An electro-pneumatic parking brake arrangement includes a shut-off valve and a parking brake module. The parking brake module includes a reservoir connection configured to connect to a compressed air reservoir, a first spring-loaded accumulator connection configured to connect to the shut-off valve, an electro-pneumatic valve unit having at least one electro-pneumatic valve configured to output a spring-loaded brake pressure at the first spring-loaded accumulator connection, and an electronic control unit configured to receive parking brake signals from an electronic parking brake switch and/or a higher-order control unit. The shut-off valve comprises a second spring accumulator connection configured to connect the spring-loaded brakes of the further axle and to shut off the second spring accumulator connection depending on a shut-off signal provided by the parking brake module.

A brake actuator assembly including a pressure plate presenting an opening, a push rod that is coupled to the pressure plate, a diaphragm that is coupled to the pressure plate, and a retainer that engages the push rod. The push rod has an outer surface and at least one protrusion extending outward from the outer surface. The retainer engages the protrusion such that at least a portion of the diaphragm is positioned between the pressure plate and the retainer.

A brake actuator assembly including a pressure plate presenting an opening, a push rod that is coupled to the pressure plate, a diaphragm that is coupled to the pressure plate, and a retainer that engages the push rod. The push rod has an outer surface and at least one protrusion extending outward from the outer surface. The retainer engages the protrusion such that at least a portion of the diaphragm is positioned between the pressure plate and the retainer.

An electropneumatic brake system, for a commercial vehicle which is provided for pulling a trailer, includes at least one service brake circuit configured to activate service brake actuators, a parking brake circuit having parking brake actuators on at least one axle, a trailer brake circuit configured to provide a trailer brake pressure at a trailer brake pressure port, and a manually actuatable operating unit in a driver's cab. The manually actuatable operating unit has a first operating element and a second operating element. In the case of actuation of the first operating element when the vehicle is driving, the parking brake actuators are activated and a trailer brake pressure is output at the trailer brake pressure port. In the case of actuation of the second operating element when the vehicle is driving, only a trailer brake pressure is output.

Described herein is a gas-liquid separating gas exchange device comprising a vent mechanism that services gas exchange between the interior and exterior of a housing, a shelter of the vent mechanism distal from the housing that provides shelter of a distal area around the vent mechanism, an area-encompassing abutment rising distally from the housing and encompassing both the vent mechanism and the shelter and creating a fluid-catchment junction between the shelter and the abutment, and at least one fluid-exchange passageway in the at least one shelter allowing fluid exchange between the distal sheltered area and the abutment into the fluid-catchment junction. The gas-liquid separating gas exchange device may separate gas and liquid by gravity, energy of vibration, air-pressure forces, or a combination thereof and facilitates expulsion of contaminating liquid and debris from the housing.

Described herein is a gas-liquid separating gas exchange device comprising a vent mechanism that services gas exchange between the interior and exterior of a housing, a shelter of the vent mechanism distal from the housing that provides shelter of a distal area around the vent mechanism, an area-encompassing abutment rising distally from the housing and encompassing both the vent mechanism and the shelter and creating a fluid-catchment junction between the shelter and the abutment, and at least one fluid-exchange passageway in the at least one shelter allowing fluid exchange between the distal sheltered area and the abutment into the fluid-catchment junction. The gas-liquid separating gas exchange device may separate gas and liquid by gravity, energy of vibration, air-pressure forces, or a combination thereof and facilitates expulsion of contaminating liquid and debris from the housing.

An electropneumatic parking brake module includes a supply port configured to connect a compressed air supply, a spring brake actuator port configured to connect at least one spring brake cylinder, and a trailer control port, an inlet-outlet valve unit configured to control a spring brake pressure, and an electropneumatic pilot control unit configured to control at least one control pressure at the inlet-outlet valve unit and configured to perform a trailer control position function. The electropneumatic pilot control unit includes a 3/3-way valve that has a first switching position in which the at least one control pressure is controlled, a second switching position in which the trailer control position function is carried out, and a third switching position in which the inlet-outlet valve unit and the trailer control port are connected to a vent.

A spring brake chamber for pneumatic braking systems used in heavy commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, trailers and tractors, includes a power spring configured to detect the parking position, the driving position and the situation in which the power spring is broken. The present invention allows the driver to be notified by sending a signal.

A spring brake chamber for pneumatic braking systems used in heavy commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, trailers and tractors, includes a power spring configured to detect the parking position, the driving position and the situation in which the power spring is broken. The present invention allows the driver to be notified by sending a signal.

Disclosed is a method for controlling brakes in a trailer vehicle comprising a pneumatic brake system, service brakes and an electronic brake system with anti-lock control, wherein at least one axle of the trailer vehicle is fitted with spring-loaded brakes and revolution rate sensors. The method comprises: monitoring with the electronic brake system whether there is a braking demand, monitoring with the electronic brake system whether at least one wheel of at least one axle is locking up, and if there is no braking demand and at least one wheel of the at least one axle is locked while traveling, controlling the pneumatic braking system with the electronic brake system to pressurize the spring-loaded brakes and to brake the trailer vehicle by the service brakes automatically and with anti-lock control. A valve arrangement is also disclosed.