Emergency shut-down for hydraulic systems: clamping unit to arrest rods

At the very latest when, because of a power failure (intentional or not) or a malfunction something has to be done to safeguard man and machine, Ratio-Clamp® from Hänchen is just what you need.

It grabs and fixes the piston rod in place wherever it is at that particular moment. Without having to rustle up some extra power (no extra energy) and for as long as it takes to rectify the breakdown. Ratio-Clamp® has been approved by the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV). Nor does the development of specific solutions (larger rod diameters, intermediate sizes, greater clamping forces…) pose a problem to the Hänchen specialists.

Stop and go! Operating principle – a patented matter

The patented functional principle provides guaranteed protection of man and machine. As long as the unlocking pressure is active, each rod can be freely moved in both directions. The force stored in springs is released and clamps the bar as soon as the unlocking pressure is removed. This can be caused by an intended pressure reduction or a pressure drop in the hydraulic system as a result of an emergency switch-off, power failure or system damage. Over an unlimited period of time and without any additional energy supply, clamping will be maintained until it is opened by the unlocking pressure, and the free movement of the piston rod is restored.

The program – user oriented

Hänchen has geared its tried-and-tested Ratio-Clamp® clamping unit range of products to users, who have until now had to undertake clamping with their own designs or customised solutions. As Ratio-Clamp® and the clamping, flange and intermediate flange components are available individually, the TÜVapproved system does not only ideally match the Hänchen cylinder, but it can also be used for many other applications. The installation dimensions and technical data can be accepted quickly without any fuss by the designer from the Hänchen electronic –catalogue "E-Kat". A multifaceted catalogue range of clamping unit products with a clamping force of between 1 and 450 kN and for rod diameters of 10 to 140 mm (other dimensions on request) covers further application areas without customised designs. Ratio-Clamp® enables safeguards to be established for employees and systems where control breakdowns and malfunctions in production occur, similar to that found in foundries, in mould building and press construction.

Showing what it's all about

In order to display whether the clamping unit is locked or not it is advisable to install an inductive proximity sensor. The proximity sensor operates without making contact and is thus free of wear-and-tear.

A true fit

Various fastening parts can be mounted to a standard Ratio- Clamp®. Or you may receive them already mounted on a Hänchen cylinder. In the event that you should wish to mount the Ratio Clamp® to an existing cylinder, we will require the exact dimensions of any other make of cylinder.

Where to next? The control block

When using a safety clamp on hydraulic cylinders the use of Hänchen control blocks has proven to be practical. They provide a safeguard after the subsequent operational sequence and also reduce the switching technology expenditure for the user to a minimum.

You have to know how!

You can find a wide variety of designs with matching plug connectors and the installation dimensions for them, the mounting dimensions resulting from different cylinder designs without forgetting the control blocks in the E-Kat from Hänchen.