DUAL FORCE RANGE TMX CYLINDER USING AN AIR BAG ACTUATOR

摘要

An air bag actuated brake cylinder assembly for a railway vehicle braking system is provided which comprises a cylindrical casing engaged with the railway vehicle braking system including a hollow piston assembly having a piston rod assembly attached thereto and mounted for longitudinal movement within the cylindrical casing. An air bag actuator is engageable with the hollow piston assembly and an inner surface of the cylindrical casing for moving the piston and piston rod in an outward direction upon actuation thereof to initiate a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The air bag actuated brake cylinder assembly of the present invention allows for improved control of the movement of the brake cylinder piston and consequently improved control of the brake shoe forces which is especially desirable during light load conditions. Also, the air bag actuated brake cylinder of the invention is capable of accommodating piston bail and/or misalignment without leaking air. Additionally the air bag actuated brake cylinder assembly of the invention requires less maintenance to maintain the air tightness of the system and allows for the simple replacement of an inflatable bag into the cylinder should an air leak in the actuator occur. Currently used brake cylinder assemblies may be retrofitted with the air bag actuator of the invention.