Knorr-Bremse rolls out latest trailer EBS
Braking technology provider Knorr-Bremse has recently announced the successful commencement of volume deliveries of iTEBS X, the latest generation of its smart electronic trailer braking system.
The iTEBS X system is being progressively rolled out, says the company, with buyers of the new electronic braking system including the world’s leading trailer manufacturers.
“Knorr-Bremse has decades of experience of developing electronic braking systems for trailers, and now we’re continuing this long history of success with the barnstorming launch of our smart iTEBS X system,” said Bernd Spies, member of the executive board of Knorr-Bremse AG and responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Systems division.
“The latest generation further refines the range of functions on offer and simplifies the connectivity of the individual braking system components, including the parking and manoeuvring valve and air suspension.
“The iTEBS X system combines the electronic control unit, sensor technology and pneumatic brake control unit, as well as braking functions such as ABS and load-dependent braking, in a single, compact assembly – while remaining, as ever, a top-quality, ultra-reliable product.
“And of course the latest TEBS generation retains all the positive features that already characterised previous generations including, for example, the highly efficient pneumatic coupling design that makes factory installation and maintenance easier, as well as best-in-class harmonisation of tractor and trailer brake control functions.”
Andreas Wimmer, member of the management board of Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH, added: “Knorr-Bremse is offering three versions of the iTEBS X system with different levels of integrated functionality, because not all vehicles need every possible function.
“Instead, customers will find that the system’s modular design has many positive advantages, resulting in an optimised cost-benefit ratio tailored to their individual needs.
“The iTEBS X Eco variant is the perfect solution for the cost-sensitive volume market, while the iTEBS X Plus model has even more electronic and pneumatic connectors. The iTEBS X LAC version takes this up another level, featuring an integrated lift axle valve for simplifying trailer layouts and saving on system costs.”
The iTEBS X system can be installed on all common trailer and semi-trailer types and used for any conceivable application, says Knorr-Bremse. For the iTEBS X modulator, Knorr-Bremse uses the popular HDSCS connector system while offering a modular, plug-in design that distributes functions previously controlled via a single connector over multiple ports and sockets.
This gives vehicle manufacturers even greater flexibility when selecting functions, says the company, because they can assign them more precisely but with minimal wiring differences.
As part of the new iTEBS X system, Knorr-Bremse has also redesigned the parking and manoeuvring valve. The lift/lower controller has been integrated into the new ‘POM’ parking and manoeuvring valve, saving space and making the user interface more consistent. At the same time, the POM essentially retains the tried and tested two-button design for engaging and releasing the parking brake.
A lever is used to control the air suspension’s lift/lower function, with variants that can be locked into specific positions while lifting and/or lowering. Together with the Chassis Suspension Module (CSM) – another new feature – the POM can also be used with conventional air suspension; it is already compatible with Knorr-Bremse’s iLvl system for electropneumatic air suspension.
The CSM also harmonises the piping between conventional and electropneumatic iLvl air suspension in the trailer. This additional harmonisation makes it much easier to design vehicle layouts and streamlines the manufacturing process, says Knorr-Bremse. Moving the relief valve from the parking and manoeuvring valve to the iTEBS X modulator helps to simplify the piping system. The iTEBS X system also supports the broad range of benefits associated with iLvl air suspension, such as the user-friendly implementation of a second ride height.
Alongside a smart service concept for workshops, the latest generation of iTEBS X products includes a new, cloud-based configuration platform that supports a future-proof diagnostics strategy while taking new cybersecurity requirements into account.
