Scanning for Ideas: Actuators with Easily Adjustable Belt Tension
The HPLA and HLE belt-driven actuators from Parker Hannifin Corp.’s Electromechanical Automation Div., Irwin, Pa. (www.parker.com), can now have belt tension adjusted at the idler end.
This
lets users adjust the
belt without removing
the load. According
to Parker, this
reduces maintenance
and, together with
the HPLA/HLE direct-
mount gearbox,
lowers ownership costs by 20%.
Both actuators handle speeds up 5 m/sec, loads to 1,600 kg, and generate
up to 5,500 N of thrust force. Drive torque can be as high as 244 Nm. The
HPLA can move loads 50 m, while the HLE actuator has a 20-m range. Repeatability
is 0.05 mm.