Intended use and function
Clamping units: Ratio-Clamp® and safety catcher
Intended Use
- The clamping unit is used for clamping rods at a standstill or for holding static loads from a standstill.
- For installation in a machine or partly completed machine in accordance with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
- For installation as a mechanical holding device in injection moulding machines or hydraulic presses in accordance with the requirements of DIN EN ISO 20430 or DIN EN ISO 16092-1/-3.
- For the safety function 'holding the load' (mechanically, from a standstill) with a target PLd or PLe according to DIN EN ISO 13849-1, meeting the requirements of categories 2 or 3 (PLd) or category 4 (PLe).
- In exceptional cases, the Ratio-Clamp® can be used as an emergency stop function to slow down a movement.
- Clamping unit exclusively
- use for purely translatory moving rods according to the respective specification.
- use 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 release port.
Safety Catcher Clamping Unit
The safety catcher operates on the principle of frictional contact. The clamping segments, under spring preload, engage the rod to be clamped and secure the load. If the rod subsequently moves in the direction of the load, the clamping system locks itself, becoming self-energizing. This builds up the holding load, and the load is supported.
The clamping unit safety catcher is released by applying hydraulic or pneumatic pressure at the release port, supported by a return stroke of the rod.
As a control engineering protective measure, the operator must count the clamping load changes, as the clamping unit must be regularly inspected.