Description:Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a pneumatic valve. More particularly, the present invention relates to a valve for operating a lift axle.

Background of the invention

[0002] Generally, the existing control system for a lift axle in commercial vehicles depends on the multiple separate components such as the ILAS-Pi valve and an external ON/OFF flick valve, which increases the overall complexity of the system. The existing system requires more space for installation and also introduces multiple potential points for air leakage due to the extra pneumatic connections and fittings.

[0003] Additionally, the flick valve, is prone to wear and tear over time which may lead to higher maintenance cost. Also, the absence of an integrated control mechanism doesn’t automatically adjust to changing road conditions or load distribution, which can lead to instability and handling issues, thereby making the system less efficient and more cumbersome to use which may concerns the overall safety.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a control system for a vehicle which can overcome few or all the drawbacks of the existing prior art.

Objects of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a valve for operating a lift axle.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve for operating a lift axle, which eliminates multiple leak points by minimizing pneumatic connections.

[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a valve for operating a lift axle, which require less space for installation.

[0008] One more object of the present invention is to provide a lift valve for operating a lift axle, which has less maintenance cost.

[0009] Another one object of the present invention is to provide a valve for operating a lift axle, which is simple in operation.

Summary of the invention

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a valve for operating a lift axle. The valve is having a body, a first port, a second port, a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, and a knob. The first port is configured on the body to receive pressurized air from a storage tank. The second port is configured on the body to supply air from the first port to a suspension bellow of the lift axle. The third port is configured on the body to receive pressurised air from the storage tank. The fourth port is configured on the body to supply air from the third port to a lift bellow. The fourth port is connected to the storage tank to backflow the air, thereby maintaining the air pressure in the suspension bellows and the lift bellows. Also, the fifth port is configured on the body to exhaust air from the suspension below or the lift bellow. The fifth port includes an exhaust retainer which safely exhaust the air.

[0011] Further, the knob is operably is configured on the valve. The knob is operable in a first position and a second position. Specifically, the knob includes a handle to operate the knob in the first position and the second position. Also, a locking arrangement is configured for locking the knob in the first position or in the second position. When the knob is in the first position, the first port and the second port creates a passage for air to the suspension below and exhausts the air from the lift bellow through the fifth port, and when the knob is in the second position, the third port and the fourth port creates a passage for air to the lift bellow and exhausts the air from the suspension bellow through the fifth port. Specifically, a first plunger is extended beyond the locking arrangement which connects and disconnects the air from between the third port and the fourth port. A second plunger is extended beyond the first plunger which connects and disconnect air from between the first port and the second port. Furthermore, the knob includes a plurality of sealing rings arranged on the first plunger and the second plunger for sealing and channelising the air flow. The first plunger and the second plunger having projections for securing the sealing rings.

[0012] Furthermore, when the knob is the first position, the first port and the second port create a passage for air to the suspension bellow and exhausts the air from the lift bellow through the fifth port. When the knob is in the second position, the third port and the fourth port creates a passage for air to the lift bellow and exhausts the air from the suspension bellow through the fifth port. Specifically, the actuation of the knob in the first position, enables the spool to shift upward, thereby opening the valve and allowing air to flow from first port and the second port, inflating the suspension bellows to support vehicle load and lower the lift axle. Moreover, the actuation of the knob in the second position, enables the spool to shift downward, thereby opening the valve and allowing air to flow from the third port and the fourth port, inflating the lift bellow to lift the lift axle.

Brief Description of drawings

[0013] The advantages and features of the present invention will be understood better with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a valve for operating a lift axle in a first position;

[0015] Figure 1a illustrates a schematic diagram of an exhaust retainer in the first position;

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of valve for operating a lift axle in a second position;

[0017] Figure 2a illustrates a schematic diagram of an exhaust retainer in the second position; and

[0018] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a valve for operating the lift axle.

Detailed description of the invention

[0019] An embodiment of this invention, illustrating its features, will now be described in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

[0020] The present invention describes a valve for operating a lift axle. is a compact, pneumatically operated valve designed to control the air suspension and lift axle functions in commercial vehicles. The valve integrates the functionality of an ILAS-Pi valve and a flick (ON/OFF) valve into a single unit that operates using a push/pull mechanical mechanism.

[0021] The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0022] Referring now to figure 1, 1a and 3, a valve (100) for operating a lift axle in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The valve (100) includes a body (10), a first port (20a), a second port (20b), a third port (20c), a fourth port (20d), a fifth port (30) and a knob (40). The first port (20a) is configured on the body (10) to receive the pressurized air from a storage tank (16). The storage tank (16) is an air storage tank (16). The pressure safety valve (18) is connected to the storage tank (10) and is configured to automatically regulate the air pressure to the storage tank (10) to prevent over pressurization and potential explosions, when it exceeds a preset limit. The pressure safety valve (18) is a spring-loaded valve where spring is used to hold the valve closed against the system pressure until the system's pressure exceeds a preset limit.

[0023] Further, the second port (20b) is configured on the body (10) to supply air from the first port (20a) to a suspension bellow (60) of the lift axle. A pressure control valve (PCV) (12) is connected to the storage tank (16) which regulates the flow of the pressurized air to maintain proper air pressure. The pressure control valve (PCV) (12) is a spring-loaded valve to regulate the rate of air recirculation for optimal valve performance and emission control.

[0024] The knob (40) is operably configured on the valve Specifically, in the present embodiment, the knob (40) is arranged on the top of the valve (100) (as shown in the figure 1, 1a, 2 and 2a). The knob (40) is secured to the body (10) of the valve (100) by a screw arrangement. It is obvious to a person skilled in art to use any securing arrangement for securing the knob (40) on the valve (100). In the present embodiment, the knob (40) is push-pull type knob. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art to use knob of any type (shape, size geometry). In the present embodiment, the first position (40a) of the knob (40) is a pull condition of the knob (40). Specifically, the first position (40) of the knob (40) is away the body (10). In the present embodiment, the knob (40) is having a handle (42) which facilitate operation of the knob (40) in the first position (40a) and in the second position (40b). Specifically, a user holds the handle (42) to pull and push the knob (40) in the first position (40a) and the second position (40b) respectively.

[0025] Specifically, upon operating/pulling the knob (40) in the first position (40a), a locking arrangement (not shown) locks the knob (40) in the first position (40a) which enables the first port (20a) and the second port (20b) to create a passage for air to flow to the suspension bellow (60) for inflating the suspension bellows (60). In the present embodiment, the locking arrangement (not shown) is a snap fit arrangement which may locks the knob (40) in the projections configured on the handle (42) of the valve (100). It is obvious to a person skilled in the art to use any locking arrangement (not shown) for locking the knob (40) in the first position (40a).

[0026] Specifically, when the knob (40) is operated in the first position (40a), the air is supplied from the first port (20a) to the suspension bellow (60) of the lift axle through the second port (20b) (as shown in figure 1). Also, an exhaust control valve (ECV) (14) is connected to the suspension bellows (60). The (ECV) (14) maintain the air pressure within the suspension bellows (60) to prevent the complete collapse of the suspension bellow (60), thereby increasing the suspension bellow’s (60) life. The air is exhausted from a lift bellow (70) through the fifth port (30) to deflate the lift bellow (70) to support vehicle load and lower the lift axle. In the present embodiment, the fifth port (30) is configured on the body (10). In the present embodiment, the fifth port (30) is configured on the side wall of the body (10). It is obvious to a person skilled in the art to configure the fifth port (30) on any side of the body (10) of the valve (100). Also, the fifth port (30) includes an exhaust retainer (32) which prevent loss of air supply, preserving safe vehicle operation, prevent shocks or sudden movement (as shown in figure 1).
[0027] In addition to, when the knob (40) is operated/pulled in first position (40a), a second plunger (48) which is extended beyond a first plunger (46) connects the air between the first port (20a) and the second port (20b) and disconnects the air between the third port (20c) and the fourth port (20d). In the present embodiment, the plunger is a spool. Specifically, when the knob (40) is operated/pulled in first position (40a), enables a spool (not shown) inside the valve (100) moves upward thereby opening the valve and allowing air to flow from first port (20a) and the second port (20b), inflating the suspension bellows (60) to support vehicle load and lower the lift axle. Furthermore, the knob (40) includes a plurality of sealing rings (50) arranged on the second plunger (48) for sealing and channelising the air flow. The second plunger (48) is having projections for securing the sealing rings (50).

[0028] Referring now to figure 2 and 2b, a knob (40) in the second position (40b) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In the present embodiment, the second position of the knob (40) is a push condition of the knob (40). Specifically, the second position (40b) of the knob (40) is towards the body (10). In the second position (40b), the third port (20c) which is configured on the body (10) receives the pressurized air from the storage tank (16). The pressure control valve (PCV) (12) is connected to the storage tank (16) which regulates the flow of the pressurized air to maintain proper air pressure while supplying the pressurized air to the third port (20c). The fourth port (20d) is configured on the body (10) which supplies air from the third port (20c) to a lift bellow (70). Specifically, when the knob (40) is pushed to the second position (40b), enables the spool to shift downward which facilitate the third port (20c) and the fourth port (20d) to create a passage for air to flow from the third port (20c) and the fourth port (20d) to the lift bellow (70), thereby inflating the lift bellow (70) to lift the lift axle. Also, the air is exhausted from the suspension bellow (60) through the fifth port (30) to deflate the suspension bellow (60) and lifting the lift axle. (as shown in figure 2b).

[0029] Specifically, upon operating/ pushing the knob (40) in the second position(40b), a locking arrangement (not shown) locks the knob (40) in the second position (40b), the first plunger (46) which is extended beyond the locking arrangement (not shown) connects the air between the third port (20c) and the fourth port (20d) disconnects the air between the first port (20a) and the second port (20b) to flow from the third port (20c) and the fourth port (20d) to the lift bellow (70), thereby inflating the lift bellow (70) to lift the lift axle and exhausts the air from the suspension bellow (60) through the fifth port (30). The air is disconnected between the first port (20a) and the second port (20b) when the knob is in the second position (40b). The lift axle is lifted and held by air pressure. Also, the third port (20d) is connected to the storage tank (16) and receives the air and redirects the air thereby maintaining the air pressure in the suspension bellows (60) and the lift bellows (70) (as shown in the figure 3). Furthermore, the knob (40) includes a plurality of sealing rings (50) arranged on the first plunger (46) for sealing and channelising the air flow. The first plunger (46) is having projections for securing the sealing rings (50). The sealing rings (50) are gaskets. The sealing rings (50) are used to prevent the air leakage.

[0030] Therefore, the present invention provides the advantage of providing a valve (100) for operating a lift axle. The valve (100) eliminates multiple leak points by minimizing pneumatic connections. Also, the valve (100) requires less space for installation. Further, the valve (100) has less maintenance cost. Furthermore, the valve (100) is simple in operation.

[0031] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present invention, and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
, Claims:1. A valve (100) for operating a lift axle, the valve (100) comprising:
a body (10);
a first port (20a) configured on the body (10) to receive pressurised air from a storage tank (16);
a second port (20b) configured on the body (10) to supply air from the first port (20a) to a suspension bellow (60) of the lift axle;
a third port (20c) configured on the body (10) to receive pressurised air from the storage tank (16);
a fourth port (20d) configured on the body (10) to supply air from the third port (20c) to a lift bellow (70); and
a fifth port (30) configured on the body (10) to exhaust air from the suspension below (60) or the lift below (70); and
a knob (40) operably configured on the valve (100), the knob (40) is operable in a first position (40a) and a second position (40b);
wherein when the knob (40) is in the first position (40a), the first port (20a) and the second port (20b) creates a passage for air to the suspension bellow (60) and exhausts the air from the lift bellow (70) through the fifth port (30), and when the knob (40) is in the second position (40b), the third port (20c) and the fourth port (20d) creates a passage for air to the lift bellow (70) and exhausts the air from the suspension bellow (60) through the fifth port (30).

2. The valve (100) for operating a lift axle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (40) includes:
a handle (42) to operate the knob (40) in the first position (40a) and the second position (40b);
a locking arrangement configured for locking the knob (40) in the first position (40a) or in the second position (40b) again the body of the valve using projections and groves;
a first plunger (46) extending beyond the locking arrangement connects and disconnect the air from or between the third port (20c) and the fourth port (20d);
a second plunger (48) extending beyond the first plunger (46) connects and disconnect air from or between the first port (20a) and the second port (20b).

3. The valve (100) for operating a lift axle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (40) includes a plurality of sealing rings (50) arranged on the first plunger (46) and the second plunger (48) for sealing and channelising the air flow.

4. The valve (100) for operating a lift axle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plunger (46) and the second plunger (48) having projections for securing the sealing rings (50).

5. The valve (100) for operating a lift axle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third port (20c) is connected to the storage tank (16) to backflow the air, thereby maintaining the air pressure in the suspension bellows (60) and the lift bellows (70).

6. The valve (100) for operating a lift axle for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fifth port (30) includes an exhaust retainer (32) which prevent loss of air supply, preserving safe vehicle operation.

7. The valve (100) for a lift axle (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation of the knob (40) in the first position (40a), enables the spool to shift upward, thereby opening the valve and allowing air to flow from first port (20a) and the second port (20b), inflating the suspension bellows (60) to support vehicle load and lower the lift axle.

8. The valve (100) for operating a lift axle (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation of the knob (40) in the second position (40b), enables the spool to shift downward, thereby opening the valve and allowing air to flow from the third port (20c) and the fourth port (20d), inflating the lift bellow (70) to lift the lift axle.