Secure double locking when servicing rotors

 Munich, October 31, 2012. The blocking cylinder of the rotor only extends or retracts when it is deliberately actuated by the service engineer via the rotor locking module. To do this, the service engineer must pull with one hand on a locking button and simultaneously shift a hand lever on the module with the other hand. The hand lever then engages in the switching position, the locking button must be pushed down again and the cylinder starts moving.

HAWE Hydraulik has implemented this mechanism using a leakage-free, double-locking 4/3-way directional seated valve that can be mechanically detented or electrically switched. The need to pull the locking button in combination with the detent both in the switched position as well as the neutral position of the 4/3-way seated valve prevents unwanted movement of the cylinder through accidental touching of the lever.

An additional, optional safety precaution consists in connecting an intermediate plate with 2/2-way shut-off valve in the pump port of the rotor locking module. As long as this valve remains closed, there is no pressure applied to either the rotor locking module or the rotor blocking cylinder. This povides double security. Opening is implemented manually with/without detent or electrically.

The rotor locking module is of highly compact construction and takes up little space measuring just 90x50x160 mm. It can be flanged directly onto the valve control block of the power pack via an adapter plate, for example for controlling the tower rotation and/or rotor brake control. It is designed for a volume flow of max. 20 l/min at max. 400 bar.