Highly Secure Connection

Lockable standard parts are increasingly common in machine and plant construction, but they are also used in event hardware for locking and securing a variety of parts. Ganter is now expanding its range of indexing elements to include the lockable stainless steel indexing plungers GN 814. The integrated closing mechanism protects against unauthorized or accidental operation.

Lockable indexing plungers GN 814 of stainless steel have the same basic functions as Ganter’s tried and tested selection of indexing plungers. What’s new is the clever addition of a locking function for greater safety and security. This is accomplished with a lock integrated into the black plastic head. On types A and AK, the plunger pin is secured in the front position by turning the key 180 degrees and removing it. The plunger then cannot be moved out of the base position. On types E and EK, the plunger pin can additionally be secured in the rear position, offering a lockable way to prevent the plunger from engaging, which is useful in situations where the plunger pin must be kept from protruding at times. On all types, the key can also be pulled out in the unlocked position to prevent unauthorized locking.

The stainless steel indexing plunger is available with two different lock versions: Lock type SC allows all indexing plungers in use to be operated with the same key, while lock type SU requires a different key for each indexing plunger.

To prevent unauthorized disassembly or adjustment of the indexing plunger, the hex nut used for screwing the part in or out is only accessible while it is unlocked and the head has been pulled back. A lock nut is available as an optional accessory that can be ordered with the type designations AK or EK with the appended “K” signifying a lock nut.

More information on Ganter standard parts can be found on the internet at:www.ganternorm.com

Locking pins secured with a key

Locking pins quickly and reliably connect and secure various components. For greater security against accidental release or manipulation, Ganter has developed new lockable stainless steel locking pins GN 314.

Even if pins appear simple at first glance, Ganter has consistently demonstrated that this type of standard part can still be improved on in plenty of ways. For instance, the recently introduced variants GN 113.11 and GN 113.12 are ideal for narrow spaces thanks to the L-handle on one side. As usual, the two balls in the pin are unlocked by pressing the button in the handle.

The most recently added member of the locking pin family, type GN 314, dispenses with this button. It retains the single-piece handle and integrates an extremely valuable feature for certain applications: It can be securely locked.

This function is especially important in safety-related applications since the lock prevents alterations to temporary or permanent installations. Platforms, stands, projection walls at drive-in cinemas, speaker towers and even production systems can be secured against manipulation with these lockable locking pins. Thanks to the variety of available dimensions (with pin diameters from 8 to 20 mm and lengths to 120 mm), GN 314 is suitable for almost any application that was previously difficult to secure. As always, Ganter can also produce other dimensions to customer specifications.

The operation is easy to explain: Turning the key 180 degrees rotates a shaft, which turns a cam in the tip of the pin. This presses a pawl laterally out of the pin. Pulling out the key fixes the pawl in place and prevents unauthorized removal of the locking pin. Every pin is delivered with two keys.

The new locking pin also offers high security with regard to its load carrying capacity. Ganter determined the double shearing resistance in accordance with DIN 50141. In the test setup, the pin connects an element to another that encompasses it. The force that results in a break in both shear planes is then measured. For a locking pin with 10 mm diameter, the shearing resistance is 46 kN, while a 20 mm pin can withstand 227 kN.

More information on Ganter standard parts can be found in the internet at:

www.ganternorm.com

A Connection That Won’t Let Go

To reduce the time involved in setting up equipment and production lines, Ganter has incorporated a new coupling in its product portfolio. With the GN 1050 quick release coupling, components can be quickly and securely connected to a machine or device with just a click.

Quick release couplings are frequently used in events to rapidly set up and take down stage equipment. Ganter, your standard parts specialist, recognized that this advantage could be leveraged for industrial applications and adapted the proven functional principle to this context. The quick release fastener consists of two elements: the coupling GN 1050 and the tailored threaded stud GN 1050.1. A safety locking button protects the coupling from being accidentally opened. When pressing the button, the sleeve can be moved axially to unlock a stud inserted into the notch on the inside. At the same time, a red ring becomes visible on the outside to indicate the unlocked state.

The studs can be purchased individually, allowing several studs to be used with one coupling. Different devices can then be appropriately positioned depending on the workpiece. The couplings and studs can be fastened by a threaded stud (type A) or an internal thread (type I). The flange GN 1050.2, which evenly distributes force, allows further attachment options.

More information on Ganter standard parts can be found in the internet at:

www.ganternorm.com