SE540393C2

SE540393C2 - Method and system for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device

Info

Publication number: SE540393C2
Application number: SE1650794A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Jeddi Tehrani Hossein; VADASZ Richard
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2016-06-08
Filing date: 2016-06-08
Publication date: 2018-09-11
Also published as: DE102017005134B4; DE102017005134A1; SE1650794A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device (20) of an air processing system (I) of a vehicle (1). The air dryer device is configured to dry compressed air provided by a compressor (10) operable by means of a drive member (D), dried air (A2) being returned through the air dryer device for regeneration. The method comprises the steps of: determining (80) the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated; if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated, taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by increasing the capacity of the compressor to obtain a higher pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration..The present invention also relates to a vehicle.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING REGENERATION OF AN AIR DRYER DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a method for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle according to the preamble of claims 1. The invention also relates to a system for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle. The invention in addition relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

BACKGROUND ART Vehicles, for example heavy vehicles such as trucks, are provided with an air processing system for controlling and distributing compressed air to certain systems of the vehicle comprising safety critical systems such as brake systems of the vehicle. The compressed air is provided by a compressor operated by a drive member, the drive member often being constituted by the internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

The air processing system comprises an air dryer for drying and filtering the air. The air dryer comprises a desiccant cartridge. The air dryer, i.e. the desiccant cartridge, needs to be regenerated when a certain amount of air has passed through the desiccant cartridge. Regeneration is performed by returning dried air through the air dryer device. Regeneration can however only be performed when the pressure of the air processing system is above a predetermined pressure level as regeneration results in a pressure reduction.

There are vehicles that have high air consumption during short periods when the vehicle is at standstill. An example is when a long haulage vehicle with trailer have air suspension both on the truck and trailer. If the air suspension bellows is empty and the driver want to reach normal driving level, this will result in high air consumption.

Such high air consumption may result in that a sufficient pressure level for regeneration cannot be reached, which in turn results in the Integrated Desiccant Use, IDU, i.e. the amount of compressed air passed through the desiccant cartridge without being regenerated, increases. This will eventually result in a reduced drying capacity of the air dryer wherein the air quality cannot be guaranteed resulting in the vehicle air circuits being charged with air containing water and oil particles.

US2004242144 discloses a vehicle air system having an air dryer which is periodically regenerated by reverse flow of dry air. The regeneration threshold is variable, and determined according to the operating state of the vehicle.

However, there is still a need to improve for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle to overcome the above mentioned problems.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle which facilitates preventing the risk of reduced drying capacity of the air dryer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle which facilitates preventing the risk of reduced drying capacity of the air dryer.

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

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a method for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle. The air dryer device is configured to dry compressed air provided by a compressor operable by means of a drive member, dried air being returned through the air dryer device for regeneration. The method comprises the steps of: determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated; if a predetermined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated, taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by increasing the capacity of the compressor to obtain a higher pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration and wherein the drive member for operating the compressor comprises an internal combustion engine, wherein the step of increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises increasing the engine speed.

The step of determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device may be performed by means of any suitable sensor such as any suitable flow sensor. According to an embodiment the step of determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device is based on the amount of air produced at a certain compressor speed and counter pressure in the air processing system. The control unit of the air processing system receives information about the amount of air produced at a certain compressor speed and counter pressure. The control unit of the air processing system is operably connected to a purge valve for releasing air e.g. in connection to a regeneration and the control unit will thus receive information where the produced air is distributed, e.g. if it is exhausted through the purge valve directly or whether it passes the desiccant cartridge of the air dryer and further is distributed to the reservoir tanks of different air systems of the vehicle.

By thus increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device to obtain a higher pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without regeneration reduced drying capacity of the air dryer with air quality that cannot be guaranteed resulting in the vehicle air circuits being charged with air containing water and oil particles is hereby prevented.

Hereby an easy and efficient way of increasing the capacity of the compressor and thus the pressure of the air processing system to a predetermined pressure allowing regeneration is facilitated. Increasing the capacity of the compressor by increasing the engine speed may be performed automatically or be presented to the operator of the vehicle. If it is performed automatically the operator of the vehicle may still be informed by a presentation such as a visual presentation and/or sound presentation and/or tactile presentation.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises increasing the capacity so that a pre-determined pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration is obtained. Hereby it is secured that regeneration may be performed.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means of increasing the capacity of the compressor is performed automatically. Thus the step of increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device is performed automatically if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated. The step of increasing the capacity of the compressor is hereby performed automatically so that a pre-determined pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration is obtained. By thus performing the step of increasing the capacity of the compressor automatically the risk of reduced drying capacity of the air dryer will be avoided in an efficient way without requiring any action from the operator of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means of increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises presenting a recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor. Hereby the operator of the vehicle will be informed about the situation and may decide if and when to perform the recommended action. The step of presenting a recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor may comprise a visual presentation and/or a sound presentation and/or a tactile presentation.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of increasing the engine speed comprises the step of shifting gear to a lower gear. By thus shifting the gear an easy and efficient way of increasing the capacity of the compressor and thus the pressure of the air processing system to a predetermined pressure allowing regeneration is obtained when the vehicle is being operated with a gear activated.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of increasing the engine speed comprises the step of demanding an increased idle speed. By thus demanding an increased idle speed an easy and efficient way of increasing the capacity of the compressor and thus the pressure of the air processing system to a predetermined pressure allowing regeneration is obtained when the vehicle is being operated at idle speed.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a system for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle. The air dryer device is configured to dry compressed air provided by a compressor operable by means of a drive member, dried air being arranged to be returned through the air dryer device for regeneration. The system comprises means for determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated; and means for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means for increasing the capacity of the compressor to obtain a higher pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated, wherein the drive member for operating the compressor comprises an internal combustion engine, wherein the means for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises means for increasing the engine speed.

According to an embodiment of the system the means for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises increasing the capacity so that a predetermined pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration is obtained.

According to an embodiment of the system the means for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means for increasing the capacity of the compressor is performed automatically. Thus, the means for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device is arranged to be activated automatically if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated. The means for increasing the capacity of the compressor is hereby arranged to be activated automatically so that a pre-determined pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration is obtained.

According to an embodiment of the system the means for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises means for presenting a recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor.

According to an embodiment of the system the means for increasing the engine speed comprises means for shifting gear to a lower gear.

According to an embodiment of the system the means for increasing the engine speed comprises means for demanding an increased idle speed.

The system for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle is adapted to perform the methods as set out herein.

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

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

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer program for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle, said computer program comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit, causes the electronic control unit to perform methods as set out herein.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer program product comprising a digital storage medium storing the computer program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle according to the present invention; Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an air processing system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3a schematically illustrates pressure over time of the air processing system in fig. 2; Fig. 3b schematically illustrates the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device of the air processing system without said air dryer device having been regenerated; Fig. 3c schematically illustrates the compressor speed over time according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a system for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle 1 according to the present invention. The exemplified vehicle 1 is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. The vehicle according to the present invention could be any vehicle such as a bus or a car. The vehicle comprises air processing system having an air dryer with an air dryer cartridge. The vehicle 1 comprises a system II for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an air processing system I of a vehicle. The air processing system I is configured to receive compressed air A distributed by means of a compressor 10 operated by a drive member D, e.g. a combustion engine of the vehicle.

The air processing system I comprises an air dryer 20 for drying and filtering the air from particles from e.g. oil from the engine. The air dryer 20 comprises a desiccant cartridge 22 and a support member 24. The support member 24 is according to a variant called air dryer body. The support member 24 is connected to a purge valve 30 configured to exhaust moist collected by the filter of the air dryer. The purge valve 30 is used during regeneration when dried air A1 is returned through the desiccant cartridge 22 of the air dryer to dry, wherein the air A2 is discharged through the purge valve 30.

The air processing system I comprises a multi circuit protection valve 40 connected to the air dryer 20. The multi circuit protection valve 40 is configured to distribute the dried air from the air dryer 20 via a distribution block 50 to circuits C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 of different systems of the vehicle.

In the air processing system I according to this embodiment air is configured to be distributed to an air circuit C1 for the for front service brakes, an air circuit C2 for rear service brakes, an air circuit C3 for parking brake, an air circuit C4 for the vehicle cabin, an air circuit C5 for the air suspension system and an air circuit C6 for the powertrain. One or more of the air circuits may be connected to air reservoir tanks. Here the air circuit C1 is connected to a reservoir tank R1, the air circuit C2 is connected to a reservoir tank R2, the air circuit C3 is connected to a reservoir tank R3, the air circuit C4 is connected to a reservoir tank R4, the air circuit C5 is connected to a reservoir tank R5, and the air circuit C6 is connected to a reservoir tank R6.

In order to provide information to the air processing system I about the pressure in safety critical air circuits C1, C2, C3, C6 pressure sensors 72, 74, 76, 78 are arranged for detecting pressure level in those air circuits. A pressure sensor 72 is arranged to detect the pressure in the air circuit C1 for front service brakes. A pressure sensor 74 is arranged to detect the pressure in the air circuit C2 for rear service brakes. A pressure sensor 76 is arranged to detect the pressure in the air circuit C3 for parking brake. A pressure sensor 78 is arranged to detect the pressure in the air circuit C6 for the powertrain.

In order for regeneration to be performed the pressure of the air processing system needs to be above a predetermined pressure level. The safety critical air circuits comprising air circuits C1, C2, C3 for brakes systems have a maximum pressure level. There is lower pressure level which need to be exceeded for the safety critical air circuits.

The air processing system I comprises according to an embodiment means 80 for determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device. The means 80 may be any suitable sensor for detecting the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device. The means 80 for determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device is arranged to determine the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated. The air processing system comprises an electronic control unit 60. The means 80 is operably connected to the electronic control unit 60. The electronic control unit 60 is arranged to receive signals representing data for amount of air having passed through the air dryer device 20 without said air dryer device having been regenerated.

When a predetermined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device 20 without the air dryer device having been regenerated the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device is increased by means for increasing the capacity of the compressor 10 to obtain a higher pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration. This may be performed automatically or by the operator of the vehicle receiving a recommendation to increase the capacity of the compressor 10. The speed of the drive member D is increased so as to increase the capacity of the compressor 10. If the drive member 10 is an internal combustion engine the speed of the engine is increased by either shifting gear to a lower gear if the vehicle is currently driving or by increasing the idle speed if the engine is operating at idle speed.

The electronic control unit 60 is operably connected to the compressor 10 and/or the drive member D. The electronic control unit 60 is arranged for controlling the capacity of compressor such that the predetermined pressure allowing regeneration is reached.

The electronic control unit 60 is arranged for controlling and determining the air pressure. The electronic control unit 60 is operably connected to the pressure sensors 72, 74, 76, 78 via links. The electronic control unit 60 is arranged to receive signals representing data for pressure determined by said pressure sensors in the air circuits C1, C2, C3, C6.

The electronic control unit 60 is according to an embodiment operably connected to the purge valve 30. The electronic control unit 60 is arranged to control the purge valve 30 for exhausting air.

The electronic control unit 60 is according to an embodiment operably connected to the multi circuit protection valve 40.

The compressed air A from the compressor 10 is thus introduced into the air dryer 20 and is led through the desiccant cartridge 22 into the support member 24. The dried air A1 is then led to the distribution block 50 via the multi circuit protection valve 40 for distribution to air systems of the vehicle.

Fig. 3a schematically illustrates pressure over time of the air processing system in fig. 2.

In order for regeneration to be performed the pressure of the air processing system needs to be above a predetermined pressure level L2. The safety critical air circuits comprising air circuits for brakes systems have a maximum pressure level L1. There is lower pressure level L3 which need to be exceeded for the safety critical air circuits.

In fig. 3a the pressure level is below the level L2 for a certain time period T1 which means that no generation may be performed during this time period T1. This may be the case for a vehicle that has high air consumption during short periods when the vehicle is at standstill.

Fig. 3b schematically illustrates the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device of the air processing system without said air dryer device having been regenerated for said time period T1 illustrated in fig. 3a.

The high air consumption results in that a sufficient pressure level L2 for regeneration cannot be reached, as illustrated in fig. 3a. As shown in fig. 3b this in turn results in the Integrated Desiccant Use, IDU, i.e. the amount of compressed air passed through the desiccant cartridge without being regenerated, increases continuously during the time period T1.

During the time period T1 a pre-determined amount V1 of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without the air dryer device having been regenerated. According to the invention the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated is determined. When the predetermined amount V1 of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without the air dryer device having been regenerated the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device is increased by means for increasing the capacity of the compressor to obtain a higher pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration. This may be performed automatically or by the operator of the vehicle receiving a recommendation to increase the capacity of the compressor. If the compressor is operated by means of an internal combustion engine the speed of the engine is increased by either shifting gear to a lower gear if the vehicle is currently driving or by increasing the idle speed if the engine is operating at idle speed.

Hereby reduced drying capacity of the air dryer with air quality that cannot be guaranteed resulting in the vehicle air circuits being charged with air containing water and oil particles is avoided.

Fig. 3c schematically illustrates the compressor speed over time according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The compressor is operated with a normal capacity of RPM1, i.e. the speed of the compressor is at a level RPM1 during the timer period T1.

When the amount V1 of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without the air dryer device having been regenerated the capacity, i.e. the speed of the compressor, is increased to a speed RPM2. As seen in fig. 3a the pressure is increasing and reaches the pressure level L2 within a certain time period, during which the IDU value increase further. At the pressure level L2 the degeneration is initiated wherein the IDU value is reduced. When the regeneration starts the compressor is deactivated wherein the compressor speed is reduced to a speed RPMO as shown in fig. 3c.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a system II for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle.

The air processing system according to an embodiment corresponds to the air processing system I described with reference to fig. 2.

The air dryer device is configured to dry compressed air provided by a compressor operable by means of a drive member, dried air being arranged to be returned through the air dryer device for regeneration.

The system II comprises an electronic control unit 100.

The system II comprises means 110 for determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated. The means 110 for determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated may comprise any suitable means for determining the amount of air passing through the air dryer device. The means 110 for determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device comprises according to an embodiment one or more flow sensors.

The system 11 comprises means 120 for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means for increasing the capacity of the compressor to obtain a higher pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated.

According to an embodiment of the system the means 120 for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device comprises means 122 for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device.

The means 122 for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device comprises means 122a for increasing the capacity of the compressor. The means 122a for increasing the capacity of the compressor is arranged to increase the capacity so that a pre-determined pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration is obtained. The means 122a for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises the drive member.

According to an embodiment of the system the means 120 for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means for increasing the capacity of the compressor is performed automatically.

Thus, the means 122 for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device is arranged to be activated automatically if a predetermined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated. The means 122a for increasing the capacity of the compressor is hereby arranged to be activated automatically so that a pre-determined pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration is obtained.

According to an embodiment of the system the drive member for operating the compressor comprises an internal combustion engine. The means 122a for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises means 122a-1 for increasing the engine speed.

According to an embodiment of the system the means 122a-1 for increasing the engine speed comprises means 122a-1a for shifting gear to a lower gear.

According to an embodiment of the system the means 122a-1 for increasing the engine speed comprises means 122a-1b for demanding an increased idle speed.

According to an embodiment of the system the drive member for operating the compressor comprises an electric machine. The means 122a for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises means 122a-2 for increasing the speed of the electric machine.

According to an embodiment of the system the means 120 for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises means 124 for presenting a recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor.

The means 124 for presenting a recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor comprises visual means for visual presentation. The visual means for visual presentation comprises according to an embodiment one or more display units on e.g. the instrument panel, a headup-display on the windshield or the like, for displaying said recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor.

The means for presenting a recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor comprises according to an embodiment sound means for audible presentation such as an alarm, a voice message or the like.

The means for presenting a recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor comprises according to an embodiment tactile means such as vibrating/moving the seat of the operator, the steering wheel, the gas pedal, the brake pedal or the like so as to draw attention to the operator. The tactile means may be a complement to the visual means and/or the sound means in order to get the attention of the operator of the vehicle.

The system II comprises means 130 for determining the pressure of the air processing system. The means 130 for determining the pressure of the air processing system may comprise one or more pressure sensors. The 130 for determining the pressure of the air processing system comprises means for determining whether the pressure has reached a predetermined pressure allowing regeneration of the air dryer device.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 130 for determining the pressure of the air processing system via the link 130a arranged to receive a signal from said means 130 representing data for pressure of the air processing system.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 110 for determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated via a link 110a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 110a arranged to receive a signal from said means 110 representing data for amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 120 for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means for increasing the capacity of the compressor to obtain a higher pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated via a link 120a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 120a arranged to send a signal to said means 120 representing data for amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated and where applicable data for level of pressure of the air processing system so as to know the required pressure increase to reach the predetermined pressure required to allow regeneration of the air dryer device.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 122a-1a for shifting gear to a lower gear via a link L1a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link L1a arranged to send a signal to said means 122a-1a representing data for shifting gear to a lower gear for increasing the engine speed for increasing capacity of the compressor for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 122a-1b for demanding an increased idle speed via a link L1b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link L1b arranged to send a signal to said means 122a-1b representing data for increasing idle speed for increasing capacity of the compressor for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 122a-2 for increasing the speed of the electric machine via a link L2a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link L2a arranged to send a signal to said means 122a-1b representing data for increasing speed of the electric machine for increasing capacity of the compressor for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 124 for presenting a recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor via a link 124a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 124a arranged to send a signal to said means 124 representing presentation data for recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor comprising visual data and/or sound data and/or tactile data. The data for recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity will be data for recommendation to shift gear or increase idle speed or increase speed of electric machine depending on drive member for operating compressor and drive status of vehicle.

The system for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle is adapted to perform the methods described below with reference to fig. 5.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle.

The air dryer device is configured to dry compressed air provided by a compressor operable by means of a drive member, dried air being returned through the air dryer device for regeneration.

According to the embodiment the method for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle comprises a step S1. In this step the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated is determined.

According to the embodiment the method for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle comprises a step S2. In this step action is taken as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by increasing the capacity of the compressor to obtain a higher pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated.

The steps of determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device may be performed by means of any suitable sensor such as any suitable flow sensor.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises increasing the capacity so that a pre-determined pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration is obtained.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means of increasing the capacity of the compressor is performed automatically. Thus the step of increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device is performed automatically if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated. The step of increasing the capacity of the compressor is hereby performed automatically so that a pre-determined pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration is obtained.

According to an embodiment of the method the drive member for operating the compressor comprises an internal combustion engine, wherein the step of increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises increasing the engine speed. Increasing the capacity of the compressor by increasing the engine speed may be performed automatically or be presented to the operator of the vehicle. If it is performed automatically the operator of the vehicle may still be informed by a presentation such as a visual presentation and/or sound presentation and/or tactile presentation.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of increasing the engine speed comprises the step of shifting gear to a lower gear. The step of shifting gear to a lower gear is performed when the vehicle is being operated with a gear activated.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of increasing the engine speed comprises the step of demanding an increased idle speed. The step of demanding an increased idle speed is performed when the vehicle is being operated at idle speed.

According to an embodiment of the method the drive member for operating the compressor comprises an electric machine. Increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises controlling the electric machine and thus controlling increase of capacity of the electric machine for increasing the pressure of the air processing system to a predetermined pressure allowing regeneration when there is a need, i.e. when a predetermined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without the air dryer device having been regenerated.

The method and the method steps described above with reference to fig. 5 are according to an embodiment performed with the system I according to fig. 4.

With reference to figure 6, a diagram of an apparatus 500 is shown. The control unit 100 described with reference to fig. 4 may according to an embodiment comprise apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing device 510 and a read/write memory 550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 wherein a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of apparatus 500. Further, apparatus 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, l/O-means, an A/D-converter, a time date entry and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.

A computer program P is provided comprising routines for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device of an air processing system of a vehicle. The air dryer device is configured to dry compressed air provided by a compressor operable by means of a drive member, dried air being returned through the air dryer device for regeneration. The program P comprises routines for determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated. The program P comprises routines for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by increasing the capacity of the compressor to obtain a higher pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated. The routines for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises routines for increasing the capacity so that a pre-determined pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration is obtained. The routines for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means of increasing the capacity of the compressor is performed automatically. The routines for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means of increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises routines for presenting a recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor. The routines for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises routines for increasing the engine speed. The routines for increasing the engine speed comprises routines for shifting gear to a lower gear. The routines for increasing the engine speed comprises routines for demanding an increased idle speed. The computer program P may be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed condition in a separate memory 560 and/or in read/write memory 550.

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

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

When data is received on data port 599 it is temporarily stored in second memory portion 540. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, data processing device 510 is set up to perform execution of code in a manner described above. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by increasing the capacity of the compressor to obtain a higher pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated. The signals used for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises signals for increasing the capacity so that a pre-determined pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration is obtained. The signals used for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means of increasing the capacity of the compressor are used for performing the increasing automatically. The signals used for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means of increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises signals for presenting a recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor. The signals used for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises signals for increasing the engine speed. The signals used for increasing the engine speed comprises signals for shifting gear to a lower gear. The signals used for increasing the engine speed comprises signals for demanding an increased idle speed.

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

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

Claims

1. A method for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device (20) of an air processing system (I) of a vehicle (1), said air dryer device being configured to dry compressed air provided by a compressor (10) operable by means of a drive member (D), dried air (A2) being returned through the air dryer device for regeneration, characterized by the steps of: determining (S1) the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated; if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated, taking action (S2) as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by increasing the capacity of the compressor to obtain a higher pressure (L2) of the air processing system allowing regeneration, and wherein the drive member for operating the compressor comprises an internal combustion engine, wherein the step of increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises increasing the engine speed.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises increasing the capacity so that a pre-determined pressure (L2) of the air processing system allowing regeneration is obtained.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means of increasing the capacity of the compressor is performed automatically.

4. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means of increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises presenting a recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor.

5. A method according to any of claims 1 - 4, wherein the step of increasing the engine speed comprises the step of shifting gear to a lower gear.

6. A method according to any of claims 1 - 4, wherein the step of increasing the engine speed comprises the step of demanding an increased idle speed.

7. A system (II) for controlling regeneration of an air dryer device (20) of an air processing system (I) of a vehicle (1), said air dryer device being configured to dry compressed air provided by a compressor (10) operable by means of a drive member (D), dried air (A2) being arranged to be returned through the air dryer device (20) for regeneration, characterized by means (110) for determining the amount of compressed air passing through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated; and means (120) for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means (122a) for increasing the capacity of the compressor to obtain a higher pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration if a pre-determined amount of compressed air has passed through the air dryer device without said air dryer device having been regenerated, wherein the drive member (D) for operating the compressor comprises an internal combustion engine, wherein the means (122a) for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises means (122a-1) for increasing the engine speed.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the means (122a) for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises increasing the capacity so that a pre-determined pressure of the air processing system allowing regeneration is obtained.

9. A system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the means (120) for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means (122a) for increasing the capacity of the compressor is performed automatically.

10. A system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the means (120) for taking action as a basis for increasing the flow rate of compressed air provided to the air dryer device by means for increasing the capacity of the compressor comprises means (124) for presenting a recommendation to the operator of the vehicle to increase capacity of the compressor.

11. A system according to claim any of claims 7 -10, wherein the means (122a-1) for increasing the engine speed comprises means (122a-1a) for shifting gear to a lower gear.

12. A system according to any of claims 7 -13, wherein the means (122a-1) for increasing the engine speed comprises means (122a-1b) for demanding an increased idle speed.

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

14. A computer program (P) for improving safety for a vehicle braking arrangement, said computer program (P) comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit (100) or another computer (500) connected to the electronic control unit (100), causes the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to claim 1 -6.

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