Foot brake module for an electropneumatic braking system of a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, electropneumatic braking system and vehicle

Abstract

Foot brake module (100) for an electropneumatic braking system (250) of a vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), wherein the foot brake module (100) comprises: a movable stem (110) being operatable by a pedal (210) and adapted to actuate a brake signal transmitting device (220); an elastic protection cap (120) adapted to be deformed under the operation of the stem (110) and comprising a sealing surface (121) to provide sealing between the stem (110) and the elastic protection cap (120); and a support member (130); wherein the support member (130) comprises an opening (131) and the stem (110) is arranged to project through the opening (131) for actuating the brake signal transmitting device (220); the support member (130) comprises a contact surface (132) and the protection cap (120) is supported on the contact surface (132) so that the support member (130) and the protection cap (120) form a back pressure chamber (140); and the support member (130) comprises at least one release channel (135) for releasing pressurized air (150) from the back pressure chamber (140) to an environment (300) of the foot brake module (100).

Description

[0001] Foot brake module for an electropneumatic braking system of a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, electropneumatic braking system and vehicle

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a foot brake module for an electropneumatic braking system of a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle. Utility vehicles are also referred to as commercial vehicles. The disclosure also relates to an electropneumatic braking system of a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, comprising a foot brake module, and to a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, comprising an electropneumatic braking system and / or a foot brake module.

[0003] Such a foot brake module, also referred to as brake pedal unit, is known in the prior art. The wording “foot brake module” refers to any brake valve that is configured to transmit a driver’s brake demand to one or more units in a brake circuit to apply the brakes. The foot brake module may be functionally coupled to and actuated by a pedal, also called brake pedal. The pedal is adapted to be pressed by an operator of the vehicle, e.g., with a foot of the operator. The operator may be the driver of the vehicle. The foot brake module translates the pressing by the operator into a brake signal that may actuate the braking system of the vehicle to brake the vehicle.

[0004] WO 2021 / 083615 A1 discloses a foot brake module of an electropneumatic brake system of a motor vehicle comprising at least two pneumatic brake circuits, which foot brake module can be operated by means of a brake pedal and has a pneumatic section with a pneumatic brake control valve and has an electrical section with at least one electrical switch and at least one electronic travel sensor. According to the invention, this foot brake module is characterized in that the electrical switch acts in a contactless manner, and in that, when the foot brake module is designed with two travel sensors, these each have a separate power supply and are connected to different electronic control devices.

[0005] Such a brake pedal unit comprises a brake signal transmitter, a stem, also called pressure piece, a support member, a protection cap and a back pressure chamber being at least partly enclosed by the protection cap. An operation of the brake pedal leads to a deflection of the stem which induces a brake signal by the brake signal transmitter. Further, the operation of the pedal, e.g., pressing the pedal, may lead to closing of the back pressure chamber.

[0006] In general, there may be two types of pressure in the back pressure chamber that may affect the operator: 1 ) Due to pressurization of atmospheric air inside a volume that is delimited by the protection cap, i.e. , of air under the protection cap in the back pressure chamber and with atmospheric pressure because the protection cap is connected to the atmosphere. When the protection cap gets sealed during an operation of pedal, the operator may or may not feel an additional force - because the protection cap is compressed and the overpressure is only generated slightly in back pressure chamber. 2) A back pressure due to a back flow of exhaust air: the protection cap is sealed and pressure is generated within the back pressure chamber because of a back pressure release from the brake signal transmitter, i.e., the pressure generated during a return movement of a piston within the device (from activated position to neutral position). This may be called back pressure.

[0007] However, in the prior art, the protection cap is typically sealed between the support member and the stem after the brake pedal is released. A certain back pressure is entrapped in the back pressure chamber under the protection cap due to the sealing. The back pressure is caused by air under pressure larger than atmospheric pressure being released from the valve is getting trapped in the sealed back pressure chamber under the protection cap. This so-called back pressure entrapment causes one or more of the following effects: the pedal unit does not go back to a zero position; an electric signal of the brake signal transmitter does not go back to an offset value; and / or an increment of force may be present, i.e., a change of the force characteristic of the brake pedal unit in the beginning of a movement of the pedal. The back pressure further acts on the stem and moves the stem away from a zero position. Because of that the electronic signal does not retain an initial offset value.

[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 a foot brake module which avoids back pressure entrapment. 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 foot brake module for an electropneumatic braking system of a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, is provided, wherein the foot brake module comprises: a movable stem being operatable by a pedal and adapted to actuate a brake signal transmitting device; an elastic protection cap adapted to be deformed under the operation of the stem and comprising a sealing surface to provide sealing between the stem and the elastic protection cap; and a support member; wherein the support member comprises an opening and the stem is arranged to project through the opening for actuating the brake signal transmitting device; the support member comprises a contact surface and the protection cap is supported on the contact surface so that the support member and the protection cap form a back pressure chamber; and the support member comprises at least one release channel for releasing pressurized air from the back pressure chamber to an environment of the foot brake module.

[0010] The foot brake module may translate an operation of the pedal into a deflection of the stem. The stem may interact with the brake signal transmitting device to cause a brake signal being issued by the brake signal transmitting and with the elastic protection cap.

[0011] The protection cap comprises the sealing surface between the stem and the protection cap and is contacted by the contact surface of the support member. The protection cap thus defines the back pressure chamber as a volume delimit by inter alia the protection cap, the stem and the support member.

[0012] It is realized that back pressure entrapment may be efficiently and reliably avoided by the at least one release channel. The at least one release channel is comprised by the support member and may ensure a fluid communicating of the back pressure chamber with the environment. Thus, pressurized air may be released and a pressure reduction of the air within the back pressure chamber may be achieved by an air flow towards the atmosphere. Optionally, the contact surface is arranged to surround the opening at least partially circumferentially. This enables an effective arrangement and support of the protection cap on the contact surface. The protection cap may efficiently protect components of the foot brake module within the back pressure chamber.

[0013] Optionally, the contact surface comprises at least two contact flanges; at least one of the contact flanges contacts the protection cap; and the release channel extends through at least one of the contact flanges that contacts the protection cap and / or through each of the contact flanges. Therein, the contact of at least one of the contact flanges with the protection cap enables a reliable support of the protection cap on the support member, in particular on the at least one of the contact flanges. The release channel extending through the contact flange or contact flanges that contacts the protection cap and / or through all of the contact flanges enable a reliable exhaustion of pressurized air.

[0014] Optionally, each of the contact flanges comprises a partially annular shape; and any two of the contact flanges are arranged radially distantly from each other. The partially annular shape enables that the each of the contact flanges surrounds the opening circumferentially partially, i.e., each of the contact flanges comprises a c- shape and / or, in a circumferential direction, the contact flanges and the at least one release channel are arranged adjacently and / or alternatingly. The annular shape further enables a reliable support of the protection cap which may have an annular cross-section. The radially distant arrangement of the contact flanges may achieve that a volume is arranged between the contact flanges, wherein foreign substances, such as water, ice and / or dirt, may be stored by the volume and / or impeded by the volume to enter the back pressure chamber.

[0015] Optionally, any two of the contact flanges are interconnected by a plurality of contact members so that a plurality of grooves is formed between the two of the contact flanges. The contact members may avoid that the protection cap may slide into the volume between the contact flanges. The grooves may constitute the volume between the contact flanges. The contact members may provide a support for the protection cap radially between the contact flanges. The grooves may enable an exhaustion of pressurized air into the grooves, i.e. , between the contact flanges.

[0016] Optionally, the protection cap is contacted by only one of the contact flanges. This may enable a reliable support of the protection cap, may enable a more effective exhaustion of pressurized air via the volume between the contact flanges and / or via the grooves and / or are more effective protection of the back pressure chamber from foreign substances.

[0017] Optionally, the protection cap is arranged so that one of the contact flanges is at least partially arranged within the back pressure chamber. The contact flange being at least partially arranged within the back pressure chamber may improve the functioning of the protection in avoiding foreign substances to enter the back pressure chamber.

[0018] Optionally, the release channel extends through each of the contact flanges via one of the grooves. This may achieve an effective exhaustion of pressurized air and may enable an efficient manufacture of the support member and / or the release channel.

[0019] Optionally, the release channel extends through each of the contact flanges in a circumferentially overlapping section of the contact surface and / or in a circumferentially non-overlapping manner. The circumferentially overlapping section may enable a particularly effective exhaustion of pressurized air. The nonoverlapping manner may improve the ability of the foot brake module to avoid foreign substances to enter the back pressure chamber.

[0020] Optionally, the release channel comprises at least two channel sections; wherein each of the channel sections is arranged at one of the contact flanges; and each of the channel sections comprises comparable or different dimensional characteristics as the other of the channel sections. The dimensional characteristics may relate to the arrangement and / or the extension of the channel sections. A comparable dimensional characteristic may facilitate the construction and / or manufacture of the release channel. The different dimensional characteristic may improve the ability of the foot brake module to avoid foreign substances to enter the back pressure chamber.

[0021] Optionally, the channel sections are circumferentially offset in relation to each other. The offset arrangement of the channel sections may improve the ability of the foot brake module to avoid foreign substances to enter the back pressure chamber.

[0022] Optionally, the pedal comprises a cover; the release channel comprises a third channel section; and the third channel section is arranged to be covered by the cover. In other words, the third channel section relates to a positioning of a radially outwardly arranged groove which communicates with the atmosphere. The third channel section will be covered by pedal, i.e. , its cover, which will prevent direct waterjet exposure of the release channel. This is enhanced by a circumferentially offset arrangement of different channel sections.

[0023] Optionally, the release channel comprises a cross-sectional area of 0.5mmA2 to 3mmA2, optionally 0.75mmA2 to 1 .5mmA2, and / or the release channel comprises a depth of 0.35mm to 1 .0mm, optionally 0.45mm to 0.75mm. The cross-sectional area and / or the depth may achieve a sufficient exhaustion of pressurized air while providing protection of the back pressure chamber from foreign substances.

[0024] According to an aspect of the disclosure, an electropneumatic braking system of a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, is provided. The electropneumatic braking system comprises the foot brake module as described above. Optionally, the foot brake module comprises one or more features as described above as optional and / or preferred to achieve a technical effect corresponding thereto. The electropneumatic braking system may be actuated by an operator pressing the pedal. The pressing the pedal may be translated by the foot brake module into a actuation of the brake signal transmitting device which may issue a brake signal in response to the actuation of the brake pedal.

[0025] According to an aspect of the disclosure, vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, is provided. The vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, comprises the electropneumatic braking system as described above and / or the foot brake module as described above. Optionally, the foot brake module and / or the electropneumatic braking system comprises one or more features as described above as optional and / or preferred to achieve a technical effect corresponding thereto.

[0026] Further advantages and technical features and their technical effects are disclosed in the figures and the description thereof.

[0027] 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 partial sectional view of a foot brake module according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 3 a perspective view of a support member of a foot brake module according to the prior art;

[0031] Fig. 4 a perspective view of a support member of a foot brake module according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 5 a detail of a support member of a foot brake module according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0033] Fig. 6 a sectional view of a foot brake module according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 7 a detail of a sectional view of a foot brake module according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0035] Fig. 8 a sectional view of a foot brake module according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0036] Fig. 9 a detail of a section view of a release channel of a foot brake module 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. For example, the vehicle 200a, 200b is a truck and / or towing vehicle of a vehicle combination. The vehicle 200a, 200b comprises an electropneumatic braking system 250. The electropneumatic braking system 250 comprises pneumatic and electric components. For example, a brake request by a driver and / or operator of the vehicle 200a, 200b may lead to a brake signal that causes a pneumatic and / or an electro-pneumatic actuation of the electropneumatic braking system 250. Therein, pressurized air 150 (see schematically in Figures 5 and 7) is provided and controlled to actuate the electropneumatic braking system 250 to brake the vehicle 200a, 200b.

[0038] The electropneumatic braking system 250 comprises a foot brake module 100. Such a foot brake module is further described with reference to Figures 2 and 4 to 9;

[0039] Figure 3 illustrates a component of a foot brake module 100 according to the prior art.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a partial sectional view of a foot brake module 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The foot brake module 100 as shown in Figure 2 is a foot brake module 100 for an electropneumatic braking system 250 of a vehicle 200a, 200b. Such a vehicle 200a, 200b and electropneumatic braking system 250 are described with reference to Figure 1 . Figure 2 is described under reference to Figure 1 . In addition, the foot brake module 100 may comprise a foot brake valve (not indicated).

[0041] Figure 2 illustrates a pedal 210 and a partial view of brake signal transmitting device 220. Each of the pedal 210 and the brake signal transmitting device 220 is functionally coupled with the foot brake module 100. The foot brake module 100 is adapted to be actuated by the pedal 210. The foot brake module 100 comprises a movable stem 110 being operatable by the pedal 210 and adapted to actuate the brake signal transmitting device 220. Therein, an operation of the pedal 210 deflects, i.e., moves, the stem 110. The deflection of the stem 110 causes the brake signal transmitting device 220 to transmit a braking signal to a further component (not shown) of the electropneumatic braking system 250 to achieve a braking force and / or torque. I.e., the operation of the pedal 210 corresponds to a braking request which may result in a braking action.

[0042] The foot brake module 100 comprises an elastic protection cap 120 adapted to be deformed under the operation of the stem 110. The elastic protection cap 120 comprises a sealing surface 121 to provide sealing between the stem 110 and the elastic protection cap 120. The sealing surface 121 is a contact surface that seals the protection cap 120 against the stem 110. The stem 110 comprises protrusions 111 that are arranged axially adjacent to the sealing surface 121 . Thus, a deflection of the stem 110 deflects the elastic protection cap 120 at a contact surface with the stem 110. The elastic protection cap 120 may be made of rubber and / or any other suitable elastic material.

[0043] The foot brake module 100 comprises a support member 130. The support member 130 is also called a support plate. The support member 130 may be made of metal and / or a plastic. The support member 130 comprises an essentially flat surface with functional features thereon as explained with reference to Figures 4 to 9. As shown in Figure 2, the support member 130 supports the elastic protection cap 120. Thus, a deflection of the stem 110 and of the elastic protection cap 120 at the sealing surface 121 leads to a compression of the elastic protection cap 120.

[0044] As illustrated in Figure 2, the support member 130 comprises an opening 131 (see also Figure 4). The stem 110 is arranged to project through the opening 131 for actuating the brake signal transmitting device 220. The opening 131 is circular. The circular opening 131 and the arrangement of the stem 110 define an axis A (see Figures 4, 5, 6 and 8) and thus an axial direction along the axis A, a radial direction perpendicular to the axis A and a circumferential direction perpendicular to the axis A and to the radial direction.

[0045] The support member 130 comprises a contact surface 132 and the protection cap 120 is supported on the contact surface 132 so that the support member 130 and the protection cap 120 form a back pressure chamber 140. The contact surface 132 provides a axial support for the protection cap 120 so that the protection cap 120 may not be release from the contact surface 132. The protection cap 120 may be under tension from the pedal 210 and / or stem 110 so that the protection cap 120 contacts the contact surface 132, irrespective of the deflection of the stem 110. Thus, a deflection of the stem 110 towards the support member 130 deforms the protection cap 120 and decreases the volume of the back pressure chamber 140. The foot brake module 100 comprises a return spring 160. The return spring 160 is supported by the support plate 130 and by one of the protrusions 111 of the stem 110. The return spring 160 is adapted to exert a restoring force against a deflection of the stem 110 and thus to influence and / or provide feedback to the operator pressing the pedal 210.

[0046] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a support member 130 of a foot brake module 100 according to the prior art. The support member 130 of Figure 3 may be used in the foot brake module 100 as shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 is described under reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the contact surface 132 has an annular shape, i.e. , the contact surface 132 is an annulus. The contact surface 132 contacts the protection cap 120 in the radial and in the circumferential direction. The contact surface 132 contacts the protection cap 120 (not shown in Figure 3) entirely circumferentially and with its entire annular-shaped surface. The entirely circumferential contact between the contact surface 132 and the protection cap 120 implies a sealing surface. Thus, pressurized air may be entrapped in the back pressure chamber 140 and may not be released easily and / or in a controlled manner.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a support member 130 of a foot brake module 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The support member 130 of Figure 4 is the used in the foot brake module 100 as shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is described under reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0049] The support member 130 comprises a release channel 135 for releasing pressurized air 150 from the back pressure chamber 140 to an environment 300 (see Figure 2) of the foot brake module 100. To relief pressure from the space under protection cap 120 the release channel 135 for air flow is provided. The release channel 135 is arranged in the support member 130 so that not the complete bottom surface of protection cap 120 is sealed (see also Figures 5 to 9 and the description thereof).

[0050] The space under the protection cap 120, i.e., the back pressure chamber 140 is fluidly connected with the atmosphere, i.e., the environment 300. The support member 130 and its features are further described with reference to Figures 5 to 9.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a detail of a support member 130 of a foot brake module 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The support member 130 of Figure 5 is the support member 130 as shown in Figures 2 and 4. Figure 5 is described under reference to Figures 1 , 2 and 4.

[0052] The contact surface 132 is arranged to surround the opening 131 at least partially circumferentially. The contact surface 132 is essentially annular-shaped, i.e. , the contact surface 132 extends in the radial direction and in the circumferential direction. The contact surface 132 comprises two contact flanges 133. Each of the contact flanges 133 comprises a partially annular shape. Any two of the contact flanges 133 are arranged radially distantly from each other. I.e., between any two of the contact flanges 133 a volume is formed. Any two of the contact flanges 133 are interconnected by a plurality of contact members 134 so that a plurality of grooves 136 is formed between the two of the contact flanges 133. The grooves 136 form the volume between the contact flanges 133. The grooves 136 are radially and partially circumferentially extended recesses between the contact flanges 133. The grooves 136 are separated from each other by the contact member 134. The axial extension of the contact members 134 equals the axial extension of the contact flanges 133, i.e., the contact members 134 and the axial extension of the contact flanges 133 may abut against the protection cap 120 (not shown in Figure 5) in the mounted state. I.e., the contact surface 132 is formed by the contact flanges 133 and the contact members 134 or a subset thereof.

[0053] The release channel 135 extends through each of the contact flanges 133.

[0054] In particular, the release channel 135 extends through each of the contact flanges 133 via one of the grooves 136. I.e., the pressurized air 150 may be discharged from the back pressure chamber 140 through a first channel section 137a of the release channel 135 into the groove 136 and from the groove 136 through a second channel section 137b of the release channel 135 into the environment 300. Alternatively (not shown), the release channel 135 extends through at least the at least one of the contact flanges 133 that contacts the protection cap 120. The release channel 135 is a radially extended recess in the contact flange 133. I.e. , in the mounted state, the release channel 135 provides an interruption of the contact surface 132 through which pressurized air 150 may be exhausted into the environment 300.

[0055] The release channel 135 extends through each of the contact flanges 133 in a circumferentially overlapping section of the contact surface 132. I.e., the channel sections 137a, 137b are arranged in a circumferentially overlapping manner. Each of the channel sections 137a, 137b is arranged at one of the contact flanges 133. Each of the channel sections 137a, 137b is a recess in one of the contact flanges 133. As illustrated in Figure 5, the channel sections 137a, 137b are circumferentially identically arranged and only radially separated from each other. I.e. the release channel 135 extends straight in the radial direction. Each of the channel sections 137a, 137b comprises comparable dimensional characteristics as the other of the channel sections 137a, 137b (see also Figure 9). Additionally or alternatively (not shown), release channel 135 extends through each of the contact flanges 133 in a circumferentially non-overlapping manner and / or the channel sections 137a, 137b comprises different dimensional characteristics as the other of the channel sections 137a, 137b.

[0056] In other words, the release channel 135 comprises two channel sections 137a, 137b as small gaps between support member 130 and protection cap 120. The channel sections 137a, 137b are arranged one after another with groove 136 in between. Such design ensures that there is no straight connection between area under the protection cap 120 and the environment 300. In result entry of foreign substances, such as water, to the back pressure chamber 140 is difficult and / or avoided. This protects against water from cleaning process waterjets and / or defreezing of ice formation etc. The water will be stored in the groove 136 first.

[0057] In another embodiment (not shown), the support member 130 comprises a plurality of release channels 135 and / or another number of contact flanges 130 and channel sections 137a, 137b. In another embodiment (not shown), the channel sections 137a, 137b are circumferentially offset in relation to each other. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a foot brake module 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The foot brake module 100 of Figure 6 is the foot brake module 100 as shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 is described under reference to Figures 1 , 2, 4 and 5.

[0058] Figure 6 illustrates the foot brake module 100 with the protection cap 120 in the mounted state. I.e., the protection cap 120 contacts the contact surface 132. The axis A is also illustrated in Figure 6. A detail of Figure 6 and further details of the foot brake module 100 are described with reference to Figure 7.

[0059] Figure 7 shows a detail of a sectional view of a foot brake module 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The foot brake module 100 of Figure 7 is the foot brake module 100 as shown in Figures 2 and 6. Figure 7 is described under reference to Figures 1 , 2 and 4 to 6.

[0060] One of the contact flanges 133 contacts the protection cap 120. The protection cap 120 is contacted by only one of the contact flanges 133. The support member 130 comprises the release channel 135 through which pressurized air 150 may be exhausted as illustrated by an arrow with a dash-dotted line.

[0061] The protection cap 120 is arranged so that the other of the contact flanges 133 is at least partially arranged within the back pressure chamber 140. This arrangement in combination with the groove 136 protects the back pressure chamber 140 from foreign substances.

[0062] Figure 8 shows a sectional view of a foot brake module 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The foot brake module 100 of Figure 8 is the foot brake module 100 as shown in Figures 2, 6 and 7. Figure 8 is described under reference to Figures 1 , 2 and 4 to 7.

[0063] In Figure 8, the stem 110 is not shown to illustrate the arrangement of the support member 130 and the protection cap 120. Figure 9 shows a detail of a section view of a release channel 135 of a foot brake module 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The foot brake module 100 and its release channel 135 of Figure 9 is the foot brake module 100 with the release channel 135 as shown in Figures 2, 6 to 8. Figure 9 is described under reference to Figures 1 , 2 and 4 to 8.

[0064] The release channel 135 comprises a cross-sectional area S of 0.5mmA2 to 3mmA2, optionally 0.75mmA2 to 1.5mmA2. For example, the release channel 135, i.e., each of the channel sections 137a, 137b, comprises a cross-sectional area S of 1.1 mmA2. The cross-sectional area S is an area perpendicular and / or essentially perpendicular to the radial direction, wherein the radial direction points into the drawing plane of Figure 9. The release channel 135 comprises a depth d of 0.35mm to 1 .0mm, optionally 0.45mm to 0.75mm. The width and / or contour of the release channel 135 may be adapted to achieve a specific cross-sectional area S.

[0065] List of reference signs (part of the description)

[0066] 100 foot brake module

[0067] 110 stem

[0068] 111 protrusion

[0069] 120 protection cap

[0070] 121 sealing surface

[0071] 130 support member

[0072] 131 opening

[0073] 132 contact surface

[0074] 133 flange

[0075] 134 contact member

[0076] 135 release channel

[0077] 136 groove

[0078] 137a first channel section, channel section 137b second channel section, channel section

[0079] 137c third channel section, channel section

[0080] 140 back pressure chamber

[0081] 150 pressurized air

[0082] 160 return spring

[0083] 200a vehicle

[0084] 200b utility vehicle

[0085] 210 pedal

[0086] 211 cover

[0087] 220 brake signal transmitting device

[0088] 250 electropneumatic braking system

[0089] 300 environment

[0090] A axis d depth

[0091] S cross-sectional area

Claims

Claims1 . Foot brake module (100) for an electropneumatic braking system (250) of a vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), wherein the foot brake module (100) comprises:- a movable stem (110) being operatable by a pedal (210) and adapted to actuate a brake signal transmitting device (220);- an elastic protection cap (120) adapted to be deformed under the operation of the stem (110) and comprising a sealing surface (121 ) to provide sealing between the stem (110) and the elastic protection cap (120); and- a support member (130); wherein- the support member (130) comprises an opening (131 ) and the stem (110) is arranged to project through the opening (131 ) for actuating the brake signal transmitting device (220);- the support member (130) comprises a contact surface (132) and the protection cap (120) is supported on the contact surface (132) so that the support member (130) and the protection cap (120) form a back pressure chamber (140); and- the support member (130) comprises at least one release channel (135) for releasing pressurized air (150) from the back pressure chamber (140) to an environment (300) of the foot brake module (100).

2. Foot brake module (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein- the contact surface (132) is arranged to surround the opening (131 ) at least partially circumferentially.

3. Foot brake module (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein- the contact surface (132) comprises at least two contact flanges (133);- at least one of the contact flanges (133) contacts the protection cap (120); and- the release channel (135) extends through at least one of the contact flanges (133) that contacts the protection cap (120) through each of the contact flanges (133).

4. Foot brake module (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein- each of the contact flanges (133) comprises a partially annular shape; and- any two of the contact flanges (133) are arranged radially distantly from each other.

5. Foot brake module (100) as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein- any two of the contact flanges (133) are interconnected by a plurality of contact members (134) so that a plurality of grooves (136) is formed between the two of the contact flanges (133).

6. Foot brake module (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the protection cap (120) is contacted by only one of the contact flanges (133).

7. Foot brake module (100) as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the protection cap (120) is arranged so that one of the contact flanges (133) is at least partially arranged within the back pressure chamber (140).

8. Foot brake module (100) as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the release channel (135) extends through each of the contact flanges (133) via one of the grooves (136).

9. Foot brake module (100) as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the release channel (135) extends through each of the contact flanges (133) in a circumferentially overlapping section of the contact surface (132) and / or in a circumferentially non-overlapping manner.

10. Foot brake module (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein- the release channel (135) comprises at least two channel sections (137a, 137b); wherein- each of the channel sections (137a, 137b) is arranged at one of the contact flanges (133); and- each of the channel sections (137a, 137b) comprises comparable or different dimensional characteristics as the other of the channel sections (137a, 137b).

11. Foot brake module (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the channel sections (137a, 137b) are circumferentially offset in relation to each other.

12. Foot brake module (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the pedal (210) comprises a cover (211 );- the release channel (135) comprises a third channel section (137c); and- the third channel section (137c) is arranged to be covered by the cover (211 ).

13. Foot brake module (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release channel (135) comprises a cross-sectional area (S) of 0.5mmA2 to 3mmA2, optionally 0.75mmA2 to 1 .5mmA2, and / or the release channel (135) comprises a depth (d) of 0.35mm to 1 .0mm, optionally 0.45mm to 0.75mm.

14. Electropneumatic braking system (250) of a vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), comprising the foot brake module (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

15. Vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), comprising the electropneumatic braking system (250) as claimed in claim 14 and / or the foot brake module (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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