ARRANGEMENT WITH A BRAKE POWER GENERATOR AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A BRAKE POWER GENERATOR

DE502018015541D1Active Publication Date: 2025-02-13KNORR BREMSE SYST FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE502018015541
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2017-10-26
Filing Date
2018-10-24
Publication Date
2025-02-13
Estimated Expiration
2038-10-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing brake power generators for vehicles require separate pressure lines for operating and parking brake functions, which is inefficient and prone to malfunctions due to the need for additional components and potential brake line breaks.

Method used

A brake power generator system that utilizes a single brake line for both operating and parking brake functions by employing a fixed-point control mechanism, where the parking brake is activated and deactivated using the same brake line with varying pressures, eliminating the need for a second actuating line and ensuring the parking brake function remains active even without continuous pressure medium actuation.

Benefits of technology

This solution simplifies the brake system by reducing the number of required pressure lines, enhances reliability by maintaining the parking brake function without continuous pressure, and prevents malfunctions due to brake line defects, applicable for both rail and commercial vehicles.

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Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement with a braking force generator according to the preamble of claims 1 or 7. The invention also relates to a method for operating a braking force generator.

[0002] Arrangements with brake force generators for brakes of vehicles, e.g. commercial vehicles, rail vehicles, wherein the brake force generator has a brake cylinder with a service brake function and a parking / handling brake function, are known in many applications.

[0003] A parking brake function with a brake force generator can be implemented by applying a force through a spring-loaded brake that acts indefinitely, thus reliably providing parking brake force for a vehicle without time restrictions. In most applications, the spring-loaded brake is an additional component required only for the parking brake function, since the operational braking function is implemented via a piston that is subjected to actuation pressure. It is considered a disadvantage that separate pressure lines are required for the service brake and the parking brake.

[0004] Another implementation states that the parking brake force is provided by the piston that is also used to generate the service brake force. In this case, the piston, acting as the service brake piston, is subjected to pressure, which actuates a brake linkage and applies the brake. At the same time, the brake linkage is elastically deformed. In this applied or tensioned state, the service brake piston or the associated piston rod is locked by a locking element. The elastic preload of the brake linkage is thus maintained, even if the actuation pressure of the service brake piston decreases and is no longer present. The brake thus remains in the applied, i.e. tensioned, state and forms a parking brake function.

[0005] Although the spring-loaded part is not required, a first pressure medium line for the service brake piston and a second pressure medium line for actuating the locking mechanism are still required.

[0006] DE 195 02 927 A1 relates to a combined service and parking brake with a hydraulic actuating device comprising a brake cylinder and a brake piston, and a hydraulically actuated locking device for locking the brake piston in the applied state. The locking device can be actuated via the hydraulic supply line provided for service braking by a pressure pulse that lies in a pressure range above the pressure range provided for service braking.

[0007] GB 2 399 144 A describes a brake actuating device for use as a service and parking brake, comprising an actuating member movable between an applied and a released brake, the actuating member having a first portion, which may be tubular and connected to a diaphragm or a piston, and a second portion having a rod attached via a biasing member for movement relative to the first portion. A locking mechanism, which may be either a toothed piston engaging a toothed portion on the first member or a radially movable pin, is operable to hold the actuating member in the service position as a parking brake. The biasing member means that the actuating member is of variable length and prevents excessive force from being applied to the brake and maintains the parking brake during cooling-induced contraction of the brake pads or brake discs.

[0008] DE 10 2012 002638 A1 specifies a combined service and parking brake cylinder for a vehicle, comprising a service brake piston arranged in a service brake cylinder and controlled by a service brake pressure generated depending on the actuation of a service brake actuating element, which actuates a braking mechanism, and a parking brake cylinder with a pressurizable or depressurizable control chamber for controlling a parking brake piston lockable by a locking device. Upon a parking brake signal, the parking brake piston can be locked by the locking device in a position in which it holds the service brake piston, which has been brought into the applied position during service braking, in the applied position. Both the locking device and the parking brake piston are fluid-controlled by the service brake pressure.

[0009] EP 1 265 769 A1 relates to a safety-enhancing automatic brake control system that automatically applies the brakes and maintains them in the applied state when one or more conditions exist at various locations around / in the vehicle or in the equipment that make vehicle movement hazardous. A controller connects electrically, electronically, or otherwise to various sensors at the vehicle stations, validates the signal(s), and then actuates a mechanism that controls the air, brake fluid, mechanical brake linkage / cable, electrical, or other mechanisms, and the brake. In an air brake system, a solenoid valve blocks and vents the air line to release a piston, which normally opposes a spring mechanism. In a hydraulic brake system, for example, a piston or spring drives a secondary piston rod and a piston in a master cylinder to apply the brakes.In the case of a spring-applied system, a release unit, such as a piston, can be used to counteract the spring to release the brakes. If the driver fails to manually apply the parking brake when needed, the control system will automatically apply a brake once a potentially dangerous condition is detected and validated by the controller. The control system includes a vehicle motion override system that prevents automatic application of the brakes if the vehicle is moving above a set speed and a manual brake release override that allows a driver to temporarily override the controller at their discretion.

[0010] Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement with a braking force generator.

[0011] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method for operating a brake force generator. The object is achieved by an arrangement having the features of claims 1 or 7.

[0012] The further object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 8.

[0013] An arrangement according to the invention comprises a brake force generator for a brake of a vehicle, an actuating unit, a pressure accumulator, and a brake line connecting the actuating unit to the brake force generator. The brake force generator has a brake cylinder with a service brake function and a parking / holding brake function. The brake cylinder is provided with a parking brake control for the parking / holding brake function, the parking brake control communicating with one brake line of the brake cylinder.

[0014] A significant advantage is that only a single brake line is required for both activating the service brake function and activating and deactivating the parking brake function. Communication between the parking control and the brake cylinder's single brake line means that the parking control is connected to the brake cylinder's single brake line.

[0015] A brake force generator not belonging to this invention comprises a brake cylinder with a service brake function and a parking / holding brake function, wherein the brake cylinder has a connection for a brake line. The brake cylinder is provided with a locking control for the parking / holding brake function, wherein the locking control communicates with the connection of one brake line and / or a service brake pressure chamber of the brake cylinder.

[0016] This means that with the brake force generator not belonging to this invention, a second actuating line of the parking control in addition to the brake line can be dispensed with.

[0017] A method according to the invention for operating a brake force generator having a braking function and a parking / parking brake function in the arrangement described above comprises the method steps: (i1) applying a variable brake pressure to the brake force generator via a brake line to carry out a braking operation; (i2) activating the parking / parking brake function by a setting operation in which the brake force generator is subjected to a setting pressure that is greater than the maximum brake pressure via the same brake line; and (i3) deactivating the parking / parking brake function by a resetting operation in which the brake force generator is subjected to a resetting pressure that is greater than the setting pressure or equal to the setting pressure and greater than the maximum brake pressure via the same brake line.

[0018] The braking function of the brake force generator is achieved by applying a variable brake pressure to the service brake piston. As long as the brake pressure is varied within a range up to a maximum brake pressure, allowing pressure buildup and pressure reduction, the brake piston applies braking force to the brake and increases and / or decreases it according to the changing brake pressure.

[0019] If the pressure on the set pressure is now increased above the maximum brake pressure, the parking brake function can be easily activated.

[0020] If the pressure increases further above the set pressure, the parking brake function can also be easily deactivated.

[0021] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0022] In the embodiment according to the invention, the actuating unit provides a variable brake pressure, a set pressure, and a reset pressure from the pressure accumulator, with one brake line being capable of being actuated with the variable brake pressure, the set pressure, and the reset pressure. The significant advantage here is the elimination of an additional pressure line for actuating the parking / locking function.

[0023] The inventive design provides that the set pressure is greater than a maximum brake pressure of the variable brake pressure, and the reset pressure is greater than or equal to the set pressure. This advantageously makes it easy to activate both the service brake function and the parking / handling brake function by increasing the pressure in the same brake line.

[0024] The invention further provides that the actuating unit has a pressure conditioning system, a service brake actuator, a first parking brake actuator, and a second parking brake actuator, with the outputs of the actuators being connected to each other and jointly to the brake line. A major advantage here is that the actuators can be used to introduce the various preset pressure values ​​into the brake line. For this purpose, the actuators can, for example, have reducing valves for the respective pressure value. Alternatively, it is also possible for the various pressure values ​​to be provided by the pressure conditioning system.

[0025] In the embodiment according to the invention, the service brake actuator applies the variable brake pressure to the brake line and thus to the brake force generator for the braking function. The first parking brake actuator applies the set pressure to the brake line and thus to the brake force generator, thereby activating the parking brake function of the brake force generator. The second parking brake actuator applies the reset pressure to the brake line and thus to the brake force generator, thereby deactivating the parking brake function of the brake force generator. This advantageously enables simple pressure application. The parking brake actuators can be individual buttons, for example. A rotary lever is also conceivable.

[0026] In the embodiment according to the invention, the locking control comprises a selection unit, a switching unit, and a locking unit. The selection unit is connected to the brake line directly or indirectly via the brake cylinder, interacts with the switching unit, the switching unit is coupled to the locking unit, and the locking unit interacts with a piston rod and / or a service brake piston of the brake cylinder. This results in a compact design.

[0027] Thus, in the embodiment according to the invention, it is provided that the locking control, by applying the setting pressure, moves the locking unit from an unlocked position, in which the locking unit and the piston rod and / or the service brake piston of the brake cylinder are disengaged, to a locked position, in which the locking unit and the piston rod and / or the service brake piston of the brake cylinder are engaged and movement of the service brake piston is blocked. The setting pressure allows the parking / parking brake to be easily activated by blocking the brake piston. If the pressure is then released again, the brake piston remains in the blocked position, whereby the parking / parking brake function remains activated without the need to maintain pressure medium actuation. This results in the particular advantage that in the event of a defect, e.g.Crack in the brake line ensures that the already activated parking / handling brake function is retained.

[0028] In another embodiment of the invention, the locking control returns the locking unit from the locked position to the unlocked position by applying the reset pressure. This deactivation is advantageously simple, as only a higher pressure is required, which is introduced into the brake line. The duration of this pressurization is short, as only the lock needs to be released. Since the maximum brake pressure is exceeded during the pressure buildup when the brake line is subjected to the reset pressure, the brake piston is clamped slightly further, which facilitates the release of the locking unit.

[0029] In yet another embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the locked position of the locking unit and the unlocked position of the locking unit are designed to be self-locking, since then no energy is required to constantly maintain the self-locking.

[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, the switching unit of the locking control is a binary memory or a bistable flip-flop with two stable states and two inputs, wherein a set input is activated by the set pressure, and wherein a reset input is activated by the reset pressure, wherein the first stable state is assigned to the unlocked position of the locking unit, and wherein the second stable state is assigned to the locked position of the locking unit. Such a so-called RS flip-flop can be easily determined and adapted for various applications using design catalogs.

[0031] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the selection unit and the switching unit of the locking control form a binary memory or a bistable flip-flop with two stable states and a common input, acting as a T-flip-flop. This allows for a design with a small number of parts. This also allows the setting pressure to be used as a reset pressure.

[0032] In the embodiment according to the invention, the selection unit of the parking control with pressure-dependent valves is designed such that the selection unit distinguishes between the variable brake pressure, the set pressure, and the reset pressure, and provides both the set pressure and the reset pressure independently of one another to the parking control. The advantage of the selection unit is that it is easy to distinguish between the various pressure values ​​in order to precisely separate the control functions from one another. This can be achieved, for example, using pressure-dependent valves, which are commercially available in high quality.

[0033] The arrangement according to the invention provides that the setting pressure and the reset pressure each form a pressure sequence with a different number of pressure increases, whereby the selection unit of the locking control has a counter with a predefined total value. This allows for easy selection of the different setting pressures.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, the locking control is mounted on the brake cylinder, on a chassis, frame, and / or bogie of an associated vehicle, and / or the locking control is mounted / integrated into the brake cylinder. This allows for a compact design.

[0035] A particularly advantageous compact construction in an alternative embodiment of the invention can be achieved if the locking control has a locking unit and a bistable switching device, wherein the locking control is arranged in the brake cylinder.

[0036] One embodiment of the brake force generator not belonging to this invention provides that the locking control comprises a selection unit, a switching unit, and a locking unit. The selection unit is connected to the brake line connection directly or indirectly via the brake cylinder, interacts with the switching unit, the switching unit is coupled to the locking unit, and the locking unit interacts with a piston rod and / or a service brake piston of the brake cylinder. This results in a compact design, with the locking control being arranged on or integrated into the brake cylinder and / or in the brake cylinder.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the brake force generator not belonging to this invention, the locking control adjusts the locking unit from an unlocked position, in which the locking unit and the piston rod and / or the service brake piston of the brake cylinder are disengaged, into a locked position, in which the locking unit and the piston rod and / or the service brake piston of the brake cylinder are engaged and a movement of the service brake piston is blocked, by applying a setting pressure that is greater than a maximum brake pressure.

[0038] If the set pressure is reached or exceeded, the locking mechanism or locking unit is activated to lock the service brake piston. The service brake piston cannot then follow the pressure reduction, and the braking force of the parking brake is advantageously maintained indefinitely, regardless of the presence of brake cylinder pressure.

[0039] A further embodiment of the brake force generator not belonging to this invention provides that the locking control moves the locking unit back from the locked position to the unlocked position by applying a reset pressure which is greater than or equal to the setting pressure.

[0040] To release the parking brake, the brake pressure is now built up once more to the reset pressure and then raised above this value. This releases the locking unit, allows the braking force to be reduced, and the brake is released again.

[0041] In the brake force generator not forming part of this invention, it is advantageous if the locked position of the locking unit and the unlocked position of the locking unit are self-locking. Then, no additional pressure medium energy is required to maintain the respective position.

[0042] A further advantageous embodiment of the brake force generator not belonging to this invention results when the switching unit of the locking control is a binary memory or a bistable flip-flop with two stable states and two inputs, wherein a set input can be activated by the set pressure, and wherein a reset input can be activated by the reset pressure, wherein the first stable state is assigned to the unlocked position of the locking unit, and wherein the second stable state is assigned to the locked position of the locking unit.

[0043] If the selection unit of the locking control in the embodiment of the brake force generator not belonging to this invention is designed such that the selection unit distinguishes between a variable brake pressure, the setting pressure and the reset pressure and provides both the setting pressure and the reset pressure independently of one another to the locking control, an advantageously compact unit with several functions is obtained.

[0044] In the inventive embodiment of the method, the setting pressure and the resetting pressure can each form a pressure sequence with a different number of pressure increases. The selection unit of the locking control uses a counter to determine the different number of pressure increases and differentiates and executes the setting process and the resetting process by comparing the respective counted number of pressure increases with a predefined total value. A simple, highly reliable mechanical counter can be used for this purpose.

[0045] The design of the brake force generator, which is not part of this invention, advantageously means that a second pressure medium line for the parking / holding brake function can be dispensed with.

[0046] Another significant advantage is that a break / tear in the brake line cannot lead to any malfunction of the parking brake due to unintentional application.

[0047] The invention can be applied not only to track-bound vehicles, such as rail vehicles, but also to other, non-track-bound vehicles, such as commercial vehicles. It is also possible that the invention could be used, for example, in machine brakes.

[0048] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] They show: Figures 1-2 show schematic block diagrams of a first exemplary embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention of a brake force generator; Figures 3-4 show schematic representations of various pressure curves in connection with a state of a locking device; Figure 5 shows a schematic partial sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a brake force generator according to the invention of the arrangement according to Figure 1 and 2 ; Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of an arrangement of a braking force generator according to the invention; Figure 7 is a schematic partial sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a braking force generator according to the invention of the arrangement according to Figure 6 ; Figures 8-9 schematic representations of various pressure curves in connection with a state of a locking device of the second embodiment according to Figure 6; Figures 10-11 show schematic representations of further different pressure curves in connection with a state of a further locking device; Figure 12 shows a schematic block diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of an arrangement of a brake force generator according to the invention, and Figure 13 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an arrangement 1 according to the invention of a brake force generator 2. In Figure 2 is a more detailed representation of the embodiment according to Figure 1 shown.

[0051] The terms "parking brake" and "hand brake" are identical.

[0052] The term "set" means to activate or switch on. The term "reset" means to deactivate or switch off.

[0053] The arrangement 1 schematically shows a compressed air-operated brake force generator 2 as an example for a brake (not shown) of a vehicle to be assigned. Such a vehicle can be, for example, a commercial vehicle or a rail vehicle.

[0054] The arrangement 1 comprises the brake force generator 2, an actuating unit 3, a pressure accumulator 4 and a brake line 5a.

[0055] The brake force generator 2 is coupled to the brake (not shown) and functions as both a service brake and a parking brake. The brake force generator 2 comprises a brake cylinder 9 and a parking control 10.

[0056] The brake cylinder 9 has a piston rod 9a, a service brake piston 9b, and a service brake pressure chamber 9c. The piston rod 9a is coupled to the brake (not shown). Figure 2The service brake piston 9b is shown with the piston rod 9a when the brake is released and when the brake is applied. In the applied brake position, the service brake piston 9b and the piston rod 9a are shown with dotted lines for easier differentiation. Here, the piston rod 9a is extended from the brake cylinder 9 when the brake is applied. The position of the service brake piston 9b when the brake is applied is referred to below as the applied position of the service brake piston 9b.

[0057] The brake line 5a is connected to a connection of the brake cylinder 9 (not shown but easily imaginable). This connection communicates with the service brake pressure chamber 9c.

[0058] The following embodiments are provided as examples to explain and facilitate understanding of the invention. Of course, other embodiments can be implemented, adapted to the respective functional units.

[0059] The locking control 10 is mounted / integrated on and / or in the brake cylinder 9. The term "on the brake cylinder 9" also refers to an arrangement on the chassis, frame, and / or bogie of an associated vehicle.

[0060] The parking control 10 communicates with the brake line 5a of the brake cylinder 9, ie the parking control 10 is connected to this single brake line 5a of the brake cylinder 9 directly or indirectly, e.g. via the service brake pressure chamber 9c of the brake cylinder 9 or to the above-mentioned connection.

[0061] The parking control 10 comprises a selection unit 11, a switching unit 12, a setting line 13, a reset line 14, an actuating element 18, and a locking unit 20. The selection unit 11 is connected to the brake line 5a via an input line 5b. The line 5b can also communicate with the service brake pressure chamber 9c.

[0062] The selection unit 11 is connected to the switching unit 12 via the set line 13 and the reset line 14.

[0063] In this embodiment, the piston rod 9a is operatively connected to a locking unit 20. It is also possible for only the service brake piston 9b, or for the service brake piston 9b and the piston rod 9a to be operatively connected to the locking unit 20.

[0064] The operative connection of the locking unit 20 with respect to the piston rod 9a or the service brake piston 9b means that the locking unit 20, in a locked position, fixes the piston rod 9a with the service brake piston 9b relative to the brake cylinder 9 when the service brake piston 9b is in the applied position. In this position, the brake is applied. By locking the service brake piston 9b or the piston rod 9a, this state of the applied brake is maintained in the locking function, even when there is no longer any brake pressure.

[0065] Such a fixation can be realized, for example, by an engagement of the actuating element 18 with a corresponding engagement section of the piston rod 9a or the service brake piston 9b.

[0066] The locking unit 20 is coupled to the parking control 10 via the actuating element 18 and is designed to be adjustable from an unlocked position to the locked position and back again by means of the locking control 10. When the brake cylinder 9 is operated in the service brake function, the locking unit 20 is in the unlocked position. The locked position of the locking unit 20 can only be set when the brake cylinder 9 is applied. In the locked position of the locking unit 20, the parking brake function of the brake force generator 2 is activated, whereas the parking brake function of the brake force generator 2 is deactivated in the unlocked position of the locking unit 20. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0067] The locking unit 20 is in Figure 2only shown schematically and can of course be designed and adapted in different versions.

[0068] The actuating unit 3 has a pressure preparation 5 (not described in more detail), a service brake actuator 6, e.g. a footplate brake valve or rotary lever valve, and parking brake actuators 7, 8, e.g. rotary lever valve or button valves, and is connected to the pressure accumulator 4 via a supply line 4a and to the brake force generator 2 via the brake line 5a.

[0069] The print preparation 5 is in Figure 2 designed in a conventional manner, which will not be described here. In an alternative embodiment, the pressure conditioning unit 5 is provided to provide different pressure values ​​for the respective actuators 6, 7, 8.

[0070] In the Figure 2The design shown is one in which the actuators 6, 7, 8 in the actuation unit 3 are each connected by their inputs to the supply line 4a via the pressure preparation 5. The outputs of the actuators 6, 7, 8 are connected to each other and to the brake line 5a. The brake line 5a is connected to the service brake pressure chamber 9c of the brake cylinder 9.

[0071] The service brake actuator 6 supplies compressed air from the pressure accumulator 4 to the brake line 5a, and thus to the service brake pressure chamber 9c of the brake cylinder 9, to apply the brake. The compressed air for applying the brake to the brake cylinder 9 supplies a brake pressure that ranges from an initial pressure P0 (zero bar) to a maximum brake pressure PB and can be variably introduced into the brake line 5a by the service brake actuator 6. Braking force is applied to the associated brake by the service brake piston 9b, and is increased or decreased by pressure buildup or pressure reduction depending on the changing brake pressure.

[0072] The first parking brake actuator 7 serves to apply or activate the parking brake function of the brake force generator 2, i.e., the parking / parking brake. The parking control 10 moves the locking unit 20 from the unlocked position to the locked position. This process is referred to below as "applying" the parking brake and is described in more detail below.

[0073] The first parking brake actuator 7 applies a setting pressure P1 to the brake line 5a to set the parking brake, which is greater than the maximum brake pressure PB.

[0074] Using the second parking brake actuator 8, the parking control 10 moves the locking unit 20 from the locked position to the unlocked position. In other words, the parking brake function is deactivated. This process is referred to as "resetting" the parking brake and is also explained in detail below.

[0075] The second parking brake actuator 8 applies a reset pressure P2 to the brake line 5a to reset the parking brake, which is greater than the set pressure P1 and greater than the maximum brake pressure PB.

[0076] The various pressure values ​​P0 to PB, P1, and P2 can be generated here by the respective valves of the actuators 6, 7, and 8 reducing the output pressure of the pressure accumulator 4 to the assigned pressure / pressure range. In other words, the respective valves 6, 7, and 8 have pressure-reducing components. Alternatively, as already mentioned above, it is also possible for the pressure conditioning unit 5 to prepare and provide the respective pressure / pressure range for the associated actuator 6, 7, and 8.

[0077] In this way, the brake line 5a is not only subjected to the brake pressure in the range P0-PB for the service brake function, but also to the other pressure values, i.e., the set pressure P1 and the reset pressure P2, for the parking brake function. Since the input line 5b communicates with the brake line 5a or with the service brake pressure chamber 9c of the brake cylinder 9, the input line 5b and the connected parking control 10 are also subjected to the pressure values ​​P0-PB, P1, and P2.

[0078] Additional pressure lines from the actuating unit 3 to control the parking brake or the parking control 10 are therefore not required.

[0079] The parking control 10 is designed to distinguish between the different pressure values ​​P0-PB, P1 and P2 and to detect both the set pressure P1 and the reset pressure P2 for controlling the parking brake function when the brake line 5a is subjected to these.

[0080] For this purpose, the locking control 10 is provided with the selection unit 11, which detects the pressure values ​​P1 and P2 of the input line 5b, i.e., the brake line 5a. Depending on the detected set pressure P1 or reset pressure P2, the selection unit 11 controls the switching unit 12 accordingly via the set line 13 and reset line 14 such that the switching unit 12 locks or unlocks the locking unit 20 by means of the actuating element 18.

[0081] The switching unit 12 of the locking control 10 is generally a binary memory or a bistable flip-flop with two stable states QR, QS and two inputs R, S. This is also referred to as a so-called RS flip-flop. The first input serves as the reset input R and the second input as the set input S. The set input S is activated by the set pressure P1, while the reset input R is activated by the reset pressure P2. The first stable state QR is assigned to the unlocked position of the locking unit 20, and the second stable state Qs is assigned to the locked position of the locking unit 20.

[0082] A bistable flip-flop with two stable states is required because, after setting with the setting pressure P1 to reach the locked position of the parking control 10, this locked position must be maintained even after the setting pressure P1 has been released, i.e. even when the pressure in the brake line 5a is no longer present, in order to maintain the parking / handling brake function. This locked position can only be reset to the unlocked position by applying the reset pressure P2. The unlocked position must also be maintained when the reset pressure P2 is no longer present. In other words, after setting the parking control 10 to the locked position, the locked position must remain in a type of self-holding, just as this unlocked position must also exhibit a self-holding after resetting the parking control 10 to the unlocked position.

[0083] The selection unit 11 is in Figure 2For example, it is provided with a setting valve 21 and a reset valve 24. An inlet of the setting valve 21 is connected to the input line 5b via a line 5c, and an inlet of the reset valve 24 is connected to the input line 5b via a line 5d. The setting valve 21 has a pressure selector 22 with a selector line 23 connected to the line 5c. Similarly, the reset valve 24 is provided with a pressure selector 25 and a selector line 26 connected to the line 5d. Each pressure selector 22, 25 has a pressure-dependent actuator that opens the associated valve 21, 24 when the pressure in the selector line 23, 26 exceeds a previously set value. Thus, the pressure selector 22 opens the setting valve 21 when the pressure in the selector line 23, ie in the input line 5b and thus in the brake line 5a, exceeds the setting pressure P1.Similarly, the pressure selector 25 opens the set valve 24 when the pressure in the selector line 26, i.e., in the input line 5b and thus in the brake line 5a, exceeds the reset pressure P2. The valves 21, 24 can be designed, for example, as pressure-dependent valves.

[0084] The output of the setting valve 21 is connected to a setting section 15 of the switching unit 12 via the setting line 13. And the output of the reset valve 24 is connected to a reset section 16 of the switching unit 12 via the reset line 14.

[0085] The actuating element 18 is assigned to an output of the setting section 15 and has the state Q (QR or Qs). In addition, the output of the setting section 15 of the switching unit 12 is connected to the pressure selector 22 of the setting valve 21 via a feedback line 17. The feedback line 17 can be pneumatic and / or mechanical. It serves to prevent the setting valve 21 from opening when the second stable (set) state Qs of the locked position of the locking unit 20 is set. This is necessary because, upon pressure reduction, starting from the reset pressure P2, the lower setting pressure P1 is passed through again and then the pressure selector 22 of the setting valve 21 could open the setting valve 21. This is explained in connection with the Figures 3 and 4 described in more detail.

[0086] A self-holding of the set state Qs can be carried out mechanically, for example, by a latching mechanism that interacts with the actuating element 18. The reset state QR can, for example, have a force storage element as a self-holding. This will be explained below in connection with an embodiment of the Figure 5 explained by example.

[0087] Figure 3 and Figure 4 show schematic representations of various pressure curves in connection with a state of a locking device.

[0088] Figure 3 shows a pressure curve of a braking process 31, a pressure curve of a setting process 32 and a pressure curve of a resetting process 33 over time t. Figure 4 a locking state 34 of the locking device 20 of the parking brake in connection with the various pressure curves 31, 32, 33 of the Figure 3 .

[0089] The first boundary condition is that the parking brake function of the brake force generator 2 is deactivated in the unlocked position of the locking unit 20. This means that the locking unit 20 and thus the switching unit 12 of the parking control are in the reset state QR or idle state.

[0090] The braking function is achieved by applying brake pressure or brake cylinder pressure in the range P0 to PB to the brake line 5a and thus to the service brake pressure chamber 9c and the service brake piston 9b. As long as the brake pressure does not exceed the set pressure P1, the service brake piston 9b applies braking force to the brake, thereby applying the brake. The braking force increases or decreases during application in accordance with the pressure buildup or pressure reduction during the braking process 31 in the pressure range P0 to PB.

[0091] Braking operation 31 is initiated by actuating the service brake actuator 6. It begins at zero point P0 and increases until it remains below the maximum brake pressure PB at time t1, when it then drops again. Since the set pressure P1 is neither reached nor exceeded, the set valve 21 is not actuated by its pressure selector 22, nor is the reset valve 24 actuated by its pressure selector 25. Therefore, the locking function is not activated during braking operation 31.

[0092] The maximum brake pressure PB and the set pressure P1 are separated from each other by a safety margin such that the maximum brake pressure PB can never trigger activation of the locking control 10 for a locking function during braking operations 31. This can be achieved, for example, by the service brake actuator 6 delivering only the maximum brake pressure PB in its end position, with the pressure selector 22 of the setting valve 21 having a set pressure P1 that is greater than PB, e.g., P1>(PB+safety).

[0093] The setting process 32 is triggered by the first parking brake actuator 7. The pressure in the brake line 5a is increased above the setting pressure P1, whereby the service brake piston 9b of the brake cylinder 9 is moved into the applied position, since the pressure range from P0 to PB is traversed and, moreover, the setting pressure P1 is exceeded at time t2.

[0094] At the same time, the pressure selector 22 of the setting valve 21 detects that the setting pressure P1 is exceeded and opens the setting valve 21. The setting valve 21 then directs compressed air from the brake line 5a, the input line 5b, and the line 5c via the setting line 13 into the setting input S of the setting section 15 of the switching unit 12. The switching unit 12 is thereby moved from its reset state QR or rest state to its set state Qs. The locking unit 20 is thereby moved from its unlocked position to its locked position via the actuating element 18.

[0095] When the pressure is reduced, the set pressure P1 is now undershot at time t3. The set state Qs of the locking state 34 of the locking unit 20 is maintained, since the service brake piston 9b is held in its applied position due to the locked position of the locking unit 20 upon further pressure reduction down to P0. In this way, the parking brake function is and remains active. The braking force of the applied brake is maintained indefinitely, regardless of the presence of brake cylinder pressure. The brake cylinder pressure can assume values ​​from P0 up to the set pressure P1 (at t2 and / or t3) without the applied brake being released in the parking brake function.

[0096] Even a defect in the brake line 5a, e.g. tearing, with complete loss of pressure cannot lead to a malfunction of the activated parking / handling brake function.

[0097] The reset process 33 is triggered by the second parking brake actuator 8. The pressure in the brake line 5a is increased above the set pressure P1 and further above the reset pressure P2, whereby, when passing through the pressure range from P0 to PB, the service brake piston 9b of the brake cylinder 9 remains in the position previously applied by the set process.

[0098] If the setting pressure P1 is exceeded at time t4 during pressure buildup, no further setting process occurs, since the pressure selector 22 was blocked or deactivated by the feedback line 17 during the previous setting process 32. This blocking is only deactivated when the setting pressure P1 is undershot at time t7 during pressure reduction.

[0099] If the pressure increases further, the pressure selector 25 of the reset valve 24 detects when the reset pressure P2 is exceeded at time t5 and then opens the reset valve 24. The reset valve 24 then directs compressed air from the brake line 5a, the input line 5b and the line 5d via the reset line 14 into the reset input R of the reset section 16 of the switching unit 12. The locking state 34, i.e. the switching unit 12, is thereby adjusted from the set state Qs to the reset state QR. In this case, the locking unit 20 is adjusted back from its locked position to its unlocked position via the actuating element 18. At the same time, the feedback line 17 is also deactivated, whereby the blockage of the pressure selector 22 of the setting valve 21 is only released when the set pressure P1 is undershot. This can, for example,This can be achieved by using the pressure in line 5c to maintain the self-locking of the pressure selector 22 of the setting valve 21 as long as it has not yet fallen below the setting pressure P1. A corresponding adjustment of the pressure selector 22 is required for this purpose.

[0100] When the pressure is reduced, the pressure initially falls below the reset pressure P2 at time t6. Since the locking unit 20 is already in the reset state QR, no further reset occurs.

[0101] The pressure is further reduced and then falls below the set pressure P1 at time t7. The blockage of the pressure selector 22 of the set valve 21 is released once the pressure falls below the set pressure P1. The maximum brake pressure PB can also be used as a threshold to release the blockage.

[0102] A further reduction of the pressure to P0 terminates the reset process. The reset state QR of the locking state 34 of the locking unit 20 is then maintained until a new setting process 32 occurs.

[0103] However, a new setting process can be initiated immediately after the pressure selector 22 of the setting valve 21 is released, if this should become necessary in an emergency. For example, if an immediate braking process 31 should become necessary after resetting the parking brake upon return movement of the service brake piston 5b, this can also be carried out immediately by the service brake actuator 6 and / or as a setting process 32 by the parking brake actuator 7.

[0104] In Figure 5 is a schematic partial sectional view of an embodiment of a brake force generator 2 according to the invention of the arrangement 1 according to Figure 1 and 2 shown.

[0105] The brake cylinder 9 has already been described above. The locking control 10 is mounted on or integrated into the brake cylinder 9 and includes the selection unit 11, also described above.

[0106] The switching unit 12 is shown here schematically in more detail as a possible embodiment in the form of an actuating cylinder 27.

[0107] The actuating cylinder 27 is arranged with its central axis at a right angle (radially) to a central axis of the brake cylinder 9. Of course, a different angle is also possible.

[0108] This actuating cylinder 27 comprises a control pressure chamber 27a, an actuating piston 28 with a piston rod, which here forms the actuating element 18, a force storage element 29 and a locking unit 30.

[0109] The actuating cylinder 27 is in Figure 5with the actuating piston 28 in the reset state QR. The force storage element 29 is designed here as a compression spring, which is supported with one end on the actuating piston 28 and with the other end on the locking unit 30. The force storage element 29 is in the Figure 5 The pressure is released in the reset state QR shown. It is also possible for the actuating piston 28 to rest against a stop against which it is pressed by the force storage element 29. The locking unit 30 is arranged at the end of the actuating cylinder 27, which is attached to the brake cylinder 9.

[0110] The actuating element 18 extends through the locking unit 30 into the brake cylinder 9 on the side of the service brake piston 9b, on which the piston rod 9a is attached to the service brake piston 9b. A locking section 19 is arranged at the free end of the actuating element 18 located in the brake cylinder 9, which corresponds to a locking section 19a of the piston rod 9a of the brake cylinder 9. In the applied position of the service brake piston 9b, which is shown in dashed lines, the locking sections 19, 19a are located one below the other, thus forming the locking unit 20. Engagement between the locking section 19 of the actuating element 18 and the locking section 19a of the piston rod 9a is possible in this position, and then forms the locked position of the locking unit 20 for the parking brake function.

[0111] The actuating pressure chamber 27a of the actuating cylinder 27, as the setting unit 15, is connected to the setting valve 21 via the setting line 13. The locking unit 30 of the actuating cylinder 27, as the resetting unit 16, is connected to the resetting valve 24 via the resetting line 14. The feedback line 17 is connected to both the locking unit 30 and the pressure selector 22 of the setting valve 21.

[0112] During the setting process 32, the service brake piston 9 is first moved into the applied position as described above. The setting pressure 21 is then passed through the control valve 21, opened by the pressure selector 22, via the setting line 13 into the setting pressure chamber 27a of the actuating cylinder 27 and moves the actuating piston 28 against the restoring force of the energy storage element 29 in the direction of the locking unit 30 from the reset state QR to the set state Qs. The locking unit 30 and the locking element 18 are operatively connected in such a way that the locking unit 30 locks the locking element 18 in the set state Qs, e.g., by means of a ratchet mechanism. This creates a self-locking of the actuating cylinder 27 and thus of the set state Qs. This latch mechanism interacts with the feedback line 17, which may be mechanically constructed, for example, and blocks the pressure selector 22 of the setting valve 21.

[0113] In the set state Qs, the actuating element 18 engages with its locking portion 19 with the locking portion 19a of the piston rod 9a of the brake cylinder 9 and locks it in the applied position of the brake, whereby the parking / parking brake function is formed.

[0114] When the pressure is reduced, the piston rod 9a of the brake cylinder 9 remains locked by engagement with the actuating element 18, whereby the actuating element 18 remains locked in the set position Qs by the locking unit 30 of the actuating cylinder 27.

[0115] During the reset process 33, the reset pressure P2 is directed through the reset valve 24, opened by the pressure selector 25, via the reset line 14 into an unlocking mechanism of the locking unit 30. The actuating piston 28 is then returned to its initial position in the reset state QR by the restoring force of the force storage element 29, whereby the actuating element 18, with its locking section 19, disengages from the locking section 19a of the piston rod 9a of the brake cylinder 9. The locking unit 20 is thus returned to the unlocked state.

[0116] The reset pressure P2 also causes the setting valve 21 to vent the actuating pressure chamber 27a of the actuating cylinder 27 via the feedback line 17 in the blocking unit 30, whereby the actuating pressure P1 exerts no influence on the setting valve 21 as described above. Only when the reset pressure P2 has fallen below the set pressure P1 is the blocking of the pressure selector 22 of the setting valve 21 and its venting function of the actuating pressure chamber 27a of the actuating cylinder 27 released. Of course, other arrangements and designs are also conceivable.

[0117] In Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of an arrangement 1 of a brake force generator 2 according to the invention. Figure 7 shows a schematic partial sectional view of a second embodiment of a brake force generator 2 according to the invention of the arrangement according to Figure 6 . The Figures 8 and 9 represent similar to the Figures 3 and 4schematic representations of various pressure curves in connection with a state of the locking device 20 of the second embodiment according to Figure 5 and 6 represents.

[0118] In contrast to the first embodiment, the setting pressure P1 is used here both to set and reset the parking brake function. A separate reset pressure P2 is not required. For this purpose, the parking brake control 10 is designed here to distinguish between the different pressure values ​​P0-PB and P1. Furthermore, the parking brake control 10 is designed such that the parking brake function is set the first time the setting pressure P1 occurs, and the parking brake function is reset the second time the setting pressure P1 occurs.

[0119] In the second embodiment, the locking control 10 is also provided with a selection unit 11, which detects the first and second occurrence of the pressure value P1 in the input line 5b, i.e., the brake line 5a. Depending on the first and second detected occurrence of the set pressure P1, the selection unit 11 controls the switching unit 12 accordingly via the set line 13 and reset line 14 such that the switching unit 12 locks or unlocks the locking unit 20 by means of the actuating element 18.

[0120] The selection unit 11 and the switching unit 12 of the locking control 10 together form the binary memory or the bistable flip-flop with two stable states QR, Qs, whereby this bistable flip-flop has only a single input, namely line 5b. In this way, a so-called T-flip-flop is formed. The inputs of the switching unit 12 are controlled by the selection unit 11 as in the first embodiment. The structure of the selection unit 11 of the second embodiment is explained below.

[0121] The function of the bistable flip-flop designed as a T-flip-flop is that a first occurrence of the setting pressure P1 at the common input (here: line 5b) causes a setting, whereas a second occurrence of the setting pressure P1 at the same common input causes a reset.

[0122] The selection unit 11 is in Figure 6 in contrast to the selection unit 11 according to Figure 2 For example, it is provided with a control valve 35, a setting valve 21, and a reset valve 24. An input of the control valve 35 is connected directly to the brake line 5a via line 5b. The input of the control valve 35 is the common input of the T-flip-flop. The control valve 35 is coupled to a pressure selector 25. The pressure selector 25 is connected to the input of the control valve 35 or to the line 5b via a selector line 26. The pressure selector 25 has a pressure-dependent actuator that opens the control valve 35 when the pressure in the line 5b or in the brake line 5a exceeds the setting pressure P1. The control valve 35 can also be designed as a pressure-dependent valve.

[0123] In contrast to the first embodiment, an inlet of the setting valve 21 is connected via a line 5f to an output line 5e of the control valve 35, wherein an inlet of the reset valve 24 is connected via a line 5g to the output line 5e of the control valve 35.

[0124] A further difference from the first embodiment is that valves 21 and 24 do not have a respective pressure selector, but are coupled to a common switching unit 36. The switching unit 36 ​​is connected to the feedback line 17. Valves 21 and 24 are not pressure-dependent valves here.

[0125] In the second embodiment, the output of the setting valve 21 is also connected to the setting section 15 of the switching unit 12 via the setting line 13. And the output of the reset valve 24 is also connected to the reset section 16 of the switching unit 12 via the reset line 14.

[0126] Figure 7 shows a schematic partial sectional view of a second embodiment of a brake force generator 2 according to the invention of the arrangement according to Figure 6 similar to Figure 5 , but with the execution of the selection unit 11 as in connection with Figure 6 explained above.

[0127] Figure 8 shows a pressure curve of a braking process 31, a pressure curve of a setting process 32 and a pressure curve of a resetting process 33' over time t. Figure 9 a locking state 34 of the locking device 20 of the parking brake in connection with the various pressure curves 31, 32, 33' of the Figure 8 . The explanation of Figure 8 corresponds to the Figure 4 and will not be repeated here.

[0128] The braking process 31 is already in connection with Figure 3 described.

[0129] The boundary condition for a setting process 32 is that the setting valve 21 is opened by the switching unit 36 ​​and the reset valve 24 is closed by the switching unit 36. This is normally the case after a reset process of the locking control 10.

[0130] The setting process 32 is triggered by the first parking brake actuator 7. The pressure in the brake line 5a is increased above the setting pressure P1, whereby the service brake piston 9b of the brake cylinder 9 is moved into the applied position, since the pressure range from P0 to PB is traversed and, moreover, the setting pressure P1 is exceeded at time t2.

[0131] In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the pressure selector 25 of the control valve 35 now simultaneously detects that the setting pressure P1 is exceeded and opens the control valve 35. Since the setting valve 21 is opened by the switching unit 36, it conducts compressed air from the brake line 5a, the input line 5b, the line 5e and the line 5f via the setting line 13 into the setting inlet S of the setting section 15 of the switching unit 12. The switching unit 12 is thereby moved from its reset state QR or rest state to its set state Qs. In this case, the locking unit 20 is moved from its unlocked position to its locked position via the actuating element 18, in which position the locking unit 20 is held as described above. The feedback line 17 switches the switching unit 36 ​​in such a way that the setting valve 21 is now closed and the reset valve 24 is open.

[0132] When the pressure is reduced, the set pressure P1 is undershot at time t3. The set state Qs of the locking state 34 of the locking unit 20 is maintained as described above.

[0133] The reset process 33' is triggered by the second parking brake actuator 8. In contrast to the first embodiment, the pressure in the brake line 5a is increased again to the set pressure P1, whereby, when passing through the pressure range from P0 to PB, the service brake piston 9b of the brake cylinder 9 remains in the position previously applied by the set process.

[0134] During this pressure buildup, the setting pressure P1 is exceeded at time t4. The pressure selector 25 of the control valve 35 detects this and opens the control valve 35. No further setting process occurs because the setting valve 21 is closed by the switching unit 36. However, a reset process occurs because the reset valve 24 is open.

[0135] The reset valve 24 then directs compressed air from the brake line 5a, the input line 5b, the line 5e, and the line 5g via the reset line 14 into the reset input R of the reset section 16 of the switching unit 12. The locking state 34, i.e., the switching unit 12, is thereby adjusted from the set state Qs to the reset state QR. The locking unit 20 is adjusted back from its locked position to its unlocked position via the actuating element 18 when the reset state QR is reached. The switching unit 36 ​​is then adjusted again via the feedback line 17, whereby the reset valve 24 is closed and the setting valve 21 is opened again.

[0136] When the pressure is reduced, the set pressure P1 is initially undershot at time t5. Since the locking unit 20 is already in the reset state QR, no further reset occurs. In this case, the switching unit 36 ​​could also be switched back, for example.

[0137] The reset state QR of the locking state 34 of the locking unit 20 is then maintained until a new setting operation 32.

[0138] In this embodiment, the set pressure P1 is also used for resetting. A second reset pressure P2 with an even higher pressure value is therefore not required.

[0139] In another embodiment, it is possible that a pressure sequence, ie a temporal sequence of individual pressure increases, is used to set and reset the locking control 10. For this purpose, the selection unit 10 according to the second embodiment ( Figure 6 and 7) a counting stage with a previously adjustable total value.

[0140] This is not shown, but in connection with the Figures 10 and 11 easy to understand.

[0141] Figures 10 and 11 show schematic representations of further different pressure curves in connection with a state of a further locking device 10.

[0142] To set the T-flip-flop (locking device 10), a first pressure sequence 37 with two pressure increases 37-1 and 37-2 above the setting pressure P1 is shown. Between the pressure increases 37-1 and 37-2, the maximum brake pressure PB is not undershot, so that the service brake piston 9b remains in its applied position. The counting stage of the selection device 10 only opens the control valve 35 when the total value of the individual pressure increases 37-1, 37-2 of the pressure sequence 37 corresponds to the previously set total value. The total value here is two pressure increases 37-1 and 37-2. In the example shown, this is the case at time t5. The counting stage can be a mechanical counter, for example. The setting process described above then takes place.

[0143] To reset the T-flip-flop (locking device 10), a second pressure sequence 38 with three pressure increases 38-1, 38-2, and 38-3 above the set pressure P1 is shown. Between the pressure increases 38-1, 38-2, and 38-3, the maximum brake pressure PB is not undershot, so that the service brake piston 9b remains in its applied position. The counting stage of the selection device 10 only opens the control valve 35 when the total value of the individual pressure increases 38-1, 38-2, and 38-3 of the pressure sequence 38 has reached the previously set total value, which in this case corresponds to three pressure increases 38-1, 38-2, and 38-3. This is the case here at time t10. The reset process described above then takes place.

[0144] The bistable tilting stages with pneumatic valves shown in the examples can, of course, also be implemented with mechanical bistable tilting stages. Such bistable mechanical tilting stages are described, for example, in design catalogs (Karlheinz Roth, Designing with Design Catalogs: Volume 2: Catalogs, Springer Verlag, December 2000).

[0145] Figure 12 shows a schematic block diagram of a third embodiment of an arrangement 1 of a brake force generator 2 according to the invention.

[0146] In contrast to the previous embodiments, no selection unit 11 is provided in the third embodiment. The locking control 10 has the locking unit 20 described above and a bistable switching device 20a. The piston rod 9a extends through the locking unit 20 and the bistable switching device 20a. The bistable switching device 20a is designed as a T-flip-flop and can be constructed and adapted according to corresponding design catalogs (see above).

[0147] The function of the third embodiment is explained in connection with the Figures 3 and 4 explained.

[0148] Braking operation 31 occurs in the pressure range P0 to PB. The maximum brake pressure PB is assigned to a service brake piston position 39 of the service brake piston 9b. In this position, no setting or resetting process is triggered.

[0149] If the setting pressure P1 is introduced into the brake line 5a, the service brake piston 9b moves further into a service brake piston position 40, triggering a setting process in the bistable switching device 20a of the parking control 10. The service brake piston 5b is held in this service brake piston position 40, even if the pressure in the brake line 5a is reduced to P0.

[0150] For resetting, the brake line 5a is subjected to the reset pressure P2, whereby the service brake piston 9b moves further into a service brake piston position 41. In this service brake piston position 41, a reset process is triggered in the bistable switching device 20a of the parking control 10. The service brake piston 5b then moves back to its initial position after the pressure is reduced to P0.

[0151] The values ​​of set pressure P1 and reset pressure P2 are as described in the first embodiment.

[0152] The dotted service brake piston positions 39, 40, and 41 are drawn widely spaced for ease of identification. The distances between these service brake piston positions 39, 40, and 41 are adapted to a switching interval of the mechanical bistable switching device 20a of the locking control 10, including a respective safety distance, and can vary accordingly.

[0153] In a variant of this third embodiment, it is also conceivable for the service brake piston 9b to have, for example, two spring-loaded bolts / pins that are displaceably mounted in the service brake piston 9b and each interact with a setting input and a reset input of the mechanical bistable switching device 20a of the parking control 10. In this case, the service brake piston 9b remains in the service brake piston position 39 during a setting process, wherein, upon application of the setting pressure P1, the first spring-loaded bolt / pin is pressed out of the service brake piston 9b in the direction of the locking device 20 and actuates its setting input. The reset pressure P2 then causes the second spring-loaded bolt / pin to be similarly pressed out of the service brake piston 9b in the direction of the locking device 20 and actuates its reset input.In this case, the bistable switching device 20a of the locking control 10 can be designed as an RS flip-flop. It is also possible for the bistable switching device 20a to be a T flip-flop, in which case only one spring-loaded bolt is required for one input of the T flip-flop.

[0154] Figure 13 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention for operating the brake force generator 2 in the arrangement 1.

[0155] In a first method step i1, the brake force generator 2, which has a braking function and a parking / holding brake function, is subjected to a variable brake pressure in a range from P0 (zero bar) up to a maximum brake pressure PB via the brake line 5a in order to carry out a braking operation 31.

[0156] Activating or switching on the parking / handling brake function in a second method step i2 by a setting process 32 in which a setting pressure P1 which is greater than the maximum brake pressure PB is introduced via the same brake line 5a.

[0157] In a third process step, the parking brake function is deactivated by introducing a reset pressure P2 via the same brake line 5a, which is also greater than the maximum brake pressure PB.

[0158] In a sub-step, the reset pressure P2 can be either greater than the set pressure P1 or equal to the set pressure P1.

[0159] Alternatively, a pressure sequence 37, 38 with a number of pressure increases 37-1, 37-2; 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 can be used to control the locking control 10, as already described above.

[0160] The invention is not limited by the embodiments given above, but can be modified within the scope of the claims.

[0161] It is conceivable, for example, that the switching unit 12 and the locking unit 20 are arranged within the brake cylinder 9 on the side of the service brake piston 9b to which the piston rod 9a is attached, wherein the piston rod 9a extends through the locking unit 20. List of reference symbols

[0162] 1 Arrangement 2 Brake force generator 3 Actuation unit 4 Pressure accumulator 4a Supply line 5 Pressure preparation 5a Brake line 5b Input line 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g Line 6 Service brake actuator 7, 8 Parking brake actuator 9 Brake cylinder 9a Piston rod 9b Service brake piston 9c Service brake pressure chamber 10 Parking control 11 Selection unit 12 Switching unit 13 Set line 14 Reset line 15 Set unit 16 Reset unit 17 Feedback line 18 Actuating element 19, 19a Locking section 20 Locking unit 20a Switching device 21 Set valve 22 Pressure selector 23 Selector line 24 Reset valve 25 Pressure selector 26 Selector line 27 Actuating cylinder 27aSetting pressure chamber 28Setting piston 29Energy storage element 30Locking unit 31Braking process 32Setting process 33, 33'Resetting process 34Locking state 35Control valve 36Switching unit 37, 38Pressure sequence 37-1, 37-2; 38-1, 38-2, 38-3Pressure increase 39, 40, 41Service brake piston position i1, i2, i3Process step P, P0, P1, P2, PBPressure Q, Qs, QRState t, t1,...t11Time

Claims

1. Arrangement (1) with a brake force generator (2) for a brake of a vehicle, an actuation unit (3), a pressure accumulator (4) and a brake line (5a), which connects the actuation unit (3) to the brake force generator (2), wherein the brake force generator (2) has a brake cylinder (9) with a service brake function and a parking brake function, wherein the brake cylinder (9) is provided with a parking controller (10) for the parking brake function, wherein the parking controller (10) communicates with the one brake line (5a) of the brake cylinder (9), wherein the actuation unit (3) supplies a variable brake pressure (P0 to PB), a set pressure (P1) and a reseating pressure (P2) from the pressure accumulator (4), wherein the variable brake pressure (P0 to PB), the set pressure (P1) and the reseating pressure (P2) can be applied to the one brake line (5a), wherein the set pressure (P1) is greater than a maximum brake pressure (PB) of the variable brake pressure (P0 to PB), and wherein the reseating pressure (P2) is greater than the set pressure (P1) or equal to the set pressure (P1), wherein the actuation unit (3) has a pressurizer (5), a service brake actuator (6), a first parking brake actuator (7) and a second parking brake actuator (8), wherein outputs of the actuators (6, 7, 8) are connected to each other and jointly to the brake line (5a), wherein the service brake actuator (6) applies the variable brake pressure (P0 to PB) to the brake line (5a) and thus to the brake force generator (2) for the brake function, and wherein the first parking brake actuator (7) applies the set pressure (P1) to the brake line (5a) and thus to the brake force generator (2) and thereby activates the parking brake function of the brake force generator (2), and wherein the second parking brake actuator (8) applies the reseating pressure (P2) to the brake line (5a) and thus to the brake force generator (2) and thereby deactivates the parking brake function of the brake force generator (2), wherein the parking controller (10) comprises a selection unit (11), a switching unit (12), and a locking unit (20), wherein the selection unit (11) is connected directly or indirectly to the brake line (5a) via the brake cylinder (9) and interacts with the switching unit (12), wherein the switching unit (12) is coupled with the locking unit (20), and wherein the locking unit (20) interacts with a piston rod (9a) and / or a service brake piston (9b) of the brake cylinder (9), wherein, by application of the set pressure (P1), the parking controller (10) shifts the locking unit (20) from an unlocked position, in which the locking unit (20) and the piston rod (9a) and / or the service brake piston (9b) of the brake cylinder (9) are disengaged, into a locked position, in which the locking unit (20) and the piston rod (9a) and / or the service brake piston (9b) of the brake cylinder (9) are engaged and a movement of the service brake piston (9b) is blocked, wherein the selection unit (11) of the parking controller (10) is designed with pressure-dependent valves such that the selection unit (11) distinguishes between the variable brake pressure (P0 to PB), the set pressure (P1) and the reseating pressure (P2) and supplies both the set pressure (P1) and the reseating pressure (P2) independently of one another to the parking controller (10), characterized in that the set pressure (P1) and the reseating pressure (P2) each form a pressure sequence (37, 38) with a different number of pressure increases (37-1, 37-2, 38-1, 38-2, 38-3) in each case, wherein the selection unit (11) of the parking controller (10) has a counter with a cumulative value that can be defined in advance.

2. Arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, by application of the reseating pressure (P2), the parking controller (10) shifts the locking unit (20) back from the locked position into the unlocked position.

3. Arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locked position of the locking unit (20) and the unlocked position of the locking unit (20) are designed to be self-retaining.

4. Arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the switching unit (12) of the parking controller (10) is a binary memory and / or a bistable flip-flop with two stable states (QR, QS) and two inputs (R, S), wherein a set input (S) can be activated by the set pressure (P1), and wherein a reset input (R) can be activated by the reseating pressure (P2), wherein the first stable state (QR) is assigned to the unlocked position of the locking unit (20), and wherein the second stable state (QS) is assigned to the locked position of the locking unit (20).

5. Arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the selection unit (11) and the switching unit (12) of the parking controller (10) form a binary memory and / or a bistable flip-flop with two stable states (QR, QS) and a common input as a T flip-flop.

6. Arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parking controller (10) is attached to the brake cylinder (9), to a chassis, frame and / or bogie of an associated vehicle, and / or that the parking controller (10) is attached to / integrated into the brake cylinder (9).

7. Arrangement (1) with a brake force generator (2) for a brake of a vehicle, an actuation unit (3), a pressure accumulator (4) and a brake line (5a), which connects the actuation unit (3) to the brake force generator (2), wherein the brake force generator (2) has a brake cylinder (9) with a service brake function and a parking brake function, wherein the brake cylinder (9) is provided with a parking controller (10) for the parking brake function, wherein the parking controller (10) communicates with the one brake line (5a) of the brake cylinder (9), wherein the actuation unit (3) supplies a variable brake pressure (P0 to PB), a set pressure (P1) and a reseating pressure (P2) from the pressure accumulator (4), wherein the variable brake pressure (P0 to PB), the set pressure (P1) and the reseating pressure (P2) can be applied to the one brake line (5a), wherein the set pressure (P1) is greater than a maximum brake pressure (PB) of the variable brake pressure (P0 to PB), and wherein the reseating pressure (P2) is greater than the set pressure (P1) or equal to the set pressure (P1), wherein the actuation unit (3) has a pressurizer (5), a service brake actuator (6), a first parking brake actuator (7) and a second parking brake actuator (8), wherein outputs of the actuators (6, 7, 8) are connected to each other and jointly to the brake line (5a), wherein the service brake actuator (6) applies the variable brake pressure (P0 to PB) to the brake line (5a) and thus to the brake force generator (2) for the brake function, and wherein the first parking brake actuator (7) applies the set pressure (P1) to the brake line (5a) and thus to the brake force generator (2) and thereby activates the parking brake function of the brake force generator (2), and wherein the second parking brake actuator (8) applies the reseating pressure (P2) to the brake line (5a) and thus to the brake force generator (2) and thereby deactivates the parking brake function of the brake force generator (2), wherein the parking controller (10) has a locking unit (20) and a bistable switching device (20a), wherein the parking controller (10) is arranged in the brake cylinder (9), characterized in that a piston rod (9a) of the brake cylinder (9) extends through the locking unit (20) and the bistable switching device (20a), wherein the bistable switching device (20a) is formed as a T flip-flop.

8. Method for operating a brake force generator (2), which has a brake function and a parking brake function, in an arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the method steps of (i1) Applying a variable brake pressure (P0 to PB) to the brake force generator (2) via a brake line (5a) to implement a braking process (31), (i2) Activating the parking brake function by means of a setting process (32), in which a set pressure (P1), which is greater than the maximum brake pressure (PB), is applied to the brake force generator (2) via the same brake line (5a), and (i3) Deactivating the parking brake function by means of a reset process (33), in which a reseating pressure (P2), which is greater than the set pressure (P1) or equal to the set pressure (P1) and greater than the maximum brake pressure (PB), is applied to the brake force generator (2) via the same brake line (5a), characterized in that the set pressure (P1) and the reseating pressure (P2) each form a pressure sequence (37, 38) with a different number of pressure increases (37-1, 37-2, 38-1, 38-2, 38-3) in each case, wherein the selection unit (11) of the parking controller (10) determines the different number of pressure increases (37-1, 37-2, 38-1, 38-2, 38-3) in each case with the counter and distinguishes between and implements the setting process (32) and the resetting process (33) by comparing the counted number of pressure increases (37-1, 37-2, 38-1, 38-2, 38-3) with the cumulative value that can be defined in advance.