Patent ID: 6357337
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: B60T

Abstract:
An air-operated spring brake actuator for applying the brakes of a vehicle, the spring brake actuator comprising:a first housing section comprising a first end wall, a first peripheral side wall extending away from the first end wall to define a first interior cavity, an edge surface provided on an outer exterior of the first peripheral side wall, and an indentation formed within at least a portion of the edge surface; a diaphragm extending over the first interior cavity and terminating in a circumferential edge portion; a second housing section comprising a second end wall and a second peripheral side wall extending away from the second end wall to define a second interior cavity adjacent the diaphragm, with a portion of the second peripheral side wall and first peripheral side wall sandwiching the diaphragm circumferential edge portion therebetween; a compression spring disposed within the first interior cavity and operable between a retracted position and an extended position to move the diaphragm away from and toward the second end wall; and wherein the second peripheral side wall has an end portion that overlaps the edge surface and the indentation and further has multiple, discrete punched portions extending into the indentation to secure the second housing section to the first housing section with the diaphragm sealingly clamped therebetween whereby the second housing section cannot be separated from the first housing section without deforming the second housing section.