Suspension systems for trains

Suspension systems for trains
Suspension systems for trains

Comfort is a must for modern rail vehicles – and nowadays, this means much more than simply minimizing the jolt when the train comes to a stop. Many comfort functions are closely linked to the braking system.

Pneumatic suspension systems ensure a comfortable ride, taking advantage of the compressed air that is in most cases already provided for use in the braking system anyway. Hydraulic braking systems can be designed to supply the energy needed to operate leveling and/or hydropneumatic suspension systems. These allow the height of the vehicle floor to be adjusted to the platform height, for instance after passengers have boarded or alighted. Hydraulic dampers are another application. Featuring a robust design that makes them suitable for even the toughest environments, these can be adapted to fit a wide range of installation spaces.

Hydraulic cylinder on a gradient background. — Hydraulic shock absorbers: Available as serviceable and non-serviceable variants

Cross-sectional view of a hydraulic valve mechanism. — Suspension legs for hydro-pneumatic suspension and leveling systems

Air spring component for rail transportation systems. — Leveling cylinders, easy to integrate into the secondary suspension, allow a hydraulic height adjustment

ShockEase – Hydraulic Shock Absorbers

The hydraulic shock absorbers (dampers) ShockEase offered by Knorr-Bremse are suitable for a wide range of applications. Their robust design ensures that they are suitable for harsh environmental conditions and usage. The application is suitable for mounting conditions from vertical to horizontal. The damping forces and mountings are customizable to meet the requirements. The dampers are available in a damping force range from 1 kN @ 0.01 m/sec velocity to 20 kN @ 0.3 m/sec velocity.

Trusted Solutions for Rail & Special Vehicles

Customer Benefits	Applications
Proven track record Worldwide pre-sales and after-sales support 1-to-1 replacement for all running applications and sizes available Stable damping characteristics even at high velocities Customizable for harsh environmental conditions Proven designs up to 50 g vibration level Long service life, no routine maintenance required Both serviceable and non-serviceable variants available Easy overhaul	Coaches Locomotives – electric and diesel Suburban multiple units, e.g. EMUs, DMUs, metros, light rail vehicles Special-purpose wagons Special-purpose vehicles, e.g. cranes, maintenance machinery

Product Overview

Type	Application Area	Design Series P (Rod/Cyl/Body/Dust/Cover)	Damping Force
SDLL	Primary & secondary, anti-yaw	i) 22/50/72/82 · ii) 28/50/89/100	up to 15 kN
SDL	Primary & secondary, vertical & horizontal	i) 28/40/75/82	up to 10 kN
SDS	Primary & secondary, vertical & horizontal	i) 36/51/100/108 · ii) 36/51/89/102	up to 20 kN
SDY	Anti-yaw	i) 36/51/100/108	up to 20 kN
SDLK	Inter-car damper for light rail vehicles	i) 28/40/75/82 · ii) 36/51/89/102	up to 10 kN