Bellows cylinders

Bellows cylinders – diaphragm actuator and pneumatic spring system

Bellows cylinder are both drive and pneumatic spring systems and fall into the category of diaphragm actuators. When provided with pressurisation and exhaust functions, bellows cylinders can be operated as a drive component. As the stroke increases, the force generated is reduced in relation to the contractional force of the bellows. When bellows cylinders are supplied with permanent pressure, they act as a cushioning component. The simple design consists of two metal connecting plates with a rubber bellows attached to them. There are no sealing components and no moving mechanical parts. Bellows cylinders are single-acting drives that do not require a spring return, as they are reset by the application of external force.

A major advantage of bellows cylinders is the particularly low installation height compared to conventional cylinders as well as their ease of movement. This means that larger axis offsets and angular rotations of up to 20° are also possible. And the bellow cylinders are not prone to the stick-slip effect, which is often a problem with conventional cylinders. Double bellows can be used for large strokes. They can be used with different media, such as compressed air, gas and liquids, as long as the properties of the rubber are taken into account.