LA37

The I/O actuator can be controlled with an analogue signal. In this case, the input is variable and not just simply on or off. The analogue input signal can be used to control either position or speed.

Servo control is used to control the actuator position. This is done with an analogue input, such as 4-20 mA, which covers the entire actuator stroke length. This is especially relevant in applications where the actuator has to move to several target positions during normal operation.

Proportional control is similar to servo, but instead of controlling the piston position, the analogue signal controls the speed and direction of the actuator. A common type of proportional control is the joystick, where the middle position is neutral and moving it backwards or forwards will move the actuator in equivalent direction.

Predefined positions are useful, if you want to move to the exact same position every time. This can for instance be controlled by push buttons or entered as a command on your PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The digital input signal should remain high, until the target position has been reached, but it will not move beyond that point.

Learning mode allows the actuator to learn a new endstop. The learning is based on predefined zones along the stroke length and a current limit to trigger the new endstop – like an obstruction. In some cases, it can be a good idea to add a ‘step back’ after meeting an obstruction – this allows you to set a new endstop slightly away from the mechanical block, which will potentially extend the service life of the actuator and provide smoother movement.

It is also possible to set speed for the actuator in learn mode – in case you would like it to run slower when learning an obstruction.

Learn mode can be performed directly in Actuator Connect™ or by shortening the red and black wires.

Activating learn mode by means of the wires allows you to easily start this process directly in the application – even multiple times throughout the actuator’s service life. The actuator will always keep the zone, speed, and current settings you specified, when it was ordered, or that you have configured in Actuator Connect and use these to set the new virtual limits.

Controlling an electric linear I/O actuator is based on an integrated controller or H-bridge that switches the polarity of the voltage to the DC motor. Here you can benefit from low-current switching, since a high digital signal of only a few mA will cause the actuator to run.

The integrated H-bridge opens a variety of control options from the PCB, such as speed and ramping.

The H-bridge has four switches, in this case transistors, that are connected to the power supply at the top and the bottom of the H-bridge. These transistors replace mechanical relays. The H-bridge controls the in-and-out movement of an actuator in a fairly simple way. When power is on – two of the transistors must be activated to make the current flow diagonally past the motor connection – making the motor run in one direction.

The Bluetooth^® Low Energy antenna is mounted on the PCB inside the aluminium housing of the actuator. The housing reduces the signal strength significantly and it is therefore important to also plug in the signal cable. The signal cable has a dedicated wire to boost the Bluetooth signal and if this is not plugged in you will have trouble connecting to the actuator in Actuator Connect.

At LINAK^®, we currently supply actuators with two different CAN bus software versions - v1.x or v3.x.

Determine the actuator version with the LINAK BusLink software
Connect the actuator to the BusLink software to verify the correct software version. When the actuator is connected you can find the ‘Connection Information’ tab. In the example below, the LA36 CAN bus actuator has version 3.0.

For further information, please see the BusLink service interface chapter in the CAN bus user manual.

 

What is the difference between version 1.x and version 3.x?
On CAN bus v3.0, we have introduced several new functionalities - such as hardware addressing, dynamic speed adjustment, soft start/stop commands and increased compatibility (125 kbps, 250 kbps, 500 kbps and Autobaud).
Please note that the soft start/stop now needs to be defined in the CAN bus command (in version 3.x). If left at 0, it will result in no ramping. If set to 251 it will use the actuator’s predefined factory settings. Any number in between will set the ramping time.

For further information, please see the Communication chapter in the CAN bus user manual.

BusLink quick guide
Find a guide on how to use the BusLink programme for your actuator by clicking the BusLink icon.

A common type of linear actuator is an electric linear actuator. It is made up of three main components: spindle, motor and gears. The motor can be AC or DC depending on the power needs and other influencing factors.

Once a signal is sent by the operator, which can be through a control as simple as a button, the motor converts the electric energy into mechanical energy, rotating the gears connected to the spindle. This rotates the spindle and causes the spindle nut and piston rod to travel outwards or inwards depending on the signal to the actuator.

As a rule of thumb, a high thread count and smaller spindle pitch will cause slow movement but a much higher load capacity. On the other hand, a low thread count, and higher spindle pitch, will favour fast movement of lower loads.

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Welcome to the LINAK Actuator Academy™

There are many types and sizes of electric linear actuators. From small and compact that fit into tight spaces, such as in wheelchairs, to large and powerful to move heavy items like a wheel loader engine hood. In addition to size and power, there are also many different designs of electric linear actuators.

The original design has a motor housing that is outside of the gear and spindle profile. But when space is limited, an inline actuator is used so that the motor only extends the shape of the profile. For desks and some medical applications, lifting columns are used for an inline motor housing with two and three-stage options.

Since the founder and CEO of LINAK, Bent Jensen, made his first electric linear actuator in 1979, the company has continued to develop new actuators and refine the innovative technology behind them to improve movement solutions for several industries.

LINAK designs and manufactures many types of linear actuators and lifting columns with various speeds, stroke lengths, and capacities. From the compact, inline LA20 to the robust LA36, LINAK actuators are built to fit almost any application.

With an almost endless list of customisation options to help design an actuator specifically to fit unique applications, the range of LINAK actuators is even greater than the vast product range listed.

A linear actuator is a device or machine that converts rotational motion into linear motion and linear movement (in a straight line). This can be done through electric AC and DC motors, as we do at LINAK, or the movement could be powered by hydraulics and pneumatics.

However, electric linear actuators are a preferred option when precise and clean movement is needed. They are used for all types of applications where tilting, lifting, pulling or pushing with force is needed.

Electric linear actuators are used in everything from private homes, the offices where we work, all areas of a hospitals, in production in factories, to farming equipment, and many other places. LINAK electric actuators create adjustment in both desks, kitchens, beds, and couches, as well as hospital beds, patient lifts, surgery tables among others in for example hospitals and medical centres.

Electric linear actuators can also replace hydraulic and pneumatic solutions in industrial and rugged environments – for example those found in agriculture, construction, and in industrial automation equipment.

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Electric linear actuators increase efficiency and give users precision movement through a variety of control options and accessories. Control options for electric linear actuators include handsets, footswitches, desk controls, computer software, mobile apps and much more.

With no need for hoses, oils, or valves, electric linear actuators require no maintenance and create a safe environment for users. High-quality electric actuators are also put through a variety of tests that push the actuators to extremes. This is done to ensure optimal performance at any given time in any situation. They are also designed, along with their accessories, to be easily mounted and installed in a variety of applications,

making it easy for anyone to add precision movement where they need it. Being electric enables the addition of smart features like CAN bus (LINAK offers CAN SAE J1939 and CANopen for actuator controls). Integrated Controller (IC) solutions can provide various position feedback options, virtual limits, soft start and stop, current limitation, and adjustable speed.

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