Tractor-mounted integrated gladhand and quick-release valve for tractor-trailer highway vehicles

摘要

An integrated gladhand and quick-release valve (10) for tractor-trailer highway vehicles is mounted on the tractor (14), as opposed to the trailer (30), so the operator of a particular tractor will uniformly have quick-release capability for any trailer drawn by the truck (14). The integrated gladhand and quick-release valve (10) provides an inlet port (29) for fluid communication from the tractor brake system and an outlet port (31) for fluid communication to the trailer brake system. The intermediate passageway (33) that provides fluid communication between the inlet (29) and outlet ports (31) contains a valve element (35). The valve element (35) may be apertured (37) to allow limited, continuous fluid communication between the tractor and trailer brake lines. During the quick-release mode, the tractor side is substantially isolated and the trailer side is vented through an exhaust port (41). The present invention provides a uniform and safe braking system for tractor-trailer highway vehicles where the tractor operator does not own or maintain the trailers. The present invention provides an improved integrated gladhand and quick-release valve (10) that reduces the response time of trailer brakes to application and release of the brake pedal and reduces hysteresis effects.