ELECTROPNEUMATIC PARKING BRAKE WITH DIRECTLY CONTROLLED VALVES

Abstract

An electropneumatic parking brake module (1) includes a supply connection (2), a spring-type actuator connection (4), an inlet-outlet valve unit (10) having a first switching position and a second switching position, and an electropneumatic pilot control unit (12) for outputting at least a first control pressure (p1) at the inlet-outlet valve unit (10). In the first switching position of the inlet-outlet valve unit (10), a spring brake pressure (pF) can be fed through directly from the supply connection (2) to the spring-type actuator connection (4) by virtue of the fact that the spring-type actuator connection (4) is connected to the supply connection (2), and, in the second switching position of the inlet-outlet valve unit (10), when the first control pressure (p1) is below a first threshold value, the spring-type actuator connection (4) is connected to a ventilating connection (14.3) of the inlet-outlet valve unit (10).

Claims

1. An electropneumatic parking brake module (1), comprising: a supply connection (2) for connecting a compressed air supply (3), a spring-type actuator connection (4) for connecting a spring brake cylinder (6), an inlet-outlet valve unit (10) configured to assume at least a first switching position and a second switching position, and an electropneumatic pilot control unit (12) for outputting at least a first control pressure (p1) at the inlet-outlet valve unit (10), wherein, in the first switching position of the inlet-outlet valve unit (10), the spring-type actuator connection (4) is connected to the supply connection (2) for outputting a spring brake pressure (pF), and, in the second switching position of the inlet-outlet valve unit (10), the spring-type actuator connection (4) is connected to a ventilating connection (14.3) of the inlet-outlet valve unit (10), wherein the inlet-outlet valve unit (10) has at least a first 3/2-way valve (14) with exactly two switching positions, and wherein the inlet-outlet valve unit (10) is in the second switching position when the first control pressure (p1) is below a first threshold value.

2. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the first switching position, the inlet-outlet valve unit (10) is configured to feed the spring brake pressure (pF) directly from the supply connection (2) to the spring-type actuator connection (4).

3. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein, during direct feeding of the spring brake pressure (pF) from the supply connection (2) to the spring-type actuator connection (4), a volume connection between the supply connection (2) and the spring-type actuator connection (4) is produced without interconnecting a relay valve.

4. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet-outlet valve unit (10) has a 2/2-way check valve (16).

5. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least the first 3/2-way valve (14) is controlled pneumatically.

6. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first 3/2-way valve (14) serves as an inlet-outlet valve for the spring-type actuator connection (4) for aerating and ventilating the spring-type actuator connection (4), and the 2/2-way check valve (16) serves to block an aeration and ventilation of the spring-type actuator connection (4).

7. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first 3/2-way valve (14) has an inlet connection (14.1), a working connection (14.2) and a ventilating connection (14.3), and the first 3/2-way valve (14) is formed to reciprocally connect the working connection (14.2) to the inlet connection (14.1) and the ventilating connection (14.3).

8. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the electropneumatic parking brake module is configured to output a supply pressure (pV) at the input connection (14.1).

9. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein a non-return valve (18) is arranged between the input connection (14.1) and the supply connection (2) to prevent a return flow from the spring-type actuator connection (4) to the supply connection (2).

10. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inlet-outlet valve unit (10) has a 2/2-way check valve (16) with has a first check valve connection (16.1) and a second check valve connection (16.2), wherein the first check valve connection (16.1) is connected to the working connection (14.2), and the second check valve connection (16.2) is connected to the spring-type actuator connection (4).

11. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electropneumatic pilot control unit (12) has at least a second 3/2-way valve (20), wherein the second 3/2-way valve (20) is provided to output the first control pressure (p1).

12. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second 3/2-way valve (20) is formed as a bistable valve (21).

13. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bistable valve (21) has a first bistable valve connection (21.1), a second bistable valve connection (21.2) and a third bistable valve connection (21.3), wherein the first bistable valve connection (21.1) is connected to the supply connection (2), the second bistable valve connection (21.2) outputs the first control pressure (p1) and the third bistable valve connection (21.3) is connected to a vent.

14. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second bistable valve connection (21.2) is connected to a first control input (14.4) of the first 3/2-way valve (14).

15. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electropneumatic pilot control unit (12) has a monostable inlet-outlet valve combination (65) with an inlet valve (70) and an outlet valve (72) for outputting the first control pressure (p1).

16. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a return line (67) which provides the a pressure (pVS) output of the first 3/2-way valve (14) as the first control pressure (p1) at the inlet-outlet valve unit (10).

17. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the pressure (pVS) output of the first 3/2-way valve (14) is provided in a throttled manner as first control pressure (p1) via the return line (67) at the inlet-outlet valve unit (10).

18. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the inlet valve (70) has a first inlet valve connection (70.1) connected to the supply connection (2) and a second inlet valve connection (70.2) connected to the inlet-outlet valve unit (10), wherein the first control pressure (p1) can be output at the second inlet valve connection (70.2) by switching the inlet valve (70).

19. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the outlet valve (72) has a first outlet valve connection (72.1) connected to the inlet-outlet valve unit (10) and a second outlet valve connection (72.2) connected to a vent (5) for ventilating the first control pressure (p1).

20. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the return line (67) is connected directly to the inlet-outlet valve unit (10).

21. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the inlet valve (70) has a third inlet valve connection (70.3) connected to a thc return line (67) providing-a pressure (pVS) output of the first 3/2-way valve (14) as the first control pressure (p1) at the inlet-outlet valve unit (10), wherein, in a first switching position of the inlet valve (70), the second inlet valve connection (70.2) is connected to the first inlet valve connection (70.1), and, in a second switching position of the inlet valve (70), the second inlet valve connection (70.2) is connected to the third inlet valve connection (70.3).

22. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the outlet valve (72) has a third outlet valve connection (72.3) connected to the return line (67) providing-a pressure (pVS) output of the first 3/2-way valve (14) as the first control pressure (p1) at the inlet-outlet valve unit (10), wherein, in a first switching position of the outlet valve (72), the first outlet valve connection (72.1) is connected to the third outlet valve connection (72.3), and, in a second switching position of the outlet valve (72), the first outlet valve connection (72.1) is connected to the second outlet valve connection (72.2).

23. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electropneumatic pilot control unit (12) has at least a third 3/2-way valve (22) for outputting a second control pressure (p2).

24. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 23, wherein the third 3/2-way valve (22) has an inlet connection (22.1), a working connection (22.2) and a ventilating connection (22.3), and the third 3/2-way valve (22) is formed to reciprocally connect the working connection (22.2) to the inlet connection (22.1) and the ventilating connection (22.3).

25. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claims 10 and 16, wherein the inlet connection (22.1) is connected to the supply connection (2), the working connection (22.2) is connected to a second control input (16.3) of a 2/2-way check valve (16) having a first check valve connection (16.1) and a second check valve connection (16.2), wherein the first check valve connection (16.1) is connected to the working connection (14.2), and the second check valve connection (16.2) is connected to the spring-type actuator connection (4), and the ventilating connection (22.3) is connected to a vent.

26. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a trailer control valve connection (30) for providing a trailer control pressure (pA).

27. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 26, wherein the trailer control valve connection (30) is connected to a trailer valve (32) which is configured to output at least the spring brake pressure (pF) as trailer control pressure (pA) at the trailer control valve connection (30) in a first switching position of the trailer valve (32).

28. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 27, wherein the trailer valve (32) has a second switching position for performing a trailer control position function.

29. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 28, wherein the trailer valve (32) is a fourth 3/2-way valve (34) and has a first trailer valve connection (34.1), a second trailer valve connection (34.2) and a third trailer valve connection (34.3), wherein the first trailer valve connection (34.1) is connected to the supply connection (2), the second trailer valve connection (34.2) is connected to the trailer control valve connection (30) and the third trailer valve connection (34.3) is connected to a branch line (36) which branches off from a spring brake pressure line (38) connected to the spring-type actuator connection (4).

30. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 27, wherein in a currentless position, the trailer valve (32) is in the first switching position or in the second switching position.

31. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising having an electric control unit (ECU) with an electric connection (40) to receive parking brake signals (HCU) and to provide corresponding switching signals (S1, S2, S3) at least to the pilot control unit (12).

32. The electropneumatic parking brake module (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising having a pressure sensor (42) which is provided to detect the spring brake pressure (pF) and provide a corresponding pressure signal (SD).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In the drawings:

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an electropneumatic parking brake module according to a first exemplary embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an electropneumatic parking brake module according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an electropneumatic parking brake module according to a third exemplary embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an electropneumatic parking brake module according to a fourth exemplary embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an electropneumatic parking brake module according to a fifth exemplary embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an electropneumatic parking brake module according to a sixth exemplary embodiment; and

[0051] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an electropneumatic parking brake module according to a seventh exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] For the sake of simplicity, the same reference numbers are used below for identical or similar parts or parts with an identical or similar function. An electropneumatic parking brake module 1 (FIG. 1) has, according to the present disclosure, a supply connection 2 to which a compressed air supply 3 is connected. Compressed air supply 3 is part of a brake system of a utility vehicle which is not represented further here. In particular, compressed air supply 3 is part of a parking brake circuit.

[0053] Electropneumatic parking brake module 1 furthermore has a spring-type actuator connection 4 to which a spring brake cylinder 6 is connected according to this exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that it is also possible to connect two or more, in particular four or more spring brake cylinders to spring-type actuator connection 4.

[0054] A supply pressure pV is provided at electropneumatic parking brake module 1 via supply connection 2 and a spring brake pressure pF is provided to spring-type actuator connection 4 via spring-type actuator connection 4. Spring-type actuators 6 are formed so that they are actuated as a result of a spring force so that a positive spring brake pressure pF is required to release spring brake cylinders 6. In the case of omission of spring brake pressure pF or undershooting of a threshold value, the spring brake cylinders are partially or fully actuated.

[0055] In order, proceeding from supply connection 2, to output spring brake pressure pF at spring-type actuator connection 4, electropneumatic parking brake module 1 has an inlet-outlet valve unit 10 and an electropneumatic pilot control unit 12. Inlet-outlet valve unit 10 can be switched so that spring brake pressure pF can be directly fed through from supply connection 2 to spring-type actuator connection 4. This is described in even greater detail below. For this purpose, in one switching position of inlet-outlet valve unit 10, spring-type actuator connection 4 is connected directly to supply connection 2. In a second switching position of inlet-outlet valve unit 10, spring-type actuator connection 4 is however connected to a vent 5 in order to enable an actuation of spring brake cylinders 6.

[0056] Inlet-outlet valve unit 10 is pneumatically controlled and can be switched on the basis of a first control pressure p1. Insofar as first control pressure p1 lies below a first predetermined threshold value, for example, 0.25 MPa, the inlet-outlet valve unit switches into the second switching position in which spring-type actuator connection 4 can be vented and thus spring brake cylinders 6 are actuated.

[0057] In detail, inlet-outlet valve unit 10 initially has for this purpose a first 3/2-way valve 14 which is pneumatically controllable and has an input connection 14.1, a working connection 14.2, a ventilating connection 14.3 and a first control input 14.4. Inlet connection 14.1 of first 3/2-way valve 14 is connected via a first pneumatic line 50 to supply connection 2. Ventilating connection 14.3 of first 3/2-way valve 14 is connected to a vent 5 which can be a central vent 5 of electropneumatic parking brake module 1. Working connection 14.2 of first 3/2-way valve 14 is connected to a pneumatic line 52. First 3/2-way valve 14 has a first switching position, not occupied in FIG. 1, in which inlet connection 14.1 of first 3/2-way valve 14 is connected to working connection 14.2 of first 3/2-way valve 14. First 3/2-way valve 14 furthermore has a second switching position which is occupied in FIG. 1 and in which ventilating connection 14.3 of the first 3/2-way valve is connected to working connection 14.2 of first 3/2-way valve 14. In this second switching position, working connection 14.2 of first 3/2-way valve 14 and thus also pneumatic line 52 can be ventilated. First 3/2-way valve 14 is pretensioned in a spring-loaded manner into the second switching position. By corresponding application of first control pressure p1 at first control input 14.4 of first 3/2-way valve 14, first 3/2-way valve 14 can be transferred into the first switching position, not shown, in order to output supply pressure pV in pneumatic line 52.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, second pneumatic line 52 is connected to a first check valve connection 16.1 of a 2/2-way check valve 16. Second check valve connection 16.2 of 2/2-way check valve 16 is connected to a spring brake pressure line 38 which itself is connected to spring-type actuator connection 4. That means that working connection 14.2 of first 3/2-way valve 14 is ultimately connected to spring-type actuator connection 4 if 2/2-way check valve 16 is in the opening switching position shown in FIG. 1. 2/2-way check valve 16 is part of inlet-outlet valve unit 10 and is also pneumatically controlled like first 3/2-way valve 14. 2/2-way check valve 16 is pretensioned in a spring-loaded manner into the second open switching position shown in FIG. 1. 2/2-way check valve 16 has a second control connection 16.3 at which a second control pressure p2 can be output.

[0059] It should be understood that there can also be embodiments according to the present disclosure which do not use a 2/2-way check valve 16, rather in the case of which spring brake pressure line 38 is connected directly to working connection 14.2 of the first 3/2-way valve.

[0060] 2/2-way check valve 16 primarily serves the purpose of graduated aeration and ventilation of spring-type actuator connection 4. If first 3/2-way valve 14 is in the second switching position shown in FIG. 1, first check valve connection 16.1 is connected to vent 5. If 2/2-way check valve 16 is now moved into the first switching position not shown in FIG. 1, spring-type actuator connection 4 is not ventilated despite the switching of first 3/2-way valve 14 into the second switching position shown in FIG. 1. It is only upon switching of 2/2-way check valve 16 into the second switching position shown in FIG. 1 that spring-type actuator connection 4 would be vented. For example, for the purpose of auxiliary braking, 2/2-way check valve 16 can now be moved in a pulsed manner from the first switching position, not shown in FIG. 1, into the second switching position shown in FIG. 1 in order to vent spring-type actuator connection 4 in a graduated manner and partially and temporarily actuate spring brake cylinders 6.

[0061] Electropneumatic pilot control unit 12 serves to output at least first control pressure p1 and provide it at inlet/outlet valve unit 10 in order to cause inlet/outlet valve unit 10 to switch and output a corresponding spring brake pressure pF at spring-type actuator connection 4. To be more precise, by outputting first control pressure p1, pilot control unit 12 causes first 3/2-way valve 14 to change from the second switching position into the first switching position if output first control pressure p1 assumes or exceeds the first defined threshold value. Insofar as electropneumatic parking brake module 1 has a 2/2-way check valve 16, and insofar as this 2/2-way check valve 16 is formed to be pneumatically controlled, electropneumatic pilot control unit 12 is preferably also formed to output second control pressure p2 and output it at inlet-outlet valve unit 10, preferably at second control input 16.3 of 2/2-way check valve 16.

[0062] For this purpose, electropneumatic pilot control unit 12 firstly has a second 3/2-way valve 20 which is connected to supply connection 2 and a vent 5 for outputting first control pressure p1. To be more precise, second 3/2-way valve 20 is formed in this embodiment as bistable valve 21 and has a first bistable valve connection 21.1, a second bistable valve connection 21.2 and a third bistable valve connection 21.3. Bistable valve 21 has a first switching position, not shown in FIG. 1, in which first bistable valve connection 21.1 is connected to second bistable valve connection 21.2, and a second switching position, shown in FIG. 1, in which second bistable valve connection 21.2 is connected to third bistable valve connection 21.3. First bistable valve connection 21.1 is connected to supply connection 2. To be more precise, first bistable valve connection 21.1 is connected via a third pneumatic line 54 to supply connection 2, wherein third pneumatic line 54 branches off from first pneumatic line 50. In this respect, supply pressure pV is present at first bistable valve connection 21.1. Third bistable valve connection 21.3 is connected to a vent 5 which can be the central vent of electropneumatic parking brake module 1. Second bistable valve connection 21.2 is in contrast connected to a first pneumatic control line 56 into which first pneumatic control pressure p1 is output. On the other hand, first pneumatic control line 56 is connected to first control input 14.4 of first 3/2-way valve 14.

[0063] Bistable valve 21 is formed so that it is stable both in the first switching position, not shown in FIG. 1, and in the second switching position shown in FIG. 1. This is achieved by a permanent magnet which correspondingly holds the valve armature in the switching positions. This means that bistable valve 21 can remain currentless both in the first and in the second switching position.

[0064] In order to output second control pressure p2, electropneumatic pilot control unit 12 has according to this exemplary embodiment a third 3/2-way valve 22. Third 3/2-way valve 22 is connected to supply connection 2, a vent 5 and second control input 16.3 of 2/2-way check valve 16.

[0065] In detail, third 3/2-way valve 22 has an inlet connection 22.1, a working connection 22.2 as well as a ventilating connection 22.3. Inlet connection 22.1 of third 3/2-way valve 22 is connected to a fourth pneumatic line 58. Third pneumatic line 58 branches off from second pneumatic line 54. This means that supply pressure pV is also present at inlet connection 22.1 of third 3/2-way valve 22.

[0066] Working connection 22.2 of third 3/2-way valve 22 is connected to a second pneumatic control line 60 which itself leads to second control input 16.3 of 2/2-way check valve 16. Second control pressure p2 is consequently output at working connection 22.2 of third 3/2-way valve 22. Ventilating connection 22.3 of third 3/2-way valve 22 is connected to a vent 5, in particular the central joint vent of electropneumatic parking brake module 1.

[0067] Electropneumatic parking brake module 1 has an electric control unit ECU. Electric control unit ECU is provided to provide an actuating signal S1 at the second 3/2-way valve, in particular bistable valve 21, in order to switch it between the first and second switching positions. Electric control unit ECU is furthermore formed to provide a second actuating signal S2 at third 3/2-way valve 22 in order to move third 3/2-way valve 22 from the second switching position shown in FIG. 1 into the first switching position, not shown in FIG. 1. In the first switching position, not shown in FIG. 1, inlet connection 22.1 of third 3/2-way valve 22 is connected to working connection 22.2 of third 3/2-way valve 22 so that second control pressure p2 is output and subsequently, upon exceeding of the second threshold value, switches 2/2-way check valve 16 and thus shuts off second check valve connection 16.2 from first check valve connection 16.1.

[0068] Electric control unit ECU furthermore has an electronic connection 40 to which at least one vehicle bus or an HCU switch can be directly connected. If, for example, a vehicle which has electromagnetic parking brake module 1 is started, a signal is preferably provided at electronic connection 40 that spring brake cylinders 6 should be released. Electric control unit ECU generates, on the basis of the received signal, signal S1 and switches second 3/2-way valve 20 into the first switching position, not shown, in order to output first control pressure p1 so that first 3/2-way valve 14 is also switched into the second switching position, not shown, in order to output spring brake pressure pF so that spring-type actuator connection 4 is aerated. Spring brake cylinders 6 connected to spring-type actuator connection 4 are consequently aerated and released. The vehicle can begin to move.

[0069] Second signal S2 is triggered on the basis of auxiliary braking requirement signals received via electronic connection 40 and serves to switch third 3/2-way valve 22 and as a result 2/2-way check valve 16 in order to ventilate spring brake cylinders 6 which are connected to spring-type actuator connection 4 in a graduated manner.

[0070] The first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 of electropneumatic parking brake module 1 also enables a trailer control position function.

[0071] In the case of towing vehicle-trailer combinations, it is preferred that the service brakes of the trailer are braked in coordination with spring brake cylinders 6 of the towing vehicle. In this case, a differentiation is made in principle between what is known as European trailer control and what is known as Scandinavian trailer control. While in the case of European trailer control, the service brakes of the trailer should be permanently applied in the parked state of the vehicle, in the case of Scandinavian trailer control, it is required that, in the parked state of the towing vehicle-trailer combination, the service brakes of the trailer are released in order to prevent freezing. It is nevertheless also required in the case of Scandinavian trailer control that the service brakes of the trailer are also applied for other cases in which spring brake cylinders 6 of the towing vehicle are activated, i.e. actuated.

[0072] For this purpose, electropneumatic parking brake module 1 according to this embodiment has a trailer control valve connection 30 as well as a trailer valve 32. A trailer control pressure pA which corresponds to spring brake pressure pF or is an equivalent pressure to this is output at trailer control valve connection 30. A trailer control valve TCV which inverts provided trailer control pressure pA and then outputs it inversely at service brakes of a trailer (not shown) can be connected to trailer control valve connection 30.

[0073] Trailer valve 32 serves to implement the trailer control position function. For this purpose, trailer valve 32, in this embodiment (FIG. 1), is formed as fourth 3/2-way valve 34 and has a first trailer valve connection 34.1, a second trailer valve connection 34.2 and a third trailer valve connection 34.3. In a first switching position, not shown in FIG. 1, first trailer valve connection 34.1 is connected to second trailer valve connection 34.2. In a second switching position shown in FIG. 1, second trailer valve connection 34.2 is connected to third trailer valve connection 34.3. The first trailer valve connection is connected to a fourth pneumatic line 62 which branches off from third pneumatic line 58. In this regard, supply pressure pV is present at first trailer valve connection 34.1. Second trailer valve connection 34.2 is connected to trailer valve connection 30. Third trailer valve connection 34.3 is connected via a branch line 36 to spring brake pressure line 38 into which spring brake pressure pF is output. This means that spring brake pressure pF is present at third trailer valve connection 34.3.

[0074] Either supply pressure pV or spring brake pressure pF can now be output via trailer valve 32 at trailer control valve connection 30. In the event that spring brake pressure pF is output as trailer control pressure PA, the service brakes of the trailer vehicle are controlled in coordination with spring brake cylinders 6. This means that, if spring brake cylinders 6 are actuated, the service brakes of the trailer are also actuated. In order to prevent this, trailer valve 32 can be moved into the first switching position via a third signal S3 by electric control unit ECU so that supply pressure pV is output at trailer control valve connection 30 as trailer control pressure PA. In this case, the service brakes of the trailer vehicle remain released.

[0075] The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 uses a trailer valve 32 which is currentless in the second switching position shown in FIG. 1 and thus outputs spring brake pressure pF as trailer control pressure pA in a currentless state. The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 thus implements European trailer control in which, in a parked state of the vehicle (currentless state), the trailer is braked in coordination with spring brake cylinders 6 of the towing vehicle.

[0076] A variant of this, namely Scandinavian trailer control, is shown in FIG. 3. As is apparent from FIG. 3, the only difference in the third exemplary embodiment of electropneumatic parking brake module 1 lies in the switching positions of trailer valve 32 being reversed. This means that trailer valve 32 according to the third exemplary embodiment (FIG. 3) is currentless in the switching position referred to as the first switching position in the first exemplary embodiment (FIG. 1) and thus connects first trailer valve connection 34.1 to second trailer valve connection 34.2 in a currentless state so that in a currentless state supply pressure pV is output as trailer control pressure pA and thus the service brakes of the trailer are released in the currentless state (parked state).

[0077] In the context of the present disclosure, both European trailer control and Scandinavian trailer control can therefore be implemented in a particularly simple manner with electropneumatic parking brake module 1.

[0078] Both in the first and in the third exemplary embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 3), compressed air supply 3 is connected directly to supply connection 2. These two embodiments (FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) therefore also enable a ventilation of spring-type actuator connection 4 by pumping down compressed air supply 3. In the event that, for example, bistable valve 21 functions incorrectly and sticks permanently in the first switching position, not shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in which first control pressure p1 is output, spring-type actuator connection 4 can be ventilated as a result of the fact that compressed air supply 3 is overall pumped down and is thus adjusted to an ambient pressure level. Secure braking of the vehicle can thus be achieved even in the event of a malfunction of bistable valve 21 or also in the event of a malfunction of electric control unit ECU, or of first 3/2-way valve 14.

[0079] In the second exemplary embodiment (FIG. 2) of electropneumatic parking brake module 1, in contrast, an additional non-return valve 18 is inserted into first pneumatic line 50, and indeed directly downstream of supply connection 2, i.e. between supply connection 2 and the branch point of third pneumatic line 54. A return flow of compressed air from spring brake cylinders 6 into compressed air supply 3 is prevented via said non-return valve 18. As a result of this, it is possible that a released state of spring brake cylinders 6 can be permanently maintained even in the case of a leak of compressed air supply 3, and the vehicle does not brake via spring brake cylinders 6 in an unintentional manner as a result of a leak or crack in a pneumatic line.

[0080] The fourth exemplary embodiment (FIG. 4) of electropneumatic parking brake module 1 differs from the first three exemplary embodiments (FIGS. 1-3) in that electropneumatic parking brake module 1 does not have a trailer control valve connection 30. No trailer control valve 32 is also accordingly provided. Fourth pneumatic line 62 and branch line 36 are thus also omitted. The remaining elements and components of the fourth exemplary embodiment are identical to the first three exemplary embodiments.

[0081] Exemplary embodiments 5, 6 and 7 according to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show in each case an electropneumatic parking brake module 1, as is fundamentally known from the fourth exemplary embodiment (FIG. 4). Bistable valve 21 is nevertheless replaced by a monostable inlet-outlet valve combination 65.

[0082] A particularly simple circuit layout is first described with reference to FIG. 5 in a fifth exemplary embodiment. Monostable inlet-outlet valve combination 65 has an inlet valve 70 and an outlet valve 72. Inlet valve 70 is in this exemplary embodiment formed as 2/2-way inlet valve 74 and has a first inlet valve connection 70.1 and a second inlet valve connection 70.2. Inlet valve 70 is formed as a monostable valve and is pretensioned into the first closed switching position shown in FIG. 5. By providing a fourth switching signal S4, inlet valve 70 can be switched from the first switching position shown in FIG. 5 into the second switching position, not shown in FIG. 5. In the second switching position, not shown in FIG. 5, first inlet valve connection 70.1 is connected to second inlet valve connection 70.2.

[0083] Second inlet valve connection 70.2 is connected to first pneumatic control line 56 which, as has already been described with reference to the first four exemplary embodiments, is connected to first control connection 14.4 of first 3/2-way valve. By switching inlet valve 70, first control pressure p1 can consequently be output. As soon as this exceeds the first threshold value, first 3/2-way valve 14 switches into the second switching position, not shown in FIG. 5, and working pressure pVS is output at working connection 14.2, which working pressure pVS can then be provided as spring brake pressure pF if 2/2-way check valve 16 is in the open switching position shown in FIG. 5.

[0084] In order to achieve a pneumatic self-retention of first 3/2-way valve 14, in the first four exemplary embodiments (FIGS. 1 to 4), bistable valve 21 was used which is stable both in the first and in the second switching position. Monostable inlet-outlet valve combination 65 is, however, not stable in the open switching position, but rather in the closed one. For this reason, electropneumatic parking brake module 1 according to the fifth exemplary embodiment (FIG. 5) has a return line 67 which returns working pressure pVS output by first 3/2-way valve 14 to first control input 14.4 and provides it there as first control pressure p1. In this manner, first control pressure p1 is maintained even if inlet valve 70, once it has firstly been switched into the open switching position, is switched back into the closed switching position. A pneumatic self-retention is achieved.

[0085] Outlet valve 72 is provided to ventilate first control input 14.4 in order to allow first 3/2-way valve 14 to fall back into the first switching position shown in FIG. 5. Said outlet valve 72 is, according to the fifth exemplary embodiment (FIG. 5), in turn formed as 2/2-way outlet valve 76. It has a first outlet valve connection 72.1 and a second outlet valve connection 72.2. First outlet valve connection 72.1 is connected to first pneumatic control line 56, and second outlet valve connection 72.2 is connected to a vent 5. 2/2-way outlet valve 76 is currentless in the closed first switching position shown in FIG. 5. 2/2-way outlet valve 76 can be moved into the second open switching position, not shown in FIG. 5, in which first outlet valve connection 72.1 is connected to second outlet valve connection 72.2, by a corresponding fifth switching signal S5. In this manner, first pneumatic control line 56 and thus first control connection 14.4 can be ventilated so that first 3/2-way valve 14 can fall back into the first switching position shown in FIG. 5. As a result of this, spring-type actuator connection 4 is ventilated even if check valve 16 is in the open switching position shown in FIG. 5.

[0086] In order to not immediately release the pneumatic self-retention in the case of small fluctuations in pressure at spring-type actuator connection 4 and enable a change in the switching states, a throttle 68 is arranged in return line 67 according to this exemplary embodiment (FIG. 5). Throttle 68 can also be arranged at other positions.

[0087] As is apparent from FIG. 5, return line 67 is connected directly to first control input 14.4 without interconnection of a valve. The returned pressure can therefore not be shut out, rather is provided immediately when first 3/2-way valve 14 has switched. In this regard, throttle 68 is also useful to avoid excess output.

[0088] Exemplary embodiments 6 and 7 now show variants in the case of which return line 67 is not connected directly to first control input 14.4, rather a valve is interconnected.

[0089] FIG. 6 initially shows in a sixth exemplary embodiment that inlet valve 70 is formed as 3/2-way inlet valve 78. It has in this regard a third inlet valve connection 70.3 which is then connected to return line 67. First inlet valve connection 70.1 is, as also in the case of the fifth exemplary embodiment (FIG. 5), connected to supply connection 2, in particular via third pneumatic line 54. Second inlet 70.2 is, as already known from the fifth exemplary embodiment (FIG. 5), connected to first pneumatic control line 56. By switching 3/2-way inlet valve 78 into the second switching position, not shown in FIG. 6, second inlet valve connection 70.2 is therefore connected to supply connection 2 so that first control pressure p1 is output. As a result of this, first 3/2-way valve 14 switches into the second switching position, not shown in FIG. 6, and working pressure pVS is output. This pressure is returned via return line 67 and is then present at third inlet valve connection 70.3. If inlet valve 70 is now switched to be currentless, it falls back into the first switching position shown in FIG. 6, and third inlet valve connection 70.3 is connected to second inlet valve connection 70.2. The returned pressure is fed through and provided as first control pressure p1 at first control input 14.4. As a result of this, a pneumatic self-retention of first 3/2-way valve 14 is then achieved. In this exemplary embodiment (FIG. 6), throttle 68 is formed in 3/2-way inlet valve 78.

[0090] In a similar manner, in the seventh exemplary embodiment (FIG. 7), outlet valve 72 is formed as 3/2-way outlet valve 80. Inlet valve 70 is, as in the fifth exemplary embodiment (FIG. 5), formed as 2/2-way inlet valve 74.

[0091] 3/2-way outlet valve 80 has a third outlet valve connection 72.3 which is then connected in this exemplary embodiment (FIG. 7) to return line 67. This means that the key difference between the sixth exemplary embodiment (FIG. 6) and the seventh exemplary embodiment (FIG. 7) lies in the fact that return line 67 is not connected to inlet valve 70, but rather to outlet valve 72. In this variant, in the event of switching of inlet valve 70 and outputting of first control pressure p1, first 3/2-way valve 14 is also switched and working pressure pVS is provided as first control pressure via return line 67, outlet valve 72 and first pneumatic control line 56. Provision is carried out immediately and not only upon inlet valve 70 being switched into a currentless state, as is the case in the sixth exemplary embodiment (FIG. 6). 3/2-way outlet valve 80 is currentless in the second switching position shown in FIG. 7, in the case of which third outlet valve connection 72.3 is connected to first outlet valve connection 72.1 so that return line 67 is connected to first pneumatic control line 56. A pneumatic self-retention of first 3/2-way valve 14 can also be achieved in this manner.

[0092] While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope and fair meaning of the accompanying claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS (PART OF THE DESCRIPTION)

[0093] 1 Electropneumatic parking brake module

[0094] 2 Supply connection

[0095] 3 Compressed air supply

[0096] 4 Spring-type actuator connection

[0097] 5 Vent

[0098] 6 Spring brake cylinder

[0099] 10 Inlet-outlet valve unit

[0100] 12 Electropneumatic pilot control unit

[0101] 14 First 3/2-way valve

[0102] 14.1 Inlet connection of the first 3/2-way valve

[0103] 14.2 Working connection of the first 3/2-way valve

[0104] 14.3 Ventilating connection of the first 3/2-way valve

[0105] 14.4 First control input of the first 3/2-way valve

[0106] 16 2/2-way check valve

[0107] 16.1 First check valve connection

[0108] 16.2 Second check valve connection

[0109] 16.3 Second control input

[0110] 18 Non-return valve

[0111] 20 Second 3/2-way valve

[0112] 21 Bistable valve

[0113] 21.1 First bistable valve connection

[0114] 21.2 Second bistable valve connection

[0115] 21.3 Third bistable valve connection

[0116] 22 Third 3/2-way valve

[0117] 22.1 Inlet connection of the third 3/2-way valve

[0118] 22.2 Working connection of the third 3/2-way valve

[0119] 22.3 Ventilating connection of the third 3/2-way valve

[0120] 30 Trailer control valve connection

[0121] 32 Trailer valve

[0122] 34 Fourth 3/2-way valve

[0123] 34.1 First trailer valve connection

[0124] 34.2 Second trailer valve connection

[0125] 34.3 Third trailer valve connection

[0126] 36 Branch line

[0127] 38 Spring brake pressure line

[0128] 40 Electronic connection

[0129] 50 First pneumatic line

[0130] 52 Second pneumatic line

[0131] 54 Third pneumatic line

[0132] 56 First pneumatic control line

[0133] 58 Third pneumatic line

[0134] 60 Second pneumatic control line

[0135] 62 Fourth pneumatic line

[0136] 65 Monostable inlet-outlet valve combination

[0137] 67 Return line

[0138] 68 Throttle

[0139] 70 Inlet valve

[0140] 70.1 First inlet valve connection

[0141] 70.2 Second inlet valve connection

[0142] 70.3 Third inlet valve connection

[0143] 72 Outlet valve

[0144] 72.1 First outlet valve connection

[0145] 72.2 Second outlet valve connection

[0146] 72.3 Third outlet valve connection

[0147] 74 2/2-way inlet valve

[0148] 76 2/2-way outlet valve

[0149] 78 3/2-way inlet valve

[0150] 80 3/2-way outlet valve

[0151] ECU Electronic control unit

[0152] pA Trailer control pressure

[0153] pV Supply pressure

[0154] pVS Pressure output by the first 3/2-way valve

[0155] pF Spring brake pressure

[0156] p1 First control pressure

[0157] p2 Second control pressure

[0158] 51 First switching signal

[0159] S2 Second switching signal

[0160] S3 Third switching signal

[0161] S4 Fourth switching signal

[0162] S5 Fifth switching signal

[0163] SD Pressure signal

[0164] TCV Trailer control valve