BRAKE RELEASE DEVICE FOR A BRAKING ARRANGEMENT

摘要

The invention provides a brake release device for a braking arrangement. The braking arrangement includes friction pads, a friction surface and a first fluid path to convey fluid for controlling the application of the friction pads against the friction surface. The brake release device comprises a second fluid path to convey fluid for releasing the friction pads from the friction surface. The brake release device also comprises a selector valve coupled with the first and second fluid paths. The selector valve is capable to selectively acquire a first mode, a second mode and an intermediate mode. The first mode establishes fluid communication between the first fluid path and the braking arrangement. The second mode establishes fluid communication between the second fluid path and the braking arrangement. The selector valve is movable from the first mode to the second mode via the intermediate mode in which pressurized fluid in the first fluid path is relieved before entering the second mode. The brake release device may also comprise a pressure responsive interlock which controls switching between the first mode and the second mode when pressure in the second fluid path is above a threshold.