System for delaying the rotational speed of the axle of a vehicle, truck, and process of slowing down the rotational speed of the axle of a vehicle,

摘要

A vehicle is disclosed having an improved vehicle retarding system. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a system for retarding the rotational speed of a vehicle axle. The system includes a first apparatus for applying a bimodal retarding force to retard the rotational speed of the vehicle axle. The system further includes a second apparatus for applying a hydraulically actuated, friction retarding force to retard the rotational speed of the vehicle axle. Finally, the system includes a control circuit for performing various functions. As one function, the control circuit receives an electrical signal representing a desired amount of retarding force. As another function, the control circuit provides a first control signal to the first apparatus such that bimodal retarding force is initially applied for retarding the rotational speed of the vehicle axle. As yet another function, the control circuit provides a second control signal to the second apparatus such that a hydraulic retarding force is secondarily applied for supplementally retarding the rotational speed of the vehicle axle.