A tandem actuating cylinder consists of two or more cylinders arranged one behind the other but designed as a single unit (fig. 10-9). This type of actuating cylinder is used in applications that require two or more independent systems; for example, power-operated flight control systems in naval aircraft.

The flow of fluid to and from the two chambers of the tandem actuating cylinder is provided from two independent hydraulic systems and is controlled by two sliding spool directional control valves. In some applications, the control valves and the actuating cylinder are two separate units. In some units, the pistons (lands) of the two sliding spools are machined on one common shaft. In other applications, the valves and the actuator are directly connected in one compact unit. Although the two control valves are hydraulically independent, they are interconnected mechanically. In other units, the two sliding spools are connected through mechanical linkages with a synchronizing rod. In either case, the movement of the two sliding spools is synchronized, thus equalizing the

flow of fluid to and from the two chambers of the actuating cylinder. Since the two control valves operate independently of each other as far as hydraulic pressure is concerned, failure of either hydraulic system does not render the actuator inoperative. Failure of one system does reduce the output force by one-half; however, this force is sufficient to permit operation of the actuator.

The rack-and-pinion-type actuators, also referred to as limited rotation cylinders, of the single or multiple, bi-directional piston are used for turning, positioning, steering, opening and closing, swinging, or any other mechanical function involving restricted rotation. Figure 10-10 shows a typical rack-and-pinion double-piston actuator.

The actuator consists of a body and two reciprocating pistons with an integral rack for rotating the shaft mounted in roller or journal bearings. The shaft and bearings are located in a central position and are enclosed with a bearing cap. The pistons, one on each side of the rack, are enclosed in cylinders machined or sleeved into the body. The body is enclosed with end caps and static seals to prevent external leakage of pressurized fluid.

Only a few of the many applications of actuating cylinders were discussed in the preceding paragraphs. Figure 10-11 shows additional types of force and motion applications. In addition to its versatility, the cylinder-type actuator is probably the most trouble-free component of fluid power systems. However, it is very important that the cylinder, mechanical linkage, and actuating unit are correctly aligned. Any misalignment will cause excessive wear of the piston, piston rod, and seals. Also, proper adjustment between the piston rod and the actuating unit must be maintained.

MOTORS 

A fluid power motor is a device that converts fluid power energy to rotary motion and force. The function of a motor is opposite that of a pump. However, the design and operation of fluid power motors are very similar to pumps. Therefore, a thorough knowledge of the pumps described in chapter 4 will help you understand the operation of fluid power motors.

Motors have many uses in fluid power systems. In hydraulic power drives, pumps and motors are combined with suitable lines and valves to form hydraulic transmissions. The pump, commonly referred to as the A-end, is driven by some outside source, such as an electric motor. The pump delivers fluid to the motor. The motor, referred to as the B-end, is actuated by this flow, and through mechanical linkage conveys rotary motion and force to the work. This type of power drive is used to operate (train and elevate) many of the Navys guns and rocket launchers. Hydraulic motors are commonly used to operate the wing flaps, radomes, and radar equipment in aircraft. Air motors are used to drive pneumatic tools. Air motors are also used in missiles to convert the kinetic energy of compressed gas into electrical power, or to drive the pump of a hydraulic system.

Fluid motors may be either fixed or variable displacement. Fixed-displacement motors provide constant torque and variable speed. The speed is varied by controlling the amount of input flow. Variable-displacement motors are constructed so that the working relationship of the internal parts can be varied to change displacement. The majority of the motors used in fluid power systems are the fixed-displacement type. Although most fluid power motors are capable of providing rotary motion in either direction, some applications require rotation in only one direction. In these applications, one port of the motor is connected to the system pressure line and the other port to the return line or exhausted to the atmosphere. The flow of fluid to the motor is controlled by a flow control valve, a two-way directional control valve, or by starting and stopping the power supply. The speed of the motor may be controlled by varying the rate of fluid flow to it.

In most fluid power systems, the motor is required to provide actuation power in either direction. In these applications the ports are referred to as working ports, alternating as inlet and outlet ports. The flow to the motor is usually controlled by either a four-way directional control valve or a variable-displacement pump.

Fluid motors are usually classified according to the type of internal element, which is directly actuated by the flow. The most common types of elements are the gear, the vane, and the piston, AU three of these types are adaptable for hydraulic systems, while only the vane type is used in pneumatic systems.

The spur, helical, and herringbone design gears are used in gear-type motors. The motors use external-type gears, as discussed in chapter 4. The operation of a gear-type motor is shown in figure 10-12. Both gears are driven gears; however, only one is connected to the output shaft. As fluid under pressure enters chamber A, it takes the path of least resistance and flows around the inside surface of the housing, forcing the gears to rotate as indicated. The flow continues through the outlet port to the return. This rotary motion of the gears is transmitted through the attached shaft to the work unit. The motor shown in figure 10-12 is operating in one direction; however, the gear-type motor is capable of providing rotary motion in either direction. To reverse the direction of rotation, the ports may be alternated as inlet and outlet. When fluid is directed through the outlet port (fig. 10-12) into chamber B, the gears rotate in the opposite direction.