Linear drive

US5016519A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Wolf-Dieter Goedecke · Unterkirnach, DE
• Reinhard Schwenzer · Aachen, DE
• Ralf Huber · Brigachtal, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 18, 1987
• Grant date: May 21, 1991
• Expiry date: Dec 18, 2007

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F15B15/2815
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A modular handling system is assembled from a plurality of linear drive, rotary drive, or tool modules. The linear drive used as a cylinder block with a cylindrical bore therein and cylinder heads sealing off the cylindrical bore. A pneumatically actuated piston travels within the cylindrical bore. A carriage runs on the cylinder block and is connected with the piston by means of a flexible belt attached to both the piston and the carriage and deflected by deflection rollers mounted on the cylinder heads. Cartridge-type valves are integrated into both cylinder heads for controlling displacement of the piston. One of the cartridge valves is made as a pressure-servo-valve allowing linear control of valve output pressure vs. valve operating current. The cartridge valve integrated into the opposite cylinder head may be either another pressure-servo-valve or a displacement-servo-valve allowing linear control of valve spool displacement vs. valve operating current. Thus, a stable operating point is achieved in the intersection of the characteristic curves of both valves. Further, a third or more additional valves are integrated into the cylinder heads for controlling additional modules, …