1. Model Interpretation & Core Function
The YWZ4-100/E23's model code directly reflects its design and matching components, facilitating quick equipment pairing:
| Model Segment | Meaning |
|---|---|
| YWZ4 | 4th-Generation Drum Brake (spring-engaged, electro-hydraulic released) |
| 100 | Brake drum diameter: 100 mm (small-sized drum for light-to-medium loads) |
| E23 | Matched electro-hydraulic thruster model (E-series, 23 denotes thrust/power parameters) |
Its core functions target safety and control for medium-duty machinery:
Normal Braking: Decelerating or stopping machinery smoothly during routine operation, matching the equipment's working cycle.
Emergency Stopping: Rapidly engaging in power loss, overspeed, or system faults to prevent machinery runaway.
Static Load Holding: Securing loads (e.g., lifted goods, conveyor materials) during downtime or maintenance to avoid accidental movement.
2. Working Principle
The YWZ4-100/E23 operates on a fail-safe principle (spring-engaged for braking, electro-hydraulic thrust for release), ensuring safety even if the power system fails. Its working cycle includes three key states:
2.1 Brake Engagement (Safety State)
When the machinery is stationary, in emergency, or powered off, internal compression springs expand to push the brake shoes outward.
The brake shoes (lined with friction material) press tightly against the inner surface of the rotating drum, generating braking torque through friction to stop the drum or hold it stationary.
2.2 Brake Release (Operating State)
When the machinery needs to run, the matched E23 electro-hydraulic thruster is activated. The thruster converts electrical energy into linear hydraulic thrust.
The thrust pulls the brake lever mechanism, compressing the internal springs and retracting the brake shoes from the drum-creating a 0.3–0.5 mm clearance.
The drum rotates freely with the machinery shaft, enabling normal operation.
2.3 Emergency Response (Fault State)
In case of power loss, thruster failure, or emergency shutdown, the thruster's thrust dissipates instantly.
The compression springs expand immediately, driving the brake shoes to clamp the drum-engaging the brake within ≤ 0.5 seconds to stop the machinery quickly.
3. Core Structure & Key Components
The YWZ4-100/E23 features a compact, modular design with four critical subsystems, optimized for ease of installation and maintenance:
3.1 Brake Drum & Shoe Assembly (Friction Core)
Brake Drum: 100 mm diameter, made of HT200 gray cast iron with a quenched inner surface (hardness HB 180–220) for wear resistance. The drum is mounted on the machinery shaft via a keyway connection.
Brake Shoes: Two arc-shaped steel shoes lined with resin-based friction pads (friction coefficient μ ≥ 0.35). The pads are riveted or bolted to the shoes for easy replacement.
Shoe Support: A cast iron bracket that fixes the shoes and ensures they swing stably during engagement/release.
3.2 Actuation & Spring Mechanism (Power Core)
Matched E23 Electro-Hydraulic Thruster: Provides linear thrust (typically 230 N) to release the brake. It integrates a motor, hydraulic pump, and cylinder, with a rated voltage of 380V AC (50Hz) and power of 0.12 kW.
Compression Springs: High-strength carbon steel (65Mn) springs that provide clamping force (1.5–2.5 kN) for brake engagement. The spring force is adjustable to fine-tune braking torque.
Lever Mechanism: Steel levers that transmit the thruster's thrust to compress the springs, ensuring smooth and efficient brake release.
3.3 Safety & Control Components (Control Core)
Limit Switches: Optional position sensors (one for "engaged," one for "released") that send signals to the PLC, enabling interlock control (machinery starts only when the brake is released).
Adjustment Screws: Used to adjust the brake clearance and spring force, ensuring consistent braking performance.
Manual Release Lever: A mechanical lever for manual brake release during power loss, facilitating maintenance.
3.4 Mounting & Protection Components (Durability Core)
Mounting Base: A steel base with slotted holes for ±5 mm horizontal/vertical adjustment, simplifying alignment with the brake drum during installation.
Dust Cover: A sheet metal cover with IP54 protection, shielding internal components from dust and light water splashes.
Anti-Corrosion Coating: Epoxy resin coating on external metal parts to resist rust and mild industrial corrosion.
4. Key Features & Advantages
The YWZ4-100/E23 stands out for its compact design, reliable performance, and cost-effectiveness, with core benefits:
4.1 Fail-Safe Reliability
Spring-engaged design ensures automatic braking in power or thruster failure, eliminating the risk of machinery runaway-critical for light-to-medium duty lifting and conveying equipment.
4.2 Compact & Space-Saving
Small drum diameter (100 mm) and integrated structure make it suitable for machinery with limited installation space (e.g., small winches, conveyor tail drums).
4.3 Easy Installation & Maintenance
Modular components (replaceable pads, thruster) and adjustable mounting base simplify installation and alignment.
Friction pads can be replaced in ≤ 15 minutes, and the thruster is easy to disassemble for maintenance.
4.4 Stable Braking Performance
Resin-based friction pads have stable friction performance (μ ≥ 0.35) across temperatures (-20°C to 80°C), ensuring consistent braking torque (50–100 N·m).
The arc-shaped shoes fit the drum tightly, distributing friction evenly and avoiding local wear.
4.5 Cost-Effective & Versatile
Low initial cost and maintenance expenses make it an economical choice for general industrial applications.
Compatible with various small-to-medium machinery (winches, conveyors, small cranes) due to its flexible mounting and adjustable braking torque.
