Device, which converts the pressure energy of a medium into mechanical energy. The drive movement is normally straight.
Piston cylinder:
The mechanical force F K is created by the influence of the pressure p of the transfer medium on the piston area A K (the most common form of a cylinder):
With this approach, forces from just a few N up to 300,000 kN can be applied by a single cylinder during strokes ranging from just a few cm to 20 m.
The set-up is very easy, as shown in (Figure Z 20). Its most important properties are as follows:
- the force is generated directly, without intermediate mechanical elements,
- the force can be applied at any point of the stroke and in any size up to the nominal force,
- the usable stroke can be changed as desired within the structural limits,
- the velocity can be adjusted to different requirements by changing the flow rate
- selecting the operating pressure allows the dimensions of a cylinder to be greatly adjusted to the available installation area.
Single-acting and double-acting cylinders are used in hydraulic systems (hydraulic cylinders).
Membrane cylinder:
The mechanical force is created by the influence of the hydraulic fluid on a membrane. Only small strokes are possible here.