Pressure plate and pressure plate device for brake actuating mechanism, service brake actuating mechanism and parking brake actuating mechanism, brake assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure plate and a pressure plate device for a brake actuating mechanism, a service brake actuating mechanism, a parking brake actuating mechanism, a brake assembly and a vehicle. Specifically, the invention relates to a pressure plate (100) for a brake actuator, the pressure plate (100) for a brake actuator comprising a base section (102) and a peripheral radial wall (104) extending from the base section in a longitudinal direction (L). A peripheral rim (106) is disposed on a distal end (108) of the peripheral radial wall for connection to a non-pressure plate of an actuator. An inlet port (110) is provided for receiving a pressurized fluid (CA). A central opening (112) is arranged on the base section and is configured to receive a pressure rod of the spring brake unit. The connecting element (114) is configured to mate with a corresponding mating connecting element of a cover configured to seal and close the central opening, and to mate with a corresponding mating connecting element of the spring braking unit such that a pressure rod of the spring braking unit is aligned with the central opening.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure plate for a brake actuator enabling a modular approach for service brake actuators and parking brake actuators. The present invention also relates to a pressure plate arrangement for a service brake actuator, a service brake actuator comprising the pressure plate arrangement, a parking brake actuator comprising the pressure plate, a brake arrangement and a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] In known service brake actuators, the housing comprises a pressure plate and a non-pressure plate, which are usually connected by a clamping ring, and have an elastic diaphragm arranged therebetween, and the elastic diaphragm divides the internal volume of the service brake actuator into a first chamber, in which an actuating pressurized fluid is received, and a second chamber, which houses a push rod for exerting a braking force upon receiving the pressurized fluid. The pressure plate and the diaphragm enclose the first chamber, which is pressurized upon receiving the fluid, hence the denomination.

[0003] In known parking brake actuators, i.e. brake actuators having a combined service brake function and parking brake function, the pressure plate present in the service brake actuator is usually replaced by a flange to which a parking brake unit or a spring brake unit is attached. The flange has an opening for a pressure rod, which allows mechanical actuation of the diaphragm and the push rod via the pressure rod moving through the opening in the flange when a parking brake signal is received. Moreover, the flange and the parking brake unit enclose the first chamber together with the diaphragm, which is pressurized during operation of the service brake actuator.

[0004] It would therefore be beneficial to be able to improve the integration of different brake actuators to meet different customer and engineering requirements. SUMMARY

[0005] This is where the present invention comes in, where the object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a pressure plate for a brake actuator is disclosed. The pressure plate comprises a base section extending in a base plane perpendicular to a longitudinal or axial direction of the pressure plate. The pressure plate further comprises a peripheral radial wall extending from the base section in the longitudinal or axial direction, thereby forming a skirt around the base section. A peripheral rim is arranged on a distal end of the peripheral radial wall for connection to a non-pressure plate to form a housing of the brake actuator. The non-pressure plate is not a feature of the pressure plate of the first aspect of the present invention. The pressure plate further comprises an inlet port for receiving a pressurized fluid and a central opening arranged on the base section and configured to receive a pressure rod of a spring brake unit. The spring brake unit is also not a feature of the pressure plate of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0007] The pressure plate of the first aspect comprises a connection element which is arranged to surround the central opening and which is configured for mating with a respective mating connection element of a cap configured to sealingly close the central opening for braking operation of the actuation mechanism in the service brake mode and with a respective mating connection element of the parking brake chamber such that the pressure lever of the spring brake unit is aligned with the central opening for braking operation of the actuation mechanism in the parking brake mode, the connection element being configured for mating, in particular non-simultaneously, with the respective mating connection element of the cap and the respective mating connection element of the parking brake chamber.

[0008] Thus, the pressure plate of the present invention can advantageously be used for service brake actuation mechanisms and parking brake actuation mechanisms, thereby allowing a modular design of the brake actuation mechanisms.

[0009] In the following, improvements of the pressure plate of the first aspect of the present invention will be disclosed.

[0010] The non-simultaneous mating with the cap and the spring brake unit, preferably but not limitingly, means that the connection element is configured for mating with both the cap and the spring brake unit, but, at any given point in time, only one of them (or none of them) can be connected, or, in other words, the cap and the spring brake unit cannot be connected to the pressure plate at the same time.

[0011] In a development, the inlet port is arranged on the peripheral radial wall.

[0012] In another development, the connection element is arranged on the outer side of the base section. The outer side refers to the service side, which is accessible by the user in the operation of the service brake actuation mechanism, as opposed to the inner side. Access to the inner side usually requires disassembling the brake actuation mechanism and separating the pressure plate from the non-pressure plate.

[0013] In yet another development, the connection element of the pressure plate is configured as a threaded connector. The threaded connector comprises a thread, which can be an external thread or an internal thread, which is arranged, for example, on a protruding section. In an alternative development, the connection element of the pressure plate is configured as a push-lock connector or as a ball-lock mounting system.

[0014] Push-lock connectors (also known as push-to-connect fittings) can be used in low-pressure hydraulic and pneumatic systems and have the advantage that no clamps or crimp sleeves are required to secure the fitting.

[0015] The second aspect of the invention is formed by a pressure plate arrangement suitable for use in a service brake actuator. The pressure plate arrangement comprises a pressure plate according to the first aspect of the invention and a cover comprising mating connection elements configured to sealingly close the central opening of the pressure plate. The cover serves as a protective cover for closing the central opening and preventing air leakage during operation of the service brake actuator comprising the pressure plate arrangement of the invention. Thus, the pressure plate arrangement provides the same functionality as known pressure plates for service brake actuators.

[0016] Thus, the pressure plate arrangement shares the advantages of the pressure plate of the first aspect of the invention.

[0017] In a development of the pressure plate arrangement, the pressure plate and the cover comprise mating connection elements forming a threaded connection or a push-lock connection or a ball-lock mounting system.

[0018] The third aspect of the invention is formed by a service brake actuator. The service brake actuator according to the invention comprises a pressure plate arrangement according to the second aspect and a non-pressure plate. The non-pressure plate is connected to the peripheral rim of the pressure plate and comprises a push rod opening. The service brake actuator of the third aspect further comprises a diaphragm arranged between the pressure plate and the non-pressure plate and configured to divide an inner volume of the service brake actuator into a first chamber connected to the inlet port and a second chamber connected to (i.e. in fluid communication with) the push rod opening. A push rod is connected to the diaphragm and arranged in the second chamber such that a distal end of the push rod protrudes via the push rod opening outside the non-pressure plate. In the service brake actuator of the third aspect of the invention, the cover is arranged to sealingly close the central opening of the pressure plate to form the first chamber. Furthermore, the pressure plate, the non-pressure plate and the cover form a housing of the service brake actuator.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a parking brake actuator is disclosed. The parking brake actuator is a brake actuator having a service brake function and a parking brake function. The parking brake actuator comprises a pressure plate according to the first aspect of the invention. As in the case of the service brake actuator of the third aspect, the parking brake actuator further comprises a non-pressure plate connected to the peripheral rim of the pressure plate, the non-pressure plate having a push rod opening; a diaphragm arranged between the pressure plate and the non-pressure plate and configured to divide an inner volume of a service brake section of the parking brake actuator into a first chamber connected to the inlet port and a second chamber connected to the push rod opening; and a push rod connected to the diaphragm and arranged in the second chamber such that a distal end of the push rod protrudes via the push rod opening outside the non-pressure plate.

[0020] Further, the parking brake actuator of the fourth aspect comprises a spring brake unit comprising a mating connection element configured to cooperate with the connection element of the pressure plate. The spring brake unit further comprises a pressure lever configured to actuate the push rod via the central opening of the pressure plate upon receipt of a parking brake signal.

[0021] In one development, the pressure plate and the spring brake unit comprise mating connection elements forming a threaded connection or a push-lock connection or a ball-lock mounting system.

[0022] The fifth aspect of the present application is formed by a brake assembly comprising a compressor unit configured to generate and provide compressed air, which brake assembly optionally comprises: an air drying unit connected to the compressor unit and configured to dry the compressed air and provide dried compressed air; a compressed air reservoir connected to the compressor, in particular via the optional air drying unit, and configured to store the dried compressed air; and one or more service brake actuators according to the third aspect and / or one or more parking brake actuators according to the fourth aspect, both configured to exert a brake force via the push rod in response to receiving the dried compressed air from the compressed air reservoir and, optionally in case of the parking brake actuators, in response to receiving a parking brake signal.

[0023] The sixth aspect of the present application is formed by a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising a service brake actuator according to the third aspect and / or a parking brake actuator according to the fourth aspect and / or a brake assembly according to the fifth aspect.

[0024] These and other aspects of the present application will be apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter, with reference to the following figures.

[0025] Embodiments of the present application are described below based on the drawings, which are compared to the prior art, which is also partly shown. The latter is not necessarily intended to be to scale. The figures show in a schematic and / or slightly distorted form what can be used to explain. With regard to the addition of teachings immediately recognizable from the figures, reference is made to the relevant prior art. It should be borne in mind that many modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments in terms of form and detail without thereby departing from the general concept of the present application.

[0026] The features of the present application disclosed in the description, drawings and claims can be necessary for further developing the present application, either individually or in any combination. Furthermore, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawings and / or the claims are also included within the scope of the present application.

[0027] The general concepts of the present invention are not limited to the precise form or detail of the preferred embodiments shown and described below, or to the subject matter which would be claimed in the claims if compared to the subject matter of the claims.

[0028] For a specified design range, values within the specified limits of the range are also disclosed as limiting values, and are therefore arbitrarily applicable and protectable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The following drawings illustrate:

[0030] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary pressure plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a side view of the exemplary pressure plate of

[0032] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary pressure plate according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary service brake actuation mechanism including a pressure plate arrangement according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a spring brake unit for use with a pressure plate according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a flange of a spring brake unit connected to a pressure plate according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a parking brake actuation mechanism including a pressure plate arranged between a spring brake unit and a service brake unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle including a brake assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] For the following discussion of the drawings, and for simplicity and clarity, the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings and the following detailed description of the embodiments to refer to the same or like parts.

[0039] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an exemplary pressure plate 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 1B shows Figure 1A a side view of the exemplary pressure plate 100 of

[0041] With regard to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the pressure plate 100 is suitable for a service brake actuator or a parking brake actuator, as will be explained below. The pressure plate 100 comprises a base section 102 extending in a base plane XY perpendicular to a longitudinal direction L of the pressure plate, in Figure 1B which the longitudinal direction L corresponds to an axial direction Z. Figure 1A An inner side 102.2 of the base section 102 is shown, and Figure 1B an outer side 102.1 of the base section 102 is shown. The pressure plate 100 further comprises a peripheral radial wall 104 extending from the base section 102 in the longitudinal direction L. A peripheral rim 106 is arranged on a distal end 108 of the peripheral radial wall 104 for connecting to a non-pressure plate to form a housing of a brake actuator, as will be explained below. In Figure 1A and Figure 1B particular exemplary pressure plate 100, the peripheral radial wall 104 extends with increasing radius in the longitudinal direction L from the base plate towards the distal end 108. In other examples (not shown), the peripheral radial wall can be parallel to the longitudinal direction L at least in one or more sections.

[0042] The pressure plate 100 further comprises an inlet port 110 arranged and configured to receive pressurized fluid, for example compressed air CA provided by a compressor. The inlet port enables a fluid connection between an inner portion of the pressure plate 100 and an outer portion of the pressure plate. In this particular non-limiting example, the inlet port 110 is arranged on the peripheral radial wall 104. Alternatively, the inlet port can be arranged on the base plate 102, preferably in a non-central position.

[0043] The pressure plate 100 further comprises a central opening 112 (see Figure 1A ) arranged on the base section 102 and configured to receive a pressure rod of a spring brake unit, as will be explained below. Thus, the central opening located at a central position of the base plate is dimensioned to allow the pressure rod to move through the central opening 112.

[0044] Furthermore, a connection element 114 is provided. The connection element 114 is arranged such that it radially surrounds the central opening 112. The connection element 114 is configured for mating with a respective mating connection element of a cover configured to sealingly close the central opening 112 for braking the actuation of the actuation in the service brake mode, and with a respective mating connection element of the spring brake unit such that a pressure rod of the spring brake unit is aligned with the central opening 112 for braking the actuation of the actuation in the parking brake mode, the connection element 114 is configured for mating, in particular non-simultaneously, with the respective mating connection element of the cover and the respective mating connection element of the spring brake unit. This will be explained further below with reference to the Figure 3 and the Figure 5 for the service brake actuation and the service brake mode, and Figure 3 for the parking brake actuation and the respective parking brake mode. Figure 5 Further explained, the connection element is designed or configured to interact with a mating connection element, which can be part of the cover (see e.g. ) or part of the spring brake unit (see e.g.

[0045] ). Figure 2 The connection element 114 of the pressure plate 100 can for example be configured as a threaded connection element (see e.g. ), a push-lock connector 114b or a ball-lock mounting system 114c.

[0046] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary pressure plate 100 according to another embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 2 The pressure plate 100 of Fig. 1 has a connection element 114 in the form of a threaded connection element 114a, to which a cover (see e.g. Figure 3 ) or a spring brake unit (see e.g. Figure 6 ) can be connected. The provision of a pressure brake, which can connect several different mating elements, enables a modular design of the brake actuation. Modular design refers to a product design in which subassemblies and components are organized as different building blocks or modules that can be integrated through appropriate configurations to meet various customer and / or engineering requirements.

[0047] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary service brake actuation 200 comprising a pressure plate arrangement 150 according to another embodiment of the present application is shown. The pressure plate arrangement 150 comprises a pressure plate 100 (see e.g. above with regard to Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2and a cover 152. The cover 152 comprises a mating connection element 154 configured to cooperate with the connection element 114 of the pressure plate 100 to sealingly close the central opening 112 of the pressure plate 100. Thus, the opening 112 cannot be accessed from the outside of the service brake actuator, since it is covered by the cover. Here, the connection element 114 of the pressure plate is arranged on the inner wall of the protruding radial element 116, which has a larger radius than the smallest radius of the opening 112, in Figure 3 The opening 112 is in this case delimited by a radial opening lip 118, which is surrounded by the protruding radial element 116, in which the connection element 114 is arranged. During operation of the service brake actuator 200, i.e. when the service brake actuator 200 is actuated, for example when the driver actuates the brake pedal, compressed air CA from the brake valve flows through the inlet port 110 and into the first chamber 202, which is delimited by the pressure plate arrangement 150 on the proximal side and by the movable separating element 203 on the distal side, which in this particular case is an elastic diaphragm 204. The movable separating element 203 can alternatively be a rigid element, which is configured to slide along the inner wall of the housing of the brake actuator (not shown). The pressure built up in the first chamber 202 acts on the diaphragm 204 and pushes it, together with the push rod 206 attached to the diaphragm 204 along the longitudinal direction L, against the force of the pressure spring 208 arranged inside the second chamber 210. The second chamber is delimited by the non-pressure plate 212 and the movable separating element, which in this example is the elastic diaphragm 204. The non-pressure plate 212 comprises a push rod opening 209, through which the distal end 206.1 of the push rod 206 can move in the longitudinal direction L to exert the brake force F. When the brake process is over, the pressure in the first chamber 202 is reduced by the upstream brake valve (not shown). At the same time, the pressure spring 208 returns both the push rod 206 and the diaphragm 204 to their original position. Due to the sealing connection between the connection element 114 of the pressure plate 100 and the mating connection element 154 of the cover, and due to the sealing connection between the pressure plate 100 and the non-pressure plate 212, the first chamber 202 is sealed. In particular, Figure 3 A fastening device 218 is also shown for fastening the diaphragm 204 between the pressure plate 100, in particular the peripheral rim (106, see Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B or Figure 2 )) and the non-pressure plate 212, by means of, for example, fastening clips 218, preferably circumferential fastening clips.

[0048] Optionally, a filter 214 fitted in front of the air outlet hole 216 of the non-pressure plate 212 prevents dirt or dust from penetrating into the second chamber 210 when the push rod 206 is returned to its original position.

[0049] Thus, the housing 220 of the service brake actuator 200 is formed by the pressure plate arrangement 150 comprising the pressure plate 100 and the cover 152 and the non-pressure plate 212.

[0050] The use of the pressure plate 100 according to the present application enables a modular design of the service brake actuator 200 also as a parking brake actuator by removing the cover 152 and connecting the spring brake unit to the connecting element 114.

[0051] This is shown in Figure 4 , Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a spring brake unit 350 for use with the pressure plate 100 according to another embodiment of the present application is shown. The spring brake unit 350 comprises a mating connecting element 352, for example a threaded connecting element 352 for mating with the threaded connecting element 114a of the pressure plate 100. The threaded connecting element 152 is arranged on a flange 354, which forms part of a housing 356 of the spring brake unit 350. The flange 354 comprises a flange opening 358 through which a pressure rod 360 can protrude. A movable separating element 362 of the spring brake unit 350 divides the inner volume of the housing 356 into a first parking brake chamber 364 and a second parking brake chamber 366, which accommodates a spring element or compression spring 368. The operation of the spring brake unit is known to the person skilled in the art and will be discussed in brief below. Figure 6 Brief discussion.

[0052] Figure 5 The threaded connection between the threaded connecting element 352 arranged on the flange 354 of the spring brake unit 350 and the mating threaded connecting element 114a arranged on the pressure plate 100 according to another embodiment of the present application is shown in more detail in a cross-sectional view. By the threaded connection, the flange opening 358 of the flange 354 is aligned with the central opening 112 of the pressure plate, thereby providing one integral opening 370, so that the pressure rod 360 (see Figure 4 ) can protrude through the integral opening 370 to actuate the movable separating element 203, for example the resilient diaphragm 204, of the service brake actuator when the parking brake actuator is operated.

[0053] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a parking brake actuator 400 comprising the pressure plate 100 according to another embodiment of the present application is shown, which is arranged between the spring brake unit 350 and the service brake unit 250. The operation of the parking brake actuator 400 in service brake mode SB is identical to the one described with reference to Figure 3The described operations are identical. The sealing connection between the flange 354 and the pressure plate 100 and the sealing arrangement of the pressure lever 360 in the spring brake unit 350 and the sealing connection between the pressure plate 100 and the non-pressure plate 212 create a fluid-tight first chamber 202 in the service brake unit 250, which can be pressurized with fluid, such as compressed air CA, provided via the inlet port 110, to drive the diaphragm 204 and the push rod 206 out of the service brake unit 250 to exert a brake force F in the longitudinal direction. In addition to Figure 3 The service brake unit 250 described above, Figure 6 The service brake unit 250 described above further comprises a bellows connected to the distal end 206.1 of the push rod 206 and configured to protect the push rod opening 209.

[0054] During operation of the parking brake actuator 400 in the parking brake mode PB, when the parking brake is actuated, the pressure in the first parking brake chamber 364 is completely or partially released via a release port, which is preferably located on the peripheral radial wall of the flange 354 or on the housing 356 (not shown). In this process, the force of the relaxed compression spring 368 acts on the movable separating element 362 of the spring brake unit 350 (e.g., via the wheel brake of the piston) and on the pressure lever 360, which moves in the longitudinal direction and mechanically actuates the diaphragm 204 in the service brake unit 250, thereby again generating a brake force F in the longitudinal direction L. When the first parking brake chamber 364 is under no pressure, the maximum brake force F of the spring brake unit 350, i.e., the spring-loaded part of the parking brake actuator 400, is achieved. Since this brake force F is only achieved by mechanical means, i.e., by the compression spring 368, the spring-loaded part can be used for the parking brake. When the brake is released, the pressure is again increased in the first parking brake chamber 364, for example via the release port, which is preferably located on the peripheral radial wall of the flange 354 or on the housing 356 (not shown), and the compression spring 368 and the pressure lever 360 return to their initial, unactuated position.

[0055] Figure 7A schematic block diagram of a vehicle 500, in particular a commercial vehicle such as a truck or a bus, comprising a brake assembly 550 according to another embodiment of the present application is shown. The vehicle 500 comprises, for example, a drive axle 502 and a steering axle 504. The brake assembly 550 comprises an air handling unit 552 comprising a compressor 554 and an air drying unit 556 configured to absorb moisture from compressed air CA provided by the compressor 554. In addition, the air drying unit can comprise a filter, for example an oil filter. The compressed air CA provided by the compressor 554 and dried by the air drying unit 556 is then stored in a compressed air reservoir 558. Upon request, by providing an service brake signal S1, the stored compressed air CA is used to operate service brake units 250 of service brake actuators 200 arranged on the steering axle 504 and of parking brake actuators 400 arranged on the drive axle 502. The stored compressed air CA can also be used to operate other pneumatic systems of the vehicle 500, such as an air suspension system comprising air bellows (not shown). The compressed air CA stored in the reservoir 558 can also be used in a so-called regeneration phase of the air drying unit 556 for reducing the amount of moisture in the desiccant material.

[0056] The service brake actuators 200 and the parking brake actuators are configured to provide a brake force F via the push rod piston 206 in response to receiving the service brake signal S1 (e.g. the driver actuating the brake pedal).

[0057] The parking brake actuators 400 are configured to provide a brake force F in response to receiving one of two different brake signals. One is the service brake signal S1 (e.g. the driver actuating the brake pedal) and the other is a parking brake signal PB (e.g. the driver actuating a hand brake lever or a parking brake button).

[0058] In summary, the present application relates to a pressure plate for a brake actuator comprising a base section and a peripheral radial wall extending from the base section in a longitudinal direction. A peripheral rim is arranged on a distal end of the peripheral radial wall for connecting to a non-pressure plate of the actuator. An inlet port for receiving pressurized fluid is provided. A central opening is arranged on the base section and is configured to receive a pressure rod of a spring brake unit. A connection element is configured to cooperate with a corresponding mating connection element of a cover configured to sealingly close the central opening and with a corresponding mating connection element of the spring brake unit such that the pressure rod of the spring brake unit is aligned with the central opening.

[0059] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed application, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0060] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the

[0061] List of Reference Signs (part of the description)

[0062] 100 pressure plate

[0063] 102 base section

[0064] 102.1 outer side of the base section

[0065] 102.2 inner side of the base section

[0066] 104 peripheral radial wall

[0067] 106 peripheral rim

[0068] 108 distal end of the peripheral radial wall

[0069] 110 inlet port

[0070] 112 central opening

[0071] 114 connecting element

[0072] 114a connecting element; threaded connecting element

[0073] 114b connecting element; push-lock connector

[0074] 114c connecting element; ball-lock mounting system

[0075] 116 protruding radial element

[0076] 118 radial opening lip

[0077] 150 pressure plate arrangement

[0078] 152 cover

[0079] 154 mating connecting element

[0080] 200 service brake actuator

[0081] 202 first chamber of the service brake actuator

[0082] 203 movable separating element

[0083] 204 elastic diaphragm

[0084] 206 push rod

[0085] 206.1 distal end of push rod

[0086] 208 pressure spring

[0087] 209 push rod opening

[0088] 210 second chamber of service brake actuation

[0089] 212 non-pressure plate

[0090] 214 filter

[0091] 216 air outlet hole

[0092] 218 fastening means

[0093] 220 housing

[0094] 250 service brake unit

[0095] 350 spring brake unit

[0096] 352 mating connection element of spring brake unit

[0097] 354 flange

[0098] 356 housing of spring brake unit

[0099] 358 flange opening

[0100] 360 pressure lever

[0101] 362 movable separating element of spring brake unit

[0102] 364 first parking brake chamber

[0103] 366 second parking brake chamber

[0104] 368 spring element; compression spring

[0105] 370 overall opening

[0106] 400 parking brake actuation

[0107] 500 vehicle

[0108] 502 drive axle

[0109] 504 steering axle

[0110] 550 brake assembly

[0111] 552 air treatment unit

[0112] 554 compressor

[0113] 556 air drying unit

[0114] 558 compressed air reservoir

[0115] CA compressed air

[0116] F braking force

[0117] L longitudinal direction

[0118] PB park brake mode

[0119] PS park brake signal

[0120] SB service brake mode

[0121] XY base plane

[0122] Z axial direction

Claims

1. A pressure plate (100) for a brake actuation mechanism (200, 400), the pressure plate (100) comprising: - a base section (102) and a peripheral radial wall (104), wherein the base section extends in a base plane (XY) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (L) of the pressure plate (100), the peripheral radial wall extending from the base section (102) in the longitudinal direction (L); - a peripheral rim (106) arranged on a distal end (108) of the peripheral radial wall (104) for connecting to a non-pressure plate (212) for forming a housing (220) of the brake actuation mechanism (200, 400); - an inlet port (110) for receiving pressurized fluid (CA); - a central opening (112) arranged on the base section (102) and configured to receive a pressure rod (360) of a spring brake unit (350); - a connecting element (114) arranged to surround the central opening (112) and configured to cooperate with a corresponding mating connecting element (154) of a cover (152) configured to sealingly close the central opening (112) for operation of the brake actuation mechanism in service brake mode (SB) and with a corresponding mating connecting element (352) of a spring brake unit (350) such that the pressure rod (360) of the spring brake unit (350) is aligned with the central opening (112) for operation of the brake actuation mechanism in park brake mode (PB), the connecting element (114) being configured to cooperate with the corresponding mating connecting element (154) of the cover (152) and the corresponding mating connecting element (352) of the spring brake unit (350) not simultaneously.

2. The pressure plate (100) according to claim 1, wherein The inlet port (110) is arranged on the peripheral radial wall (104).

3. The pressure plate (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The connecting element (114) is arranged on an outer side (102.1) of the base section (102).

4. The pressure plate (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein The connecting element (114) of the pressure plate (100) is configured as a threaded connector (114a).

5. The pressure plate (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein The connecting element (114) of the pressure plate is configured as a push-lock connector (114b) or as a ball-lock mounting system (114c).

6. A pressure plate arrangement (150) for a service brake actuation mechanism (200), the pressure plate arrangement (150) comprising: - a pressure plate (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5; and - a cover (152) comprising a mating connecting element (154) configured to cooperate with a connecting element (114) of the pressure plate (100) to sealingly close a central opening (112) of the pressure plate (100).

7. The pressure plate device (150) according to claim 6, wherein The pressure plate (100) and the cover (152) comprise a connecting element (114) and a mating connecting element (154) forming a threaded connection (114a) or a push-lock connection (114b) or a ball-lock mounting system (114c).

8. A service brake actuator (200) comprising: - a pressure plate arrangement (150) according to any of the preceding claims 6 or 7; - a non-pressure plate (212) connected to a peripheral rim (106) of the pressure plate (100), the non-pressure plate having a push rod opening (209); - a movable separating element (203), in particular a diaphragm (204), arranged between the pressure plate (100) and the non-pressure plate (212), the movable separating element (203) being configured to divide an inner volume (202, 210) of the service brake actuator (200) into a first chamber (202) connected to the inlet port (110) and a second chamber (210) connected to the push rod opening (209); - a push rod (206) connected to the movable separating element (203) and arranged in the second chamber (210) such that a distal end (206.1) of the push rod (206) protrudes via the push rod opening (209) outside the non-pressure plate (212); - wherein the cover (152) is arranged to sealingly close the central opening (212) of the pressure plate (100) for forming the first chamber (202); and - wherein the pressure plate (100), the non-pressure plate (212) and the cover (152) form a housing of the service brake actuator (220).

9. A parking brake actuator (400) comprising: - a pressure plate (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 5; - a non-pressure plate (212) connected to a peripheral rim (106) of the pressure plate (100), the non-pressure plate (212) having a push rod opening (209); - a movable separating element (203), preferably an elastic diaphragm (204), arranged between the pressure plate (100) and the non-pressure plate (212), the movable separating element (203) being configured to divide an inner volume (202, 210) of the service brake actuator (200) into a first chamber (202) connected to the inlet port (110) and a second chamber (210) connected to the push rod opening (209); - a push rod (206) connected to the movable separating element (203) and arranged in the second chamber (210) such that a distal end (206.1) of the push rod (206) protrudes via the push rod opening (209) outside the non-pressure plate (212); and - wherein the cover (152) is arranged to sealingly close the central opening (212) of the pressure plate (100) for forming the first chamber (202); and - wherein the pressure plate (100), the non-pressure plate (212) and the cover (152) form a housing of the service brake actuator (220). - a spring brake unit (350) comprising a mating connection element (352) configured to cooperate with a connection element (114) of the pressure plate (100) and comprising a pressure lever (360) configured to urge the push rod (206) via the central opening (112) of the pressure plate (100) upon receipt of a parking brake signal (PS).

10. The parking brake actuation mechanism (400) of claim 9, wherein, The pressure plate (100) and the spring brake unit (350) comprise mating connection elements (114, 352) forming a threaded connection (114a) or a push-lock connection (114b) or a ball-lock mounting system (114c).

11. A brake assembly (550) comprising: - a compressor unit (554) configured to generate and provide compressed air (CA); - an optional air drying unit (556) connected to the compressor unit (554) and configured to dry compressed air (CA) and to provide dried compressed air (CA); - a compressed air reservoir (558) connected to the compressor (554), in particular via the optional air drying unit (556), and configured to store dried compressed air (CA); - one or more service brake actuators (200) according to claim 8 and / or one or more parking brake actuators (400) according to claim 9 or 10 configured to apply a brake force (F) via the push rod (206) in response to receiving compressed air (CA) from the compressed air reservoir (558) and, optionally, in response to receiving a parking brake signal (PB).

12. A vehicle (500), in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising a service brake actuator (200) according to claim 8 and / or a parking brake actuator (400) according to claim 9 or 10 and / or a brake assembly (550) according to claim 11.

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