Intended use and function
Clamping units: Ratio-Clamp® and safety catcher
Intended Use
- Use the clamping unit exclusively for clamping or holding rods in a stationary position.
- For braking, or in occasional emergency situations, even from motion, as an emergency stop function.
- Use the clamping unit exclusively for purely translatory moving rods according to the respective specification.
- Use the clamping unit exclusively for installation in a machine or partly completed machine according to Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
- Use the clamping unit exclusively within the specified limits.
- Follow the instructions in the documentation applicable to the product.
It is possible to mount the Ratio-Clamp® on hydraulic cylinders or operate it as a separate component.
Improper Use
- Do not use the clamping unit:
- for regular clamping from motion, acting as a brake.
- for clamping rotating rods or shafts.
- for assuming a stop function, acting as a brake.
Clamping Unit Ratio-Clamp®
The Ratio-Clamp® operates on the principle of frictional contact. In clamping units with springs, the energy stored in the springs is redirected as force and applied for clamping. In clamping units without spring elements, hydraulic energy is redirected as force and applied for clamping.
The Ratio-Clamp® clamping unit is released by applying hydraulic pressure to the releasing port.
Clamping Unit Safety Catcher
The safety catcher operates on the principle of frictional contact. The clamping segments, under spring preload, engage with the rod to be clamped. If the rod then moves in the direction of the load, the clamping system self-locks with increasing force. This builds up the holding load, and the load is taken over.
The safety catcher clamping unit is released by applying hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to the releasing port.
As a control system safety measure, the operator must count the clamping load changes, as the safety catcher must be regularly inspected.