What is the Principle of Air Brakes?
1 Answers
The working principle of air brakes is that when the brake pedal is pressed, the pull rod drives the brake valve arm downward, using the pin shaft as a fulcrum to press the upper end, causing the intake ports of the upper and lower chambers of the brake valve to connect with the outlet ports of the chambers respectively. This allows the air in the front and rear chambers of the storage cylinder to enter the rear and front brake chambers through the upper and lower chambers of the brake valve, thereby activating the brake valve. The system actuator then begins to work. When the brake pedal is released, the brake valve connects to the atmosphere to release the brakes. The differences between hydraulic brakes and air brakes in automobiles are as follows: 1. Different working principles: The working principle of air brakes is as described above. Hydraulic brakes work through hydraulic disc brakes and hydraulic transmission braking. 2. Different characteristics: Air brake features: In addition to the master cylinder, wheel cylinders, and connecting pipelines, air brakes also include an air pump (connected to the engine via a belt), an air storage tank, a high-pressure controller (adjusting pressure, which can reach up to 8 atmospheres), a relay valve, and other components. They require more installation space and have a more complex structure. To ensure safety, rear brake wheel cylinders now use air braking (increasing cost and complexity). Air brakes react quickly, provide harsh braking, and have strong braking force (due to high air pressure, up to 8 atmospheres). Hydraulic brakes have a simpler structure and require less installation space. They only need the master cylinder, wheel cylinders, a fluid reservoir, and connecting pipelines, without requiring additional auxiliary equipment. Hydraulic brakes react slightly slower, provide smoother braking, and have less braking force.