The basic components of an electric actuator are a motor, a gearing, and a spindle. However, sometimes a clutch mechanism is added to the actuator design as well. In this video our expert Hunter Stephenson explains the purpose of a clutch in an industrial linear actuator and how the clutch works in the LINAK® actuator LA36.
The clutch has two purposes in an actuator. One is to protect the industrial machinery and the actuator. The other is to ensure that the actuator can be used without control electronics.
A linear actuator with a clutch mechanism also offers great versatility, making it easier to implement the actuator in different machinery.
The clutch protects the actuator and the application in case of overload by disengaging the rotational movement from the motor to the gear and the spindle when the torque exceeds a pre-set limit. This safety feature relates to the rotational movement of the motor and therefore only works when the actuator is running. If you would like to know more about the functionality of the clutch, check out the video above.
Any questions about clutches for industrial electric linear actuators, feel free to contact your local LINAK office.
