 65 and makes the height adjustments to the vehicle through the height control components and, in particular, the air springs. suspension, in order to get the chassis of the vehicle aligned with the predetermined reference, whatever the orientation of the ground, wheels or axles of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the system utilizes the existing ECU serving the normal suspension system and leveling with various modifications in order to achieve the flow chart and results illustrated in the drawings.
The control system of the present invention further provides suitable interlocks that act to selectively deactivate at least a portion of the horizon stabilization system and return the system to normal height leveling actuation by actuation. switches 45 and / or 49. Immediately after any of these switches is actuated, the ECU automatically disconnects, in a preferred embodiment, the automatic lift system of the present invention. In addition, the speedometer 59 and / or other suitable motion detection component is preferably connected to the ECU 42, such as via lines 60, for example to the signal unit ECU 42 to selectively disable , the horizon stabilization system when moving the vehicle. Thus, when the speedometer or other device provides, at the output, a signal indicative of a speed greater than about zero (0) mph, the alignment sensor and at least a part of the ECU can be deactivated. In addition, leaving the vehicle in the "Park" position or releasing the emergency brake could optionally have the signal unit ECU 42 disconnect the lift system. As described above, the system initially attempts to adjust the height of the vehicle by letting air escape from the high side or from the end air springs to conserve the fluid under pressure stored in reservoir 22. However, if necessary, air can be supplied to the appropriate air springs from reservoir 22 through appropriate individual control valves 28-31 to raise that part of the vehicle body to compensate for any misalignment if necessary and / or if so desired.
It is easily understood that air suspension systems, other than those illustrated in Figure 1, could be used without affecting the inventive idea, since one of the main characteristics is the establishment of the artificial horizon level and the adjustment of the leaf spring / Pneumatic springs suitable for achieving this position, which is determined by means of an alignment sensor or a level detection device, such as an accelerometer 66, for example. Again, other types of level detection devices could be used without thereby affecting the concept of the invention. Similarly, the present system can be used in stationary equipment other than vehicles and pneumatic springs could be replaced with hydraulic pressure members, etc., without thereby affecting the invention.
ES 2 385 684 T3
It is to be understood that the description is to be construed merely as illustrative of the present invention and not as a limitation. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the invention is defined by the appended claims.
Contents9
10 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10
45 members in 12 offices
Priority claims9
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 604566 | United States of America | – | |
| 60456606 | United States of America | A | |
| 60456606 | United States of America | A | |
| 2007084966 | United States of America | W | |
| 2007084966 | United States of America | W | |
| 604566 | – | – | – |
| PCTUS2007084966 | – | – | – |
| US20060604566 | – | – | – |
| WO2007US84966 | – | – | – |
Members45
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2522610A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2005005178A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| US2005236781A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP1615787A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| WO2005005178A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| US7104547B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2007007734A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP2007501742A | Japan | A | |
| US2007114706A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2007120334A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP1615787A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| US7357397B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| CA2670488A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2008067194A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| AU2008206351A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| CA2675152A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| US2008174079A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2008089141A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| US7497423B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| EP2086776A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| US7607667B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| EP2115317A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| CN101583808A | China | A | |
| EP1615787B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| AT448962T | Austria | T | |
| ATE448962T1 | Austria | T1 | |
| DE602004024187D1 | Germany | D1 | |
| US2010030425A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| ES2335016T3 | Spain | T3 | |
| PL1615787T3 | Poland | T3 | |
| HK1136020A | Hong Kong, China | A | |
| HK1136020A1 | Hong Kong, China | A1 | |
| US7744099B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| CA2522610C | Canada | C | |
| CN101583808B | China | B | |
| EP2308704A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| EP2115317B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| AT515649T | Austria | T | |
| ATE515649T1 | Austria | T1 | |
| AU2008206351B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| CA2675152C | Canada | C | |
| EP2308704A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| EP2086776B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| ES2385684T3This record | Spain | T3 | |
| US8306696B2 | United States of America | B2 |
Numbers
- Publication
- 2385684
- Publication, DOCDB
- 2385684
- Publication, EPODOC
- ES2385684T
- Application
- 7854686
- Application, DOCDB
- 07854686
- Application, EPODOC
- ES20070854686T
Titles2
- Spanish
- Método y sistema de ajuste de un vehículo alineado con un horizonte artificial
- English
- Method and system of adjustment of a vehicle aligned with an artificial horizon
Classification
- CPC, 22
- B60G17/016
- B60G17/019
- B60G17/0523
- B60G2300/04
- B60G2300/07
- B60G2300/14
- B60G2300/34
- B60G2300/38
- B60G2400/252
- B60G2400/821
- B60G2401/28
- B60G2500/32
- B60G2500/322
- B60G2500/324
- B60G2500/326
- B60G2600/02
- B60G2600/07
- B60G2800/012
- B60G2800/014
- B60G2800/019
- B60G2800/912
- B60G2800/914
- IPC, 3
- B60G17 016
- B60G17 017
- B60G17 052