Protection arrangement for an exhaust portion of a pneumatic valve of a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, pneumatic valve, braking system, and vehicle

Abstract

Protection arrangement (100) for an exhaust portion (210) of a pneumatic valve (205) of a vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), wherein the protection arrangement (100) comprises: an outer member (110) adapted to be mounted to a body part (206) of the pneumatic valve (205); an inner member (120) at least partly arranged within the outer member (110); and a release space (130) arranged between the outer member (110) and the inner member (120), wherein the inner member (120) comprises an opening arrangement (121) for enabling an air flow (150) flowing from the exhaust portion (210) into the release space (130); the outer member (110) comprises a plurality of openings (111, 111') for exhausting the air flow (150) from the release space (130) into an environment (300); the opening arrangement (121) and the plurality of openings (111, 111') are arranged so that the inner member (120) and the outer member (110) form a labyrinth structure (140) to impede jetting from the environment (300) into the exhaust portion (210) while at the same time allowing the air flow (150) from the release space (130) to the environment (300); and wherein the exhaust portion (210) is located upstream in relation to at least the outer member (110).

Description

[0001] Protection arrangement for an exhaust portion of a pneumatic valve of a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, pneumatic valve, braking system, and vehicle

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a protection arrangement for an exhaust portion of pneumatic of a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle. The disclosure further relates to a pneumatic valve for a vehicle, particular utility vehicle, to a braking system for a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, and to a vehicle, particular utility vehicle.

[0003] Pneumatic valves, e.g., brake valves, of the aforementioned type are widely used in the vehicle industry to provide braking force for brake mechanisms. Under utility vehicle, in particular busses, cargo vehicles such as trucks and other heavy duty vehicles are to be understood. The aforementioned brake valves operate as a function of pressurized fluid being provided from a pressure source to the brake actuator such as a brake caliper of a disk brake or a drum brake, for instance. By sliding a valve member to an open position, pressurized air provided to a supply connection at a supply pressure is transmitted to a working port at a brake pressure that corresponds to a position of the valve member between an exhaust position and the open position. When the valve member is in the exhaust position, the working connection is vented and no brake pressure is supplied. When the valve member is in the fully open position a brake pressure substantially equal to the supply pressure will be supplied to the brake actuator. The valve member is movable between the exhaust position and the fully open position by an operator of the vehicle or based on electronic brake signals. For example, the valve member may be biased in the exhaust position and is movable from the exhaust position via a foot pedal attached to the valve member. When a user pushes the pedal, the valve member is moved. As soon as the user releases the pedal, the valve member returns to the exhaust position.

[0004] Conventional brake valves comprise an exhaust silencer that reduces noise when the brake pressure is vented via the brake valve. Due to various reasons, for example to allow for foot actuation of the brake valve, conventional brake valves are usually installed close to a base of the vehicle. EP 4 194 669 A1 discloses a brake valve comprising a housing a supply connection, a working connection, an exhaust portion and a valve member slidable from an exhaust position to an open position. The working connection is in fluid communication with the exhaust portion when the valve member is in the exhaust position and otherwise sealed from the exhaust portion. The valve member is arranged on a guide element comprising an internal channel. The brake valve comprises a valve sealing surface arranged downstream of a channel inlet and upstream of the valve connection elements for connecting the brake valve to a functional exhaust device. A silencer or a venting guide may be provided as the functional device.

[0005] The functional exhaust device is configured to further discharge the pressurized air received from the brake valve to the environment. During operation and when the working port of the brake valve is vented, air passes from the working port along the exhaust flow path through the internal channel to the exhaust portion of the brake valve. At the exhaust portion the air is then exhausted via an exhaust silencer connected to the valve connection elements of the exhaust portion

[0006] However, e.g., due to the arrangement of the valve, the exhaust portion may be subject to environmental influences, in particular water, mud, dirt, dust, etc. (in the following called fluid and / or dust). Therein, in particular fluids may splash into the direction of the valve. The exhaust portion is to be protected from such fluid entering the exhaust portion, since such fluid and / or dust may impede the functioning of the valve.

[0007] It is known to provide a flap at to reliably protect the exhaust portion from fluids and / or dust. However, such a flap may impede the performance of the valve.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a technological contribution and to improve at least one aspect of the prior art. In particular, an object of the invention may be to provide an effective shield for the exhaust portion of the valve against splashing fluids and / or dust to improve upholding the functionality of the valve during lifetime without impeding the performance of the valve. The object is solved by the subject-matter according to independent claim 1 and according to the remaining independent claims. Dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a protection arrangement for an exhaust portion of a pneumatic valve of a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, is provided, wherein the protection arrangement comprises: an outer member adapted to be mounted to a body part of the pneumatic valve; an inner member at least partly arranged within the outer member; and a release space arranged between the outer member and the inner member, wherein the inner member comprises an opening arrangement for enabling an air flow flowing from the exhaust portion into the release space; the outer member comprises a plurality of openings for exhausting the air flow from the release space into an environment; the opening arrangement and the plurality of openings are arranged so that the inner member and the outer member form a labyrinth structure to impede jetting from the environment into the exhaust portion while at the same time allowing the air flow from the release space to the environment; and wherein the exhaust portion is located upstream in relation to at least the outer member. It is noted that the term “jetting” from the environment may not interpreted to mean flow of only fluid (air or liquid) in a limiting manner, but jetting may mean also flow of fluid and / or any foreign material that can move from the environment towards the exhaust portion.

[0010] Pressurized air to be exhausted from the exhaust portion into the environment, i.e. , the atmosphere, may not directly be exhausted from the exhaust portion into the environment, but is guided via the opening arrangement to the release space between the members. From there, the pressurized air may flow via the plurality of openings to the environment, i.e., the labyrinth structure enables the air flow from the release space to the environment. Thus, the pressurized air needs to pass the opening arrangement of the inner member and the plurality of openings of the outer member to be exhausted from the exhaust portion into the environment. Conversely, any fluid and / or dust would have two pass the arrangement of the outer member and the inner member, i.e., the plurality of openings and the opening arrangement, respectively, to intrude into the exhaust portion which is arranged, from the perspective of the air flow, upstream in relation to the outer member. However, the labyrinth structure prevents, by its arrangement, a directed flow of fluid and / or dust in a direction contrary to the air flow, i.e. , jetting into the exhaust portion.

[0011] It is realized that the shielding and exhaust performance may be provided by the protection arrangement which comprises the two members, i.e., the outer member and the inner member. Therein, the geometry and the arrangement of the members may provide a fluid path from the exhaust portion to the environment in a non- unidirectional manner, e.g., as the labyrinth structure. This labyrinth structure achieves that a fluid and / or dust may not jet, i.e., directedly splash into the exhaust portion. Thus, exhaust pressure and / or air from the valve will be routed via the labyrinth structure with an exhaust shield design. This Labyrinth structure reduces exhaust velocity of air, reduces turbulences and enables a quick exhaust of air from the valve. Therein, the labyrinth structure may be defined by the arrangement of the outer member and the inner member, i.e., the plurality of openings and the opening arrangement, respectively, so that a directed, i.e., unidirectional, flow is blocked by the labyrinth structure and / or that a flow needs to comprise an optionally alternating lateral flux component. E.g., pressurized air being exhausted from the exhaust port into the environment may pass the labyrinth structure but a jet, splash and / or stream of fluid from the environment towards to protection arrangement may be blocked. Thus, the labyrinth structure may define a maze-like, undulating, a meandering, a snake-shaped and / or a baffle-type flow path. Further, the labyrinth structure may lead to pressure diffusing along the flow path.

[0012] The outer member may be mounted to the valve for mounting the entire protection arrangement to the valve. The inner member may be integrally formed with the outer member and / or be fixated to the outer member for an efficient mounting.

[0013] The water and dust shield design may be used universally for all pneumatic valve applications. This design can be used as a water and / or dust shield instead and / or in addition to a silencer of the pneumatic valve. This design enables quick release of pressure from the device and shields the device against dust and / or water entry and thus ensures device functionality during lifetime. This may be useful for devices with a more stringent release time requirement, e.g., due to safety-relevance. The protection arrangement according to the disclosure enables a construction based on customer requirements, like a labyrinth through flap variant and / or an individual labyrinth water and / or dust shield. Benefit of the disclosure is to improve utility of pneumatic valves. Further, an improve the response time behavior of pneumatic valves an enablement of multiple release path is achieved.

[0014] Optionally, the outer member and the inner member are adapted to be mounted together to form a pre-assembled part before mounting the outer member to the body part. Thus, the outer member and the inner member are separate parts and are adapted to be pre-assembled as the protection arrangement before being assembled to the body part of the valve. This may enable a more complex geometry of the inner member and / or the outer member to define the exhaust flow paths and / or the labyrinth structure. Alternatively, the outer member and the inner member are integrally formed. I.e. , The inner member and the outer member are one piece. This may achieve a particularly efficient manufacture of the protection arrangement and / or assembly of the protection arrangement to the valve.

[0015] Optionally, the outer member comprises an outer lateral surface and an inner lateral surface, wherein the plurality of openings is arranged at the outer lateral surface, and the inner lateral surface is adapted to impede jetting via the plurality of openings from the environment into the exhaust portion. Thus, the labyrinth structure and / or a part thereof may be provided by the outer member. Optionally, the inner lateral surface may be formed multiple times radially inwardly and concentric to the outer lateral surface. I.e., the outer member may comprise a plurality of layers of inner lateral surfaces. Therein, the inner lateral surface comprises the plurality of openings which may be arranged in non-overlapping manner, for example, in a maze-like pattern. The number of inner lateral surfaces may be one or more, depending on the size of the water protection shield. Also, a mesh may be arranged in each space between each pair of lateral surfaces.

[0016] Optionally, the protection arrangement defines an axis and a circumferential direction perpendicular to the axis, and the outer lateral surface and the inner lateral surface are, in the circumferential direction, arranged in an overlapping manner to form the labyrinth structure. Therein, the axis may, in the mounted state, coincide with an axis being defined by the valve, e.g., by an elongation of an exhaust channel. The overlapping arrangement of the outer lateral surface and the inner lateral surface may block fluid and / or dust from splashing directedly towards the protection arrangement

[0017] Optionally, the protection arrangement defines an axis and a circumferential direction perpendicular to the axis, and the opening arrangement and the plurality of openings are, in the circumferential direction, arranged in a non-overlapping manner to form the labyrinth structure. The non-overlapping arrangement of the opening arrangement and the plurality of openings provides a non-unidirectional, i.e. , labyrinth, flow path and thus prevents fluid and / or dust from intruding from the environment into the exhaust portion.

[0018] Optionally, the outer member and / or the inner member comprises a bottom section, and the bottom section comprises a curved, conical and / or frustoconical guiding member for guiding a fluid from the guiding member towards the plurality of openings. The guiding member of the shield design guides the exhaust air from the device towards the environment quickly with medium noise level. Also, the guiding member may achieve draining water if water enters the protection arrangement. I.e., this guiding member is designed in a way to facilitate and / or ease the downstream of fluid flow.

[0019] Optionally, each of the openings of the plurality of openings is slot-shaped. The slots may provide a comparatively large are at which pressurized air may be exhausted and, however, may impede fluid and / or dust from jetting from the environment into the protection arrangement.

[0020] Optionally, the outer member comprises an elastic clip member to fixate the outer member to the body part. The elastic clip member may provide adequate clamping of the protection arrangement with the valve. Thus, the design constrains any movements of components and / or achieves an arrest of components.

[0021] Optionally, the protection arrangement comprises an elastic bead to press the clip member to the body part and / or the clip member comprises at least two annular ribs. By pressing the clip member to the body part, an interface between the protection arrangement and the body part may be sealed and the positioning of the protection arrangement may be improved. Similarly, the annular ribs optionally in conjunction with a seal between the annular ribs and the valve body may improve sealing.

[0022] Optionally, the inner member comprises an outwardly extending shoulder member and / or an outwardly extending disc member to constrain the arrangement of the inner member within the outer member. The shoulder member may be adapted to lock the inner member with the outer member, i.e. , to constrain any rotational motion of the inner member. Further, the disc member may constrain a translational motion and / or tilting. The shoulder member may be used for supporting the mesh.

[0023] Optionally, the inner member is adapted to support a mesh. The mesh may enable a for further reduction of noise emission of the valve. Additionally or alternatively, the inner member and the outer member are adapted to support a mesh within the release space. Additionally or alternatively, the outer member is adapted to support a mesh within the second release space.

[0024] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a pneumatic valve for vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, is provided, wherein the pneumatic valve comprises the protection arrangement as described above. Optionally, the protection arrangement of the pneumatic valve comprises one or more optional features as described above to achieve a corresponding technical effect.

[0025] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a braking system for a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, is provided. The braking system comprises the protection arrangement as described above and / or the pneumatic valve as described above.

[0026] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, is provided. The vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, comprises the protection arrangement as described above, the pneumatic valve as described above and / or the braking system as described above.

[0027] Further advantages and technical features and their technical effects are disclosed in the figures and the description thereof. The figures show preferred embodiments as follows:

[0028] Fig. 1 a schematic of a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0029] Fig. 2 a sectional view of a valve and a protection arrangement each according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 3 a sectional side view, a isometric view and a cross-sectional view each of a protection arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0031] Fig. 4 a sectional view of an inner member of a protection arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 5 a top view of an outer member of a protection arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0033] Fig. 6 a sectional view of a valve and a protection arrangement each according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 7 a sectional side view, a isometric view and a top view each of a protection arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0035] Fig. 8 a isometric view and a sectional side view of an inner member of a protection arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0036] Fig. 9 a isometric view of an outer member of a protection arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic of a vehicle 200a, in particular utility vehicle 200b, according to an embodiment of the invention. In the following, the vehicle 200a, in particular utility vehicle 200b, is referred to as vehicle 200a, 200b. The vehicle 200a, 200b is a land vehicle 200a, 200b.

[0038] The vehicle 200a, 200b comprises a braking system 220. The braking system 220 is a pneumatic braking system, i.e., a brake request by a driver of the vehicle 200a, 200b and / or by an automated driving function (e.g., an auto pilot function) may lead to a pneumatic and / or an electro-pneumatic actuation of the braking system 220. Therein, pressurized air is provided and controlled to actuate the braking system 220. The braking system 220 comprises a pneumatic valve 205. The pneumatic valve 205 may be electronically controlled and is adapted to control the flow of the pressurized air. The flow of pressurized air and in particular an exhaustion of pressurized air into an environment 300 of the vehicle 200a, 200b may lead to the emission of sound and / or noise. The pressurized air may be exhausted via an exhaust portion 210 of the valve 205. Thus, the exhaust portion 210 may be subject to environmental influences, e.g., to splashes of fluid and / or dust.

[0039] The pneumatic valve 205 comprises a protection arrangement 100 and / or the protection arrangement 100 is mounted to the pneumatic valve 205. The protection arrangement 100 is described with reference to Figures 2 to 9.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a valve 205 and a protection arrangement 100 each according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 2 also shows a valve 205. The protection arrangement 100 of Figure 2 is a protection arrangement 100 for an exhaust portion 210 of a pneumatic valve 205 of a vehicle 200a, 200b. Such a valve 205 and vehicle 200a, 200b are described with reference to Figure 1 . Figure 2 is described under reference to Figure 1 .

[0041] The valve 205 comprises an exhaust portion 210, a housing 207 and a body part 206. The housing 207 may be made of metal. The body part 206 may be made of plastic. The valve 205 comprises a fluid channel 211 , lateral fluid channels 212 and an exhaust portion 210. Each of the fluid channel 211 and the lateral fluid channels 212 are in fluid communication with the exhaust portion 210. Pressurized air may travel through the valve 205 and the protection arrangement 100 as an air flow 150 as schematically indicated by double arrows with dotted lines.

[0042] The valve 205, in particular the fluid channel 211 , and the protection arrangement 100 defines an axis A and a circumferential direction P being perpendicular to the axis A. The fluid channel 211 is adapted to guide an air flow 150 along the axis A into the exhaust portion 210. The lateral fluid channels 212 are adapted to guide the air flow 150 radially inwardly to the exhaust portion 210. The exhaust portion 210 is in fluid communication with the protection arrangement 100. The exhaust portion 210 terminates at the protection arrangement 100, wherein the air flow 150 is then guided by the protection arrangement 100 and towards the environment 300.

[0043] The protection arrangement 100 comprises an outer member 110 and an inner member 120. The inner member 120 is arranged radially inwardly from the outer member 110. Specifically, the outer member 110 comprises an outer lateral surface 117 being radially outwardly arranged from the inner member 120. Thus, the outer member 110 enclose the inner member 120.

[0044] The outer member 110 is adapted to be mounted and is mounted to the body part 206 of the pneumatic valve 205. The protection arrangement 100, in particular the outer member 110, comprises an elastic clip member 115 to fixate the outer member 110 to the body part 206, an elastic bead 135 to press the clip member 115 to the body part 206 and the clip member 115 comprises at least two annular ribs 116 to fixate the outer member 110 at the body part 206. The Clip member 115 may be elastically deformable so as to insert the outer member 110 into a receiving portion (not indicated) of the valve body 206 to fixate the positioning of outer member 110 and thus of the protection arrangement 100. The clip member 115 and the annular ribs 116 are partly circumferentially arranged (see also Figures 3 and 5). The clip member 115 and the annular ribs 116 are integrally formed with the outer lateral surface 117 and constitute a terminal of the outer lateral surface 117. The annular ribs 116 avoid tilting and rotation of the outer member 110 and / or compensate lateral forces being exerted on the protection arrangement 100. The elastic bead 135 may be a rubber spring to fixate the positioning of the outer member 110 and thus of the protection arrangement 100. The elastic bead 135 or lip like structure on the clip member 115 achieves interference with body part 206 and create sealing pressure between the body part 206 and the outer member 110. This helps to retain the outer member 110 in its position and achieves a resistance against ingress of water jetting from outside via the clip member 115.

[0045] The protection arrangement 100 comprises a release space 130 arranged between the outer member 110 and the inner member 120. The inner member 120 comprises an opening arrangement 121 for enabling an air flow 150 flowing from the exhaust portion 210 into the release space 130 (see also Figures 3 and 4 and Figures 6 to 8). The opening arrangement 121 may best be seen in Figure 3 (C) as a plurality of circumferentially arranged openings through which the air flow 150 may be lead from the exhaust portion 210 radially outwardly into the release space 130. The outer member 110 comprises an inner lateral surface 118 being radially inwardly arranged from the outer lateral surface 117. The release space 130 is arranged between the inner member 120 and the inner lateral surface 118.

[0046] The outer member 110 comprises a plurality of openings 111 , 11 T for exhausting the air flow 150 from the release space 130 into an environment 300 (see also Figures to 5 and Figures 6 and 7 (C)). Each of the openings 111 , 11 T of the plurality of openings 111 is slot-shaped. Therein, a first set of the plurality of openings 11 T is arranged at the inner lateral surface 118 and a second set of the plurality of openings 111 is arranged at the outer lateral surface 117 (see Figures 3 and 5).

[0047] The opening arrangement 121 and the plurality of openings 111 , 11 T are arranged so that the inner member 120 and the outer member 110 form a labyrinth structure 140 to impede jetting from the environment 300 into the exhaust portion 210 (see Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 3 and 5 and Figure 6 in conjunction with Figure 7). Therein, the outer lateral surface 117 and the inner lateral surface 118 are, in the circumferential direction P, arranged in an overlapping manner to form the labyrinth structure 140. Conversely, the opening arrangement 121 and the plurality of openings 111 , 11 T are, in the circumferential direction P, arranged in a nonoverlapping manner to form the labyrinth structure 140. I.e., the air flow 150 moving from the exhaust portion 210 to the environment 300 need to pass radially outwardly the opening arrangement 121 of the inner member 120, to flow in the circumferential direction P, to pass radially outwardly the first set of the plurality of openings 11 T at the inner lateral surface 118, to flow in the circumferential direction P, and to pass radially outwardly the second set of the plurality of openings 111 at the outer lateral surface 117. A fluid and / or dust from the environment does typically not follow the aforementioned sequence in a reverse order, since the fluid and / or dust typically moves unidirectional, i.e., without moving in the circumferential direction P and radially in an alternating manner. The inner member 120 comprises an outwardly extending shoulder member 122 and an outwardly extending disc member 126 to constrain the arrangement of the inner member 120 within the outer member 110. The shoulder member 122 provides a snap mechanism to mount the inner member 120 and the outer member 110 together. The inner member 120, in particular the shoulder member 122 and the disc member 126 are adapted to support a mesh 190 (see schematically Figures 3 (A) and 8 (B)). Additionally, the inner member 120 and the outer member 110 are adapted to support a mesh 190 within the release space 130 (see Figures 2 and 3 (A)). Additionally, the inner member 120 is adapted to support a mesh 190 within the second release space 131 (see Figure 2 and 3 (A)).

[0048] The outer member 110 comprises a bottom section 113. The inner lateral surface 118 and the outer lateral surface 117 are integrally formed with the bottom section 113. Each of the inner lateral surface 118 and the outer lateral surface 117 project axially from the bottom section 113. The inner lateral surface 118 and the outer lateral surface 117 are arranged radially distantly from each other.

[0049] The bottom section 113 comprises an essentially conical guiding member 114 for guiding a fluid from the guiding member 114 towards the plurality of openings 111 , 11 T. I.e. , the guiding member 114 comprises a conical section and a curved tip. In another embodiment (not shown), the guiding member 114 comprises a curved and / or frustoconical shape. The guiding member 114 protrudes from the otherwise essentially flat bottom section 113 along the axis A and towards the exhaust portion 210. Thus, the air flow 150 is diffused and / or radially outwardly deflected by the guiding member 114. Further, water may easily drain out from the bottom section 113.

[0050] The outer member 110 and the inner member 120 are adapted to be mounted together before mounting the outer member 110 to the body part 206. Therein, the shoulder members 122 of the inner member 120 may comprise a locking and / or clip mechanism (see Figure 3) which is adapted to be arranged within the first set of the plurality of openings 11 T at the inner lateral surface 118, i.e., each of the shoulder members 122 is adapted to fixate the inner member 120 by clipping the shoulder member 122 in one of the openings 11 T of the first set of the plurality of openings 11 T at the inner lateral surface 118. In another embodiment (not shown), the outer member 110 and the inner member 120 and are integrally formed. Thus, the protection arrangement 100 is mounted to the body part 206 by mounting the outer member 110 to the body part 206.

[0051] The protection arrangement 100, i.e. , the outer member 110 and the inner member 120 are made of a thermoplastic, e.g., Polyamide (PA). The protection arrangement 100 may be manufactured by injection molding and / or an additive manufacturing process.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a sectional side view (A), an isometric view (B) and a cross-sectional view (C) each of a protection arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The protection arrangement 100 of Figure 3 is the protection arrangement 100 as described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 3 is described under reference to Figures 1 and 2. The protection arrangement 100 is a pre-assembled part 160 to be mounted to the body part 206. The pre-assembled part 160 comprises the outer member 110 and the inner member 120.

[0053] Figure 3 (A) shows the sectional side view of the protection arrangement 100 of Figure 2 in detail. Figure 3 (A) indicates the mesh 190 and its potential arrangement schematically.

[0054] Figure 3 (B) shows the isometric view of protection arrangement 100 of Figure 2 and illustrated the inner member 120 being mounted to the outer member 110.

[0055] Figure 3 (C) shows cross-sectional view of the protection arrangement 100. Figure 3 further illustrates the plurality of openings 111 , 11 T of the outer member 110. The plurality of openings 111 , 11 T is arranged in a non-overlapping manner at the inner lateral surface 118 and at the outer lateral surface 117 which is part of the labyrinth structure 140. The second set of the plurality of openings 111 also form bottom cutouts. The bottom cutouts and labyrinth slot-shaped openings 111 , 11 T are arranged to block a waterjet from different projection angles. Water which may enter the enter the protection arrangement 100 via the second set of the plurality of openings 111 will be blocked by the inner lateral surface 118, i.e., inside the labyrinth structure 140.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a sectional view of an inner member 120 of a protection arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The inner member 120 of Figure 4 is the inner member 120 of the protection arrangement 100 as described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 4 is described under reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0057] Figure 4 illustrates the opening arrangement 121. The opening arrangement 121 is circumferentially arranged. The openings and the shoulder members 122 are arranged alternatingly in the circumferential direction P.

[0058] The inner member 120 comprises a rotationally symmetric lateral face 125. The inner member 120 is formed as one piece. The shoulder members 122 and a disc member 126 of the inner member 120 project radially outwardly from the lateral face 125.

[0059] Figure 5 shows a top view of an outer member 110 of a protection arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The outer member 110 of Figure 5 is the outer member 110 of the protection arrangement 100 as described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 5 is described under reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0060] Figure 5 illustrated the non-overlapping arrangement of the plurality of slot-shaped openings 111 , 11 T. The inner lateral surface 118 comprises the openings 11 T in, in the circumferential direction P, a section in which the outer lateral surface 117 is solid, i.e., does not comprise openings 111. Conversely, the outer lateral surface 117 comprises the openings 111 in, in the circumferential direction P, a section in which the inner lateral surface 118 is solid, i.e., does not comprise openings 11 T.

[0061] Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a valve 205 and a protection arrangement 100 each according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The protection arrangement 100 of Figure 6 is an alternative to the protection arrangement 100 as shown in Figures 2 to 5. Figure 6 is described under reference to Figures 1 to 5, wherein differences between the protection arrangement 100 as shown in Figures 2 to 5 and the protection arrangement 100 of Figure 6 are described. The inner member 120 comprises a bottom section 123. The bottom section 123 is radially extended. The bottom section 123 comprises an essentially conical guiding member 124 for guiding a fluid from the guiding member 124 towards the plurality of openings 111 ,111’. I.e. , the guiding member 124 comprises a conical section and a curved tip. In another embodiment (not shown), the guiding member 124 comprises a curved and / or frustoconical shape. The guiding member 124 protrudes from the otherwise essentially flat bottom section 123 along the axis A and towards the exhaust portion 210. Thus, the air flow 150 is diffused and / or radially outwardly deflected by the guiding member 124. Further, water may easily drain out from the bottom section 123. A closed bottom plate 113 of the outer member 110 may be dispended with (see also Figures 7 (A) and 9).

[0062] To mount and fixate the inner member 120 to the outer member 110, the inner member 120 comprises a plurality of circumferentially arranged locking members 127 and second locking members 128 (see also Figure 9 (A)). Each of the locking members 127 is adapted to be arranged in one of the first set of openings 11 T of the inner lateral surface 118 of the outer member 110 (see also Figure 7 (C)). In the mounted state, the bottom plate 113 of the outer member 110 is arranged, in the axial direction A, between the locking members 127 and the second locking members 128.

[0063] The inner member 120 comprises an opening arrangement 121 for enabling an air flow 150 flowing from the exhaust portion 210 into the release space 130. The opening arrangement 121 comprises a plurality of circumferentially arranged openings through which the air flow 150 may be lead from the exhaust portion 210 radially outwardly into the release space 130. The circumferentially arranged openings are alternatingly arranged with a lateral face 125 of the inner member 120. I.e., in the circumferential direction P, the lateral face 125 is partly arranged and the lateral face 125 comprises section which are alternatingly arranged with the openings (see also Figure 8 (A)).

[0064] The clip member 115 may be the clip member 115 as described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 7 shows a sectional side view (A), an isometric view (B) and a top view (C) each of a protection arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The protection arrangement 100 of Figure 7 is the protection arrangement of Figure 6. Figure 7 is described under reference to Figure 6. The protection arrangement 100 is a pre-assembled part 160 to be mounted to the body part 206. The pre-assembled part 160 comprises the outer member 110 and the inner member 120.

[0065] Figure 7 (A) illustrates the sectional side view of the protection arrangement 100 in detail.

[0066] Figure 7 (B) illustrates the isometric view of the protection arrangement 100. Therein, the opening arrangement 121 and the lateral face 125 is visible in its alternating arrangement.

[0067] Figure 7 (C) illustrates the top view of the protection arrangement 100. Therein, the labyrinth structure 140 is illustrated. In particular, the non-overlapping arrangement of the plurality of slot-shaped openings 111 , 11 T and of the opening structure 121 is illustrated. The inner lateral surface 118 comprises the openings 11 T in, in the circumferential direction P, a section in which the outer lateral surface 117 is solid, i.e. , does not comprise openings 111. Conversely, the outer lateral surface 117 comprises the openings 111 in, in the circumferential direction P, a section in which the inner lateral surface 118 is solid, i.e., does not comprise openings 111’. The opening arrangement 121 is arranged where the outer lateral surface 117 is solid. Conversely, the lateral faces 125 are arranged in a section in which the outer lateral surface 118 comprises openings 111.

[0068] Figure 8 shows an isometric view (A) and a sectional side view (B) of an inner member 120 of a protection arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The inner member 120 of Figure 8 is the inner member 120 as described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0069] Figure 9 shows an isometric view of an outer member 110 of a protection arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The outer member 110 of Figure 9 is the inner member 110 as described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0070] List of reference signs (Part of the description)

[0071] 100 protection arrangement

[0072] 110 outer member

[0073] 111 openings

[0074] 111’ openings

[0075] 113 bottom section

[0076] 114 guiding member

[0077] 115 clip member

[0078] 116 rib

[0079] 117 outer lateral surface

[0080] 118 inner lateral surface

[0081] 120 inner member

[0082] 121 opening arrangement

[0083] 122 shoulder member

[0084] 123 bottom section

[0085] 124 guiding member

[0086] 125 lateral face

[0087] 126 disc member

[0088] 127 locking member

[0089] 128 second locking member

[0090] 130 release space

[0091] 131 second release space

[0092] 135 bead

[0093] 140 labyrinth structure

[0094] 150 air flow

[0095] 160 pre-assembled part

[0096] 190 mesh

[0097] 200a vehicle

[0098] 200b utility vehicle 205 pneumatic valve

[0099] 206 body part

[0100] 210 outlet section

[0101] 211 fluid channel

[0102] 212 lateral fluid channel

[0103] 220 braking system

[0104] 300 environment

[0105] A axis

[0106] P circumferential direction

Claims

Claims1 . Protection arrangement (100) for an exhaust portion (210) of a pneumatic valve (205) of a vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), wherein the protection arrangement (100) comprises:- an outer member (110) adapted to be mounted to a body part (206) of the pneumatic valve (205);- an inner member (120) at least partly arranged within the outer member (110); and- a release space (130) arranged between the outer member (110) and the inner member (120), wherein- the inner member (120) comprises an opening arrangement (121 ) for enabling an air flow (150) flowing from the exhaust portion (210) into the release space (130);- the outer member (110) comprises a plurality of openings (111 , 111 ’) for exhausting the air flow (150) from the release space (130) into an environment (300);- the opening arrangement (121) and the plurality of openings (111 , 11 T) are arranged so that the inner member (120) and the outer member (110) form a labyrinth structure (140) to impede jetting from the environment (300) into the exhaust portion (210) while at the same time allowing the air flow (150) from the release space (130) to the environment (300); and wherein- the exhaust portion (210) is located upstream in relation to at least the outer member (110).

2. Protection arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein- the outer member (110) and the inner member (120) are adapted to be mounted together to form a pre-assembled part (160) before mounting the outer member (110) to the body part (206) or the outer member (110) and the inner member (120) are integrally formed.

3. Protection arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein- the outer member (110) comprises an outer lateral surface (117) and an inner lateral surface (118), wherein- the plurality of openings (111 , 11 T) is arranged at the outer lateral surface (117), and- the inner lateral surface (118) is adapted to impede jetting via the plurality of openings (111 , 11 T) from the environment (300) into the exhaust portion (210).

4. Protection arrangement (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the protection arrangement (100) defines an axis (A) and a circumferential direction (P) perpendicular to the axis (A), and- the outer lateral surface (117) and the inner lateral surface (118) are, in the circumferential direction (P), arranged in an overlapping manner to form the labyrinth structure (140).

5. Protection arrangement (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the protection arrangement (100) defines an axis (A) and a circumferential direction (P) perpendicular to the axis (A), and- the opening arrangement (121) and the plurality of openings (111 , 11 T) are, in the circumferential direction (P), arranged in a non-overlapping manner to form the labyrinth structure (140).

6. Protection arrangement (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the outer member (110) and / or the inner member (120) comprises a bottom section (113,123), and- the bottom section (113, 123) comprises a curved, conical and / or frustoconical guiding member (114, 124) for guiding a fluid from the guiding member (114, 124) towards the plurality of openings (111 , 11 T).

7. Protection arrangement (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the openings (111 , 11 T) of the plurality of openings (111 , 11 T) is slot-shaped.

8. Protection arrangement (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer member (110) comprises an elastic clip member (115) to fixate the outer member (110) to the body part (206).

9. Protection arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein- the protection arrangement (100) comprises an elastic bead (135) to press the clip member (115) to the body part (206) and / or- the clip member (115) comprises at least two annular ribs (116).

10. Protection arrangement (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner member (120) comprises an outwardly extending shoulder member (122) and / or outwardly extending disc member (126) to constrain the arrangement of the inner member (120) within the outer member (110).11 . Protection arrangement (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner member (120) is adapted so support a mesh (190).

12. Pneumatic valve (205) for vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), wherein the pneumatic valve (205) comprises the protection arrangement (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

13. Braking system (220) for a vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), comprising the protection arrangement (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 and / or the pneumatic valve (205) as claimed in claim 12.

14. Vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), comprising the protection arrangement (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , the pneumatic valve (205) as claimed in claim 12 and / or the braking system (220) as claimed in claim 13.

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