Automatic slack adjuster for braking systems of automotive vehicles, braking system and corresponding wheels

A braking system (1000) for an automotive vehicle, the braking system comprising:

• a brake actuator (1010) having a push rod (1030),
• a brake mechanism (1070) that applies a braking force to a wheel (2010) of the vehicle, and
• an automatic slack adjuster (1) operatively coupled between the brake actuator and the brake mechanism, the automatic slack adjuster comprising:
• a lever (3, 103, 203) operatively coupled to the push rod,
• wherein the lever pivots about a rotational axis (R) when actuated by the push rod, the rotational axis (R) having a predetermined fixed location relative to the vehicle,
• wherein a stroke level of the slack adjuster (1, 101, 201) is moveable between a predetermined zero stroke position (7a, 107a, 207a) and a working stroke range (7b), and
• an electronic detection unit (9, 109, 209) that determines a current stroke level of the automatic slack adjuster (1, 101, 201).

A wheelset (2000) of an automotive vehicle, in particular of a commercial vehicle, comprising

• an axle or swingarm (2030),
• a wheel (2010) rotatably mounted to the axle or swingarm,
• a brake actuator (1010) fixedly mounted to the axle or swingarm and having a push rod,
• a brake mechanism (1070) fixedly mounted to the axle or swingarm and operatively coupled to the brake actuator (1010), wherein the brake mechanism applies a braking force to the wheel, and
• an automatic slack adjuster (1) operatively coupled between the brake actuator (1010) and the brake mechanism (1070), the automatic slack adjuster comprising:
• a lever (3, 103, 203) operatively coupled to the push rod,
• wherein the lever pivots about a rotational axis (R) when actuated by the push rod, the rotational axis (R) having a predetermined fixed location relative to the vehicle,
• wherein a stroke level of the slack adjuster (1, 101, 201) is moveable between a predetermined zero stroke position (7a, 107a, 207a) and a working stroke range (7b), and
• an electronic detection unit (9, 109, 209) that determines a current stroke level of the automatic slack adjuster (1, 101, 201).