Hand brake valve, pneumatic braking system, vehicle, method of assembling a hand brake valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a hand brake valve (100) for actuating a parking brake (700) and / or an auxiliary brake (702) of a vehicle (1000), in particular a commercial vehicle (1002), and to a method of assembling a hand brake valve (100). The hand brake valve (100) comprises a valve cartridge (120) comprising a cartridge locking feature (126), wherein the valve cartridge (120) is adapted to house a valve piston arrangement (180) having a valve piston (182) and a valve seat element (136), wherein the valve seat element (136) is movable in an axial movement (MA) along a valve axis (AV) against a valve stop (124) of the valve cartridge (120). According to the invention, the hand brake valve (100) further comprises a valve guide element (140) having a guide body (146) adapted to limit the axial movement (MA) of the valve seat element (136), wherein the valve guide element (140) comprises at least one guide locking feature (142) adapted to form a positive lock (PL) with the cartridge locking feature (126), wherein the positive lock (PL) is established by a locking movement (ML) of the valve guide element (140) into a locked position (LOP), and the hand brake valve (100) comprises at least one snap lock element (144) adapted to fix the valve guide element (140) in the locked position (LOP).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand brake valve for actuating a parking brake and / or an auxiliary brake of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising a valve barrel comprising a barrel locking feature, wherein the valve barrel is adapted to accommodate a valve piston arrangement with a valve piston and a valve seat element, wherein the valve seat element is movable in axial movement along a valve axis against a valve stop of the valve barrel. BACKGROUND

[0002] Hand brake valves are generally known. Hand brake valves of the known type are typically used with one or more spring brake actuators of an auxiliary brake system and a parking brake system. The valve piston of the hand brake valve is actuated by a cam connected to a handle, wherein the actuation causes the spring compression chamber of the at least one spring brake actuator to be emptied. This in turn causes the extension of the parking brake spring of the spring brake actuator, which results in the braking of the vehicle.

[0003] There is still room for improvement in the hand brake valves with respect to the ease of assembly and repair. Furthermore, it is generally desirable to allow the hand brake valve to be constructed and manufactured economically.

[0004] It is therefore desirable to address at least one of the above-mentioned problems. There is still room for improvement in the conventional hand brake valves with respect to the assembly and repair as well as the construction and manufacturing. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a hand brake valve is presented.

[0006] In particular, a hand brake valve for actuating a parking brake and / or an auxiliary brake of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising a valve barrel comprising a barrel locking feature, wherein the valve barrel is adapted to accommodate a valve piston arrangement with a valve piston and a valve seat element, wherein the valve seat element is movable in axial movement along a valve axis against a valve stop of the valve barrel.

[0007] According to the invention, the hand brake valve comprises a valve guide element having a guide body, in particular an annular guide body, which is adapted to limit the axial movement of the valve seat element, wherein the valve guide element comprises at least one guide locking feature which is adapted to form a form lock with the barrel locking feature, wherein the form lock is established by a locking movement of the valve guide element into a locked position, and the hand brake valve comprises at least one snap lock element which is adapted to fix the valve guide element in the locked position.

[0008] The present invention is based on the finding that, although it is required that the valve piston arrangement has to be reliably mounted in the valve barrel and / or valve housing, it is desirable to allow for a relatively easy assembly and disassembly of the valve piston arrangement. Certain conventional hand brake valves can rely on threaded fixing elements which are relatively large and thus heavy and, due to their geometry, are often limited to a certain type of valve. Furthermore, due to the relatively long axial way of inserting such fixing elements into the valve barrel and / or housing, in particular by screwing, a relatively large effort and a long time is required for assembling and disassembling the valve during manufacturing or service. Other solutions for fixing the valve piston arrangement, such as a combination of a washer and a circlip or a lock ring, also require a relatively large effort and time for assembly.

[0009] By applying a valve guide element with a ring-shaped guide body comprising at least one guide locking feature, the valve guide element can be reliably fixed to the valve barrel, allowing for an efficient limitation of the axial movement of the valve seat element. By the guide locking feature, a form lock can be established between the valve guide element and the valve barrel. By a locking movement of the valve guide element into a locking position, the at least one guide locking feature each engages with one corresponding barrel locking feature, resulting in a form lock, inhibiting any axial movement of the valve guide element. In contrast to threaded fixing elements which can have to be rotated several turns, the locking movement of the valve guide element is relatively short, such as only a rotational movement of approximately 60°, thus requiring less time and effort. By a snap lock element which is engaged in the locking position of the valve guide element, the form lock can be reliably fixed. Furthermore, due to the snap lock element, the form lock is re-releasable.

[0010] Furthermore, the valve guide element of the proposed type can be relatively easily adapted to different valve and / or valve barrel geometries, as it comprises a relatively simple mechanical interface in the form of the guide locking feature and the barrel locking feature.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a pneumatic brake system for a vehicle is proposed, comprising a parking brake and / or auxiliary brake, at least one spring brake actuator and a hand brake valve according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising a pneumatic brake system according to the second aspect of the present invention is proposed.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling a hand brake valve according to the first aspect of the present invention is proposed, comprising the steps of: - inserting the valve guide element into the valve barrel in an insertion movement, - establishing a form lock between the guide locking feature of the valve guide element and the barrel locking feature of the valve barrel in a locking movement, - fixing the form lock by engaging a snap lock element in the locking position of the valve guide element.

[0014] Another embodiment of the method further comprises the following steps: - releasing the form-locked fixation by a disengaging movement of the snap-lock element, - releasing the form-locking by a releasing movement of the valve guide element opposite to the locking movement, - extracting the valve guide element by an extracting movement of the valve guide element opposite to the inserting movement.

[0015] The pneumatic brake system according to the second aspect of the present application, the vehicle according to the third aspect of the present application and the method of assembling a hand brake valve according to the fourth aspect of the present application particularly benefit from the advantages of the hand brake valve according to the first aspect of the present application. In particular, the method of assembling a hand brake valve is improved due to the characteristic features of the hand brake valve according to the first aspect of the present application.

[0016] Further embodiments of the present application can be found in the present application.

[0017] The embodiment suggests that the valve guide element comprises three guide locking features. The number of three guide locking features, which are particularly arranged at equal distances from each other along and / or around a circumference of the valve guide element, provides sufficient mechanical stability while still allowing for a lower component complexity and thus leading to a relatively low manufacturing cost.

[0018] According to another embodiment, it is suggested that the valve guide element comprises at least one snap-lock element. In particular, the at least one snap-lock element is part of the valve guide element. In said embodiment, the complexity of the valve cartridge can be kept low, as the one or more snap-lock elements are part of the valve guide element.

[0019] In particular, the snap-lock element is attached to the guide locking feature. In particular, the snap-lock element extends in a tangential direction from the guide locking feature, in particular such that a snap-leg is attached to the guide locking feature and on the opposite side of the snap-leg a snap-hook is attached to the snap-leg. In particular, all guide locking features are each attached with one snap-lock element.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the valve cartridge comprises at least one snap-lock element. In said embodiment, the complexity of the valve guide element can be kept low, as the one or more snap-lock elements are part of the valve cartridge.

[0021] The embodiment suggests that the snap-lock element comprises a snap-leg and a snap-hook, wherein the snap-leg is elastically deformable, in particular allowing for a displacement of the snap-hook during the locking movement. Such a snap-lock element comprising a snap-leg and a snap-hook is a simple and effective means to realize a snap-lock for fixing the valve guide element in its locked position.

[0022] In particular, the locking movement is a rotational movement around the valve axis. The rotational movement as locking movement is particularly advantageous for circular valve and / or valve cartridge geometries which are primarily rotationally symmetric.

[0023] In another embodiment, the guiding locking feature is a protrusion, in particular a rectangular rib, radially extending from the annular guiding body. Such a protrusion provides sufficient stability for the stationary valve guiding element and can also be manufactured by known methods, such as injection molding.

[0024] According to another embodiment, it is proposed that the cartridge locking feature comprises a cartridge protrusion radially extending from the inner cartridge wall into the inner cartridge space of the valve cartridge. Such a cartridge protrusion is adapted to engage with the guiding locking feature of the snap-lock element and / or the valve guiding element. The valve cartridge-like protrusion can be manufactured by known methods, such as injection molding.

[0025] In an embodiment, the one or more cartridge locking features, in particular the cartridge protrusion, can also comprise a cartridge locking shoulder. The cartridge locking shoulder is a further radial extension into the inner cartridge space of the valve cartridge. The cartridge locking shoulder is in particular located at the bottom end of the cartridge locking feature. The cartridge locking shoulder advantageously increases the contact area of the guiding locking feature and / or the snap-lock element with the cartridge locking feature and thus increases the stability of the form lock.

[0026] According to another embodiment, it is proposed that the guiding locking feature or the cartridge locking feature comprises a tangential stop portion adapted to lock the locking movement by contacting the cartridge locking feature and an axial holding portion adapted to fill an axial gap of the cartridge locking feature and to lock the movement of the valve guiding element in the direction of the valve axis.

[0027] The axial holding portion ensures a stable form lock, thus ensuring a reliable fixation of the valve guiding element in the valve cartridge, while the tangential stop portion ensures a stop of the locking movement when reaching the locked position of the valve guiding element.

[0028] In another embodiment, the axial holding portion and / or the tangential stop portion comprises a ramp section. The ramp section improves the usability of the valve guiding element, as it facilitates the locking movement, in particular the entering of the axial holding portion into the axial gap. Furthermore, the ramp section advantageously leads to a gradual strengthening of the form lock during the locking movement.

[0029] It is proposed by an embodiment that the outer valve guiding diameter of the valve guiding element is equal to or slightly smaller than the cartridge space diameter of the valve cartridge, in particular that a clearance fit is established between the valve guiding element and the valve cartridge. With regard to the definition of a clearance fit, reference is made to the ISO norm, in particular ISO 286. On the one hand, a suitable clearance fit should allow for sufficient clearance for the insertion movement and / or the locking movement of the valve guiding element, but on the other hand should limit the radial clearance to allow for a reliable fixation of the valve guiding element and thus for an accurate guiding of the valve seat element.

[0030] It is proposed by an embodiment that the valve guiding element is adapted to hold the valve cartridge in its locked position without any radial clearance, in particular that all guiding locking features contact the inner cartridge wall of the valve cartridge.

[0031] In another embodiment, the valve guide element comprises at least one radial ramp section. In particular, the radial ramp section is adapted to engage with a corresponding radial fixation feature of the valve barrel by contacting said radial fixation feature and pressing against it during the locking movement, in particular when the valve guide element is in its locked position.

[0032] It is suggested by the embodiment that the valve guide element further comprises at least one spacer protrusion extending from the annular guide body defining the guide core diameter. Alternatively or additionally, the valve guide element can further comprise an annular web. Such a spacer protrusion and / or annular web can increase the stability of the valve guide element and further define the guide core diameter on its outer circumferential boundary. For the valve barrel, another inner barrel diameter can be defined by the inner radial boundary of the barrel locking feature and / or the barrel locking shoulder. Together, the guide core diameter and the inner barrel diameter can establish a clearance fit, such that the valve guide element can be moved, in particular rotated, when inserted into the valve barrel. Thus, the spacer protrusion and / or annular web allow for an insertion movement and / or a locking movement of the guiding valve guide element.

[0033] In another embodiment, the valve guide element is composed of a thermoplastic material, in particular a polyamide or a glass-filled polyamide. Thermoplastic materials and in particular polyamides are preferred materials for the valve guide element, in particular for the snap-lock element, as they are relatively inexpensive, lightweight and have desirable mechanical properties such as strength, stiffness, creep strength and dimensional stability, while also allowing for elastic behavior.

[0034] Glass-filled polyamides also have the feature of being reinforced with glass fibers, which further improves the mechanical properties of the valve guide element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] Various aspects of the disclosure can be best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity and focus on essential aspects of the present disclosure. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in different drawings / tables to refer to the same or similar elements. Individual features of each aspect can each be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features, and / or technical effects are readily apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims, and will be described in further detail below.

[0036] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a segment of a hand brake valve 100 according to the present concept,

[0037] Figure 2 is a valve guide element 140 with three guide locking features 142,

[0038] Fig. 3 is a top view of the valve guiding element 140 mounted in its locked position LOP in the valve barrel 120,

[0039] Fig. 4A is a side sectional view of the valve barrel 120 with the valve guiding element 140,

[0040] Fig. 4B is a side sectional view of the valve barrel 120,

[0041] Figs. 5A-5D are schematic views of different stages during insertion and locking of the valve guiding element 140 shown in a tangential drawing plane XX, wherein the drawing plane XX is shown in Figure 2

[0042] Fig. 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment, wherein the barrel locking feature 126’ comprises a snap-lock element 142’,

[0043] Fig. 7A is a schematic view of another embodiment with a bevel section 164,

[0044] Fig. 7B is a schematic view of another embodiment of the valve guiding element with a radial bevel section 166, and

[0045] Figure 8 is a vehicle 1000 in the form of a commercial vehicle 1002 comprising a pneumatic brake system 600 with a hand brake valve 100 according to the concept of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a segment of a hand brake valve 100 according to the concept of the present application is shown. A valve barrel 120 is shown, which comprises an upper barrel seal 302 and a lower barrel seal 304, each located on the outer circumference of the valve barrel 120. The valve barrel 120 mainly consists of a hollow cylindrical section and is adapted to accommodate a valve piston arrangement 180 in an inner barrel space 129. The valve piston arrangement 180 comprises a valve piston 182 and a valve seat element 136, wherein both the valve piston 182 and the valve seat element 136 are movable relative to each other in axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the valve axis AV. The valve piston arrangement 180 further comprises an outlet pipe 306, which extends through a barrel orifice 308 at the lower end face of the valve barrel 120. In particular, the valve seat element 136 is axially movable relative to the valve barrel 120. The components of the valve piston arrangement 180 are in principle arranged coaxially with respect to the valve axis AV. In addition to limiting the axial movement MA of the valve seat element 136, the valve guiding element 140 serves as a guide for the axial movement MA of the valve seat element 136. The valve guiding element 140 comprises an annular guiding body 146 with a cylindrical guiding bore 149, the inner diameter of which corresponds to, in particular is slightly larger than, the outer diameter of the contact portion of the valve seat element 136 to allow a guided relative axial movement MA of the valve seat element 136. ​

[0047] During the mounted state of the valve guide element 140, when the valve guide element 140 is in its locked position LOP, the axial movement MA of the valve seat element 136 is limited on a first side by the valve guide element 140 and on an opposite second side by the valve stop 124. The valve stop 124 is ring-shaped and extends radially into the cylinder bore 308. Also, depending on the position of the valve piston 182, the axial movement MA of the valve seat element 136 can be further limited by the outlet pipe 306. A valve seat seal 310 is arranged in an annular gap between the valve cylinder 120 and the valve seat element 136 for pneumatically sealing said annular gap while still allowing axial movability of the valve seat element 136.

[0048] During assembly, before the valve guide element 140 is inserted into the inner cylinder space 129 in an insertion movement IM along the valve axis AV, the valve seat element 136 is inserted into the valve cylinder before reaching an insertion position IP at the cylinder bottom 125 of the valve cylinder 120.

[0049] Figure 2 A top view of the valve guide element 140 is shown after the valve guide element 140 has been moved from its insertion position IP to the locked position LOP in a locking movement ML. The valve guide element 140 comprises three guide locking features 142, wherein each guide locking feature 142 comprises a snap lock element 144. Accordingly, the valve cylinder 120 comprises three corresponding cylinder locking features 126. According to the concept of the present application, two locking features 142, 126 are adapted to engage with each other to form a positive lock PL in order to mount the valve piston arrangement 180, in particular the valve seat element 136 (not shown here). Here, the locking movement ML is a rotational movement MR around the valve axis AV of about 60°. In said locked position LOP, each snap lock element 144 engages with its corresponding cylinder locking feature 126 by a snap, i.e. reaches behind the cylinder locking feature 126 in tangential direction.

[0050] By this locking engagement of the snap lock elements 144, the valve guide element 140 is fixed in its locked position LOP, preventing any unintentional rotational movement MR, which might otherwise be caused by e.g. force and / or pressure variations during hand brake valve operation.

[0051] The valve cartridge 120 of the illustrated embodiment comprises three cartridge locking features 126, wherein each cartridge locking feature 126 is formed as a cartridge protrusion 127 extending from the inner cartridge wall 128 into the inner cartridge space 129. With regard to axial extension of the cartridge locking features 126, each cartridge locking feature 126 does not extend completely to the cartridge bottom 125, but rather terminates at a bottom end 132 of the cartridge locking feature 126 at a distance from the cartridge bottom 125, thereby creating an axial gap 162 between the cartridge bottom 125 and the cartridge locking feature 126. The axial gap 162 accommodates the valve guide element 140 in its locked position LOP, in particular the axial retaining portion 158 and the snap leg 152 of the guide locking feature.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, each cartridge locking feature 126 further comprises a cartridge locking shoulder 130, which is a further partial extension of the cartridge locking feature 126 further into the inner radial direction into the inner cartridge space 129. The cartridge locking shoulder 130 is located at the bottom end 132 of the cartridge locking feature 126. The cartridge locking shoulder 130 in particular extends radially into the inner cartridge space 129, such that the cartridge locking shoulders 130 together form an inner cartridge diameter 202, which is equal or slightly larger than the guide core diameter 204 to allow for the insertion movement MI and / or the locking movement ML of the valve guide element 140. The cartridge locking shoulder 130 advantageously increases the radial area in contact with the axial retaining portion 158, thereby increasing the stability of the shape lock PL. The cartridge locking shoulder 130 further contributes to reliably fix the valve guide element 140 in its locked position LOP, since - due to the increased radial extension of the cartridge locking feature 126 by the cartridge locking shoulder 130 - it is less likely that the snap lock element 144 accidentally bends inward, which would result in a release of the snap lock.

[0053] Each guide locking feature 142 comprises a tangential stop portion 160 and an adjacent axial retaining portion 158. The axial retaining portion 158 is adapted to fill the axial gap 162 of the cartridge locking feature 126, in particular the axial gap 162 between the cartridge locking feature 126 and the cartridge bottom 125, thereby inhibiting any axial movement of the valve guide element 140 and forming the shape lock PL in the locked position LOP.

[0054] Figure 3 shows a detailed perspective view of the valve guide element 140. The valve guide element 140 comprises an annular guide body 146 and three guide locking features 142 radially extending from the annular guide body 146. Each guide locking feature 142 is arranged at an equal distance around the circumference of the annular guide body 146. Each guide locking feature 142 has a snap lock element 144 attached thereto, wherein each snap lock element 144 comprises a snap leg 152 and a snap hook 154. The snap leg 152 extends from the guide locking feature 142 in tangential direction, in particular at an equal distance to the valve axis AV. The material properties of the snap leg 152 allow an elastic deformation during the locking movement ML. During the locking movement ML, once the valve guide element 140 has reached its locked position LOP, the snap hook 154 is temporarily pushed downwards by the cartridge locking feature 126 before the fast return.

[0055] In other embodiments, the number of snap lock elements 144 is less than the number of guide locking features 142. For example, the valve guide element can comprise three guide locking features 142, but only one snap lock element 144, which is attached to one of the three guide locking features 142. One snap lock element 144 can be sufficient to fix the valve guide element 140 in its locked position LOP.

[0056] The valve guide element 140 can further comprise one or more spacer protrusions 170, for example six spacer protrusions 170, wherein each spacer protrusion 170 radially extends from the annular guide body 146. Furthermore, the valve guide element can further comprise an annular web 172, which also radially extends from the annular guide body 146, in particular around the entire circumference of the annular guide body 146. The spacer protrusions 170 as well as the annular web 172 define a guide core diameter 204. The spacer protrusions 170 advantageously increase the stability of the valve guide element 140 while reducing the weight.

[0057] Each guide locking feature 142 comprises a tangential stop portion 160 and an adjacent axial retention portion 158. The tangential stop portion 160 serves as a stop limiting the locking movement ML, in particular after the snap hook 154 has engaged with the cartridge locking feature 126 (not shown) of the valve cartridge 120. Thus, the distance between the snap hook 154 and the tangential stop portion 160 is preferably equal or slightly larger than the tangential extension of the cartridge locking feature 126.

[0058] The snap legs 152 connecting the snap hooks 154 to the guide locking features 142 shown in Figure 3 are not visible in Figure 2 because they are covered by the cartridge locking feature 126 and the cartridge locking shoulder 130.

[0059] Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the valve cylinder 120 together with the valve guide element 140 after its insertion movement MI. In the state shown, the valve guide element 140 has been moved in an axial movement MD down to the cylinder bottom 125.

[0060] Figure 4B shows a further illustration of the valve cylinder 120 before the insertion of the valve guide element 140. In comparison to Figure 4A, the cylinder locking shoulder is visible, as it is not covered by the valve guide element 140.

[0061] Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D show different stages of the insertion and locking process of the valve guide element 140 in the drawing plane XX, respectively, in a schematic view, wherein the drawing plane XX is shown in Figure 2

[0062] In Figure 5A, the guide locking features 142 and their attached snap-lock elements 144 are shown in detail, while the valve guide element 140 (here not shown in its entirety) is moved in an insertion movement MI down to the cylinder bottom 125 to its insertion position IP.

[0063] In Figure 5B, the valve guide element 140 is moved in a locking movement ML, which here is a rotational movement MR. In said locking movement ML, each guide locking feature 142 is moved towards its corresponding cylinder locking feature 126.

[0064] In Figure 5C, the locking movement ML is further advanced, so that the snap hook 154 together with the main portion of the snap leg 152 has entered the axial gap 162. The axial gap 162 is formed between the upper cylinder locking feature 126 (in optional embodiments together with the cylinder locking shoulder 130) and the lower cylinder bottom 125.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the snap leg 152 or the snap hook element 144 or the complete valve guide element 140 is composed of a technical thermoplastic material 220, for example a polyamide 222, such as a glass-filled polyamide 224. Due to the corresponding material properties, the snap leg 152 is adapted to elastically deform during the locking movement ML in order to fit the snap hook 152 through the axial gap 162 before the original shape of the snap leg 152 is restored when the valve guide element 140 reaches its locking position LOP, as shown in Figure 5D.

[0066] ​Fig. 5D also shows the shape lock PL between the cartridge lock feature 126 (and / or the cartridge lock shoulder 130) and the axial holding portion 158 of the guide lock feature 142 as a shape lock component PL1, and the shape lock PL between the axial holding portion 158 (and / or the other portion of the guide lock feature 142 which is integrally connected) and the cartridge bottom 125 as a second shape lock component PL2. The first shape lock component PL1 and the second shape lock component PL2 together form the shape lock PL. In other words, by locking the guide lock feature 142 with the cartridge lock feature 126, in particular between the cartridge lock feature 126 and the cartridge bottom 125, any axial movement of the valve guide element 140 is reliably inhibited. Still further, by the locking between the snap lock element 144 and the cartridge lock feature 126, the valve guide element 140 is reliably fixed in the locked position LOP, and thus the shape lock PL is reliably fixed as well.

[0067] For dismounting the valve guide element 140, the above described steps can in principle be performed in reverse order. First, the snap lock element 144 needs to be disengaged in a disengaging movement MD, in particular by pressing down the snap hook 154 as shown in Fig. 5D. Subsequently, the valve guide element 140 can be moved in a releasing movement MRL, which is opposite to the locking movement ML. By the releasing movement MRL, which is also a rotational movement MR, the shape lock PL can be released, as shown in Fig. 5C and Fig. 5B. As a last important step for dismounting the valve guide element 140, the valve guide element 140 can be extracted from the valve cartridge 120 in an extracting movement ME, as shown in Fig. 5A.

[0068] Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the present application, wherein the cartridge lock feature 126' comprises a snap lock element 144'. Thus, when the guide lock feature 142' (which thus does not comprise a snap lock element) is moved in a locking movement ML towards the (fixed) cartridge lock feature 126', the snap leg 152' elastically deforms and thus quickly returns after reaching the shape lock PL in the locked position LOP (not shown here). Within the scope of the present application, also a mix of the embodiments shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is possible; for example, a rigid snap hook can be arranged on the cartridge lock feature, wherein a snap leg or similar elastically deformable member is arranged on the guide lock feature. The order can also be reversed, such that the cartridge lock feature comprises a snap leg or similar elastic member, and the guide lock feature comprises a rigid snap hook.

[0069] Figure 7A shows an alternative embodiment of the guiding locking feature 142” featuring that the axial holding portion 158 comprises a bevel section 164. Such a bevel section 164 can be applied in all of the shown embodiments. The bevel section 164 advantageously improves the insertion process, as the bevel section 164 facilitates the sliding of the axial holding portion 158 into the axial gap 162. Additionally or alternatively, such a bevel section 164 can also be arranged in other regions of the valve guiding element 140, for example at the snap leg 152, in particular in the region of the snap leg 152 adjacent to the axial holding portion 158. The bevel section 164 further leads to an incremental increase of the positive locking PL, as the axial gap 162 is gradually filled by the axial holding portion 158 and / or the snap leg 152 during the locking movement ML.

[0070] Figure 7B shows another embodiment of the valve guiding element comprising radial bevel sections 166. Such radial bevel sections are integrally attached as radial extensions of the guiding locking feature 142””, while their radial thickness decreases in tangential direction towards the snap lock element 144. The radial bevel sections 166, in particular by gradually engaging corresponding radial fixation features 168 during the locking movement ML, are adapted to gradually reduce the radial gap between the valve guiding element 140 and the valve barrel 120 during the locking movement ML to allow a reliable fixation and precise positioning of the valve guiding element 140. In particular, the clearance fit between the valve guiding element 140 and the valve barrel 120 can be transformed into a press fit during the locking movement, by a gradual increase of the outer valve guiding diameter. This is because each radial bevel section 166 of the valve guiding element 140 gradually presses against each radial fixation feature 168 during the locking movement, when reaching the locked position LOP, firmly holding the valve guiding element 140. In particular, the radial fixation features 168 can be arranged in the axial gap 162, in particular formed as protrusions extending radially inward into the axial gap 162, such that the valve guiding element 140 is fully engaged with the radial bevel sections 166 when it is in its locked position LOP. In other embodiments, the order of the radial bevel sections 166 and the radial fixation features 168 can be reversed, such that the radial bevel sections are arranged on the side of the valve element and the radial fixation features 168 are arranged on the valve guiding element 140, in particular as extensions of the guiding locking feature 142””. In other embodiments, a first radial bevel section can be arranged on the side of the valve element and a second radial bevel section can be arranged on the side of the valve barrel, while both bevel sections have a decreasing thickness towards each other to engage with each other in the locking movement ML.

[0071] Figure 8A vehicle 1000 in the form of a commercial vehicle 1002 is shown, the vehicle 1000 comprising a pneumatic brake system 600 with a hand brake valve 100 according to the inventive concept. The vehicle 1000 comprises four wheels 730, of which two wheels are shown in Figure 8 The disc brake 720 is assigned to each wheel 800. Each disc brake 720 can be actuated by a spring brake actuator 710.

[0072] The pneumatic brake system 600 comprises a parking brake 700 and / or an auxiliary brake 702 and a hand brake valve 100 according to the inventive concept. By means of the hand brake valve 100, the spring brake actuator 710 can be actuated in order to selectively engage or disengage with the parking brake 700 and / or the auxiliary brake 702. The hand brake valve 100 is adapted to actuate the spring brake actuator 710 by providing pressurized air P from the air supply unit 610 to the spring brake actuator 710 or by evacuating the spring compression chamber (not shown) of the spring brake actuator 710. In Figure 8 Further components of the pneumatic brake system 600, such as a service brake circuit, are not shown in

[0073] List of reference signs

[0074] 100 hand brake valve

[0075] 120 valve cylinder

[0076] 124 valve stop

[0077] 125 cylinder bottom

[0078] 126, 126' cylinder locking feature

[0079] 127 cylinder protrusion

[0080] 128 inner cylinder wall

[0081] 129 inner cylinder space

[0082] 130 cylinder locking shoulder

[0083] 132 bottom end of cylinder locking feature

[0084] 136 valve seat element

[0085] 140 valve guide element

[0086] 142, 142', 142", 142"' guide locking feature

[0087] 144, 144' snap lock element

[0088] 146 annular guide body

[0089] 148 protrusion

[0090] 149 guide hole

[0091] 150 rectangular rib

[0092] 152, 152' snap leg

[0093] 154 snap hook

[0094] 158 axial retention portion

[0095] 160 tangential stop portion

[0096] 162 axial clearance between cartridge bottom and cartridge locking feature

[0097] 164 ramped section

[0098] 166 radial ramped section

[0099] 168 radial fixation feature

[0100] 170 spacer protrusion

[0101] 172 annular web

[0102] 180 valve piston arrangement

[0103] 182 valve piston

[0104] 202 inner cartridge diameter

[0105] 204 guide core diameter

[0106] 206 outer valve guide diameter

[0107] 208 cartridge space diameter

[0108] 220 technical thermoplastic material

[0109] 222 polyamide

[0110] 224 glass-filled polyamide

[0111] 302 upper cartridge seal

[0112] 304 lower cartridge seal

[0113] 306 outlet tube

[0114] 308 cartridge orifice

[0115] 310 valve seat seal

[0116] 600 pneumatic brake system

[0117] 610 air supply unit

[0118] 700 parking brake

[0119] 702 auxiliary brake

[0120] 710 spring brake actuator

[0121] 720 disc brake

[0122] 730 wheel

[0123] 1000 vehicle

[0124] 1002 commercial vehicle

[0125] AV valve axis

[0126] FC gap fit

[0127] IP insertion position

[0128] LOP lock position

[0129] MA axial movement

[0130] MD disengagement movement

[0131] ME extraction movement

[0132] MI insertion movement

[0133] ML lock movement

[0134] MR rotational movement

[0135] MRL release movement

[0136] PL form lock

[0137] XX drawing plane

Claims

1. A hand brake valve (100) for actuating a parking brake (700) and / or an auxiliary brake (702) of a vehicle (1000), comprising: - a valve cartridge (120) comprising a cartridge locking feature, wherein the valve cartridge (120) is adapted to house a valve piston arrangement (180) having a valve piston (182) and a valve seat element (136), wherein - the valve seat element (136) is movable in axial movement (MA) along a valve axis (AV) against a valve stop (124) of the valve cartridge (120), characterized in that - a valve guide element (140) having a guide body (146) is adapted to limit the axial movement (MA) of the valve seat element (136), wherein - the valve guide element (140) comprises at least one guide locking feature (142) adapted to form a positive lock (PL) with the cartridge locking feature, wherein - the positive lock (PL) is established by a locking movement (ML) of the valve guide element (140) into a locked position (LOP), and - the hand brake valve (100) comprises at least one snap lock element (144) adapted to fix the valve guide element (140) in the locked position (LOP).

2. The hand brake valve (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one snap lock element (144) is part of the valve guide element (140).

3. Hand brake valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The snap lock element (144) comprises a snap leg (152) and a snap hook (154), wherein the snap leg (152) is elastically deformable.

4. The hand brake valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the locking movement (ML) is a rotational movement (MR) around the valve axis (AV).

5. Hand brake valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The guide locking feature (142) is a protrusion (148) radially extending from an annular guide body (146).

6. The hand brake valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cartridge locking feature comprises a cartridge protrusion (127) radially extending from an inner cartridge wall (128) into an inner cartridge space (129) of the valve cartridge (120).

7. Hand brake valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The guide locking feature (142) or the cartridge locking feature comprises: - a tangential stop portion (160) adapted to lock the locking movement (ML) by contacting the cartridge locking feature, and - an axial holding portion (158) adapted to fill an axial gap (162) of the cartridge locking feature and to lock a movement of the valve guide element (140) in direction of the valve axis (AV).

8. The manual brake valve (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that The axial holding portion (158) and / or the tangential stop portion (160) comprises a ramp section (164).

9. Hand brake valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that An outer valve guide diameter (206) of the valve guide element (140) is equal or slightly smaller than a cartridge space diameter (208) of the valve cartridge (120) such that a clearance fit (FC) is established between the valve guide element (140) and the valve cartridge (120).

10. The hand brake valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The valve guide element (140) further comprises at least one spacing protrusion (170) extending from the annular guide body (146), the at least one spacing protrusion (170) defining a guide core diameter (204).

11. Hand brake valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The valve guide element (140) is composed of a thermoplastic material (220).

12. The manual brake valve (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that The snap leg (152) is elastically deformable to allow displacement of the snap hook (154) during the locking movement (ML).

13. The manual brake valve (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that The protrusion (148) is a rectangular rib.

14. The manual brake valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The valve guide element (140) is composed of a polyamide (222) or a glass-filled polyamide (224).

15. The manual brake valve (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The vehicle is a commercial vehicle.

16. A pneumatic brake system (600) for a vehicle (1000), comprising: - a parking brake (700) and / or an auxiliary brake (702), - at least one spring brake actuator (710), and - a hand brake valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A vehicle (1000) comprising a pneumatic brake system (600) according to claim 16.

18. The vehicle (1000) according to claim 17, characterized by The vehicle is a commercial vehicle.

19. A method of assembling a hand brake valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising the steps of: - inserting a valve guide element (140) into a valve barrel (120) in an insertion movement (MI), - establishing a positive lock (PL) between a guide lock feature (142) of the valve guide element (140) and a barrel lock feature of the valve barrel (120) in a locking movement (ML), - securing the positive lock (PL) by engaging a snap lock element (144) in a locking position (LOP) of the valve guide element (140).

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the steps of: - releasing the securing of the positive lock (PL) by a disengagement movement (MD) of the snap lock element (144), - releasing the positive lock (PL) by a release movement (MRL) of the valve guide element (140) opposite to the locking movement (ML), - extracting the valve guide element (140) by an extraction movement (ME) of the valve guide element (140) opposite to the insertion movement (MI).

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