Control hand valve assembly and commercial vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of control hand valve assemblies for commercial vehicle, the control hand valve assembly (1) includes: valve assembly (2), the valve assembly has air inlet (P1), first air outlet (P21), second air outlet (P22) and exhaust port (P3);And operating assembly (3), operating assembly includes operating lever (4) and support shell (5), operating lever (4) is rotatably arranged on support shell (5), the valve assembly (2) is connected with operating assembly (3) action, wherein, the operating lever (4) has driving position (A), trailer brake position (B), release brake position (C), parking position (D) and check position (E), wherein, the driving position (A), trailer brake position (B), release brake position (C), parking position (D) and check position (E) are sequentially arranged along the same rotation direction of operating lever (4).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a control hand valve assembly and a commercial vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Towed vehicles include a powered towing vehicle head and a trailer for carrying goods, which are connected through a towing seat between the towing vehicle and the trailer. In the prior art, the towed vehicle is equipped with independent parking brake hand valves and trailer brake hand valves for brake control of the towing vehicle head and the trailer in specific cases. Here, the towing vehicle brake hand valve and the trailer brake hand valve adopt a series design, the first gas outlet of the towing vehicle brake hand valve is connected with the parking relay valve, the second gas outlet of the towing vehicle brake hand valve is connected with the gas inlet of the trailer brake hand valve, and the gas outlet of the trailer brake hand valve is connected with the trailer control valve. In this design scheme, due to the independent design of the towing vehicle brake hand valve and the trailer brake hand valve, it leads to large installation structure space and high manufacturing cost.

[0003] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, CN113415263A discloses a control hand valve assembly for a vehicle, which includes a valve body having an air inlet, a first gas outlet, a second gas outlet and a third gas outlet, the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet are respectively used to connect the trailer brake system valve and the towing vehicle parking brake system valve, and the third gas outlet is used to communicate with the outside atmosphere, and a first sub-valve, a second sub-valve and a third sub-valve are arranged in the valve body. In different use positions, the communication and disconnection of the first sub-valve, the second sub-valve and the third sub-valve control the gas to be discharged from different gas outlets, so as to realize the opening and closing of the trailer brake system valve and the towing vehicle parking brake system valve by using one control hand valve.

[0004] However, the technical scheme of CN113415263A has the following problems: the trailer brake position and the parking position are in different directions from the driving position, the driver is easy to misoperate, and in serious cases, even traffic accidents can be caused; the trailer brake needs to be pressed down and then pushed forward, the operation follow-up is poor; and the brake force of the trailer brake cannot be controlled. SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, the task of the present application is to provide a control hand valve assembly for a commercial vehicle which is improved with respect to the prior art.

[0006] The task of the present application is solved by a control hand valve assembly, comprising a valve assembly having an air inlet, a first gas outlet, a second gas outlet and an exhaust outlet; and a control assembly comprising a control lever and a support housing, the control lever being rotatably arranged on the support housing, the valve assembly being in operative connection with the control assembly.

[0007] According to the application, the lever has a driving position, a trailer brake position, a brake release position, a parking position and a checking position, wherein in the driving position neither the towing vehicle nor the trailer is braked, in the trailer brake position only the trailer is braked, in the brake release position the trailer brake is released, in the parking position both the towing vehicle and the trailer are braked, and in the checking position only the towing vehicle is braked, wherein the driving position, the trailer brake position, the brake release position, the parking position and the checking position are arranged in this order in one rotary direction of the lever. According to the application, the functions of the towing vehicle brake hand valve and the trailer brake hand valve are integrated in one control hand valve assembly, which simplifies the operation for the driver and reduces the construction space and the production costs. At the same time, in this constructional solution of the control hand valve assembly according to the application, the lever can assume the driving position, the trailer brake position, the brake release position, the parking position and the checking position in this order in one rotary direction, in other words, the other working positions of the lever are in the same direction relative to the driving position, whereby the operation for the driver is simpler and the possibility of a mistake is substantially eliminated, which increases the driving safety.

[0008] According to an extension of the application, the gas inlet is connected to a gas source, the gas outlet is connected to the ambient air, the first gas outlet is connected to the towing vehicle parking brake control device, and the second gas outlet is connected to the trailer brake control device. In the driving position, the gas inlet is connected to the first and second gas outlets; in the trailer brake position, the gas inlet is connected only to the first gas outlet, while the second gas outlet is connected to the gas outlet; in the brake release position, the gas inlet is connected to the first gas outlet, while the second gas outlet is also connected to the first gas outlet; in the parking position, the first gas outlet is connected to the gas outlet, while the second gas outlet is connected to the first gas outlet; and in the checking position, the gas inlet is connected only to the second gas outlet, while the first gas outlet is connected to the gas outlet. In this way, the lever can assume the driving position, the trailer brake position, the brake release position, the parking position and the checking position in this order in one rotary direction in a simple manner.

[0009] According to an extension of the application, in the driving position, the lever is in the initial position; in the trailer brake position, the lever is rotated by a first angle range α1 relative to the initial position, wherein 0° < α1 ≤ 20°; in the brake release position, the lever is rotated by a second angle range α2 relative to the initial position, wherein α1 < α2 ≤ 40°; in the parking position, the lever is rotated by a third angle range α3 relative to the initial position, wherein α2 < α3 ≤ 75°; and in the checking position, the lever is rotated by a fourth angle range α4 relative to the initial position, wherein α3 < α4 ≤ 90°. It has proved to be particularly advantageous for the operating comfort of the driver and for the driver to place the lever in the desired working position that the above-mentioned correspondence of the working positions of the lever and the rotary angle ranges of the lever.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the application, the control lever has a first dead band between the driving position and the trailer brake position, which corresponds to a first angle range β1, wherein 3° ≤ β1 ≤ 8°; and / or a second dead band between the trailer brake position and the unbrake position, which corresponds to a second angle range β2, wherein 5° ≤ β2 ≤ 10°; and / or a third dead band between the unbrake position and the parking position, which corresponds to a third angle range β3, wherein 8° ≤ β3 ≤ 15°; and / or a fourth dead band between the parking position and the check position, which corresponds to a fourth angle range β4, wherein 10° ≤ β4 ≤ 15°; and / or a fifth dead band after the check position, which corresponds to a fifth angle range β5, wherein 5° ≤ β5 ≤ 12°. According to the application, by providing one or more of the dead bands, the reliability can be improved, the false triggering can be prevented, and the operating comfort for the driver can be further improved.

[0011] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous for simplifying the operation for the driver that the control lever can be automatically returned into the driving position when the control lever is between the driving position and the parking position, that the control lever is automatically lowered and locked in the parking position when the control lever reaches the parking position, and that the control lever can be automatically returned into the parking position when the control lever is after the parking position in the rotational direction. It is further advantageous that from the parking position, by further pressing the control lever, the locked state of the control lever can be released and the control lever is allowed to be further rotated in the rotational direction to the check position, and that from the parking position, by pulling the control lever, the locked state of the control lever can be released and the control lever is allowed to be automatically returned into the driving position.

[0012] According to an expanded aspect of the present application, the valve assembly comprises a first push rod assembly, a second push rod assembly and a third push rod assembly; the control lever comprises a first acting element, a second acting element and a third acting element, wherein the first acting element of the control lever is in action connection with the first push rod assembly of the valve assembly, the second acting element of the control lever is in action connection with the second push rod assembly of the valve assembly, and the third acting element of the control lever is in action connection with the third push rod assembly of the valve assembly. Advantageously, the first push rod assembly comprises a first cavity, a second cavity and a first switching valve; the second push rod assembly comprises a third cavity, a fourth cavity, a fifth cavity, a sixth cavity, a seventh cavity, a first sub-valve, a second sub-valve, a third sub-valve and a fourth sub-valve; the third push rod assembly comprises an eighth cavity, a ninth cavity, a tenth cavity and a second switching valve; wherein the air inlet is always in communication with the first cavity, the eighth cavity and the third cavity, the second cavity is always in communication with the fourth cavity, the air outlet is always in communication with the sixth cavity and the tenth cavity, the first sub-valve is used to control the communication state between the third cavity and the fourth cavity, the second sub-valve is used to control the communication state between the fourth cavity and the fifth cavity, the third sub-valve is used to control the communication state between the fifth cavity and the sixth cavity, the fourth sub-valve is used to control the communication state between the fourth cavity and the seventh cavity, the second outlet is in communication with the second cavity while the air inlet is isolated from the second outlet in the first switching state of the first switching valve, the air inlet is in communication with the second outlet while the second outlet is isolated from the second cavity in the second switching state of the first switching valve, the eighth cavity is in communication with the ninth cavity while the eighth cavity is isolated from the tenth cavity in the first switching state of the second switching valve, and the eighth cavity is in communication with the tenth cavity while the eighth cavity is isolated from the ninth cavity in the second switching state of the second switching valve. Thus, the control lever can be made to occupy the driving position, the trailer braking position, the unbraking position, the parking position and the checking position in sequence in one rotation direction with a simple structure.

[0013] Advantageously, in the driving position, the first switching valve is in the first switching state, the second switching valve is in the first switching state, the first sub-valve is open, the second sub-valve is closed, the third sub-valve is open, and the fourth sub-valve is closed, so that the air inlet port is communicated with the first air outlet port in turn via the first cavity, the eighth cavity and the ninth cavity, and the air inlet port is communicated with the second air outlet port in turn via the first cavity, the third cavity, the fourth cavity and the second cavity. In the trailer braking position, the first switching valve is in the first switching state, the second switching valve is in the first switching state, the first sub-valve is closed, the second sub-valve is open, the third sub-valve is open, and the fourth sub-valve is closed, so that the air inlet port is communicated with the first air outlet port in turn via the first cavity, the eighth cavity and the ninth cavity, and the second air outlet port is communicated with the air exhaust port in turn via the second cavity, the fourth cavity, the fifth cavity and the sixth cavity. In the unbraking position, the first switching valve is in the first switching state, the second switching valve is in the first switching state, the first sub-valve is closed, the second sub-valve is open, the third sub-valve is closed, and the fourth sub-valve is open, so that the air inlet port is communicated with the first air outlet port in turn via the first cavity, the eighth cavity and the ninth cavity, and the second air outlet port is communicated with the first air outlet port in turn via the second cavity, the fourth cavity, the seventh cavity and the ninth cavity. In the parking position, the first switching valve is in the first switching state, the second switching valve is in the second switching state, the first sub-valve is closed, the second sub-valve is open, the third sub-valve is closed, and the fourth sub-valve is open, so that the first air outlet port is communicated with the air exhaust port in turn via the ninth cavity and the tenth cavity, and the second air outlet port is communicated with the air exhaust port in turn via the second cavity, the fourth cavity, the seventh cavity, the ninth cavity and the tenth cavity. In the checking position, the first switching valve is in the second switching state, the second switching valve is in the second switching state, the first sub-valve is closed, the second sub-valve is open, the third sub-valve is closed, and the fourth sub-valve is open, so that the air inlet port is communicated with the second air outlet port via the first cavity, and the first air outlet port is communicated with the air exhaust port in turn via the ninth cavity and the tenth cavity.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the first push rod assembly of the control hand valve assembly, the first push rod assembly comprises a first push rod and a first housing, the first housing defines a first push rod chamber for accommodating the first push rod, the first housing comprises a first housing first section and a first housing second section, a lower free end of the first push rod is configured as a first push rod sealing section, a fixing sleeve is arranged between the first housing and the first push rod in the first push rod chamber, a first axial end of the fixing sleeve is fixed on the first housing first section, an inner peripheral surface of the fixing sleeve is in sealing contact with the first push rod sealing section, the inner peripheral surface of the fixing sleeve is flush with an inner wall of a second cavity constituted by the first housing second section, and a gap is constituted between a second axial end of the fixing sleeve and the first housing second section, the first push rod, the first housing first section and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing sleeve jointly define a first cavity, the first housing second section and the first push rod sealing section jointly define a second cavity, and the second axial end of the fixing sleeve, the first push rod sealing section and the inner wall of the second cavity jointly constitute a first switching valve.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the second push rod assembly of the control hand valve assembly according to the application, the second push rod assembly comprises a second push rod and a second housing, the second housing defining a second push rod chamber for accommodating the second push rod, the second housing comprising a second housing first section, a second housing second section and a second housing third section, a sliding sleeve being arranged in the second push rod chamber, the sliding sleeve being movably supported on the second push rod, the second housing first section and the second push rod jointly defining a third cavity, the second housing second section and an outer circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve jointly defining a fourth cavity, the second push rod and an inner circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve jointly defining a fifth cavity, the second housing third section and the inner circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve jointly defining a sixth cavity, and the second housing third section and the outer circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve jointly defining a seventh cavity.

[0016] Advantageously, the second push rod has a second push rod sealing section and a second push rod head section, the second push rod sealing section sealingly abutting against the sliding sleeve, a first axial spring and a spring seat being arranged in the third cavity, the spring seat and an upper axial end of the sliding sleeve constituting a first sub-valve, a stepped portion being constituted on the inner circumferential side of the sliding sleeve, a conical element being constituted on the second push rod adjacent to the second push rod sealing section, the stepped portion and the conical element jointly constituting a second sub-valve, a recess being constituted between the stepped portion of the sliding sleeve and a lower axial end of the sliding sleeve, the recess and an upper end surface of the second push rod head section jointly constituting a third sub-valve, a second axial spring and a sealing sleeve being arranged in the fourth cavity, the second axial spring being supported between an outer end surface of the stepped portion of the sliding sleeve and an upper axial end of the sealing sleeve, a lower axial end of the sealing sleeve being supported on the second housing, the recess of the sliding sleeve and the upper axial end of the sealing sleeve jointly constituting a fourth sub-valve.

[0017] According to a particularly advantageous extension of the application, a section of the second push rod adjacent to the second push rod head section is configured to taper towards the second push rod head section. When the second push rod assembly is shifted between the first operating position and the second operating position, the minimum clearance between the sliding sleeve and the second push rod gradually changes, and thus the gas flow from the second gas outlet via the second cavity, the fourth cavity and the sixth cavity from the exhaust hole also gradually changes. Thereby, the driver can flexibly control the size of the trailer brake force in both directions.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the third push rod assembly of the control hand valve assembly according to the application, the third push rod assembly comprises a third push rod and a third housing, the third housing defining a third push rod chamber for accommodating the third push rod, an adjustment sleeve and an annular slide being provided in the third push rod chamber, the adjustment sleeve and the annular slide being arranged coaxially to the third push rod and the annular slide being located radially between the adjustment sleeve and the third push rod, the third push rod comprising a sealing sleeve section at a first end and a hollow cylinder section at a second end, the adjustment sleeve and the annular slide jointly defining an eighth cavity, the third housing and an outer peripheral surface of the hollow cylinder section of the third push rod jointly defining a ninth cavity, and the third housing and an inner peripheral surface of the hollow cylinder section of the third push rod jointly defining a tenth cavity.

[0019] Advantageously, the adjustment sleeve comprises a sleeve element and an adjustment element, the sleeve element having a spring accommodation and being supportable on the third housing by means of a third axial spring, the adjustment element comprising a threaded section and an accommodation section, the adjustment element being screwed on the sleeve element on the peripheral side by means of the threaded section, the accommodation section defining an accommodation recess, the annular slide comprising a sleeve section and a flange section, the flange section comprising a radial inward protrusion and a radial outward protrusion, the outward protrusion abutting on an axial end side of the sleeve element facing away from the spring accommodation, a fourth axial spring being provided in the sleeve section of the annular slide, the fourth axial spring being supported between the inward protrusion and the sealing sleeve section of the third push rod, the outward protrusion of the annular slide extending into the accommodation recess of the accommodation section, the shoulder of the hollow cylinder section of the third push rod, the flange section of the annular slide and the accommodation section of the adjustment element jointly constituting a second switching valve.

[0020] Further, the application also claims a commercial vehicle, the commercial vehicle comprising a control hand valve assembly according to the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] The application is explained in detail below by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the present application, identical components or components having the same function have the same reference signs. For the sake of clarity, only some components are provided with reference signs in the drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic structure of the control hand valve assembly according to the application is shown;

[0023] Figure 2a A change in the gas pressure at the first gas outlet when the joystick is turned is shown;

[0024] Figure 2b A change in the gas pressure at the second gas outlet when the joystick is turned is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 A partial view of the valve assembly is shown, in which the joystick is in the driving position;

[0026] Figure 4 and Figure 5 schematic structure of the first push rod assembly is shown;

[0027] Figures 6 to 8 schematic structure of the second push rod assembly is shown;

[0028] Figures 9 to 10 schematic structure of the third push rod assembly is shown;

[0029] Figure 11 schematic structure of the control hand valve assembly when the control lever occupies the trailer brake position is shown;

[0030] Figure 12 enlarged view of the control hand valve assembly of Figure 11 in the valve assembly area is shown;

[0031] Figure 13 schematic structure of the control hand valve assembly when the control lever occupies the unbrake position is shown;

[0032] Figure 14 enlarged view of the control hand valve assembly of Figure 13 in the valve assembly area is shown;

[0033] Figure 15 schematic structure of the control hand valve assembly when the control lever occupies the parking position is shown;

[0034] Figure 16 enlarged view of the control hand valve assembly of Figure 15 in the valve assembly area is shown;

[0035] Figure 17 schematic structure of the control hand valve assembly when the control lever occupies the check position is shown; and

[0036] Figure 18 enlarged view of the control hand valve assembly of Figure 17 in the valve assembly area is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The concept of the present application will be further explained below with reference to specific embodiments. It is to be understood that the embodiments listed here are only intended to clarify the concept of the present application and should not be interpreted as limiting the present application. The technical features of the control hand valve assembly or its components involved in different embodiments can be combined or replaced within the scope of the concept of the present application as long as it is technically feasible.

[0038] If the components are identified by ordinal numbers, such as "first component", "second component" and "third component", this ordinal number is only used to distinguish the names of the different components and does not represent a mandatory sequence of the components. For example, in case the control hand valve assembly has a "second component", it does not mean that a "first component" must also exist. Of course, it is also possible that the control hand valve assembly only has a "first component" and a "third component", but no "second component".

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic structure of a control hand valve assembly 1 for a commercial vehicle according to the present application is shown. The control hand valve assembly 1 comprises a valve assembly 2 and a manipulation assembly 3.

[0040] The valve assembly 2 has an inlet port P1, a first outlet port P21, a second outlet port P22 and an exhaust port P3. As known in the prior art, the inlet port P1 is used to be connected with a gas source, for example a gas reservoir of the commercial vehicle, the exhaust port P3 is used to be communicated with the outside atmosphere, the first outlet port P21 is used to be connected with a tractor parking brake control device, for example a tractor relay valve, and the second outlet port P22 is used to be connected with a trailer brake control device, for example a trailer control valve.

[0041] When the inlet port P1 is communicated with the first outlet port P21, pressure gas can be supplied to the first outlet port P21 via the inlet port P1, whereby the tractor is kept non-braked; and when the inlet port P1 is not communicated with the first outlet port P21 and the first outlet port P21 is communicated with the exhaust port P3, pressure gas at the first outlet port P21 can be discharged via the exhaust port P3, whereby braking of the tractor is achieved. Likewise, when the inlet port P1 is communicated with the second outlet port P22, pressure gas can be supplied to the second outlet port P22 via the inlet port P1, whereby the trailer is kept non-braked; and when the inlet port P1 is not communicated with the second outlet port P22 and the second outlet port P22 is communicated with the exhaust port P3, pressure gas at the second outlet port P22 can be discharged via the exhaust port P3, whereby braking of the trailer is achieved.

[0042] The manipulation assembly 3 comprises a manipulation lever 4 and a support housing 5, the manipulation lever 4 is rotatably arranged on the support housing 5 about a rotation axis L, and the valve assembly 2 is in action connection with the manipulation assembly 3. By rotation of the manipulation lever 4, the communication relationship between the inlet port P1, the first outlet port P21, the second outlet port P22 and the exhaust port P3 can be changed, and the manipulation lever 4 can successively occupy a driving position A, a trailer brake position B, a brake release position C, a parking position D and a checking position E along a rotation direction.

[0043] In the driving position A, the inlet port P1 is communicated with the first outlet port P21 and the second outlet port P22, and neither the tractor nor the trailer is braked, whereby the motor vehicle can normally drive.

[0044] In the trailer brake position B, the inlet port P1 is only in communication with the first outlet port P21, while the second outlet port P22 is in communication with the outlet port P3, and only the trailer is braked. This is particularly relevant in the case of long downhill braking, rain braking and corner braking.

[0045] In the release position C, the inlet port P1 is in communication with the first outlet port P21, while the second outlet port P22 is also in communication with the first outlet port P21, and the trailer brake is released. At this time, neither the towing vehicle nor the trailer is braked.

[0046] In the parking position D, the first outlet port P21 is in communication with the outlet port P3, while the second outlet port P22 is in communication with the first outlet port P21, and both the towing vehicle and the trailer are braked. At this time, the vehicle obtains the maximum braking force in order to keep the vehicle stationary.

[0047] In the check position E, the inlet port P1 is only in communication with the second outlet port P22, while the first outlet port P21 is in communication with the outlet port P3, and only the towing vehicle is braked in order to check whether the vehicle can be reliably kept braked by means of the towing vehicle brake system alone in the event of a failure of the trailer brake system. This is of great importance for parking safety on a slope.

[0048] It is advantageous when the lever 4 can be automatically returned into the driving position A when the lever 4 is between the driving position A and the parking position D, the lever 4 is automatically lowered and locked in the parking position D when the lever 4 reaches the parking position D, and the lever 4 can be automatically returned into the parking position D when the lever 4 is beyond the parking position D in the direction of rotation. It is further advantageous when, from the parking position D, the lever 4 can be unlocked and allowed to be rotated further in the direction of rotation into the check position E by further depressing the lever 4, and when, from the parking position D, the lever 4 can be unlocked and allowed to be automatically returned into the driving position A by pulling the lever 4. The return movement of the lever 4 can be achieved, for example, by means of a torsion spring arranged in the lever assembly 3.

[0049] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The gas pressure changes at the first outlet port P21 and at the second outlet port P22, respectively, when the lever 4 is rotated are shown, wherein the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the lever 4 in °, and the vertical axis represents the gas pressure value in bar. By observing the two diagrams in combination Figure 2a and Figure 2b It can be seen that:

[0050] In the driving position A, the lever 4 is in the initial position and the rotation angle of the lever 4 is 0°. In this initial position, both the first outlet port P21 and the second outlet port P22 have the highest pressure.

[0051] The rotation interval of 0° to 4° corresponds to the first idle stroke of the control lever 4. In this first idle stroke, the gas pressure at the first outlet port P21 and the second outlet port P22 remains unchanged. This means that, although the control lever is rotated within the rotation interval of 0° to 4°, the braking state of the tractor and the trailer does not change, i.e. the tractor and the trailer always remain in the state of no braking.

[0052] The rotation interval of 4° to 13° corresponds to the trailer braking position B of the control lever 4. In this trailer braking position, the pressure at the first outlet port P21 always remains unchanged, while the pressure at the second outlet port P22 continuously decreases with the increase of the rotation angle until it is reduced to zero when the control lever is rotated through 13°. This means that, with the rotation of the control lever 4, the braking state of the tractor does not change and always remains in the state of no braking, but the braking state of the trailer changes, where the braking force of the trailer increases with the increase of the rotation angle of the control lever until the braking force reaches the maximum value when the rotation angle of the control lever 4 is 13°.

[0053] The rotation interval of 13° to 20° corresponds to the second idle stroke of the control lever 4. In this second idle stroke, the pressure at the first outlet port P21 and the second outlet port P22 remains unchanged, i.e. the first outlet port P21 maintains the highest pressure, while the pressure at the second outlet port P22 always remains zero. This means that, although the control lever is rotated within the rotation interval of 13° to 20°, the braking state of the tractor and the trailer does not change, the tractor always remains in the state of no braking, and the trailer always maintains the maximum braking force.

[0054] The rotation interval of 20° to 23° corresponds to the release braking position C of the control lever 4. In this release braking position, the first outlet port P21 always maintains the highest pressure, while the pressure at the second outlet port P22 continuously and rapidly increases with the increase of the rotation angle until it reaches the highest pressure when the control lever is rotated through 23°. This means that, with the rotation of the control lever 4, the braking state of the tractor does not change and always remains in the state of no braking, but the braking state of the trailer changes, where the braking force of the trailer decreases with the increase of the rotation angle of the control lever until the braking force of the trailer is reduced to zero when the rotation angle of the control lever is 23°.

[0055] The rotation interval of 23° to 33° corresponds to the third idle stroke of the control lever 4. In this third idle stroke, the pressure at the first outlet port P21 and the second outlet port P22 remains unchanged. This means that, although the control lever is rotated, the braking state of the tractor and the trailer does not change, the tractor and the trailer always remain in the state of no braking.

[0056] The rotation interval of 33° to 60° corresponds to the parking position D of the control lever 4. In this parking position, the pressure at the first outlet port P21 and at the second outlet port P22 continuously decreases with increasing rotation angle until it is zero when the control lever is rotated through 60°. This means that with the rotation of the control lever, the brake state of the towing vehicle and of the trailer changes. Here, the brake force of the towing vehicle and of the trailer increases with increasing rotation angle of the control lever until, when the rotation angle of the control lever is 60°, the towing vehicle and the trailer reach the maximum brake force.

[0057] The rotation interval of 60° to 73° corresponds to the fourth idle stroke of the control lever 4. In this fourth idle stroke, the pressure at the first outlet port P21 and at the second outlet port P22 is always zero. This means that, despite the rotation of the control lever in the rotation interval of 60° to 73°, the towing vehicle and the trailer maintain the maximum brake force.

[0058] The rotation interval of 73° to 78° corresponds to the checking position E of the control lever 4. In this checking position, the pressure at the first outlet port P21 is always zero, while the pressure at the second outlet port P22 continuously increases with increasing rotation angle until it reaches the maximum pressure when the control lever is rotated through 78°. This means that, with the rotation of the control lever 4, the brake state of the towing vehicle does not change and always maintains the maximum brake force, but the brake state of the trailer changes, here the brake force of the trailer decreases with increasing rotation angle of the control lever 4 until, when the rotation angle of the control lever 4 is 78°, the brake force of the trailer decreases to zero.

[0059] The rotation interval of 78° to 86° corresponds to the fifth idle stroke of the control lever 4. In this fifth idle stroke, the pressure at the first outlet port P21 is always zero, while the second outlet port P22 always maintains the maximum pressure. This means that, despite the rotation of the control lever in the rotation interval of 78° to 86°, the brake state of the towing vehicle and of the trailer does not change, i.e. the towing vehicle always has the maximum brake force and the trailer always maintains the state of no brake.

[0060] It is stated here that the rotation angles and pressure values listed in the present embodiment are exemplary and are not to be understood as a restriction of the present application. Other combinations of rotation angles are also possible within the scope of the present application, for example it is preferred that:

[0061] In the trailer brake position B, the control lever 4 is rotated by a first rotation angle α1 with respect to the initial position, wherein 0° < α1 ≤ 20°;

[0062] In the release brake position C, the control lever 4 is rotated by a second rotation angle α2 with respect to the initial position, wherein α1 < α2 ≤ 40°;

[0063] In the parking position D, the control lever 4 rotates by a third rotation angle α3 relative to its initial position, where α2 < α3 ≤ 75°; and

[0064] In the inspection position E, the joystick 4 is rotated by a fourth rotation angle α4 relative to the initial position, where α3 < α4 ≤ 90°.

[0065] Similarly, the rotation angles corresponding to each idle stroke in this embodiment are exemplary, and combinations of other rotation angles are also feasible. Even some or all idle strokes may be absent. For example, preferably:

[0066] Between driving position A and trailer braking position B, the control lever has a first free travel, which corresponds to a first angle range β1, where 3°≤β1≤8°; and / or

[0067] Between the trailer braking position B and the brake release position C, the control lever has a second free travel, which corresponds to a second angle range β2, where 5° ≤ β2 ≤ 10°; and / or

[0068] Between the brake release position C and the parking position D, the lever has a third free travel, which corresponds to a third angle range β3, where 8° ≤ β3 ≤ 15°; and / or

[0069] Between the parking position D and the inspection position E, the lever has a fourth free travel, which corresponds to a fourth angle range β4, where 10° ≤ β4 ≤ 15°; and / or

[0070] After checking position E, the joystick has a fifth free travel, which corresponds to a fifth angle range β5, where 5°≤β5≤12°.

[0071] Figure 3 An enlarged partial view of valve assembly 2 is shown, in which the control lever 4 is in the position shown. Figure 1 The vehicle is positioned at location A. The valve assembly 2 includes a first push rod assembly 11, a second push rod assembly 21, and a third push rod assembly 31. Correspondingly, the control lever 4 includes a first actuating element, a second actuating element, and a third actuating element. Here, the first actuating element is constructed as a pin element 6, the second actuating element is constructed as a cam element 7, and the third actuating element is constructed as a pressing element 8 (see...). Figure 1 Pin element 6, cam element 7, and pressing element 8 rotate about a common rotation axis L. Pin element 6, cam element 7, and pressing element 8 can be operatively connected to the first push rod assembly 11, the second push rod assembly 21, and the third push rod assembly 31, respectively, and thus correspondingly cause axial movement of the first push rod assembly 11, the second push rod assembly 21, and the third push rod assembly 31.

[0072] The first push rod assembly 11 comprises a first cavity K1, a second cavity K2 and a first switching valve S1. The second push rod assembly 21 comprises a third cavity K3, a fourth cavity K4, a fifth cavity K5, a sixth cavity K6, a seventh cavity K7, a first sub-valve V1, a second sub-valve V2, a third sub-valve V3 and a fourth sub-valve V4. The third push rod assembly 31 comprises an eighth cavity K8, a ninth cavity K9, a tenth cavity K10 and a second switching valve S2. Here, the air inlet P1 is always in communication with the first cavity K1, the eighth cavity K8 and the third cavity K3, the second cavity K2 is always in communication with the fourth cavity K4, and the air outlet P3 is always in communication with the sixth cavity K6 and the tenth cavity K10.

[0073] The first sub-valve V1 is used to control the communication state of the third cavity K3 and the fourth cavity K4, the second sub-valve V2 is used to control the communication state of the fourth cavity K4 and the fifth cavity K5, the third sub-valve V3 is used to control the communication state of the fifth cavity K5 and the sixth cavity K6, and the fourth sub-valve V4 is used to control the communication state of the fourth cavity K4 and the seventh cavity K7.

[0074] In the first switching state of the first switching valve S1, the second air outlet P22 is in communication with the second cavity K2, and the air inlet P1 is isolated from the second air outlet P22; in the second switching state of the first switching valve S1, the air inlet P1 is in communication with the second air outlet P22, and the second air outlet P22 is isolated from the second cavity K2.

[0075] In the first switching state of the second switching valve S2, the eighth cavity K8 is in communication with the ninth cavity K9, and the ninth cavity K9 is isolated from the tenth cavity K10; in the second switching state of the second switching valve S2, the ninth cavity K9 is in communication with the tenth cavity K10, and the eighth cavity K8 is isolated from the ninth cavity K9.

[0076] As Figure 3 It can be seen that, in the driving position A, the first switching valve S1 is in the first switching state, the second switching valve S2 is in the first switching state, the first sub-valve is opened, the second sub-valve is closed, the third sub-valve is opened, and the fourth sub-valve is closed, so that the air inlet P1 is in communication with the first air outlet P21 in sequence through the first cavity K1, the eighth cavity K8 and the ninth cavity K9, and the air inlet P1 is in communication with the second air outlet P22 in sequence through the first cavity K1, the third cavity K3, the fourth cavity K4 and the second cavity K2.

[0077] Figure 4 And Figure 5 The schematic structure of the first push rod assembly 11 is shown, wherein the first push rod assembly 11 is in the first working position in Figure 4 , and the first push rod assembly 11 is in the second working position in Figure 5 .

[0078] The first push rod assembly 11 comprises a first push rod 12 and a first housing 13 defining a first push rod chamber 14 for accommodating the first push rod 12, the first housing 13 comprising a first housing first section 15 and a first housing second section 16. The lower free end of the first push rod 12 is configured as a first push rod sealing section 17, a stationary sleeve 19 being arranged within the first push rod chamber 14 between the first housing 13 and the first push rod 12, the first axial end of the stationary sleeve 19 being fixed to the first housing first section 15, the inner circumferential surface of the stationary sleeve 19 being in sealing contact with the first push rod sealing section 17. Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface of the stationary sleeve 19 is flush with the inner wall of a second cavity K2 formed by the first housing second section 16, and a gap portion 18 is formed between the second axial end of the stationary sleeve 19 and the first housing second section 16. The first push rod 12, the first housing first section 15 and the inner circumferential surface of the stationary sleeve 19 jointly define a first cavity K1, the first housing second section 16 and the first push rod sealing section 17 jointly define a second cavity K2, and the second axial end 20 of the stationary sleeve 19, the first push rod sealing section 17 and the inner wall of the second cavity K2 jointly form a first switching valve S1.

[0079] In the first switching position of the first switching valve S1 (see Figure 4 ), the first push rod sealing section 17 is in sealing contact with the stationary sleeve 19, while the first push rod sealing section 17 is not in contact with the inner wall of the second cavity K2, so that the second cavity K2 is in communication with the second gas outlet P22 via the gap portion 18, while the first cavity K1 is not in communication with the second gas outlet P22.

[0080] In the second switching position of the first switching valve S1 (see Figure 5 ), the first push rod 12 is moved downwards, the first push rod sealing section 17 is no longer in contact with the stationary sleeve 19, but in sealing contact with the inner wall of the second cavity K2, so that the second cavity K2 is not in communication with the second gas outlet P22, while the first cavity K1 is in communication with the second gas outlet P22 via the gap portion 18.

[0081] Figures 6 to 8 The schematic structure of the second push rod assembly 21 is shown, wherein in Figure 6 the second push rod assembly 21 is in the first working position, in Figure 7 the second push rod assembly 21 is in the second working position, and in Figure 8 the second push rod assembly 21 is in the third working position.

[0082] The second push rod assembly 21 comprises a second push rod 22 and a second housing 23 which defines a second push rod chamber 24 for accommodating the second push rod 22. The second housing 23 comprises a second housing first section 25, a second housing second section 26 and a second housing third section 27. In the second push rod chamber 24 a sliding sleeve 28 is arranged which is movably supported on the second push rod 22. Here, for example, the upper end of the sliding sleeve 28 extends into the region of the second housing first section 25 and the lower end of the sliding sleeve 28 extends into the region of the second housing third section 27.

[0083] The second housing first section 25 together with the second push rod 22 defines a third cavity K3, the second housing second section 26 together with the outer circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve 28 defines a fourth cavity K4, the second push rod 22 together with the inner circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve 28 defines a fifth cavity K5, the second housing third section 27 together with the inner circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve 28 defines a sixth cavity K6 and the second housing third section 27 together with the outer circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve 28 defines a seventh cavity K7. Between the third cavity K3 and the fourth cavity K4 a first sub-valve V1 is arranged, between the fourth cavity K4 and the fifth cavity K5 a second sub-valve V2 is arranged, between the fifth cavity K5 and the sixth cavity K6 a third sub-valve V3 is arranged and between the fourth cavity K4 and the seventh cavity K7 a fourth sub-valve V4 is arranged.

[0084] In detail, the second push rod 22 has a second push rod sealing section 30 which sealingly abuts against the sliding sleeve 28 and a second push rod head section 56. A first axial spring 9 and a spring seat 50 are provided in the third chamber K3, the spring seat 50 and the upper axial end 29 of the sliding sleeve 28 forming a first sub-valve V1. When the first axial end of the sliding sleeve 28 is separated from the spring seat 50, the first sub-valve V1 is open and the third chamber K3 is in communication with the fourth chamber K4; when the upper axial end 29 of the sliding sleeve 28 is in contact with the spring seat 50, the first sub-valve V1 is closed and the third chamber K3 is isolated from the fourth chamber K4. The inner circumferential side of the sliding sleeve 28 is formed with a step 55, and a conical element 57 is formed on the second push rod 22 adjacent to the second push rod sealing section 30, the step 55 and the conical element 57 together forming a second sub-valve V2. When the step 55 is separated from the conical element 57, the second sub-valve V2 is open and the fourth chamber K4 is in communication with the fifth chamber K5; when the step 55 is in contact with the conical element 57, the second sub-valve V2 is closed and the fourth chamber K4 is isolated from the fifth chamber K5. A recess 52 is formed between the step 55 of the sliding sleeve 28 and the lower axial end of the sliding sleeve 28, the recess and the upper end face of the second push rod head section 56 together forming a third sub-valve V3. When the recess 52 is separated from the second push rod head section 56, the third sub-valve V3 is open and the fifth chamber K5 is in communication with the sixth chamber K6; when the recess 52 is in contact with the second push rod head section 56, the third sub-valve V3 is closed and the fifth chamber K5 and the sixth chamber K6 are isolated. A second axial spring 10 is provided in the fourth chamber K4, supported between the outer end face of the step 55 of the sliding sleeve and the first axial end (upper end) of a sealing sleeve 54, the second axial end (lower end) of the sealing sleeve 54 being supported on the second housing 23. The recess 52 of the sliding sleeve 28 and the first axial end of the sealing sleeve 54 together form a fourth sub-valve V4. When the first axial end of the sealing sleeve 54 is in the area of the recess 52 of the sliding sleeve 28, a gap is formed between the first axial end of the sealing sleeve 54 and the sliding sleeve 28, at this time, the fourth sub-valve V4 is open and the fourth chamber K4 is in communication with the seventh chamber K7; when the first axial end of the sealing sleeve 54 is not in the area of the recess 52 of the sliding sleeve 28, the first axial end of the sealing sleeve 54 sealingly abuts against the sliding sleeve 28, at this time, the fourth sub-valve V4 is closed and the fourth chamber K4 is isolated from the seventh chamber K7.

[0085] In the first working position of the second push rod assembly 21 (see Figure 6), the spring seat 50 is separated from the upper axial end of the sliding sleeve 28 and thus the first sub-valve V1 is open, the step portion 55 of the sliding sleeve 28 is in contact with the conical element 57 and thus the second sub-valve V2 is closed, the recess portion 52 of the sliding sleeve 28 is separated from the second push rod head section 56 and thus the third sub-valve V3 is open, the upper axial end of the sealing sleeve 54 is sealingly abutting on the sliding sleeve 28 and thus the fourth sub-valve V4 is closed.

[0086] In the second working position of the second push rod assembly 21 (see Figure 7 ), the spring seat 50 is in contact with the upper axial end of the sliding sleeve 28 and thus the first sub-valve V1 is closed, the step portion 55 is separated from the conical element 57 and thus the second sub-valve V2 is open, the recess portion 52 is separated from the second push rod head section 56 and thus the third sub-valve V3 is open, the upper axial end of the sealing sleeve 54 is sealingly abutting on the sliding sleeve 28 and thus the fourth sub-valve V4 is closed.

[0087] In the third working position of the second push rod assembly 21 (see Figure 8 ), the spring seat 50 is in contact with the upper axial end of the sliding sleeve 28 and thus the first sub-valve V1 is closed, the step portion 55 is separated from the conical element 57 and thus the second sub-valve V2 is open, the recess portion 52 is in contact with the second push rod head section 56 and thus the third sub-valve V3 is closed, the recess portion 52 of the sliding sleeve 28 is aligned with the first axial end of the sealing sleeve 54 in the longitudinal direction of the sealing sleeve 54 and thus the fourth sub-valve V4 is open.

[0088] Advantageously, the section of the second push rod 22 which is adjacent to the second push rod head section 56 is configured to be tapered. This section is in the vicinity of the recess portion 52 of the sliding sleeve 28. This causes that, when the second push rod assembly 21 is transformed between the first working position and the second working position, the minimal gap between the sliding sleeve 28 and the second push rod 22 is gradually changed and thus the gas flow rate from the second gas outlet P22 via the second cavity K1, the fourth cavity K4 and the sixth cavity K6 from the exhaust hole P3 is also gradually changed. Thereby, the driver can flexibly control the magnitude of the trailer brake force in both directions.

[0089] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A schematic structure of the third push rod assembly 31 is shown, wherein Figure 9 the third push rod assembly 31 is in the first working position, and Figure 10 the third push rod assembly 31 is in the second working position.

[0090] The third push rod assembly 31 comprises a third push rod 32 and a third housing 33 which defines a third push rod chamber 34 for accommodating the third push rod 32. In the third push rod chamber 34 there is also provided an adjustment sleeve 35 and an annular slide 36 which are coaxially arranged with the third push rod 32 and the annular slide 36 is located radially between the adjustment sleeve 35 and the third push rod 32. The third push rod 32 comprises a sealing sleeve section 37 at a first end and a hollow cylinder section 38 at a second end.

[0091] The adjustment sleeve 35 and the annular slide 36 jointly define an eighth cavity K8, the third housing 33 and the outer peripheral surface of the hollow cylinder section 38 of the third push rod 32 jointly define a ninth cavity K9, and the third housing 33 and the inner peripheral surface of the hollow cylinder section 38 of the third push rod 32 jointly define a tenth cavity K10. Between the eighth cavity K8, the ninth cavity K9 and the tenth cavity K10 there is a second switching valve S2. The second switching valve S2 is configured such that in a first switching position of the second switching valve S2 the eighth cavity K8 is in communication with the ninth cavity K9 and the ninth cavity K9 is isolated from the tenth cavity K10, and in a second switching position of the second switching valve S2 the ninth cavity K9 is in communication with the tenth cavity K10 and the eighth cavity K8 is isolated from the ninth cavity K9.

[0092] In particular, the adjustment sleeve 35 comprises a sleeve element 48 and an adjustment element 45. The sleeve element 48 has a spring accommodation and can be supported on the third housing 33 by means of a third axial spring 39. The adjustment element 45 comprises a threaded section 46 and an accommodation section 47, the adjustment element 45 is screwed on the sleeve element 48 on the peripheral side by means of the threaded section 46 and the relative position between the sleeve element 48 and the adjustment element 45 can thus be adjusted. The accommodation section 47 defines an accommodation recess 49 and preferably has an abutment oriented towards the annular slide 36. The annular slide 36 comprises a sleeve section 40 and a flange section 41, the flange section 41 comprises a radial inward protrusion 42 and a radial outward protrusion 43, the outward protrusion 43 abuts on an axial end side of the sleeve element 48 facing away from the spring accommodation. In the sleeve section 40 of the annular slide 36 there is provided a fourth axial spring 44 which is supported between the inward protrusion 42 and the sealing sleeve section 37 of the third push rod 32. In addition, the outward protrusion 43 of the annular slide 36 extends into the accommodation recess 49 of the accommodation section 47. The shoulder 51 of the hollow cylinder section 38 of the third push rod 32, the flange section 41 of the annular slide 36 and the accommodation section 47 of the adjustment element 45 jointly constitute the second switching valve S2.

[0093] In the first working position of the third push rod (see Fig. 3) the second switching valve S2 is in the first switching position and the eighth cavity K8 is in communication with the ninth cavity K9 and the ninth cavity K9 is isolated from the tenth cavity K10. In the second working position of the third push rod (see Fig. 4) the second switching valve S2 is in the second switching position and the ninth cavity K9 is in communication with the tenth cavity K10 and the eighth cavity K8 is isolated from the ninth cavity K9. Figure 9), the shoulder 51 of the hollow cylinder section 38 of the third push rod 32 comes into contact with the flange section 41 of the ring slider 36 and the receiving section 47 of the adjusting element 45 comes out of contact with the flange section 41 of the ring slider 36, thus the second switching valve S2 is in the first switching position, in which the eighth chamber K8 is in communication with the ninth chamber K9 and the ninth chamber K9 is isolated from the tenth chamber K10.

[0094] In the second operating position of the third push rod (see Figure 10 ), the shoulder 51 of the hollow cylinder section 38 of the third push rod 32 comes out of contact with the flange section 41 of the ring slider 36 and the receiving section 47 of the adjusting element 45 comes into contact with the flange section 41 of the ring slider 36, thus the second switching valve S2 is in the second switching position, in which the ninth chamber K9 is in communication with the tenth chamber K10 and the eighth chamber K8 is isolated from the ninth chamber K9.

[0095] Figure 11 An enlarged view of the control hand valve assembly in the area of the valve assembly is shown, Figure 12 An enlarged view of the control hand valve assembly in the area of the valve assembly is shown, Figure 11 An enlarged view of the control hand valve assembly in the area of the valve assembly is shown,

[0096] When the control lever 4 is moved from the driving position A to the trailer brake position B, the control lever 4 is turned in clockwise direction by an angle, which causes the pin element 6, which is in action connection with the control lever 4, to turn clockwise and thus to move the second push rod 22 upwards. During this operation, the first push rod assembly 11 and the third push rod assembly 31 are not affected.

[0097] The movement of the components of the second push rod assembly 21 during the movement of the control lever 4 from the driving position A to the trailer brake position B is as follows (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ):

[0098] First, in the initial phase of the upward movement of the second push rod 22, the sliding sleeve 28 follows the upward movement of the second push rod 22 due to the spring force of the second axial spring 10, during which the step section 55 of the sliding sleeve 28 remains in contact with the conical element 57 and the second sub valve V2 remains closed at all times.

[0099] When the sliding sleeve 28 comes into contact with the spring seat 50 (the first sub valve V1 is closed), the sliding sleeve 28 no longer follows the upward movement of the second push rod 22 due to the spring force of the first axial spring 9, whereby the second push rod 22 and the sliding sleeve 28 are displaced relative to each other, so that the step section 55 of the sliding sleeve 28 comes out of contact with the conical element 57 and the second sub valve V2 opens.

[0100] As Figure 12It can be seen that in the trailer brake position B, the first switching valve S1 is in the first switching state, the second switching valve S2 is in the first switching state, the first sub-valve V1 is closed, the second sub-valve V2 is open, the third sub-valve V3 is open, and the fourth sub-valve V4 is closed, so that the inlet port P1 communicates with the first outlet port P21 in turn via the first chamber K1, the eighth chamber K8 and the ninth chamber K9, and the second outlet port P22 communicates with the exhaust port P3 in turn via the second chamber K2, the fourth chamber K4, the fifth chamber K5 and the sixth chamber K6.

[0101] Figure 13 a schematic representation of the control hand valve assembly when the lever occupies the unbraked position C is shown, Figure 14 a schematic representation of the control hand valve assembly when the lever occupies the unbraked position C is shown, Figure 13 an enlarged view of the control hand valve assembly in the area of the valve assembly.

[0102] When the lever 4 is moved from the trailer brake position B to the unbraked position C, the lever 4 is turned through an angle in the clockwise direction, which causes the pin element 6, which is in action connection with the lever 4, to be turned clockwise and thus to move the second push rod 22 upward. During this operation, the first push rod assembly 11 and the third push rod assembly 31 are not affected.

[0103] The movement of the individual components of the second push rod assembly 21 during the movement of the lever 4 from the trailer brake position B to the unbraked position C is as follows (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ):

[0104] With further upward movement of the second push rod 22, the second push rod head section 56 rests on the recess 52 of the sliding sleeve 28 and thus the third sub-valve V3 is closed. Here, the second push rod 22 can move the sliding sleeve 28 upward together until a gap is formed between the upper axial end of the sealing sleeve 54 and the sliding sleeve 28 when the upper axial end of the sealing sleeve 54 is in the area of the recess 52 of the sliding sleeve 28, so that the fourth sub-valve V4 is open.

[0105] As Figure 14 can be seen, in the unbraked position C, the first switching valve S1 is in the first switching state, the second switching valve S2 is in the first switching state, the first sub-valve V1 is closed, the second sub-valve V2 is open, the third sub-valve V3 is closed, and the fourth sub-valve V4 is open, so that the inlet port P1 communicates with the first outlet port P21 in turn via the first chamber K1, the eighth chamber K8 and the ninth chamber K9, and the second outlet port P22 communicates with the first outlet port P21 in turn via the second chamber K2, the fourth chamber K4, the seventh chamber K7 and the ninth chamber K9.

[0106] Figure 15 a schematic representation of the control hand valve assembly when the lever occupies the unbraked position C is shown, Figure 16 a schematic representation of the control hand valve assembly when the lever occupies the unbraked position C is shown,Figure 15 Enlarged view of the control hand valve assembly in the area of the valve assembly.

[0107] During the movement of the lever 4 from the unbraked position C to the parking position D, the lever 4 is rotated in clockwise direction by an angle, during which the kinematic decoupling of the pin element 6 from the lever 4 takes place, so that the pin element 6 no longer follows the movement of the lever 4. The rotation of the lever 4 causes the clockwise rotation of the cam element 7, which is in action connection with the lever 4, and thus the downward movement of the third push rod 32. When the lever 4 reaches the parking position D, the lever 4 is automatically lowered, so that the lever 4 is locked in the parking position D. During the above described operation, the first push rod assembly 11 and the second push rod assembly 21 are not affected.

[0108] In the initial position of the third push rod assembly 31 (see Figure 9 ), the shoulder portion 51 of the hollow cylinder section 38 of the third push rod 32 is in contact with the flange section 41 of the ring slider 36, while the receiving section 47 of the adjustment element 45 of the adjustment sleeve 35 is separated from the flange section 41 of the ring slider 36, so that the second switching valve S2 is in the first switching state.

[0109] During the movement of the lever 4 from the unbraked position C to the parking position D, the movement of the components of the third push rod assembly 31 takes place as follows: In the initial phase of the downward movement of the third push rod 32, the ring slider 36 follows the downward movement of the third push rod 32 due to the spring pressure of the fourth axial spring 44. When the flange section 41 of the ring slider 36 abuts against the receiving section 47 of the adjustment element 45 of the adjustment sleeve 35, the third push rod 32 and the ring slider 36 are displaced relative to each other due to the spring tension of the third axial spring 39 and the shoulder portion 51 of the hollow cylinder section 38 of the third push rod 32 is separated from the flange section 41 of the ring slider 36, so that the second switching valve S2 is in the second switching state (see Figure 10 ).

[0110] As can be seen in Figure 16 , in the parking position D, the first switching valve S1 is in the first switching state, the second switching valve S2 is in the second switching state, the first sub-valve V1 is closed, the second sub-valve V2 is open, the third sub-valve V3 is closed, and the fourth sub-valve V4 is open, so that the first outlet port P21 is in communication with the outlet port P3 via the ninth chamber K9 and the tenth chamber K10 in succession, and the second outlet port P22 is in communication with the outlet port P3 via the second chamber K2, the fourth chamber K4, the seventh chamber K7, the ninth chamber K9 and the tenth chamber K10 in succession.

[0111] Figure 17 schematic structure of the control hand valve assembly is shown when the lever occupies the check position E, Figure 18 schematic structure of the control hand valve assembly is shown when the lever occupies the check position E, Figure 17Enlarged view of the control hand valve assembly in the area of the valve assembly.

[0112] During the movement of the lever 4 from the parking position D to the checking position E, the lever 4 is pressed further down and is turned through an angle in clockwise direction. The further pressing down of the lever 4 releases the lever 4 from the locked state, so that the lever 4 can be turned further in clockwise direction. The turning of the lever 4 causes the pressure element 8, which is in action connection with the lever 4, to be turned in clockwise direction and thus to move the first push rod 12 downward. During this operation, the second push rod assembly 21 and the third push rod assembly 31 are not affected.

[0113] In the initial position of the first push rod assembly 11, the first push rod sealing section 17 is in sealing contact with the fixed sleeve 19, while the first push rod sealing section 17 is not in contact with the inner wall of the second cavity K2 (see Figure 4 ).

[0114] During the movement of the lever 4 from the parking position D to the checking position E, the first push rod 12 is moved downward, the first push rod sealing section 17 is no longer in contact with the fixed sleeve 19, but is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the second cavity K2 (see Figure 5 ).

[0115] As Figure 18 can be seen, in the checking position E, the first switching valve S1 is in the second switching state, the second switching valve S2 is in the second switching state, the first sub-valve V1 is closed, the second sub-valve V2 is open, the third sub-valve V3 is closed, the fourth sub-valve V4 is open, so that the inlet port P1 is in communication with the second outlet port P22 via the first cavity K1, and the first outlet port P21 is in communication with the exhaust port P3 via the ninth cavity K9 and the tenth cavity K10 in turn.

[0116] The above-described embodiments show or describe possible implementations of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It is noted here that various different combinations of the individual embodiments with one another are also possible.

[0117] Finally, it is pointed out that, in order to make the structure of the control hand valve assembly of the present application easy to understand, parts of the control hand valve assembly are shown in the drawings not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

[0118] List of reference signs

[0119] 1 control hand valve assembly

[0120] 2 valve assembly

[0121] 3 operating assembly

[0122] 4 lever

[0123] 5 support housing

[0124] 6 pin element

[0125] 7 cam element

[0126] 8 pressure element

[0127] 9 first axial spring

[0128] 10 second axial spring

[0129] 11 first push rod assembly

[0130] 12 first push rod

[0131] 13 first housing

[0132] 14 first push rod chamber

[0133] 15 first housing first section

[0134] 16 first housing second section

[0135] 17 first push rod sealing section

[0136] 18 gap portion

[0137] 19 fixation sleeve

[0138] 20 second axial end of fixation sleeve

[0139] 21 second push rod assembly

[0140] 22 second push rod

[0141] 23 second housing

[0142] 24 second push rod chamber

[0143] 25 second housing first section

[0144] 26 second housing second section

[0145] 27 second housing third section

[0146] 28 sliding sleeve

[0147] 29 upper axial end of sliding sleeve

[0148] 30 second push rod sealing section

[0149] 31 third push rod assembly

[0150] 32 third push rod

[0151] 33 third housing

[0152] 34 third push rod chamber

[0153] 35 adjustment sleeve

[0154] 36 annular slide

[0155] 37 sealing sleeve section

[0156] 38 hollow-cylinder section

[0157] 39 third axial spring

[0158] 40 sleeve section

[0159] 41 flange section

[0160] 42 inward protrusion

[0161] 43 outward protrusion

[0162] 44 fourth axial spring

[0163] 45 adjustment element

[0164] 46 threaded section

[0165] 47 receiving section

[0166] 48 sleeve element

[0167] 49 receiving recess

[0168] 50 spring seat

[0169] 51 shoulder

[0170] 52 recess

[0171] 54 sealing sleeve

[0172] 55 step

[0173] 56 second putter head section

[0174] 57 conical element

[0175] P1 intake port

[0176] P21 first outlet port

[0177] P22 second outlet port

[0178] P3 exhaust port

[0179] A driving position

[0180] B trailer brake position

[0181] C brake release position

[0182] D parking position

[0183] E check position

[0184] K1 first cavity

[0185] K2 second cavity

[0186] K3 third cavity

[0187] K4 fourth cavity

[0188] K5 fifth cavity

[0189] K6 sixth cavity

[0190] K7 seventh cavity

[0191] K8 eighth cavity

[0192] K9 ninth cavity

[0193] K10 tenth cavity

[0194] V1 first sub valve

[0195] V2 second sub valve

[0196] V3 third sub valve

[0197] V4 fourth sub valve

[0198] S1 first switching valve

[0199] S2 second switching valve

[0200] L rotation axis

Claims

1. A control hand valve assembly for a commercial vehicle, the control hand valve assembly (1) comprising: - a valve assembly (2) having an inlet port (Pl), a first outlet port (P21), a second outlet port (P22) and an exhaust port (P3); and - a control assembly (3) comprising a control lever (4) and a support housing (5), the control lever (4) being rotatably arranged on the support housing (5), the control assembly (3) being in operative connection with the valve assembly (2), characterized in that the control lever (4) has a driving position (A), a trailer brake position (B), a brake release position (C), a parking position (D) and a check position (E), wherein in the driving position (A) neither the towing vehicle nor the trailer is braked, in the trailer brake position (B) only the trailer is braked, in the brake release position (C) the trailer brake is released, in the parking position (D) both the towing vehicle and the trailer are braked, and in the check position (E) only the towing vehicle is braked, wherein the driving position (A), the trailer brake position (B), the brake release position (C), the parking position (D) and the check position (E) are arranged in this order in one and the same rotational direction of the control lever (4).

2. The control hand valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet port (Pl) is for connection to a gas source, the exhaust port (P3) is for communication with the ambient atmosphere, the first outlet port (P21) is for connection to a towing vehicle parking brake control device, and the second outlet port (P22) is for connection to a trailer brake control device, in the driving position (A) the inlet port (Pl) is in communication with the first outlet port (P21) and the second outlet port (P22), in the trailer brake position (B) the inlet port (Pl) is in communication with the first outlet port (P21) only, while the second outlet port (P22) is in communication with the exhaust port (P3), in the brake release position (C) the inlet port (Pl) is in communication with the first outlet port (P21), while the second outlet port (P22) is also in communication with the first outlet port (P21), in the parking position (D) the first outlet port (P21) is in communication with the exhaust port (P3), while the second outlet port (P22) is in communication with the first outlet port (P21); and in the check position (E) the inlet port (Pl) is in communication with the second outlet port (P22) only, while the first outlet port (P21) is in communication with the exhaust port (P3).

3. The control hand valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that in the driving position (A) the control lever (4) is in a home position, in the trailer brake position (B) the control lever (4) is rotated relative to the home position over a first angular range a1, wherein 0° < a1 < 20°, in the brake release position (C) the control lever (4) is rotated relative to the home position over a second angular range a2, wherein a1 < a2 < 40°, in the parking position (D) the control lever (4) is rotated relative to the home position over a third angular range a3, wherein a2 < a3 < 75°; and in the check position (E) the control lever (4) is rotated relative to the home position over a fourth angular range a4, wherein a3 < a4 < 90°. In the check position (E), the lever (4) is rotated by a fourth angle range a4 with respect to the initial position, wherein a3 < a4 < 90°.

4. The control hand valve assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, Between the driving position (A) and the trailer brake position (B), the lever (4) has a first dead stroke, which corresponds to a first angle range b1, wherein 3° < b1 < 8°; and / or Between the trailer brake position (B) and the unbrake position (C), the lever (4) has a second dead stroke, which corresponds to a second angle range b2, wherein 5° < b2 < 10°; and / or Between the unbrake position (C) and the parking position (D), the lever (4) has a third dead stroke, which corresponds to a third angle range b3, wherein 8° < b3 < 15°; and / or Between the parking position (D) and the check position (E), the lever (4) has a fourth dead stroke, which corresponds to a fourth angle range b4, wherein 10° < b4 < 15°; and / or After the check position (E), the lever (4) has a fifth dead stroke, which corresponds to a fifth angle range b5, wherein 5° < b5 < 12°.

5. The control hand valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, When the lever (4) is between the driving position (A) and the parking position (D), the lever (4) can be automatically returned into the driving position (A); when the lever (4) reaches the parking position (D), the lever (4) is automatically lowered and locked in the parking position (D); and when the lever (4) is after the parking position (D) in the rotation direction, the lever (4) can be automatically returned into the parking position (D).

6. The control hand valve assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, From the parking position (D), the lever (4) can be unlocked and allowed to be further rotated in the rotation direction to the check position (E) by further pressing the lever (4); and from the parking position (D), the lever (4) can be unlocked and allowed to be automatically returned into the driving position (A) by pulling the lever (4).

7. The control hand valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The valve assembly (2) comprises a first push rod assembly (11), a second push rod assembly (21) and a third push rod assembly (31); The lever (4) comprises a first acting element, a second acting element and a third acting element, wherein the first acting element of the lever (4) is in action connection with the first push rod assembly (11) of the valve assembly (2), the second acting element of the lever (4) is in action connection with the second push rod assembly (21) of the valve assembly (2), and the third acting element of the lever (4) is in action connection with the third push rod assembly (31) of the valve assembly (2).

8. The control hand valve assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first push rod assembly (11) comprises a first cavity (K1), a second cavity (K2) and a first switch valve (S1); The second push rod assembly (21) comprises a third cavity (K3), a fourth cavity (K4), a fifth cavity (K5), a sixth cavity (K6), a seventh cavity (K7), a first sub valve (V1), a second sub valve (V2), a third sub valve (V3) and a fourth sub valve (V4); The third push rod assembly (31) comprises an eighth cavity (K8), a ninth cavity (K9), a tenth cavity (K10) and a second switch valve (S2); The first sub valve (V1) is used for controlling the communication state between the third cavity (K3) and the fourth cavity (K4), the second sub valve (V2) is used for controlling the communication state between the fourth cavity (K4) and the fifth cavity (K5), the third sub valve (V3) is used for controlling the communication state between the fifth cavity (K5) and the sixth cavity (K6), and the fourth sub valve (V4) is used for controlling the communication state between the fourth cavity (K4) and the seventh cavity (K7), The second outlet (P22) is communicated with the second cavity (K2) and the inlet (P1) is isolated from the second outlet (P22) in the first switch state of the first switch valve (S1), the inlet (P1) is communicated with the second outlet (P22) and the second outlet (P22) is isolated from the second cavity (K2) in the second switch state of the first switch valve (S1), and The eighth cavity (K8) is communicated with the ninth cavity (K9) and the ninth cavity (K9) is isolated from the tenth cavity (K10) in the first switch state of the second switch valve (S2), and the ninth cavity (K9) is communicated with the tenth cavity (K10) and the eighth cavity (K8) is isolated from the ninth cavity (K9) in the second switch state of the second switch valve (S2).

9. The control hand valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein In the driving position (A), the first switch valve (S1) is in the first switch state, the second switch valve (S2) is in the first switch state, the first sub valve (V1) is opened, the second sub valve (V2) is closed, the third sub valve (V3) is opened, and the fourth sub valve (V4) is closed, so that the inlet (P1) is communicated with the first outlet (P21) through the first cavity (K1), the eighth cavity (K8) and the ninth cavity (K9) in sequence, and the inlet (P1) is communicated with the second outlet (P22) through the first cavity (K1), the third cavity (K3), the fourth cavity (K4) and the second cavity (K2) in sequence. ​ In the trailer brake position (B), the first switching valve (S1) is in the first switching state, the second switching valve (S2) is in the first switching state, the first sub valve (V1) is closed, the second sub valve (V2) is opened, the third sub valve (V3) is opened, and the fourth sub valve (V4) is closed, so that the air inlet (P1) is communicated with the first air outlet (P21) in turn through the first cavity (K1), the eighth cavity (K8) and the ninth cavity (K9), and the second air outlet (P22) is communicated with the exhaust port (P3) in turn through the second cavity (K2), the fourth cavity (K4), the fifth cavity (K5) and the sixth cavity (K6); In the trailer brake position (B), the first switching valve (S1) is in the first switching state, the second switching valve (S2) is in the first switching state, the first sub valve (V1) is closed, the second sub valve (V2) is opened, the third sub valve (V3) is opened, and the fourth sub valve (V4) is closed, so that the air inlet (P1) is communicated with the first air outlet (P21) in turn through the first cavity (K1), the eighth cavity (K8) and the ninth cavity (K9), and the second air outlet (P22) is communicated with the exhaust port (P3) in turn through the second cavity (K2), the fourth cavity (K4), the fifth cavity (K5) and the sixth cavity (K6); In the trailer brake position (B), the first switching valve (S1) is in the first switching state, the second switching valve (S2) is in the first switching state, the first sub valve (V1) is closed, the second sub valve (V2) is opened, the third sub valve (V3) is opened, and the fourth sub valve (V4) is closed, so that the air inlet (P1) is communicated with the first air outlet (P21) in turn through the first cavity (K1), the eighth cavity (K8) and the ninth cavity (K9), and the second air outlet (P22) is communicated with the exhaust port (P3) in turn through the second cavity (K2), the fourth cavity (K4), the fifth cavity (K5) and the sixth cavity (K6); In the trailer brake position (B), the first switching valve (S1) is in the first switching state, the second switching valve (S2) is in the first switching state, the first sub valve (V1) is closed, the second sub valve (V2) is opened, the third sub valve (V3) is opened, and the fourth sub valve (V4) is closed, so that the air inlet (P1) is communicated with the first air outlet (P21) in turn through the first cavity (K1), the eighth cavity (K8) and the ninth cavity (K9), and the second air outlet (P22) is communicated with the exhaust port (P3) in turn through the second cavity (K2), the fourth cavity (K4), the fifth cavity (K5) and the sixth cavity (K6); 10. The control hand valve assembly of claim 9, wherein, The first push rod assembly (11) comprises a first push rod (12) and a first housing (13) defining a first push rod chamber (14) for accommodating the first push rod (12), the first housing (13) comprising a first housing first section (15) and a first housing second section (16), a lower free end of the first push rod (12) being configured as a first push rod sealing section (17), a fixing sleeve (19) being arranged in the first push rod chamber (14) between the first housing (13) and the first push rod (12), a first axial end of the fixing sleeve (19) being fixed on the first housing first section (15), an inner circumferential surface of the fixing sleeve (19) being in sealing contact with the first push rod sealing section (17), the inner circumferential surface of the fixing sleeve (19) being flush with an inner wall of a second cavity (K2) constituted by the first housing second section (16), and a gap (18) being constituted between a second axial end of the fixing sleeve (19) and the first housing second section (16), the first push rod (12), the first housing first section (15) and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing sleeve (19) jointly defining a first cavity (K1), the first housing second section (16) and the first push rod sealing section (17) jointly defining the second cavity (K2), the second axial end of the fixing sleeve (19), the first push rod sealing section (17) and the inner wall of the second cavity (K2) jointly constituting a first switching valve (S1).

11. The control hand valve assembly of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The second push rod assembly (21) comprises a second push rod (22) and a second housing (23) defining a second push rod chamber (24) for accommodating the second push rod (22), the second housing (23) comprising a second housing first section (25), a second housing second section (26) and a second housing third section (27), a sliding sleeve (28) being arranged in the second push rod chamber (24) and movably supported on the second push rod (22), the second housing first section (25) and the second push rod (22) jointly defining a third cavity (K3), the second housing second section (26) and an outer circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve (28) jointly defining a fourth cavity (K4), the second push rod (22) and an inner circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve (28) jointly defining a fifth cavity (K5), the second housing third section (27) and the inner circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve (28) jointly defining a sixth cavity (K6), and the second housing third section (27) and the outer circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve (28) jointly defining a seventh cavity (K7).

12. The control hand valve assembly of claim 11, wherein, The second push rod (22) has a second push rod sealing section (30) and a second push rod head section (56), the second push rod sealing section (30) sealingly abuts against the sliding sleeve (28), a first axial spring (9) and a spring seat (50) are arranged in the third cavity (K3), the spring seat (50) and the upper axial end (29) of the sliding sleeve (28) constitute a first sub-valve (V1), a stepped portion (55) is formed on the inner circumferential side of the sliding sleeve (28), a tapered element (57) is formed on the second push rod (22) adjacent to the second push rod sealing section (30), the stepped portion (55) and the tapered element (57) jointly constitute a second sub-valve (V2), a recess (52) is formed between the stepped portion (55) of the sliding sleeve (28) and the lower axial end of the sliding sleeve (28), and the recess and the upper end face of the second push rod head section (56) jointly constitute a third sub-valve (V3), a second axial spring (10) and a sealing sleeve (54) are arranged in the fourth cavity (K4), the second axial spring (10) is supported between the outer end face of the stepped portion (55) of the sliding sleeve and the upper axial end of the sealing sleeve (54), the lower axial end of the sealing sleeve (54) is supported on the second housing (23), and the recess (52) of the sliding sleeve (28) and the upper axial end of the sealing sleeve (54) jointly constitute a fourth sub-valve (V4).

13. The control hand valve assembly of claim 12, wherein, The section of the second push rod (22) adjacent to the second push rod head section (56) is tapered towards the second push rod head section (56).

14. The control hand valve assembly of claim 11, wherein, The third push rod assembly (31) comprises a third push rod (32) and a third housing (33), the third housing (33) defining a third push rod chamber (34) for accommodating the third push rod (32), an adjusting sleeve (35) and an annular slider (36) are further arranged in the third push rod chamber (34), the adjusting sleeve (35) and the annular slider (36) are coaxially arranged with the third push rod (32) and the annular slider (36) is located between the adjusting sleeve (35) and the third push rod (32) in the radial direction, the third push rod (32) comprises a sealing sleeve section (37) at a first end and a hollow cylinder section (38) at a second end, the adjusting sleeve (35) and the annular slider (36) jointly define an eighth cavity (K8), the third housing (33) and the outer circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder section (38) of the third push rod (32) jointly define a ninth cavity (K9), and the third housing (33) and the inner circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder section (38) of the third push rod (32) jointly define a tenth cavity (K10).

15. The control hand valve assembly of claim 14, wherein, The adjustment sleeve (35) comprises a sleeve element (48) having a spring receptacle and supported on the third housing (33) by means of a third axial spring (39), and an adjustment element (45) comprising a threaded section (46) and a receptacle section (47), the adjustment element (45) being screwed on the sleeve element (48) on the outer circumferential side by means of the threaded section (46), the receptacle section (47) defining a receptacle recess (49), the annular slide (36) comprising a sleeve section (40) and a flange section (41), the flange section (41) comprising a radial inward projection (42) and a radial outward projection (43), the outward projection (43) abutting on an axial end side of the sleeve element (48) facing away from the spring receptacle, a fourth axial spring (44) being provided in the sleeve section (40) of the annular slide (36), the fourth axial spring (44) being supported between the inward projection (42) and the sealing sleeve section (37) of the third push rod (32), the outward projection (43) of the annular slide (36) extending into the receptacle recess (49) of the receptacle section (47), a shoulder (51) of the hollow cylinder section (38) of the third push rod (32), the flange section (41) of the annular slide (36) and the receptacle section (47) of the adjustment element (45) jointly forming the second switching valve (S2).

16. A commercial vehicle characterized by, The commercial vehicle comprises a control hand valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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