Claims:
1. A brake actuation system (100) for a vehicle, the brake actuation system (100) comprising:
a brake manifold (108), wherein the brake manifold (108) is connected to a brake pedal, and wherein the brake manifold (108) is further connected to a hydraulic tank (102);
a hydraulic brake unit (114), wherein the hydraulic brake unit (114) comprises a service brake;
a pressure regulating valve (112), wherein the pressure regulating valve (112) is used to connect the brake manifold (108) to the hydraulic brake unit (114), and wherein the pressure regulating valve (112) is further connected to the hydraulic tank (102); and
a check valve (110), wherein the check valve (110) is connected to the pressure regulating valve (112),
wherein during application of the service brake upon pressing of the brake pedal a hydraulic oil flows from the hydraulic tank (102) to the hydraulic brake unit (114) via the brake manifold (108) and the pressure regulating valve (112), wherein the pressure regulating valve (112) is configured to regulate a pressure of the hydraulic oil flowing from the brake manifold (108) to the hydraulic brake unit (114), and
wherein during release operation of the service brake the hydraulic oil flows from the hydraulic brake unit (114) to the hydraulic tank (102) via the pressure regulating valve (112) and the check valve (110), wherein the check valve (110) is configured to bypass the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic tank (102).

2. The brake actuation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic brake unit (114) further comprises a parking brake,
wherein during release operation of the parking brake the hydraulic oil flows from the hydraulic tank (102) to the hydraulic brake unit (114) via the brake manifold (108) and the pressure regulation valve (112), and
wherein during actuation of the parking brake the hydraulic oil flows from the hydraulic brake unit (114) to the hydraulic tank (102) via the check valve (110) and the pressure regulating valve (112), wherein the check valve (110) is configured to bypass the flow of the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic brake unit (114) to the hydraulic tank (102).

3. The brake actuation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brake manifold (108) is connected to the brake pedal via a brake valve (106).

4. The brake actuation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brake manifold (108) is connected to the hydraulic tank (102) via an accumulator (104), and wherein the hydraulic tank (102) is used to store the hydraulic oil.

5. The brake actuation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the check valve (110) is a unidirectional valve.
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)¬¬¬¬¬
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
BRAKE ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

Applicant:
BEML Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having address:
BEML Soudha, 23/1, 4th Main,
Sampangirama Nagar, Bengaluru,
Karnataka - 560 027, India

The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[001] The present application does not claim priority from any patent application.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The present disclosure in general relates to the field of a brake system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a brake actuation system for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[003] Generally, vehicles such as dump trucks, log carriers, cranes etc. has an inboard parking brake. In this case, excessive wear and tear, and damage may occur due to change in pressure requirement for brake application. Further, a hydraulic oil pressure application is used for the releasing operation of the brake of the vehicles. It must be understood that when an engine of the vehicle shuts off, the parking brake of the vehicle is automatically applied by spring load with release of hydraulic oil in a brake chamber. However, there is a flow restriction in a hydraulic line, when the hydraulic oil flows from back the brake chamber to the tank during release operation of the brake. Due to this, delay in complete release of the hydraulic oil may occur. Hence, delay in parking brake application may occur, that results in accidental movement of the equipment.
SUMMARY
[004] Before the present brake actuation system for a vehicle, are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular devices, systems, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to the brake actuation system for the vehicle. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[005] In one implementation, a brake actuation system for a vehicle is illustrated. The brake actuation system may comprise a brake manifold. The brake manifold may be connected to a brake pedal and a hydraulic tank. The brake actuation system may comprise a hydraulic brake unit. The hydraulic brake unit may comprise a service brake. The brake actuation system may further comprise a pressure regulating valve. The pressure regulating valve may be used to connect the brake manifold to the hydraulic brake unit. The pressure regulating valve may be further connected to the hydraulic tank. The brake actuation system may further comprise a check valve. The check valve may be connected to the pressure regulating valve. In one embodiment, during application of the service brake upon pressing the brake pedal a hydraulic oil flows from the hydraulic tank to the hydraulic brake unit via the brake manifold and the pressure regulating valve. The pressure regulating valve may be configured to regulate a pressure of the hydraulic oil from the brake manifold to the hydraulic brake unit. In another embodiment, during release operation of the service brake the hydraulic oil flows from the hydraulic brake unit to the hydraulic tank via the pressure regulating valve and the check valve. The check valve may be configured to bypass the flow of the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic brake unit to the hydraulic tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[006] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.
[007] Figure 1 illustrates an architecture of a brake actuation system implemented in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[008] Figure 2 illustrates the brake actuation system for the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[009] Some embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any device similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, a brake actuation system for a vehicle are now described. The disclosed embodiments of the parking brake system for the vehicle are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0010] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure of a brake actuation system for a vehicle is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0011] The present subject matter relates to a brake actuation system for a vehicle. In one embodiment, the parking brake system may comprise a brake manifold connected to a brake pedal via a brake valve. The brake manifold may be further connected to a hydraulic tank via an accumulator. In one embodiment, a hydraulic oil may be stored in the hydraulic tank. Further, the brake manifold may be connected to a hydraulic brake unit via a Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV). The hydraulic brake unit may comprise a service brake and a parking brake. The PRV may be connected to the hydraulic tank. Further, a check valve may be connected to the PRV. In one embodiment, the brake actuation system may comprise application of the service brake, release operation of the service brake, release operation of the parking brake and actuation of the parking brake of the vehicle.
[0012] In one embodiment, during application of the service brake the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic tank to the hydraulic brake unit upon pressing the brake pedal. The hydraulic oil may flow through the brake manifold and the pressure regulating valve. The pressure regulating valve may regulate a pressure of the hydraulic oil flowing from the brake manifold to the hydraulic brake unit. Once the hydraulic oil is released in the hydraulic brake unit, the service brake of the vehicle may get applied to stop the vehicle.
[0013] In another embodiment, during release operation of the service brake the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic brake unit to the hydraulic tank via the pressure regulating valve and the check valve. The check valve may be configured to bypass the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic tank to avoid drag of the vehicle.
[0014] In one embodiment, during release operation of the parking brake the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic tank to the hydraulic brake unit. The hydraulic oil may flow via the brake manifold and the pressure regulating valve. The pressure regulating valve may be configured to enable the release operation of the parking brake.
[0015] In another embodiment, during actuation of the parking brake the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic brake unit to the hydraulic tank via the check valve. The check valve may bypass the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic tank in order to avoid vehicle movement or slippage.
[0016] Referring now to Figure 1, an architecture of a brake actuation system 100 implemented in a vehicle 103is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present subject matter is explained considering the brake actuation system 100 implemented as within a vehicle 103. It may be understood that the brake actuation system 100 may be implemented in any type of the vehicle, such as a JCB vehicle, a truck loading, a log carrier, a dump truck, OFF highway vehicles or equipment used in mining and construction, and the like.
[0017] In one embodiment, the brake actuation system 100 may comprise a brake manifold, a brake pedal, a brake valve, a hydraulic tank, an accumulator, a hydraulic brake unit, a pressure regulating valve, and a check valve. In one embodiment, the brake manifold may be connected to the brake pedal via the brake valve. The brake manifold may be further connected to the hydraulic tank via the accumulator. In one embodiment, a hydraulic oil may be stored in the hydraulic tank. The accumulator may be configured to store pressurised hydraulic oil.
[0018] Further, the brake manifold may be connected to a hydraulic brake unit via a Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV). The hydraulic brake unit may comprise a service brake and a parking brake. The pressure regulating valve may be connected to the hydraulic tank. In one embodiment, the pressure regulating valve may be configured to regulate a pressure of the hydraulic oil flowing from the brake manifold to the hydraulic brake unit. In another embodiment, the pressure regulating valve may regulate the pressure of the hydraulic oil flowing from the hydraulic brake unit to the hydraulic tank.
[0019] Further, the pressure regulating valve may be connected to the check valve. The check valve may be a unidirectional valve. In one embodiment, the check valve may bypass the hydraulic oil flowing to the hydraulic tank.
[0020] In one embodiment, during application of the service brake of the vehicle 103, the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic tank to the hydraulic brake unit upon pressing the brake pedal of the vehicle. The hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic tank to the hydraulic brake unit via the brake manifold and the pressure regulating valve. The pressure regulating valve may regulate a pressure of the hydraulic oil flowing from the brake manifold to the hydraulic brake unit. Once the hydraulic oil is released in the hydraulic brake unit, the service brake may get applied to stop the vehicle 103. In one aspect, the pressure regulating valve may be used for effective braking and to stop the vehicle without excessive drag.
[0021] In another embodiment, during release operation of the service brake of the vehicle 103, the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic brake unit to the hydraulic tank. The hydraulic oil may flow upon release of the brake pedal of the vehicle. The hydraulic oil may flow via the pressure regulating valve and the check valve. The check valve may bypass the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic tank. In one aspect, the check valve may be used for instant release of the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic tank to avoid drag of the vehicle.
[0022] In one embodiment, during release operation of the parking brake of the vehicle 103, the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic tank to the hydraulic brake unit. The parking brake may be released when an engine of the vehicle 103 is started. The hydraulic oil may flow via the brake manifold, the pressure regulating valve and the check valve. The pressure regulating valve may regulate the pressure of the hydraulic oil flowing from the brake manifold to the hydraulic brake unit. In one aspect, the pressure regulating valve may be configured to enable release of the parking brake of the vehicle.
[0023] In another embodiment, during actuation of the parking brake, the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic brake unit to the hydraulic tank via the pressure regulating valve and the check valve. The parking brake may be actuated when the engine of the vehicle is shut off. The check valve may be configured to bypass the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic brake unit to the hydraulic tank. In one example, the check valve may enable instantaneous actuation of the parking brake to avoid vehicle movement or slippage.
[0024] Referring now to figure 2, a brake actuation system 100 for a vehicle 103 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The brake actuation system 100 may be use for a service brake and a parking brake of the vehicle 103. In one embodiment, the brake actuation system 100 may comprise a brake pedal, a break valve 106, a brake manifold 108, a hydraulic tank 102, an accumulator 104, a pressure regulating valve 112, a check valve 110, and a hydraulic brake unit 114. In one aspect, hydraulic lines may be further used for connections in the brake actuation system 100.
[0025] In one embodiment, the brake manifold 108 may be connected to the brake pedal via the brake valve 106. In one example, the brake manifold 108 may be configured to regulate flow of a hydraulic oil in the brake actuation system 100. The brake manifold 108 may be connected to the hydraulic tank 102 via the accumulator 104. In one implementation, the hydraulic tank 102 may be connected to the accumulator 104 using the hydraulic line. The accumulator 104 may be connected to the brake manifold 108 using the hydraulic line. The hydraulic tank 102 may store the hydraulic oil. The accumulator may be referred as a pressurised hydraulic oil accumulator. In one aspect, the accumulator may correspond to a pressure storage reservoir. The accumulator may be configured to store the hydraulic oil under pressure. The accumulator may apply the pressure on the hydraulic oil using an external source.
[0026] The brake manifold 108 may be further connected to the hydraulic brake unit 114 via the pressure regulating valve 112.The hydraulic brake unit 114 may comprise a service brake and a parking brake. In one example, the hydraulic brake unit 114 may comprise a service brake unit chamber for actuation or release of the service brake. The hydraulic brake unit 114 may comprise a parking brake unit chamber for actuation or release of the parking brake. In one embodiment, the brake manifold 108 may be connected to the pressure regulating valve 112 using the hydraulic line. Further, the pressure regulating valve 112 may be connected to the hydraulic brake unit 114 using the hydraulic line. In one example, the pressure regulating valve 112 may be connected to the service brake unit chamber using one hydraulic line. The pressure regulating valve 112 may be connected to the parking brake unit chamber using another hydraulic line.
[0027] Further, the pressure regulating valve 112 may be further connected to the hydraulic tank 102. The hydraulic line may be used to connect the pressure regulating valve 112 to the hydraulic tank 102. In one embodiment, the pressure regulating valve 112 may be a cartridge type valve with adjustable pressure settings.
[0028] The pressure regulating valve 112 may regulate a pressure of the hydraulic oil flowing from an input of the pressure regulating valve 112 to an output of the pressure regulating valve 112. In one example, the pressure regulating valve 112 may increase or decrease the pressure of the hydraulic oil at the input of the pressure regulating valve 112. In one embodiment, the pressure regulating valve 112 may regulate the pressure of the hydraulic oil flowing from the brake manifold 108 to the hydraulic brake unit 114. In another embodiment, the pressure regulating valve 112 may regulate the pressure of the hydraulic oil flowing from the hydraulic brake unit 114 to the hydraulic tank 102. The pressure regulating valve 112 may regulate the pressure of the hydraulic oil for effective application of the parking brakes of the vehicle.
[0029] Further, the brake actuation system 100 may comprise the check valve 110. The check valve 110 may be connected to the pressure regulating valve 112. In one embodiment, the check valve 110 may be connected across the pressure regulating valve 112. One hydraulic line from the check valve 110 may be connected to a hydraulic line at an output of the pressure regulating valve 112. Another hydraulic line from the check valve 112 may connected to the input of the pressure regulating valve 112. The check valve 112 may be referred as a flow check valve. The check valve 112 may be a unidirectional valve. The check valve 112 may be configured to allow continuous flow of the hydraulic oil from the output of the pressure regulating valve 112 to the input of the pressure regulating valve 112.
[0030] In one aspect, the check valve 110 may be an inline check valve installed in the hydraulic line parallel to the hydraulic line connecting the pressure regulating valve 112 to the hydraulic brake unit 114. The check valve 110 may allow the hydraulic oil to flow only in one direction. Further, the check valve 110 may block the flow of the hydraulic oil in reverse direction. The check valve 110 may be configured to avoid delay in the release operation of the service brake and the parking brake of the brake actuation system 100.
[0031] In one embodiment, during application of the service brake of the brake actuation system 100, the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic tank102 to the brake manifold108 upon pressing the brake pedal. The hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic tank 102 to the brake manifold 108 via the accumulator104. In one example, the hydraulic oil may flow through the hydraulic line connecting the hydraulic tank 102 to the accumulator 104. Further, the hydraulic oil may through the hydraulic line connecting the accumulator 104 to the brake manifold 108.
[0032] Further, the hydraulic oil may flow from the brake manifold 108 to the service brake unit chamber of the hydraulic brake unit 114 via the pressure regulating valve 112. In one example, the hydraulic oil may flow through the hydraulic line connecting the brake manifold 108 to the pressure regulating oil 112. Further, the hydraulic oil may flow through the hydraulic line connecting the pressure regulating valve 112 to the service brake unit chamber of the hydraulic brake unit 114. The pressure regulating valve 112 may increase or decrease the pressure of the hydraulic oil at the input of the pressure regulating valve 112. In this case, the pressure regulating valve 112 may increase or decrease the pressure of the hydraulic oil for effective braking application of the service brake. Once the hydraulic oil is released to the service brake unit chamber of the hydraulic brake unit 114, the service brake of the vehicle 103 may get applied to stop the vehicle without excessive drag.
[0033] In one exemplary embodiment, construe Madhav as a driver of a vehicle. In one example, Madhav may press a brake pedal of the vehicle to stop the vehicle. Once the brake pedal is pressed, a hydraulic oil may flow from a hydraulic tank to a brake manifold via an accumulator. Further, the hydraulic oil may flow from the brake manifold to a hydraulic brake unit via a pressure regulating valve. Further, once the hydraulic oil is released in the hydraulic brake unit, the service brake of the vehicle gets applied and stops the vehicle.
[0034] In another embodiment, during release operation of the service brake of the brake actuation system 100, the hydraulic oil may flow from the service brake unit chamber of the hydraulic brake unit 114 to the hydraulic tank 102. The hydraulic oil may flow via the pressure regulating valve 112 and the check valve 110. In one embodiment, the hydraulic oil may flow through the hydraulic line connecting the service brake unit chamber to the check valve 110. Further, the hydraulic oil may flow from the check valve 110 to the hydraulic tank 102 via the pressure regulating valve 112. The check valve 110 may be configured to bypass the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic tank 102. Once the hydraulic oil reaches to the hydraulic tank 102, the service brake may get released.
[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, Madhav may release the brake pedal of the vehicle. Once the brake pedal is released, the hydraulic oil may flow from the service brake unit chamber to the hydraulic tank. The check valve may bypass the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic tank. Further, once the hydraulic oil is released in the hydraulic tank, the service brake gets released.
[0036] In one embodiment, during release operation of the parking brake, the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic tank 102 to the parking brake unit chamber of the hydraulic brake unit 114. In one example, the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic tank 102 to the parking brake unit chamber, when an engine of the vehicle is started. The hydraulic oil may flow via the via the brake manifold and the pressure regulating valve 112. In one embodiment, the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic tank 102 to the brake manifold 108 via the accumulator104. In one example, the hydraulic oil may flow through the hydraulic line connecting the hydraulic tank 102 to the accumulator 104. Further, the hydraulic oil may through the hydraulic line connecting the accumulator 104 to the brake manifold 108.
[0037] Further, the hydraulic oil may flow from the brake manifold 108 to the parking brake unit chamber of the hydraulic brake unit 114 via the pressure regulating valve 112. In one example, the hydraulic oil may flow through the hydraulic line connecting the brake manifold 108 to the pressure regulating oil 112. Further, the hydraulic oil may flow through the hydraulic line connecting the pressure regulating valve 112 to the parking brake unit chamber of the hydraulic brake unit 114. The pressure regulating valve 112 may increase or decrease the pressure of the hydraulic oil at the input of the pressure regulating valve 112. Once the hydraulic oil is released to the parking brake unit chamber of the hydraulic brake unit 114, the parking brake of the vehicle 103 may get released.
[0038] In one exemplary embodiment, Madhav may start an engine of a vehicle. Once the engine is started, the hydraulic oil may flow from a hydraulic tank to a brake manifold via an accumulator. Further, the hydraulic oil may flow from the brake manifold to a hydraulic brake unit via a pressure regulating valve. Further, once the hydraulic oil is released in the hydraulic brake unit, the parking brake of the vehicle gets released.
[0039] In another embodiment, during actuation of the parking brake the hydraulic oil may flow from the parking brake unit chamber, of the hydraulic brake unit 114, to the hydraulic tank 102. In one example, the hydraulic oil may flow from the hydraulic brake unit 114 to the hydraulic tank 102, when the engine of the vehicle is shut OFF. The hydraulic oil may flow via the pressure regulating valve 112 and the check valve 114. In one embodiment, the hydraulic oil may flow through the hydraulic line connecting the parking brake unit chamber to the check valve 110. Further, the hydraulic oil may flow from the check valve 110 to the pressure regulating valve 112. Furthermore, the hydraulic oil may flow though the hydraulic line connecting the pressure regulating valve 112 to the hydraulic tank 102. The check valve 110 may be configured to bypass the flow of the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic tank 102. Once the hydraulic oil is released from the hydraulic brake unit 114, the parking brakes of the vehicle may get actuated.
[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, Madhav may shut OFF the engine of the vehicle. Once the engine is shut OFF, a hydraulic oil may flow from a hydraulic brake unit to a hydraulic tank via a pressure regulating valve and a check valve. The check valve may bypass the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic tank. Further, once the hydraulic oil is released from the hydraulic brake unit, the parking brake of the vehicle gets actuated instantaneously to avoid vehicle movement or slippage.
[0041] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
[0042] Some embodiments of the brake actuation system achieve effective braking using a pressure regulating valve.
[0043] Some embodiments of the brake actuation system avoid delay in release operation of service brakes using check valve.
[0044] Some embodiments of the brake actuation system enable instant actuation of parking brakes using check valve.
[0045] Some embodiments of the brake actuation system enable release operation of parking brakes using pressure regulating valve.
[0046] Although implementations for a brake actuation system for a vehicle have been described, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific devices, features or methods described. Rather, the specific devices, features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for the brake actuation system.