Posted to News on 11th Feb 2013, 14:22
Bearing-less, large shaft-mounted optical incremental encoder
Leine and Linde's new 2000 series bearing-less optical encoders can be a good option for plant and machinery automation applications where precision speed feedback control is required for large diameter drive shafts, or where a large aperture through a rotating machine is desirable. Available in the UK from Mclennan Servo Supplies, the encoder can be used on shaft diameters up to 1m, and with a radial air gap requirement of up to 2.6mm between the ring and the separate measuring head, it can accommodate large shaft run-out as well as high levels of shock and vibration.
Furthermore, the construction of the ring, which is supplied in sections that are precision clamped around the shaft, facilitates straightforward assembly on the machine. The separate encoder ring segments can be fixed by face mounting to a flange with axial screws or with a special "ClampFit' system that automatically tightens the complete ring encoder around the mating shaft without the need for a flange. With both assembly methods performed in-situ, there is no need for complex assembly, and the ClampFit method particularly suits retrofitting precision speed control on existing machinery.
The speed pickup/measurement unit is available with several standard interfaces for incremental signal output. In particular, High Current HTL and Optolink suit long-distance transmission, making them appropriate for process plant installations where control cabinets are often isolated far away from the machinery.
As part of its custom control and engineered system capability, Mclennan can help with specific applications for the new Leine and Linde 2000 series bearing-less encoders. Examples of application areas for the range may include integrated use with large diameter brushless torque motors from another Mclennan distribution partner, Emoteq Inc - a part of the Allied Motion Technology Group. These large aperture "Thin Ring' frameless motors are supplied as separate rotor and stator units. They are available in eight frame sizes with outer/inner diameters from 170/95mm to 792/620mm, with larger frame dimensions on request as custom designs. With continuous stall torque from 3Nm to over 2kNm, the compact motor length through the standard range is demonstrated by just 123mm for the largest frame version. The Megaflux motor technology is well proven in many high-technology applications such as laser scanning & printing machinery, machine tool axis drives, semiconductor manufacturing, robot base & joints, and many more.
To find out more about the Leine and Linde 2000 series bearing-less optical encoders, please go to www.mclennan.co.uk.
