58
Self-levelling suspension, A6
The control concept
Stationary mode
The stationary mode is recognised at a speed
of <5 km/h.
In stationary mode, vehicle level deviations
due to e.g. passengers entering or leaving the
vehicle, or due to loading or unloading the
luggage compartment, are readjusted within
a short response time, in order to restore the
reference level as far as possible even before
the journey has begun.
The response time is 1 or 5 seconds,
depending on the level deviation. If the
deviation is great (extremely low position) the
response time is 1 second, at lesser level
deviations (normal deviation) it is 5 seconds. Driving mode
The driving mode is recognised at a speed of
>10 km/h.
In driving mode, level changes in the air
springs caused by fuel consumption or
temperature-related volumetric changes
(changing ambient temperatures) are
adjusted.
So that acceleration or braking does not
affect the control system, long response
times are set in the driving mode.
The response times are between 50 seconds
and 15 minutes depending on the control
thresholds.
Driving mode
Stationary mode
Run-on mode/run-up modeSleep mode
Control process
60
Self-levelling suspension, A6
Other features of the
control concept
Lifting platform mode
System behaviour:
If the vehicle is raised on a lifting platform the
system will react in the same manner as for a
level increase, by discharging the air spring
pressure.
The vehicle body would normally lower at this
point. Lowering ceases once the reference
level is reached.
As, however, the reference level is not
reached when a vehicle is raised on a lifting
platform, the air spring pressure would
continue to discharge down to the residual
supporting pressure. To prevent this
happening, the control system incorporates a
lifting platform mode.
This evaluates the level signal during the
discharge process and recognises a lifting
platform (no lowering, despite discharge),
whereby the system switches to lifting
platform mode.
When it recognises a lifting platform,
discharge stops and lowering ceases.
The system exits lifting platform mode by
means of the evaluation of further input
signals.It is normal for the rear axle to sink
after placing the vehicle onto the lifting
platform as a certain amount of time
will elapse before the system switches
to lifting platform mode and will
therefore release some pressure.
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