Annual Report 2012 - Knorr-Bremse AG.

122
Report
Market successes // Commercial vehicle systems
Commercial Vehicle Systems
Knorr-Bremse has
contributed a highly
innovative gearbox
and clutch change
module to the
ground-breaking dual
clutch system
developed by Volvo
for heavy trucks.
Knorr-Bremse involved in new Volvo platform
Lower fuel consumption, unique safety systems, first-class handling and enhanced cab comfort – Volvo
set new standards with the innovative truck platform and completely new electronic architecture
that it presented at the 2012 IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. Knorr-Bremse has contributed a
range of key technologies to the new platform.
One of these is the EBS7 – the latest generation of Knorr-Bremse’s electronic braking system. The
particular advantage of the new system is that the control unit is mounted outside the driver’s cab on
the vehicle frame, freeing up more space in the cab and simplifying the vehicle’s cabling system, as
there are in any case multiple connections located around the frame. Like its predecessors, the EBS7
integrates an ABS anti-lock system, ASR traction control and the ESP electronic stability program into
a single safety system.
Knorr-Bremse is also supplying all the air processing units and 100% of the new pedal units with
master cylinder. With the introduction of Euro VI engines Knorr-Bremse will also be supplying dual-cylinder
compressors – with or without clutch depending on the vehicle type. Another Knorr-
Bremse product is the new ELC valve for the pneumatic suspension. The system uses new 4-channel
valves made of plastic – a completely new departure for such truck applications. A single valve block
is used to serve two axles simultaneously. The new valve unit is easier to install and the use of plastic
means it is corrosion-resistant. It is also lighter because of the plastic material used and reduction in
the use of solenoid valves.
Knorr-Bremse has contributed a highly innovative gearbox and clutch change module to the
ground-breaking dual clutch system developed by Volvo for heavy trucks. The module operates the
dual clutch unit and various additional elements, making it possible to change gear without any interruption
in power delivery, thereby enhancing performance and drivability. Installed in the new
Volvo truck platform, the automatic dual clutch system is a key element in Volvo’s overall powertrain
concept, which is designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The concept is
being gradually rolled out in all Volvo vehicle categories.
During 2013 Knorr-Bremse will also be delivering the latest version of its anti-lock braking system
ABS8 – mainly for installation in vehicles for the BRIC states.
Trailer EBS G2.2 becomes standard equipment for Schmitz Cargobull
Based in Altenberge, North Rhine-Westphalia, Schmitz Cargobull is the European market leader for
semitrailers, trailers and bodies. Knorr-Bremse and Schmitz Cargobull can already look back on a long
partnership that has seen both companies launch important innovations on the market, and in 2012
Schmitz Cargobull continued the tradition by adopting the upgraded Trailer EBS G2.2 system as standard
equipment.
Trailer EBS G2.2 is to have a number of extra functions added in 2013 that will also be used by Schmitz
Cargobull. The main new feature will be a new type of electronic leveling control using two practical
functions – iLvl and iTAP. iLvl (Intelligent Leveling Control System) is an electronic suspension system
for trailers that enables the trailer ramp height to be easily changed through modifying the pressure in
the air springs. Whereas the ramp height is currently adjusted using a lifting/lowering valve on the side
of the vehicle, the driver will in future be able to use iTAP (Intelligent Trailer Access Point) to control it
from several meters away using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet PC. This means he has
a much better overview of the situation and is also able to adjust the height without himself standing