In pneumatic systems the removal of power is typically associated with a break or significant drop in the pressure of the air supply. Typically this can be caused by either the failure of a compressed air pump or other equipment, or by a major breach or leakage in the supply line.
Where the need for safety is deemed critical and “safe” failure is a necessity, one solution is the utilisation of rod locking cylinders.
How do rod locking cylinders deliver safety?
Rod locking pneumatic cylinders, such as Parker’s P1F Series of ISO cylinders, have been designed to hold loads safely in position in a situation where the compressed air supply fails. The rod locking feature is a mechanical function provided by a cartridge through which the piston rod passes and is mounted transversally in the rod lock unit of the cylinder.
When an air failure occurs, causing a loss of signal pressure, the force from a set of internal springs pushes the mechanism to lock the piston using jaw clamps. It is important to note that these can only be used in dry piston rod applications as any grease, lubricants or coolants will reduce the effectiveness of locking. Parker’s rod locking cylinders use air / spring activation with the mechanism fully integrated into the cylinder design, saving space and simplifying installation.
Parker supplies two basic variants of rod locking cylinders:
P1F-L for dynamic applications
P1F-H for static designs
Both are able to hold the piston at any point in its stroke. The locking mechanism disengages when air pressure is re-established so that normal operation can resume.
Dynamic applications
Certain rod locking pneumatic cylinders may be used for dynamic applications where they can, within stated limits, be engaged when the rod is moving, acting as a brake.
Operation is achieved by the axial movement of a piston; with no signal pressure a number of high force springs force the piston to move axially. The movement is applied to the cylinder via the conically shaped inner ring of the piston. This is then converted into radial movement of clamping sleeves using hundreds of high precision steel balls, resulting in the hardened sleeves being pressed onto the piston rod with a high, stable holding force.
The surface of the clamping sleeves that are applied to the piston rod have a special design with a pattern of grooves that provide maximum grip. This design feature improves the holding capabilities of the cylinder significantly – especially in applications where there is a risk that the piston rod will be exposed to oil, grease, dirt or other liquid and contaminants.
Static applications
Know Your Pneumatics – Understanding Rod Locking Cylinders-P1F-H Rod Locking Pneumatic Cylinder-Pneumatic Division Europe-Parker Hannifin CorporationIn static applications – where piston rod locking only takes place when there is no piston movement of the piston and no pressure signal – the rod lock unit is usually externally flange-mounted on the front end cover of the cylinder body.
The locking force is provided by the cartridge which is mounted transversally in the rod lock unit. The piston rod passes through the cartridge and when there is no signal pressure, the force from the internal springs pushes the over-the-center mechanism to lock the piston with the jaws clamping onto the piston rod and holding the cylinder firmly and safely in position.
In the case of the static rod locking cylinder, designers need to be aware that the sharp edge of the jaws will be damaged if the piston rod is not stationary before the rod lock unit is engaged.
It is important to note that rod locking cylinders should not be used as the only safety component in an application; they are designed for emergency use. Other technologies should be used to achieve planned braking or holding.