LKE - FAST ELECTRIC CLAMPING ELEMENTS FOR PROFILE RAIL GUIDES

With over 4,000 products and more than 20 years of development and market experience, Zimmer Group is the global leader in linear technology in the area of clamping and braking on profile and round bar guides.

As a world-first innovation, Zimmer Group once again demonstrates its innovative strength with the LKE series. These are electrical clamping elements that will replace the previous LCE series, thanks to its greatly improved speed characteristics and the simplest process for installation.

FAST WHILE FEATURING A HIGH HOLDING FORCE

High holding force

Depending on installation size, the LKE series has a very high holding force of up to 1,800 N.

Short switching times

Still, the most impressive feature of the new LKE series is its speed. With a closing time of approximately 400 milliseconds – roughly corresponding to a 7-fold improvement in comparison to the previous LCE models – Zimmer Group demonstrates its ability to innovate in the area of electric clamping elements

THE ELECTRIC COMPACT ONE

Energy efficient (bi-stable)

The kinematics are powered by means of an eccentric shaft with a mechanical self-locking mechanism (bi-stable). Based on the self-locking functional principle, when closed, the full holding force is sustained in the event of a power drop or while in a currentless state (e.g. with a system that has been switched off). Opening and closing is executed using 24 V DC voltage at a maximum current draw of 1.5A.

Integrated electronics

Contrary to a pneumatic solution, the new LKE series impresses most notably with its integrated status sensing (open/closed), which is output via digital status signals.

Flexible cable outlet and IP64 sealing

The clamping elements are sealed in accordance with IP64 and feature a flexible cable outlet that enables maximum usage of installation space thanks to an adjustable cable guide, thereby minimizing obstacle contours.

FLEXIBLE – DOWN TO THE SMALLEST DETAIL

Compensation of rail tolerances

Furthermore, Zimmer has put a highly interesting refinement forward with its new series, which for instance can be used to correct potential rail tolerances. Typical rail tolerances of ± 0.05 millimeters can be compensated for using a built in adjustment screw.

Flexibility and high machine workload

With these features mentioned above, the electric clamping elements create the requirements for a high level of flexibility and high machine workload, while with a B10d value of 500,000 clamping cycles, they ensure maximum reliability in production.

OPERATING SAFETY AND APPLICATION AREAS

Fields of application

Electric powered linear axes are the primary areas of application for clamping elements. Thus, by bringing the axis to a standstill via the clamping element, high process forces which exceed the forces of the linear drive many times over can be absorbed while the clamping position is maintained. The LKE series is perfectly suited for use in applications without a pneumatic or hydraulic supply, such as in clean room areas or in medical and food processing technology. Further application areas include simple automation, mechanical engineering and the automotive industry (e.g. autonomous assembly islands).

Mechanical emergency release ensures safety in all situations

All four installation sizes offer a mechanical emergency release, which is an important safety feature. If, in a special situation, the clamping element has to be opened manually when a machine is switched off, this can be accomplished by employing a hex key via an externally accessible screw. As a result, the clamping element can still be opened even in the event of a power failure, such as when workpieces still need to be removed during machine downtime.