Spring-applied actuators

Spring-applied actuators are the “fail-safe ele-ments“ of the safety system in tram vehicles; if the energy supply fails, the braking force is provided with the force of a mechanical spring. The brake caliper design is particularly preferred in low-floor vehicles as there is not enough space for solutions which require brake riggings. Brake calipers are also lighter and they also have lower working strokes which reduces reaction time and the braking distance, too.

Spring-applied brake calipers can either be mounted on the hollow shaft of the gear box, on single-running wheels or on the fast-running motor shaft. No matter where they are mounted, HANNING & KAHL modules perform with optimum efficiency.

Apart from the basic “Brake/Release“ function, most spring-applied actuator types are equipped with further functions: a second hydraulic release circuit, automatic slack adjuster and a manual auxiliary release possibility.