The requirements made of off-highway vehicles such as construction and agricultural machinery and specialty vehicles are increasing rapidly, especially where safety, efficiency, and automation are concerned. Technologies that have already proven their worth in the automotive industry are now setting new benchmarks in these demanding segments too, and electrohydraulic “power brake” systems have a key role to play. Thomas is actively helping to shape the future of brake control with solutions such as its PPCD04-HP classic valve, now available with a low-leakage option.
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The PPCD04-HP classic valve: for safer electronic brake systems
Unlike purely mechanical hydraulic systems, the smart power brake system is based on an intelligent combination of electronics and electrohydraulics. The electronic controller forms an integral part of the overall system and continuously monitors driving status, the ambient parameters, and the driver’s reactions. It will actively intervene in the braking procedure if need be, e.g., by increasing braking power or triggering an automatic emergency stop in the event of danger.
Among the key components of these state-of-the-art brake systems are the electrohydraulic valves from Thomas, such as the Classic PPCD04-HP with new low-leakage option. Developed specifically for off-highway braking applications, the valve boasts an ultra-low leakage rate of just 10 ml at 250 bar – making it one of the best in its class. In an emergency, this minimal leakage combines with a pressure accumulator to maintain system pressure over a prolonged period of time, thus keeping the brakes ready to work reliably even if the active pressure supply fails. Its rugged design and precise electronic actuation make the valve ideal for demanding applications that call for reliability and performance.
Animation: How the power brake works in combination with the Thomas Classic PPCD04-HP – in the event of danger, the safety system triggers braking without the driver pressing the brake pedal.
Legend: orange arrows: hydraulic pressure (increasing pressure = darker color)/ white arrows: electrical command
The future of braking is electric – and Thomas will be there
Thomas’s classic PPCD04 valve is ideally suited for both smart power brake systems and brake-by-wire applications. These electrohydraulic brake systems represent a major milestone on the journey toward digitalized, electrified off-highway vehicles. Besides improving safety and performance, the technology also lays the foundations for autonomous driving, intelligent control systems, and resource-efficient mobility for heavy-duty vehicles. Anyone who invests in cutting-edge machinery nowadays will thus be opting for greater efficiency and a future-proof platform. Thomas’s classic PPCD04-HP electrohydraulic valve forms the basis for reliable functionality in modern brake applications within the customer’s system.
Classic PPCD04-HP: for precision under high pressure
- An ultra-low leakage rate of just 10 ml at 250 bar – making it one of the best in its class
- Reliable pressure maintenance, ensuring – in combination with a pressure accumulator – that system pressure is maintained even if the active pressure supply fails
- A rugged design for use in harsh conditions
- Precise actuation for short, reproducible response times
Thomas’s classic PPCD04-HP valve was designed specifically for use in off-highway brake applications. These properties make the valve the ideal choice for safety-critical applications where performance and reliability make all the difference.
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