An innovative new Compact Electro-Hydraulic Actuator (EHA), from Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has been developed to improve the productivity and profitability of a wide range of construction equipment. The new double-acting electro-hydraulic actuator offers an exceptionally high power density, with speed, control and reliability, in a fully integrated, compact and free standing device.
This makes it an ideal alternative to traditional hydraulic or electro-mechanical positioning and handling systems, for example in bucket levelling and skid steer units, attachment locks and plough and scraper blade control.
The new Parker Compact EHA is a self-contained device, with all components integrated into a robust monobloc housing, providing an exceptionally compact unit that can easily be installed by OEMs or retrofitted to existing equipment. Each device includes a high performance, double-acting hydraulic actuator, driven via a reversible gear pump that is powered by an integrated 12V or 24V DC motor. The pump is enclosed within the hydraulic fluid reservoir, with pressure relief and check valves also being incorporated within the system assembly. Trunnion pin mounting holes are set within the base of the housing and at the end of the piston rod for ease of installation; all that is required are mounting pins and motor connections.
Piston rods are manufactured from stainless steel, with a micro-finished cylinder bore featuring buna-nitrile and polyurethane sealing elements, to prevent both leakage and the ingress of contaminants. The monobloc housing is produced from anodised aluminium, providing a relatively lightweight, tough and corrosion resistant unit that is sealed to IP67 standard. Compact EHA is supplied by Parker fully tested, flushed and filled with fluid ready for operation, so is fully sealed and requires no subsequent maintenance.
The design and construction of the new Compact EHA actuator enables it to produce exceptionally high levels of force, up to 22.25kN on extension and up to 15.57kN on retraction, at operating speeds to 100mm/sec. By comparison with conventional ballscrew or linear motion systems, Compact EHA is free from problems of backlash and does not require any form of gearing, so is unaffected by wear and loss of positional accuracy.
The new actuator can be used at operating temperatures of between -29ºC and +65ºC, and generates less than 60dB of noise. Compact EHA is available with a range of options for motor, pump, bore and stroke length, making the new system an ideal choice for manufacturers of construction equipment looking for a simple and efficient method of providing powerful, controllable and self-contained linear motion.