GB555138A - Improvements in or relating to compressed-air systems - Google Patents

Abstract

555,138. Storing gases under pressure. BENDIX-WESTINGHOUSE AUTOMATIC AIR BRAKE CO. Feb. 3, 1942, No. 1449. Convention date, March 28, 1941. [Class 8 (ii)] [Also in Group XXXIV] In an arrangement of supply reservoirs for a fluid pressure brake system or other fluid pressure system, pressure fluid is supplied by the compressor to one reservoir until a predetermined pressure is reached after which pressure fluid is supplied to another reservoir and from this reservoir to the first reservoir, thus ensuring quickly a supply sufficient in the case of a brake system for a brake application. The initially charged reservoir is isolated in the event of rupture of the supply pipes leading to it. The vehicle brake system shown comprises reservoirs 12, 13, 14 assigned to supply brake actuators under the control of a driver's valve 19 of the self-lapping type through pipes 21, 24. A reducing valve 30 disposed between the compressor 10 and reservoir 12 comprises a piston valve 35 with fluted guide 38 whereby the lower face is subject to the pressure in the reservoir 12 through pipe 31 as well as to the pressure of a spring 37. A valve device 48 comprises a valve 55 carried by a diaphragm 53 subject to the pressure in the pipe 49 leading to the compressor and to the pressure of a spring 57. With the system at atmospheric pressure the valves 30, 48 are closed as shown. In charging the pressure fluid is initially supplied to the reservoir 12 through the valve 30 until the pressure in the pipe 49 and chamber 54 of the device 48 is sufficient to open the valve 55 the pressure in the reservoir 12 being less than the pressure in the pipe 49 by an amount dependent upon the pressure of the spring 37 and sufficient to effect a brake application. When the valve 55 opens, pressure fluid is supplied through pipe 50 to the reservoirs 13, 14 and when the pressure therein reaches that in the reservoir 12, pressure fluid is supplied to reservoir 12 from reservoirs 13, 14 through a non-return valve 39. The arrangement of the valves 30, 39 is such that they prevent flow from the reservoir 12 in the event of rupture of the supply connection leading to them. The arrangement of the reservoirs in series permits condensation of moisture in the pressure fluid before it reaches the valve 19.