Compartment leveling valve and system, commercial vehicle, method of assembling compartment leveling valve and use of compartment leveling valve

Abstract

A cabin leveling valve and system, a commercial vehicle, a method of assembling a cabin leveling valve and a use of a cabin leveling valve are provided, the cabin leveling valve (10) comprising: a control member (18); a main body (11); a cover (12) attached to the main body (11); and a gasket (13) mounted between the main body (11) and the cover (12), in which the gasket (13) abuts against the main body (11) and the cover (12). The cabin leveling valve (10) is configured to deliver pressurized gas received at the supply port (14) to the discharge port (15) to inflate pneumatic components to perform a first leveling operation when the control member (18) is in a first position (101), and to deliver pressurized gas received at the supply port (14) to the discharge port (15) to inflate pneumatic components to perform a second leveling operation when the control member (18) is in a second position (102). Gas is discharged from the pneumatic component through the cabin leveling valve (10), thereby performing a second leveling operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to pneumatic system components configured for installation on a vehicle, such as a commercial vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a cabin leveling valve that is controllable to selectively inflate or exhaust air from an air bag to perform a cabin leveling operation. The present invention also relates to a cabin leveling system and a commercial vehicle including the cabin leveling valve, and to methods of assembling and using the cabin leveling valve. Background Art

[0002] Pneumatic systems are used in a variety of applications on vehicles, including pneumatic suspension and leveling. Valves are important components of such suspension and leveling systems.

[0003] EP 3 401 134 A1 and US 2019 / 0383431 A1 disclose valve configurations suitable for use in pneumatic systems of vehicles. Valves, such as the valve of EP 3 401 134 A1, may include ports for supplying pressurized gas, for discharging pressurized gas to pneumatic components, and for exhausting pressurized gas.

[0004] When a valve of a cabin leveling system, such as a lever-operated cabin leveling valve, has a gap between the valve's outer housing components, there is a risk of ingress of foreign matter, such as liquid (e.g., spray water) and / or particulate material (e.g., dust) and / or mud. Contamination of the interior of the cabin leveling valve due to ingress of foreign matter can potentially adversely affect the reliability of the cabin leveling valve.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for an enhanced cabin leveling valve configured to transfer gas from a pressure source to pneumatic components, particularly to an airbag that is inflatable and deflated to respectively raise and lower the vehicle cabin. There is a particular need for an enhanced cabin leveling valve that has good reliability and can be assembled efficiently. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a cabin leveling valve having an enhanced lifespan of the cabin leveling valve. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a cabin leveling valve that can be assembled in an efficient manner.

[0007] According to aspects of the invention, there are provided a cabin leveling valve, a cabin leveling system, a commercial vehicle, an assembly method and a use as described in the independent claims. The dependent claims define preferred or advantageous embodiments.

[0008] According to one aspect, a cabin leveling valve is provided. The cabin leveling valve includes a control member, a main body, a cover attached to the main body, and a gasket mounted between the main body and the cover. The gasket abuts against the main body and the cover. The cabin leveling valve includes a supply port. The cabin leveling valve includes a discharge port. The cabin leveling valve is configured to, when the control member is in a first position, transfer pressurized gas received at the supply port to the discharge port to inflate a pneumatic component, thereby performing a first leveling operation. The cabin leveling valve is configured to, when the control member is in a second position, discharge gas from the pneumatic component through the cabin leveling valve, thereby performing a second leveling operation.

[0009] This cabin leveling valve achieves various benefits. The cabin leveling valve includes a gasket inserted between the main body and the cover and resting against both. This reduces the risk of foreign matter (such as liquids, granular materials, and / or mud) entering the cabin leveling valve. This configuration extends the life of the cabin leveling valve. The cabin leveling valve is configured to facilitate assembly, with the gasket inserted between the main body and the cover, while also allowing control of the cabin leveling valve via a mechanical linkage that responds to changes in cabin tilt and / or cabin height.

[0010] The control member may have a third position, also referred to as a neutral position. The cabin leveling valve may be configured such that when the control member is in the third position, no pressurized gas is supplied to the pneumatic component and no gas is exhausted from the pneumatic component via the cabin leveling valve.

[0011] Thus, the cabin leveling valve may also be used to perform operations of maintaining a desired amount of gas in the pneumatic component and preventing a venting operation when the control member is in the third position.

[0012] The cabin leveling valve may include an integrated gas release assembly within a housing defined by a body and a cover. The integrated gas release assembly may be configured to perform a controllable check valve function, selectively allowing gas to flow from the pneumatic component to an interior cavity defined between the body and the cover, and allowing gas to flow from the pneumatic component via the integrated gas release assembly to the interior cavity and a discharge opening for deflating the pneumatic component. The integrated gas release assembly may be in a normally closed position when the control member is in a third position (i.e., a neutral position) and when the control member is in a first position (i.e., a position for inflating the pneumatic component). The integrated gas release assembly may be controlled to selectively allow gas to flow from the pneumatic component for deflating when the control member is in a second position (i.e., a position for deflating the pneumatic component).

[0013] Thereby, the cabin leveling valve may ensure that the amount of gas is maintained in the pneumatic component if the control member is in the third position.

[0014] The cabin leveling valve may be a three-way valve. The cabin leveling valve may have three operating states, corresponding to inflation of the pneumatic component, deflation of the pneumatic component via the cabin leveling valve, and retention of a certain amount of gas in the pneumatic component. The cabin leveling valve may be a 3 / 3-way valve. The cabin leveling valve may be configured such that the position of the control member controls which of its three states the cabin leveling valve is in.

[0015] Thereby, the cabin leveling valve is operable to perform inflation of the pneumatic component, deflation of the pneumatic component, and constant maintenance of the amount of gas in the pneumatic component in a controlled manner.

[0016] The gasket may be sized to rest against the body and cover in a close-fitting manner.

[0017] This reduces the risk of foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve, which helps increase the life and reliability of the cabin leveling valve.

[0018] The gasket may have a first major face directly bearing against the body and a second major face directly bearing against the cover, the second major face extending parallel to the first major face and spaced apart from the first major face by a gasket height.

[0019] As a result, the gasket can rest against the body and the cover in a sealing manner at its first and second main faces, reducing the risk of foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve, thereby helping to increase the life and reliability of the cabin leveling valve.

[0020] The gasket may be compressible in at least a direction perpendicular to the first and second major faces.The gasket is compressed from an uncompressed gasket height to said gasket height when inserted between the cover and the body.

[0021] Thus, the gasket is configured such that, when inserted between the cover and the body and compressed by the cover and the body, the gasket's compression modulus causes the first main surface to press against the body and the second main surface to press against the cover. This further reduces the risk of foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve and helps increase the life and reliability of the cabin leveling valve.

[0022] The gasket may be reversibly elastically deformable.

[0023] Thus, the gasket is configured such that, when inserted between the cover and the body and compressed by the cover and the body, the gasket's elastic restoring force causes the first main surface to press against the body and the second main surface to press against the cover. This further reduces the risk of foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve and increases the life of the valve. This facilitates disassembly and reassembly of the gasket, for example, for maintenance purposes, which is beneficial given the gasket's reusability.

[0024] The difference between the uncompressed gasket height and the gasket height of the gasket when inserted between the cover and the body may be at least 0.1 times the uncompressed gasket height. The difference between the uncompressed gasket height and the gasket height of the gasket when inserted between the cover and the body may be at most 0.55 times the uncompressed gasket height. The difference between the uncompressed gasket height and the gasket height of the gasket when inserted between the cover and the body may be at least 0.1 times the uncompressed gasket height and at most 0.55 times the uncompressed gasket height.

[0025] Thus, when the gasket is inserted between the body and the cover, a secure seal is obtained. This reduces the risk of ingress of foreign matter and increases the life and reliability of the cabin leveling valve.

[0026] The gasket height (ie the distance between the first main face and the second main face when the gasket is inserted between the cover and the body) may be at least 0.6 mm and at most 1.1 mm.

[0027] Thus, when the gasket is inserted between the body and the cover, a secure seal is achieved, which helps increase the life and reliability of the cabin leveling valve.

[0028] The first major surface and the second major surface may extend along an extension plane of the washer. The washer may include a first straight portion, wherein the washer extends along a first extension direction parallel to the extension plane, wherein the washer may have a first straight portion width extending through the first straight portion, the first straight portion width being measured perpendicular to the first extension direction and parallel to the extension plane. The washer may include a second straight portion, wherein the washer extends along a second extension direction parallel to the extension plane, wherein the washer may have a second straight portion width extending through the second straight portion, the second straight portion width being measured perpendicular to the second extension direction and parallel to the extension plane, the second extension direction being different from the first extension direction. The washer may include an arched portion interposed between the first straight portion and the second straight portion.

[0029] Thus, a gasket configuration is provided that can operate as a plug along a U-shaped or V-shaped ridge and / or groove. A secure seal is achieved by inserting the gasket between the body and the cover. This helps increase the life and reliability of the cabin leveling valve.

[0030] The arcuate portion may comprise an arcuate portion outer wall having a further first radius of curvature about a further centre of curvature and an arcuate portion inner wall having a further second radius of curvature about the further centre of curvature.

[0031] The arcuate portion thus has a width between the arcuate portion outer wall and the arcuate portion inner wall which is constant throughout the arcuate portion when measured in the radial direction from the further centre of curvature. This ensures ease of manufacture and also ensures a good seal in the arcuate portion, thereby reducing the risk of ingress of foreign matter.

[0032] The first straight portion width may be equal to the second straight portion width and / or the difference between the further first radius of curvature and the further second radius of curvature.

[0033] Thus, the gasket has a configuration in which the first straight portion, the second straight portion, and the arcuate portion interposed therebetween may have the same width, thereby providing a reliable seal between the cover and the body.

[0034] The first straight portion width, the second straight portion width and the difference between the further first radius of curvature and the further second radius of curvature may be at least 1.5 mm, at least 2.0 mm or at least 2.2 mm.

[0035] Thus, the gasket has a configuration in which the first straight portion, the second straight portion, and the arcuate portion interposed therebetween have widths operable to effectively reduce the risk of intrusion of foreign matter, contributing to the life and reliability of the vehicle cabin leveling valve.

[0036] The first straight portion width, the second straight portion width, and the difference between the first further radius of curvature and the second further radius of curvature may be at least 1.2 times the washer height, at least 1.4 times the washer height, or at least 1.5 times the washer height.

[0037] Thus, the gasket has a configuration in which the first straight portion, the second straight portion, and the arcuate portion interposed therebetween have widths operable to effectively reduce the risk of intrusion of foreign matter, contributing to the life and reliability of the vehicle cabin leveling valve.

[0038] The gasket may comprise one or several fastener passages for a fastener or more such fasteners for fastening the cover to the body. Alternatively or additionally, the gasket may comprise one or several tubular section passages for a tubular section or more such tubular sections of the body or of the cover.

[0039] As a result, the gasket can be more reliably retained in its position while providing a circumferential seal around the fastener and / or tubular section, thereby reducing the risk of foreign matter ingress and helping to increase the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0040] The cabin leveling valve may comprise a fastener attaching the cover to the body and extending in a direction transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, the first and second main faces.

[0041] Thereby, the cover and the body can be fixed to each other so as to act on the first and second main faces of the gasket, reducing the risk of displacement of the gasket and reducing the risk of foreign matter entering. This helps to increase the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0042] The cover or body may comprise a recess in which the gasket is arranged.

[0043] Thus, a seal including a labyrinth structure can be provided by the body, the cover and the gasket, which reduces the risk of foreign matter entering the vehicle cabin leveling valve, thereby helping to increase the service life of the vehicle cabin leveling valve.

[0044] The body may include an upstanding portion extending into the recess of the cover, wherein the gasket is sandwiched between the upstanding portion and a surface portion of the cover defining the recess.

[0045] Thus, a seal including a labyrinth structure can be provided by the body, the cover and the gasket, which further reduces the risk of liquid and / or granular material entering the cabin leveling valve, thereby helping to increase the service life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0046] The raised portion may include a ridge having a top surface, wherein the washer rests on the top surface of the ridge.

[0047] This promotes reliable assembly of the gasket between the body and the cover, and the resulting reduction in ingress of liquid and / or particulate material prolongs the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0048] The body and cover may be sized such that the upstanding portion is spaced apart from the cover by a gap, wherein the gasket is disposed in the gap.

[0049] The gasket thus acts as a plug that closes the gap between the body and the lid. The gasket provides a seal that yields when the lid and / or body exerts a force on the gasket. This further reduces the risk of ingress of liquids and / or particulate matter. Furthermore, greater versatility is achieved in selecting the material for the body and / or lid, as the desired seal is achieved by the gasket.

[0050] The gasket may be configured to reduce or prevent liquid from entering the cabin leveling valve.

[0051] This reduces the likelihood of liquids entering the cabin leveling valve. This is particularly important in commercial vehicles (particularly tractor vehicles and / or trucks), where the risk of spray water, mud or dirt entering conventional cabin leveling valves can be high. This helps to increase the life of the cabin leveling valve.

[0052] The gasket may extend from a first free end to a second free end. The first free end and the second free end of the gasket may be arranged proximate to a rubber boot of the cabin leveling valve. The first free end and the second free end of the gasket may engage with the rubber boot. The rubber boot may extend around a portion of the control member to provide protection for the control member.

[0053] This results in improved protection against foreign matter intruding into the cabin levelling valve. This contributes to increased cabin levelling valve life and reliability.

[0054] The control member may protrude through a control member opening formed by the body and / or the cover. The rubber boot may abut against the cover and the body circumferentially around the control member opening.

[0055] This results in improved protection against foreign matter intruding into the cabin levelling valve, which helps to increase the life of the cabin levelling valve.

[0056] The gasket may extend in a U-shape or V-shape between the first free end and the second free end (as viewed in a plan view along a viewing direction perpendicular to the first and / or second main faces of the gasket), having an arched portion arranged opposite both the first and second free ends.

[0057] Thereby, protection can be obtained along the U-shaped or V-shaped rising portion of the main body and / or the recessed portion of the cover to prevent foreign matter from entering the vehicle cabin leveling valve.

[0058] The cabin leveling valve may include a drain aperture provided in one of the body and the cover at a position spaced from the gasket.The cabin leveling valve may provide more than one such drain aperture.

[0059] As a result, the drain port is spaced apart from the interface between the body and the cover, providing better protection against the ingress of foreign matter, wherein the gasket acts as a seal between the body and the cover. This helps to improve the life and reliability of the cabin leveling valve.

[0060] The control member may comprise a control lever.

[0061] Thereby, the operation of the vehicle cabin leveling valve by means of the link in response to changes in the attitude or height of the vehicle cabin is facilitated.

[0062] The cabin leveling valve may further include a first connector mounted on or integrated with the supply port, and a second connector mounted on or integrated with the discharge port.

[0063] Thereby, the installation of a first fluid line (particularly a first gas line) and a second fluid line (particularly a second gas line) is facilitated, the first fluid line providing fluid communication between the pressurized gas source and the cabin leveling valve, and the second fluid line providing fluid communication between the pneumatic component and the cabin leveling valve.

[0064] The first connector may be a first quick release connector, and / or the second connector may be a second quick release connector.

[0065] This facilitates the installation of the carriage leveling valve.

[0066] The body and / or the cover may comprise or may be made of a plastic material.

[0067] Thereby, ease of manufacture is achieved.

[0068] The carriage leveling valve may have an ingress protection degree of at least IP5K7K according to ISO 20653, such as an ingress protection degree of IP5K9K according to ISO 20653.

[0069] This provides good protection against the ingress of foreign matter, significantly reduces or eliminates the risk of detergent entering the cabin leveling valve, and prolongs the life of the cabin leveling valve and improves reliability.

[0070] According to another aspect of the present invention, a gasket is provided for installation between a body and a cover of a vehicle cabin leveling valve. The gasket is shaped to be sandwiched between the body and the cover to seal a gap therebetween.

[0071] Hereby, a gasket is provided which reduces the risk of foreign matter entering the cabin levelling valve, thereby contributing to a longer life of the cabin levelling valve.

[0072] The gasket may be a gasket for a cabin leveling valve for use in any aspect or embodiment disclosed herein. Optional features of the gasket correspond to features disclosed in connection with the cabin leveling valve.

[0073] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cabin leveling system is provided. The cabin leveling system includes: a cabin leveling valve according to any aspect or embodiment disclosed herein; a pressurized gas source configured to supply pressurized gas to a supply port; an airbag configured to inflate during a first leveling operation and deflate during a second leveling operation; and a connecting rod connected to a control member. The connecting rod is configured to shift the control member from a neutral position to a first position or a second position in response to a change in the load acting on the vehicle cabin. The cabin leveling system may include more than one such airbag.

[0074] Thus, a cabin leveling system is provided that includes a cabin leveling valve that provides enhanced protection from ingress of foreign matter, thereby improving cabin leveling valve life and reliability.

[0075] According to another aspect of the present invention, a commercial vehicle is provided, comprising a vehicle cabin and a vehicle cabin leveling valve or a vehicle cabin leveling system according to any aspect or embodiment disclosed herein.

[0076] Thus, a commercial vehicle is provided that includes a cabin leveling valve that provides enhanced protection from ingress of foreign matter, thereby increasing cabin leveling valve life and reliability. Maintenance and / or replacement of the cabin leveling valve is thereby reduced.

[0077] The airbag may be configured such that inflation of the airbag causes a portion of the vehicle cabin to rise, and deflation of the airbag causes the portion of the vehicle cabin to lower. The link and control member may be configured such that a change in the load acting on the vehicle cabin causes the link to shift the control member to the first position or the second position.

[0078] Thus, cabin leveling is automatically performed based on the mechanical operation input received by the cabin leveling valve. The cabin attitude can be adjusted by supplying gas to pneumatic components (such as airbags) through the cabin leveling valve or allowing gas to be discharged from the pneumatic components via the cabin leveling valve.

[0079] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling a vehicle cabin leveling valve according to an aspect or embodiment of the present invention is provided, wherein the method comprises assembling a body and a cover, and inserting a gasket between the body and the cover.

[0080] Thereby, the cabin leveling valve is configured to reduce the risk of liquid and / or granular material entering the cabin leveling valve.Thus, the method provides a cabin leveling valve with increased lifespan and reliability.

[0081] The method may further include assembling the cabin leveling valve in a cabin leveling system, including: establishing a pneumatic connection between a source of pressurized gas and a supply port of the cabin leveling valve; and establishing an additional pneumatic connection between an exhaust port of the cabin leveling valve and a pneumatic component (such as an airbag) that is inflatable and deflable for cabin leveling.

[0082] Thus, a cabin leveling system is provided that includes a cabin leveling valve configured to reduce the risk of foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve. Thus, the method provides a cabin leveling system with increased lifespan and reliability.

[0083] The method may further include assembling a cabin leveling valve in a commercial vehicle, including: establishing a pneumatic connection between a source of pressurized gas and a supply port of the cabin leveling valve; and establishing an additional pneumatic connection between a discharge port of the cabin leveling valve and a pneumatic component (such as an air bag) that is inflatable and deflable for cabin leveling, and further including connecting a control member of the cabin leveling valve to a linkage that shifts in response to a change in the cabin attitude of the commercial vehicle.

[0084] Thereby, a commercial vehicle is provided having a cabin leveling valve which is configured to reduce the risk of foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve.Thus, the method provides a commercial vehicle with less maintenance and improved reliability.

[0085] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a cabin leveling valve of any aspect or embodiment for reducing or preventing ingress of foreign matter (such as spray water ingress, dust ingress and / or mud ingress) into the cabin leveling valve during operation of a commercial vehicle including the cabin leveling valve.

[0086] Thus, the cabin leveling valve may be used to reduce maintenance and / or repair work that might otherwise be required more frequently when a conventional cabin leveling valve is installed.

[0087] Various effects and advantages are achieved through the cabin leveling valve, system, and method disclosed herein. For purposes of illustration, the cabin leveling valve is configured to transfer gas from a pressure source to pneumatic components and exhaust the gas, and has a construction that reduces or eliminates the risk of foreign matter entering the valve. Consequently, a cabin leveling valve with increased lifespan and reliability is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] Further advantages and embodiments and developments are provided by the configurations defined in the dependent claims. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0089] Figure 1 It is a partially exploded perspective view of a carriage leveling valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 2 This is another partially exploded perspective view of the carriage leveling valve;

[0091] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the main body of the carriage leveling valve;

[0092] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the cover and gasket of the carriage leveling valve;

[0093] Figure 5 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the carriage leveling valve;

[0094] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 Details of the cross-sectional view;

[0095] Figure 7 It is another cross-sectional view of the carriage leveling valve;

[0096] Figure 8 Shown on an enlarged scale Figure 7 a portion of a cross-sectional view of a

[0097] Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional view of the gasket of the carriage leveling valve;

[0098] Figure 10 It is a plan view of the gasket of the carriage leveling valve;

[0099] Figure 11 It is a partial perspective view of the gasket of the carriage leveling valve;

[0100] Figure 12 It is a side view of the gasket of the carriage leveling valve;

[0101] Figure 13 is a partial view of a pneumatic system including a carriage leveling valve connected to a connecting rod;

[0102] Figure 14 is a partial view of a vehicle including a cabin leveling system, the cabin leveling system including a cabin leveling valve;

[0103] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a commercial vehicle including a cabin leveling valve;

[0104] Figure 16 is a flow chart of a method of assembling a carriage leveling valve; and

[0105] Figure 17 It is a flowchart of the method of using the carriage leveling valve.

[0106] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, similar or identical reference numerals designate elements having similar or identical configurations and / or functions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] The present invention relates to a cabin leveling valve configured to selectively establish fluid communication between a pneumatic component, such as an air bag, and a source of pressurized gas for inflating the pneumatic component and with ambient atmosphere via a discharge orifice for deflation of the pneumatic component.

[0108] The term "bed levelling" as used herein relates to a mechanism configured to change the attitude of the bed of a commercial vehicle, such as a tractor or truck. The change in attitude may be relative to the surface on which the vehicle stands.

[0109] As used herein, the term "inflation" encompasses partial inflation, ie, an increase in the amount of gas in a pneumatic component. The term "deflation" encompasses partial deflation, ie, a decrease in the amount of gas in a pneumatic component.

[0110] The term "gasket" as used herein relates to an element which at least reduces the ingress of liquid and / or particulate foreign matter and / or mud into the cabin levelling valve. The gasket need not provide an airtight seal, but is preferably operable to provide a liquidtight seal.

[0111] Figure 1 1 is a partial exploded view of a carriage leveling valve 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A partial exploded view of the body 11 and the gasket 13 of the cabin leveling valve 10 is shown.

[0112] The cabin leveling valve improves driver comfort by maintaining a consistent cabin position. For cabs equipped with an air suspension system, the cabin leveling valve 10 can be configured to retain the correct attitude, which provides adaptability to cabin loads and a range of road conditions.

[0113] The cabin leveling valve 10 includes a main body 11 and a cover 12 attached to the main body by fasteners 30. In the assembled state of the cabin leveling valve 10, the main body 11 and the cover 12 define an outer housing of the cabin leveling valve 10. Both the main body 11 and the cover 12 include surfaces that are exposed when the cabin leveling valve 10 is assembled. The cabin leveling valve 10 includes several fasteners 30, 30" that attach the cover 12 to the main body 11.

[0114] The cabin leveling valve 10 includes a supply port 14. A first connector 16 may be provided on the supply port 14. The cabin leveling valve 10 is configured such that, when installed in a cabin leveling system, the supply port 14 of the cabin leveling valve 10 is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized gas. The first connector 16 may be a first quick-release connector for ease of assembly.

[0115] The cabin leveling valve 10 includes an exhaust port 15. A second connector 17 may be provided on the exhaust port 15. The cabin leveling valve 10 is configured so that, when installed in a cabin leveling system, the exhaust port 15 of the cabin leveling valve 10 is in fluid communication with a pneumatic component (such as an airbag) configured to act on the cabin and change the cabin's posture. The second connector 17 may be a second quick-release connector for ease of assembly.

[0116] The cabin leveling valve 10 includes a control member that is displaceable to control the state of the cabin leveling valve 10. The control member may include a control rod 18. The control rod 18 may include a coupling structure 18' for coupling to a mechanical linkage, such as a pivotally connected pin configured to achieve pivotal connection of the control rod 18 via the mechanical linkage. A rubber boot 19 of the cabin leveling valve 10 may engage both the body 11 and the cover 12. The rubber boot 19 may extend at least partially around the longitudinal axis of the control rod 18 to protect the control rod 18 while allowing movement between various control positions, such as a first position, a second position, and a third position, as described in more detail below.

[0117] The cabin leveling valve 10 includes a gasket 13. The characteristics of the gasket 13 and its arrangement in the cabin leveling valve 10 are as follows: Figure 2, shown in more detail in FIG. The gasket 13 may be disposed in a recess in one of the cover 12 and the body 11 (in the illustrated embodiment, the recess is in the cover 12). The gasket 13 may also be positioned on a ridge in the other of the cover 12 and the body 11 (in the illustrated embodiment, the ridge is on the body 11). The gasket 13 may be compressed between the cover 12 and the body 11. The gasket 13 generally extends along the gap between the body 11 and the cover 12 and provides a sealing function, thereby reducing or eliminating the ingress of foreign matter into the interior of the cabin leveling valve 10.

[0118] The body 11 includes an upstanding portion 24 that protrudes from the base 21 of the body 11 toward the cover 12. The upstanding portion 24 may protrude in a direction transverse to (e.g., substantially perpendicular to) the base 21. The upstanding portion 24 may extend as a continuous edge from a first free end 26 to a second free end 27 of the upstanding portion 24. The first free end 26 of the upstanding portion 24 and the second free end 27 of the upstanding portion 24 may be proximate to the rubber boot 19. The first free end 26 of the upstanding portion 24 and the second free end 27 of the upstanding portion 24 may be configured to abut and / or engage the rubber boot 19. The upstanding portion 24 may include a top surface 25 that extends substantially in a plane and may be substantially flat (optionally except for one or more protruding tube portions 29, 29'). The rising portion 24 may extend in a U-shape or a V-shape that extends from a first free end 26 of the rising portion 24 to a second free end 27 of the rising portion 24 around the ceramic body 50 of the cabin leveling valve 10. The first free end 26 of the rising portion 24 and the second free end 27 of the rising portion 24 may be disposed at an end of the body 11 that is opposite to the other end where the supply port 14 and the discharge port 15 of the body 11 are disposed.

[0119] The gasket 13 can have a sheet construction. It includes a first major surface 34 that abuts the body 11 and a second major surface 35 that abuts the lid 12. The gasket height 33 (the height of the gasket 13 when compressed between the body 11 and the lid 12) can be smaller than the dimensions of the gasket 13 measured parallel to the plane in which the top surface 25 of the upright portion 24 extends. The area of the gasket's sidewall extending between the first major surface 34 and the second major surface 35 can be smaller than the area of each of the first and second major surfaces 34 and 35. The gasket height 33 (the height of the gasket 13 when compressed between the body 11 and the lid 12) is measured perpendicular to the plane in which the top surface 25 extends. For example, the gasket height 33 (the height of the gasket 13 when compressed between the body 11 and the lid 12) can range from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0120] The gasket 13 extends continuously from a first free end 36 of the gasket 13 to a second free end 37 of the gasket 13. The first free end 36 of the gasket 13 is arranged adjacent to the first free end 26 of the upstanding portion 24. The first free end 36 of the gasket 13 can abut against the first free end 26 of the upstanding portion 24. The second free end 37 of the gasket 13 is arranged adjacent to the second free end 27 of the upstanding portion 24. The second free end 37 of the gasket 13 can abut against the second free end 27 of the upstanding portion 24. The gasket 13 can have a U-shape or a V-shape and can extend continuously over the top surface 25. The gasket 13 can abut against the top surface 25 and can be compressed thereon, thereby providing a seal that extends continuously from the first free end 36 of the gasket 13 to the second free end 37 of the gasket 13.

[0121] The body 11 includes a plurality of fastener passages 28, 28'' for a plurality of fasteners 30, 30''. The body 11 may include one or more tubular sections 29, 29'. The one or more tubular sections 29, 29' may be operable to mechanically interface the cabin leveling valve 10 with other vehicle components (e.g., for installing the cabin leveling valve 10 in a cabin leveling system). The gasket 13 may include a gasket fastener passage 38 to allow the fastener 30 to pass therethrough, as well as a gasket fastener passage 38 to allow additional fasteners 30' (e.g., Figure 7 1 . The gasket 13 may include an additional gasket fastener passage 38' (shown in FIG. 1 ) extending therethrough. The inner diameter of the gasket fastener passage 38 may match (e.g., be equal to) the inner diameter of the fastener passage 28 of the body 11. Alternatively or additionally, the gasket 13 may have a gasket tubular section passage 39 for the tubular section 29 and an additional gasket tubular section passage 39' for the additional tubular section 29'. The inner diameter of the gasket tubular section passage 39 may match (e.g., be equal to) the outer diameter of the tubular section 29 of the body 11. The inner diameter of the additional gasket tubular section passage 39' may match (e.g., be equal to) the outer diameter of the additional tubular section 29' of the body 11.

[0122] The cabin leveling valve 10 can be configured so that not all fasteners attaching the cover 12 to the body 11 pass through corresponding gasket fastener passages. To illustrate, the body 11 can have a fastener passage 28 ″ along the base 21 of the body 11 that is offset relative to the gasket 13 so that a fastener 30 ″ inserted into the fastener passage 28 ″ does not pass through any gasket fastener passages formed in the gasket 13.

[0123] The first main face 34 of the gasket 13 and the second main face 35 of the gasket 13 can extend substantially parallel to each other. The first main face 34 abuts against the top surface 25 of the upright portion 24 of the body 11, optionally in a close-fitting manner. The second main face 35 abuts against the defined recess ( Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) on the surface.

[0124] Figure 3 A plan view of the main body 11 of the cabin leveling valve 10 and the rubber boot 19 disposed thereon is shown, with the viewing direction oriented perpendicular to the plane in which the top surface 25 of the upright portion 24 extends. The cabin leveling valve 10 includes a drain opening spaced from the interface between the cover 12 and the main body 11, in which the gasket 13 is disposed. For illustration, the drain opening may include one or more drain openings 20 in the main body 11. The one or more drain openings 20 may be formed as through-holes in the base 21 of the main body 11. The one or more drain openings 20 are positioned spaced from the interface between the cover 12 and the main body 11.

[0125] The cabin leveling valve 10 can be configured as a three-way valve including three ports, but is not limited thereto. The cabin leveling valve 10 can also be configured as a 3 / 3-way valve having three ports (a supply port 14, a discharge port 15, and a drain orifice 20) and three operating states. The cabin leveling valve 10 can be configured such that when the control lever 18 is in a first position (also referred to as an inflate position), fluid communication is established between the supply port 14 and the drain port 15. In this operating state, the cabin leveling valve 10 is configured to transfer pressurized gas received from a pressurized gas source at the supply port 14 to the drain port 15 to inflate the pneumatic component. The cabin leveling valve 10 can be configured such that when the control lever 18 is in a second position (also referred to as a deflate or drain position), fluid communication is established between the drain port 15 and an internal cavity defined between the cover 12 and the main body 11, thereby fluidly connecting the drain port 15 to the drain orifice 20. In this operating state, the cabin leveling valve 10 is configured to pass gas received at the exhaust port 15 to the surrounding atmosphere via the exhaust orifice 20. The cabin leveling valve 10 can be configured such that when the control lever 18 is in the third position (which can also be referred to as the neutral position), the cabin leveling valve 10 isolates the exhaust port 15 from the exhaust orifice 20 and the supply port 14. In this operating state, the cabin leveling valve 10 is configured to ensure that the amount of gas in the pneumatic components does not change via the cabin leveling valve 10.

[0126] The cabin leveling valve 10 may be configured such that the third position is an intermediate position between the first and second positions of the control lever. This facilitates control of the cabin leveling valve 10 via a mechanical linkage that acts as an input to the control lever 18.

[0127] Various configurations can be used to achieve the desired fluidic configuration of the cabin leveling valve 10 . For illustration, the cabin leveling valve can be a slider valve, such as a ceramic slider valve, in which movement of the control rod 18 selectively opens and closes a flow path (e.g., by displacement of a slider, which can be made of ceramic material 50 ). A slidable member having a gas flow passage formed therein can be biased to a position (e.g., by a spring, such as a coil spring) in which the exhaust port 15 is not in fluid communication with the supply port 14 or the exhaust orifice 20 . Other embodiments are possible. For illustration and not limitation, the cabin leveling valve 10 can include a normally closed first control valve (e.g., a 2 / 2-way valve) between the exhaust port 15 and the supply port 14 , which selectively opens when the control rod 18 is in a first position. The cabin leveling valve 10 can include a normally closed second control valve (e.g., a 2 / 2-way valve) between the exhaust port 15 and the exhaust orifice 20 , which selectively opens when the control rod 18 is in a second position. Other configurations can be used to achieve the pneumatic functionality of the cabin leveling valve disclosed herein.

[0128] In order to reduce the risk of liquid and / or particulate material entering the cabin leveling valve 10, a gasket 13 is provided. The gasket 13 is inserted between the cover 12 and the main body 11 in a tight fit and rests against both. The gasket 13 may include or be formed from a compressible material. The gasket 13 may be constructed so that it is reversibly compressible, thereby returning to an uncompressed height when removed from the cabin leveling valve. Regardless of whether the gasket 13 has elastic recovery characteristics, the uncompressed height of the gasket 13 may be greater than the gasket height 33 when the gasket 13 is installed between the cover 12 and the main body 11 and compressed. The gasket 13 has a height that is selected based on the gap between the cover 12 and the main body 11 and is slightly larger than the gap, so that the gasket 13 can effectively block the gap between the cover 12 and the main body 11. The gasket 13 may be configured such that the difference between the uncompressed gasket height and the gasket height 33 is at least 0.1 times the uncompressed gasket height and at most 0.55 times the uncompressed gasket height.

[0129] The cabin leveling valve 10 provides enhanced resistance to the ingress of liquids and / or particulate materials, such as mud, dirt, or spray water. The gasket 13 reduces the risk of ingress along the interface between the body 11 and the cover 12. A rubber boot 19 is attached to the cover 12, the first and second free ends 36 and 37 of the gasket 13, and the first and second free ends 26 and 27 of the upright 24. The rubber boot 19 can extend circumferentially around the control rod 18, proximate to the cover 12 and the body 11. The abutment of the rubber boot 19 against the first and second free ends 36 and 37 of the gasket 13 can reduce the risk of foreign matter ingress at the interfaces between the rubber boot 19 and the body 11, the cover 12, and the gasket 13. Thus, the configuration of the cabin leveling valve 10 reduces the risk of mud, dirt, liquid, or other undesirable foreign matter intruding into the cabin leveling valve 10.

[0130] Figure 4 A perspective view of the cover 12 of the cabin leveling valve 10 is shown, wherein the gasket 13 is disposed in a recess 41 of the cover 12. The cover 12 includes a recess 41 shaped to receive the gasket 13. The recess 41 is shaped to allow the upstanding portion 24 of the body 11 to enter the recess 41 for bearing against and compressing the gasket 13. The cover 12 includes an outer sidewall 43' and an inner sidewall 44' defining the recess 41 therebetween. The outer sidewall 43' extends continuously from a first outer sidewall end 47, which is disposed proximate to the first free end 36 of the gasket 13, to a second outer sidewall end 47', which is disposed proximate to the second free end 37 of the gasket 13. The inner sidewall 44' extends continuously from a first inner sidewall end 48, which is positioned proximate to the first free end 36 of the gasket 13, to a second inner sidewall end 48', which is positioned proximate to the second free end 37 of the gasket 13. Each of the inner sidewall 44' and the outer sidewall 43' may project from the cover main surface 22 of the cover 12 toward the base 21 of the main body 11. Each of the inner sidewall 44' and the outer sidewall 43' may project in a direction transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the cover main surface 22. The inner sidewall 44' and the outer sidewall 43' may be sized to overlap with the rising portion 24 of the main body 11 when the main body 11 and the cover 12 are attached to each other in the cabin leveling valve 10. The inner sidewall 44' may have an inner sidewall surface 44 that defines the recess 41. The outer sidewall 43 ′ has an outer sidewall surface 43 that defines the recess 41 and is positioned to allow the upstand 24 to enter between the outer sidewall surface 43 and the inner sidewall surface 44 while leaving clearance for positioning the gasket 13 .

[0131] The cover 22 may include additional features designed to mechanically interface the cover 12 with the body 11, such as cover tubular channels 49, 49' configured to receive associated tubular portions 29, 29' of the body 11 therein, and / or cover fastener channels for allowing a fastener shaft to pass through the cover 12 and into the fastener channels 28, 28', 28" of the body 11.

[0132] Also like Figure 4 , the gasket 13 may optionally be shaped to include a first gasket engagement recess 36′ for engaging the rubber boot 19 and / or a second gasket engagement recess 37′ for engaging the rubber boot 19. The first gasket engagement recess 36′ is arranged on at least one side and is bounded by the first free end 36 of the gasket 13. The second gasket engagement recess 37′ is arranged on at least one side and is bounded by the second free end 37 of the gasket 13.

[0133] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the cabin leveling valve 10 is shown. Figure 6 Detail 40 of a cross-sectional view is shown. The cover 12 includes a recess 41 into which the upstanding portion 24 protrudes. The cover 12 and the main body 11 are shaped so that when the contact surface 46 of the cover 12 abuts a mating contact surface (such as that of the ceramic 50 and / or the main body 11), the top surface 25 of the upstanding portion remains spaced apart from the cover 12 by a gap 45. The recess 41 is defined by an inner sidewall surface 44 and an outer sidewall surface 43. The recess 41 is further defined by a surface portion 42 (which may be the bottom of the recess when the cover 12 is viewed from the main body 11), which defines the recess 41 and faces the top surface 25. The surface portion 42 may extend along and parallel to the top surface 25. The gasket 13 is sandwiched between the top surface 25 and the surface portion 42 in a tight fit and abuts against both. Thus, the gasket 13 effectively reduces the risk of foreign matter entering the cabin leveling valve. The labyrinthine structure formed by the recesses 41 and the risers 24 further helps to reduce the risk of ingress of foreign matter such as mud, dirt or spray water.

[0134] The carriage leveling valve 10 can be constructed so that the labyrinth seal formed by the recess 41, the upright portion 24 protruding therein, and the gasket 13 compressed between the cover 12 and the main body 11 extends continuously from the first free end 36 of the gasket 13 (which is pressed against the first free end 26 of the upright portion 24) to the second free end 37 of the gasket 13 (which is pressed against the second free end 27 of the upright portion 24).

[0135] Figure 7 Another cross-sectional view of the cabin leveling valve 10 is shown. Figure 8 Shown on an enlarged scale Figure 7 Detail of the cross-section. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The other cross-sectional views of FIG have a cross-sectional plane passing through the center of the washer fastener passage 38 and the center of the additional washer fastener passage 38 '. The viewing direction is toward the rubber boot 19. The washer fastener passage 38 and the additional washer fastener passage 38 ' each allow the shaft of the associated fastener 30, 30' to penetrate into the body 11 to engage a mating engagement member 53, 53 ', such as a nut.

[0136] The gasket 13, the recess 41 formed in the cover 12 (by the inner sidewall surface 44, the outer sidewall surface 43, and the surface portion 42), and the upstanding portion 24 provide a labyrinth seal that provides a reliable seal around the fastener passages of the main body 11 and the cover 12. At each of the fastener passages 38, 38', the gasket 13 is compressed in the direction of its height (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the first and second major faces 34, 35) in a compression region that extends circumferentially around the axis of the fastener shaft of the associated one of the fasteners 30, 30'.

[0137] Figure 9 A perspective view of the gasket 13 is shown. Figure 10 A plan view of the gasket 13 is shown (seen in a viewing direction perpendicular to the first main face 34 and the second main face 35). The gasket 13 extends along an extension plane 70. The first main face 34 and the second main face 35 may each be substantially parallel to the extension plane 70. The extension plane 70 may be a central plane between the first main face 34 and the second main face 35. Figures 1 to 8 Features of the gasket 13 explained in detail are designated with the same reference numerals, wherein reference is made to the features already incorporated in the Figures 1 to 8 Explanation provided.

[0138] When viewed perpendicular to the first and second major faces 34 and 35, the gasket 13 is generally U-shaped or V-shaped. The gasket 13 includes a first end 61, a first straight portion 63, an arcuate portion 64, a second straight portion 65, and a second end 67. The first end 61 includes the first free end 36 of the gasket 13. The first end 61 may include the gasket fastener passage 38 and the gasket tubular passage 39. The second end 67 may include the second free end 37 of the gasket 13. The second free end 67 may include an additional gasket fastener passage 38' and an additional gasket tubular passage 39'. In both the first end 61 and the second end 67, the gasket 13 may have a width, measured from its outer wall facing away from the gasket's axis of symmetry 90 to its inner wall facing the gasket's axis of symmetry 90, that is greater than its width in the first straight portion 63, the arcuate portion 64, and the second straight portion 65. The gasket 13 may include a first transition portion 62, wherein the width of the gasket 13 measured parallel to the extension plane 70 tapers from the first end 61 to the first straight portion 63. The gasket 13 may include a second transition portion 66, wherein the width of the gasket 13 measured parallel to the extension plane 70 tapers from the second end 67 to the second straight portion 65.

[0139] The first and second ends 61, 67 can be configured such that the width 77, 78 of the gasket 13 around each gasket fastener passage 38, 38' and / or each gasket tubular passage 39, 39' is at least, for example, 1.0 mm, or at least 1.3 mm, or at least 1.5 mm. For illustration, and as shown in conjunction with gasket tubular passage 39, the gasket 13 can be shaped such that, in the first end 61, the gasket includes an arcuate outer surface portion 83 that may extend transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to the plane of extension 70. The arcuate outer surface portion 83 may have a first radius of curvature 81 relative to a center of curvature 80. The opening through the gasket 30 at the gasket tubular passage 39 may be cylindrical and may have a second radius of curvature 82 relative to the same center of curvature 80. The difference between the first and second radii of curvature 81, 82 may define the width 77 of the gasket material, which may be at least, for example, 1.0 mm, or at least 1.3 mm, or at least 1.5 mm.

[0140] The first straight portion 63 may extend along a first extension direction 72, which may be a first straight line parallel to the extension plane 70. The first straight portion 63 may have a cross-section taken perpendicular to the first extension direction 72 that remains the same throughout the first straight portion 63. A first straight portion width 73 may be the width of the first straight portion 63 measured in a direction perpendicular to the first extension direction 72 and parallel to the extension plane 70. When the gasket 13 is installed in the cabin leveling valve 10, the first straight portion width 73 may be, for example, at least 1.5 mm, or at least 2.0 mm, or at least 2.3 mm.

[0141] The second straight portion 65 may be arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the first straight portion 62 about the axis of symmetry 90. The second straight portion 65 may extend along a second extension direction 75, which may be a second straight line parallel to the extension plane 70. The second straight portion 65 may have a cross-section taken perpendicular to the second extension direction 75 that remains the same throughout the second straight portion 65. The second straight portion width 76 may be the width of the second straight portion 65 measured in a direction perpendicular to the second extension direction 75 and parallel to the extension plane 70. When the gasket 13 is installed in the cabin leveling valve 10, the second straight portion width 76 may be, for example, at least 1.5 mm, or at least 2.0 mm, or at least 2.3 mm. The first straight portion width 73 and the second straight portion width 76 may be substantially the same.

[0142] The arcuate portion 64 is interposed between the first straight portion 63 and the second straight portion 65. The arcuate portion 64 has an arcuate outer wall 95 and an arcuate inner wall 95'. The arcuate outer wall 95 and the arcuate inner wall 95' may extend generally transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to the plane 70 of extension of the gasket 13. The arcuate outer wall 95 may have a first additional radius of curvature 93 relative to the center of curvature 92. The arcuate inner wall 95' may have a second additional radius of curvature 94. The difference between the first additional radius of curvature 93 and the second additional radius of curvature 94 may determine the arcuate width 74.

[0143] The gasket 13 can be configured such that the first straight portion width 73, the arcuate portion width 74, and the second straight portion width 76 are all equal. The gasket 13 can be configured such that when the gasket 13 is installed in the cabin leveling valve 10, the first straight portion width 73, the arcuate portion width 74, and the second straight portion width 76 can be, for example, at least 1.5 mm, or at least 2.0 mm, or at least 2.3 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the gasket 13 can be configured such that the first straight portion width 73, the arcuate portion width 74, and the second straight portion width 76 are at least 1.2 times the gasket height 33, at least 1.5 times the gasket height 33, or at least 1.8 times the gasket height 33.

[0144] The arched portion 64 can extend through an angle about the additional center of curvature 92, which ensures that the arched portion 64 provides a smooth and continuous transition between the first straight portion 63 and the second straight portion 65. The first straight portion 63 and the second straight portion 65 can be arranged so that their directions of extension 72, 75 are arranged at an angle 91 relative to the axis of symmetry 90, which can be, for example, at least 20° and at most 50°. The arched portion 64 can extend through an angle about the additional center of curvature 92 that is twice the angle 91 between the second direction of extension 75 and the axis of symmetry 90.

[0145] Figure 11 is a partial perspective view of gasket 13. Gasket 13 has a wall portion (or facet) extending between first major face 34 and second major face 35. The wall portion includes several outer wall portions, such as outer wall portion 96 and an additional outer wall portion 96'. Due to the geometry of gasket 13, additional outer wall portion 96' can be angled relative to outer wall portion 96. Outer wall portions 96, 96' can transition continuously into first major face 34 and / or second major face 35 via wall transition portions. For illustration, wall transition portion 97 can provide a smooth transition of outer wall portion 96 into second major face 35. Additional wall transition portion 97' can provide a smooth transition of additional outer wall portion 96' into second major face 35.

[0146] Figure 12 FIG2 is a side view of the gasket 13 when the gasket 13 is not installed in the cabin leveling valve 10 (e.g., before the gasket 13 is installed and / or after the gasket 13 is removed from the cabin leveling valve 10). In this state, the gasket 13 has an uncompressed gasket height 33', which is generally greater than the gasket height 33 when the gasket is compressed between the cover 12 and the body 11. The wall transition 98 that transitions the minor facets of the gasket 13 into the major faces 34, 35 can have a wall transition curvature radius 99. The wall transition curvature radius 99 can be less than 0.3 mm or less than 0.25 mm, thereby ensuring that the majority of the gasket 13 remains tightly against the cover 12 and the body 11 when the gasket 13 is compressed between the cover 12 and the body 11.

[0147] Figure 13 A partial view of a vehicle cabin leveling system 100 is shown, including a vehicle cabin leveling valve 10 and a linkage 104. When a load causes the vehicle cabin to change attitude, the linkage 104 shifts the control rod 18 from a neutral position 103 to either a first position 101 (for inflating an air bag) or a second position 102 (for deflating an air bag), depending on whether a portion of the vehicle cabin is to be raised or lowered by the corresponding air bag.

[0148] Figure 14The schematic diagram of the cabin leveling system installed in a commercial vehicle is shown. The cabin leveling system includes a cabin leveling valve 10, a pressure gas source ( Figure 14 The control member 18 is also provided with a pressure gas source configured to supply pressure gas to a supply port, an air bag 106 configured to inflate when the control lever 18 is in the first position 101 and to deflate when the control lever 18 is in the second position 102, and a connecting rod 104 connected to the control member. The connecting rod 104 can be arranged to extend vertically when the commercial vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface. The connecting rod 104 is configured to shift the control lever 18 from the neutral position 103 to the first position 101 or the second position 102 in response to changes in the load acting on the vehicle's cabin.

[0149] The commercial vehicle may include shock absorbers 105, additional air bags 107, and optionally associated additional cabin leveling valves, among other components. For illustration, the movement of the cabin may be defined by an upper stop 108, a rubber cap 109, and a lower stop 110, wherein in at least some operating conditions, the upper stop 108 is spaced apart from the rubber cap 109 by a spacing 111.

[0150] Figure 15 1 is a schematic diagram of a commercial vehicle 112. For example, the commercial vehicle 112 may be a tractor or truck. The commercial vehicle 112 includes a cabin leveling system 100 including the cabin leveling valve 10 and a pressure source 114 in fluid communication with the supply port 14.

[0151] The cabin leveling valve 10 is configured such that, when the attitude of the cabin 113 is to be readjusted, the cabin leveling valve 10 receives a mechanical input generated by a load acting on a portion of the cabin 113. The cabin leveling valve 10 is configured such that, in response to the mechanical input, the cabin leveling valve 10 performs a leveling action by causing a pneumatic member (e.g., an airbag) to inflate or deflate, thereby adjusting the attitude of the cabin 113.

[0152] Figure 16 is a flow chart of a method 120 of assembling the cabin leveling valve 10. The method 120 may be performed automatically or using an assembly system.

[0153] The method includes process block 121 of assembling the body 11 and the cover 12. The method includes process block 122 of inserting the gasket 13 between the body 11 and the cover 12. Process block 122 may include compressing the gasket 13 between the body 11 and the cover 12.

[0154] The method 120 may further include assembling the cabin leveling valve 10 in the cabin leveling system 100, including: establishing a pneumatic connection between a source of pressurized gas and a supply port of the cabin leveling valve 10; and establishing a further pneumatic connection between an exhaust port of the cabin leveling valve 10 and a pneumatic component (such as an airbag 106, 107), which can be inflated and deflated for cabin leveling.

[0155] Figure 17 is a flow chart of a method 130 for reducing or preventing ingress of foreign matter, such as water spray ingress, dust ingress, and / or mud ingress, into the cabin leveling valve 10 using the cabin leveling valve 10 during operation of a commercial vehicle 112 including the cabin leveling valve 10 .

[0156] The method 130 includes a process block 131 of performing a cabin leveling operation via the cabin leveling valve 10 . The method 130 includes a process block 132 of reducing the ingress of foreign matter into the cabin leveling valve 10 via the seal provided by the gasket 13 , the recess 41 , and the upstanding portion 24 .

[0157] Although the embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, modifications and variations may be implemented in other embodiments.

[0158] For illustrative purposes, while an embodiment has been described in which the cabin leveling valve has a supply port, a discharge port, and a drain port all formed on the body, one or more ports may additionally or alternatively be formed on the cover. For further illustrative purposes, while an embodiment has been described in which the drain port may include a through-hole in either the body or the cover, the drain port may include only one through-hole or may include through-holes in both the body and the cover. For further illustrative purposes, while an embodiment has been described in which the cabin leveling valve is a 3 / 3-way valve, other valve configurations may be used.

[0159] For further illustration, the present invention can be applied to a variety of cabin leveling valve configurations, including cabin leveling valves that are slider valves.

[0160] Various effects and advantages are achieved through embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments provide an enhanced cabin leveling valve that reduces the risk of foreign matter intruding into the cabin leveling valve. The discharge orifice may include a sealing member configured to effectively mount in an overlapping relationship with one or more through-openings of the discharge orifice, thereby reducing the risk of foreign matter intruding into the cabin leveling valve. Thus, the cabin leveling valve provides enhanced mud protection and, therefore, an enhanced lifespan.

[0161] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS (PARTIAL DESCRIPTION)

[0162] 10 Carriage leveling valve

[0163] 11 main body

[0164] 12 covers

[0165] 13 washers

[0166] 14 supply ports

[0167] 15 discharge port

[0168] 16, 17 connectors

[0169] 18 control levers

[0170] 18' connection structure

[0171] 19 rubber boots

[0172] 20 discharge orifice

[0173] 21 base

[0174] 22 Cover main surface

[0175] 24 rising part

[0176] 25 top surface

[0177] 26, 27 Free end of the rising portion

[0178] 28, 28', 28'' Fastener Channels

[0179] 29, 29' tubular channel

[0180] 30, 30', 30'' fasteners

[0181] 33 Washer height

[0182] 33' uncompressed gasket height

[0183] 34 first main surface

[0184] 35 Second main surface

[0185] Free ends of washers 36 and 37

[0186] 36', 37' gasket joint recess

[0187] 38, 38' Washer Fastener Channel

[0188] 39, 39' gasket tubular section channel

[0189] 40 details

[0190] 41 recess

[0191] 42 Cover surface portion defining the recess

[0192] 43 Side wall surface of the outer wall

[0193] 43' outer wall

[0194] 44 side surface of inner wall

[0195] 44' inside wall

[0196] 45 gap

[0197] 46 cover contact surface

[0198] 47, 47' outer wall end

[0199] 48, 48' inner wall end

[0200] 49, 49' covered tubular channel

[0201] 50 ceramics

[0202] 51 main body fastener channel

[0203] 52 cover fastener channels

[0204] 53, 53' paired joint members

[0205] 61 first end

[0206] 62 First Transition Section

[0207] 63 First straight section

[0208] 64 arch

[0209] 65 Second straight section

[0210] 66 Second Transition Section

[0211] 67 second end

[0212] 70 extension plane

[0213] 72 first extension direction

[0214] 73 first straight part width

[0215] 74Arch width

[0216] 75 second extension direction

[0217] 76 Second straight section width

[0218] 77 first circumferential width

[0219] 78 Second circumference width

[0220] 80 curvature radius

[0221] 81 first curvature radius

[0222] 82 Second curvature radius

[0223] 83 Arched surface

[0224] 90° symmetry axis

[0225] 91 degrees

[0226] 92 additional radius of curvature

[0227] 93 additional first radius of curvature

[0228] 94 Another second radius of curvature

[0229] 95 outer wall of the arch

[0230] 95' bow inner wall

[0231] 96 outer wall

[0232] 96' additional outer wall

[0233] 97 Wall transition

[0234] 97' Additional wall transition

[0235] 98 curved wall transition

[0236] 99 wall transition curvature radius

[0237] 100 carriage leveling system

[0238] 101 first position

[0239] 102 second position

[0240] 103 neutral position

[0241] 104 connecting rod

[0242] 105 shock absorber

[0243] 106, 107 airbags

[0244] 108 upper stop

[0245] 109 rubber cap

[0246] 110 lower stop

[0247] 111 spacing

[0248] 112 Commercial Vehicles

[0249] Car 113

[0250] 114 Stressors

[0251] 120 Method

[0252] 121, 122 process blocks

[0253] 130 Methods

[0254] 131, 132 process blocks

Claims

1. A carriage leveling valve (10), comprising: Control member (18); Main body (11); a cover (12) attached to the body (11); as well as a gasket (13) mounted between the body (11) and the cover (12), wherein the gasket (13) abuts against the body (11) and the cover (12); wherein the body (11) or the cover (12) includes a supply port (14); wherein the main body (11) or the cover (12) includes a discharge port (15); Wherein, the carriage leveling valve (10) is constructed as When the control member (18) is in the first position (101), the pressurized gas received at the supply port (14) is delivered to the discharge port (15) to inflate the pneumatic component (106) to perform a first leveling operation, and When the control member (18) is in the second position (102), gas is exhausted from the pneumatic component (106) through the carriage leveling valve (10) to perform a second leveling operation.

2. The carriage leveling valve (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The gasket (13) is sized to bear against the body (11) and the cover (12) in a close-fitting manner.

3. The carriage leveling valve (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The gasket (13) has a first main face (34) directly resting on the body (11) and a second main face (35) directly resting on the cover (12), the second main face (35) extending parallel to the first main face (34) and spaced apart from the first main face (34) by a gasket height (33).

4. The carriage leveling valve (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The gasket (13) is compressible in a direction perpendicular to the first main face (34) and the second main face (35), The gasket (13) is compressed from an uncompressed gasket height to the gasket height (33) between the cover (12) and the body (11).

5. The carriage leveling valve (10) according to claim 4, wherein: The difference between the uncompressed gasket height (33') and the gasket height (33) is at least 0.1 times the uncompressed gasket height (33') and at most 0.55 times the uncompressed gasket height (33').

6. The carriage leveling valve (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The washer height (33) is at least 0.6 mm and at most 1.1 mm.

7. The carriage leveling valve (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein: The first main surface (34) and the second main surface (35) extend along an extension plane (70) of the gasket (13), Wherein, the gasket (13) comprises: a first straight portion (63), wherein the washer (13) extends along a first extension direction (72) parallel to the extension plane (70), wherein the washer (13) has a first straight portion width (73) extending through the first straight portion (63), the first straight portion width (73) being measured perpendicular to the first extension direction (72) and parallel to the extension plane (70); a second straight portion (65), wherein the washer (13) extends along a second extension direction (75) parallel to the extension plane (70), wherein the washer (13) has a second straight portion width (76) throughout the second straight portion (65), the second straight portion width (76) being measured perpendicular to the second extension direction (75) and parallel to the extension plane (70), the second extension direction (75) being different from the first extension direction (72); and An arched portion (64) is inserted between the first straight portion (63) and the second straight portion (65).

8. The carriage leveling valve (10) according to claim 7, wherein: The arch (64) includes an arch outer wall (95) and an arch inner wall (94), wherein the arch outer wall has a further first radius of curvature (93) about a further center of curvature (92), and the arch inner wall has a further second radius of curvature (94) about the further center of curvature (92).

9. The carriage leveling valve (10) according to claim 7, wherein: The first straight portion width (73) is equal to one or both of the following: the second straight portion width (76); A difference (74) between the further first radius of curvature (93) and the further second radius of curvature (94).

10. The carriage leveling valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cover (12) or the body (11) comprises a recess (41) in which the gasket (13) is arranged.

11. The carriage leveling valve (10) according to claim 10, wherein: The main body (11) includes a rising portion (24) extending into the recess (41), The gasket (13) is sandwiched between the rising portion (24) and a surface portion (42) of the cover (12) that defines the recess (41).

12. The carriage leveling valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The gasket (13) includes channels (38, 38', 39, 39'), the channels including one or both of the following: fastener passages (38, 38') for fasteners (30) for fastening the cover (12) to the body (11); Tubular section passages (39, 39') for the tubular section (28) of the body (11) or the cover (12).

13. A vehicle compartment leveling system (100), comprising: A carriage leveling valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; a pressurized gas source (114) configured to supply pressurized gas to the supply port (14); an airbag (106) configured to be inflated during the first leveling operation and deflated during the second leveling operation; as well as A link (104) is connected to the control member (18) and is configured to shift the control member (18) from a neutral position to the first position or the second position in response to a change in load acting on a vehicle cabin.

14. A commercial vehicle (112), comprising: carriage (113); and The vehicle compartment leveling system (100) according to claim 13, wherein the airbag (106) is configured such that inflation of the airbag (106) causes a portion of the vehicle compartment (113) to rise, and deflation of the airbag (106) causes the portion of the vehicle compartment (113) to lower, and wherein the link (104) and the control member (18) are configured such that the change in load acting on the carriage causes the link (104) to shift the control member (18) to the first position (101) or the second position (102).

15. A method of assembling a carriage leveling valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising: Assembling the main body (11) and the cover (12); and The gasket (13) is inserted between the body (11) and the cover (12).

16. Use of a cabin leveling valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for reducing or preventing foreign matter from entering the cabin leveling valve (10) during operation of a commercial vehicle (112) comprising the cabin leveling valve (10).

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