Parker Hannifin has announced two new patents for its ETH high-force electro-thrust cylinders series, designed to reduce commissioning and maintenance for users, minimizing machine downtime.
The first patent sees the introduction of a unique lubrication port, allowing the application of grease in seconds with no need to disassemble any part of the cylinder. The integrated lubrication port simplify the lubrication process of the high-quality and precision ballscrew at the core of the ETH cylinders, delivering smooth operation over the entire speed range. The patent-protected port is located on the rear bearing block/housing of the extrusion profile.
The second new patent for Parker’s ETH cylinders relates to the tensioning of the timing belt that couples the ballscrew to a parallel-mounted motor. A perfect adjustment of te belt tension is essential to ensure optimum torque transfer. Parker has devised a clever tensioning principle in order to increase reliability and reduce the amount of time required by this process. The tensioning principle involves a toothed belt, threaded pins and lock nuts, allowing to achieve a perfect tensioning. Maintenance is thus highly simplified, for example when a customer needs to change the motor the same belt tension is retained, with no need for any further adjustment.