Cylinder classification and various uses

Cylinder classification


The cylinder is a component used to achieve linear motion and perform work. Its structure and shape come in many forms, and there are many classification methods. The following are commonly used.

①According to the direction in which compressed air acts on the end face of the piston, it can be divided into single-acting cylinders and double-acting cylinders. The movement of a single-acting cylinder in only one direction is driven by air pressure, and the piston is reset by spring force or gravity;the reciprocation of the piston of a double-acting cylinder is entirely accomplished by compressed air.
②According to structural characteristics, it can be divided into piston cylinder, vane cylinder, membrane cylinder, gas-liquid damping cylinder, etc.
③According to the installation method, it can be divided into ear-mounted cylinders, flange-type cylinders, pin-type cylinders and flange-type cylinders.

④ According to the function of the cylinder, it can be divided into ordinary cylinder and special cylinder. Ordinary cylinders mainly refer to piston single-acting cylinders and double-acting cylinders;special cylinders include gas-liquid damping cylinders, membrane cylinders, impact cylinders, boosted cylinders, stepping cylinders, rotary cylinders, etc.





Type of cylinder
Cylinders that perform reciprocating linear motion can be divided into four types: single-acting cylinders, double-acting cylinders, diaphragm cylinders and impact cylinders.
① Single-acting cylinder: There is a piston rod at only one end. Air is supplied from one side of the piston to accumulate energy to generate air pressure. The air pressure pushes the piston to generate thrust and extends, and returns by spring or self-weight.
②Double-acting cylinder: Air is supplied alternately from both sides of the piston to output force in one or two directions.
③Diaphragm cylinder: A diaphragm is used instead of a piston, which only outputs force in one direction and is returned by a spring. It has good sealing performance but short stroke.
④Impact cylinder: This is a new type of component. It converts the pressure energy of the compressed gas into the kinetic energy of the piston's high-speed (10-20 meters/second) movement to perform work.
⑤Rodless cylinder: The general term for cylinders without piston rods. There are two categories: magnetic cylinders and cable cylinders.
A cylinder that swings back and forth is called a swing cylinder. The inner cavity is divided into two by blades, and air is supplied to the two cavities alternately. The output shaft swings with a swing angle of less than 280°. In addition, there are rotary cylinders, gas-liquid damping cylinders and stepping cylinders.






Types, characteristics and uses of commonly used cylinders

1. Pen-shaped cylinder
Pencil cylinder is also called mini cylinder (or micro cylinder, micro cylinder), made of stainless steel and aluminum alloy;
Features of the mini cylinder: low price, compact structure, beautiful appearance, front and rear threaded installation, can effectively save installation space, suitable for high-frequency use requirements, application industries include electronics, medical, packaging machinery, etc.


Precautions for use:
A magnetic switch mounting bracket is required. The installation methods of the magnetic switch are divided into steel belt installation and track installation.
The cylinder piston rod and the moving parts should be connected through floating joints to make the moving parts move smoothly and steadily to prevent them from getting stuck.
It is best to leave a margin when selecting the cylinder stroke.








2. Thin cylinder
Features of thin cylinder:
Compact structure, light weight, small space occupation and other advantages
The cylinder body is square and can be directly installed on various fixtures and special equipment without installing accessories;
The cylinder output connecting rod is divided into internal and external tooth types;
Need to be used with guide elements.








3. Free installation type cylinder
Features of free installation cylinder:
The stroke is short and the cylinder body is rectangular;
The cylinder output connecting rod is divided into internal and external tooth types;
The cylinder can be fixed from four directions of the body and has various installation methods.







4. Dual-axis cylinder
The double-axis cylinder is two single-rod thin cylinders connected in parallel. The characteristics of the double-axis cylinder are:
Embedded body installation and fixed form saves installation space;
It has certain guiding, bending and torsion resistance properties, and can withstand certain lateral loads;
The anti-collision pad at the front of the body can adjust the cylinder stroke and alleviate impact, and has greater output than a single-axis cylinder.







5. Guide rod cylinder
The guide rod cylinder is divided into linear bearing type and copper sleeve type. The linear bearing type is suitable for pushing and lifting movements and is suitable for low-friction motion situations. The copper sleeve type is suitable for radial load and high load situations.
Features of the guide rod cylinder: compact structure, can effectively save installation space, has its own guiding function, can withstand certain lateral loads, and has multiple installation methods. It can be used for blocking, loading, pushing, stamping, clamping and other occasions.







6. Slide cylinder
The slide cylinder is guided by a cross ball guide, which has low friction and can achieve smooth movement without looseness.
Slide cylinder