Installing a Linear Head

Installation Direction
There are no restrictions on the installation direction of linear heads.

Installation Method

• Secure the linear head firmly on a grounded metal plate.
• Make a mounting hole or tapped hole on the mounting plate.
• For F Type (vertical movement), make an additional hole so that the rack can pass through.
• Using the 4 mounting holes on the linear head mounting surface, secure the linear head with 4 screws so that there are no gaps between the linear head and the metal plate. (Mounting screws not provided.)

Installation Conditions
Linear heads are designed and manufactured to be installed within another device. Make sure the installation location meets the following conditions. A well ventilated space with easy access for inspection.

• Inside an enclosure installed indoors (with ventilation holes provided.)
• Ambient temperature*
  • Linear head: 14°F ~ 122°F [-10°C ~ +50°C]
  • Circuit: 32°F ~ 104°F [0°C ~ +40°C]
• Ambient humidity 85% max. (noncondensing)
• Not exposed to an explosive atmosphere, toxic gases (sulferized gas, etc.) or liquid
• Not exposed to direct sunlight.
• Not exposed to significant amounts of dust or iron powder.
• Not exposed to water (rain, water droplets) , oil (oil droplets) or other liquids.
• Not exposed to air having a high salt content
• Not subject to continuous vibration or excessive shock.
• Not subject to significant electromagnetic noise caused by welding machines, power equipment, etc.
• Not exposed to radioactive materials, magnetic fields or vacuum conditions.

*The ambient temperature may vary with the motor/linear head combination. Refer to the motor specifications for details.

Rack Lubrication

A lubricating agent is necessary to prevent friction when the rack passes through the rack grommet. The surface of the rack and any gears that mesh with the pinion should always be kept lubricated. Since the rack case is filled with a lubrication agent, there is no need to lubricate the rack case. However, ensure that the surface of the rack or gear teeth do not become dry, as operating in this condition will shorten the product's life. When a rack is used vertically, or under high ambient temperature, the separated grease may drip.

Installation of Load to End of Rack

When connecting the load using the tapped hole on the end of the rack, hold the flat face of the rack rather than the toothed surface with a wrench while tightening the screw so that a rotational force is not applied to the rack. When the load is installed with a rotational force applied to the rack, malfunction may result.

Connecting Linear Heads to Motors

As shown, a linear head is connected to a motor using a pilot on each as guides. Gently slide the linear head from side to side without forcing the pinion shaft against the gear of the linear head. Attempting to put a motor and linear head together by force can result in damage to the tooth surface, causing abnormal noise.

Precautions for Operation

Ensure Bi-Directional Movement
Linear head rack moves by a controlling motor. Blocking the operation at the end of the rack in order to stop the motor will apply excessive torque to the rack-and-pinion section, and also result in an inertial shock, causing damage to the gear.

Do Not Exceed the Maximum Transportable Mass
Maximum transportable mass is determined by taking into consideration the motor torque and the mechanical strength of the shafts and gears, then adding a safety margin.

Generally, the lower the motor's basic speed, the greater the maximum transportable mass becomes. If a load greater than this value is applied, or rack movement is locked for a long time, it is likely to result in damage to the rack-and-pinion section.

Also, when the rack moves horizontally, installation of a guide may allow the rack to move a load beyond the maximum transportable mass. This is likely to result in damage to the gear due to the shock by braking. Do not exceed the maximum transportable mass of either the motor or linear head, regardless of the direction of movement of the rack.

Maintain the Overhung Load within the Permissible Value

The amount of overhung load that can be applied to the rack is determined by the total load on the rack bearing. Operate the rack at loads within the permissible value given in the table. The table shows the maximum rack stroke length that can be used. When the actual usable range is shorter than the rack stroke, a load up to the permissible value for that length of stroke can be applied.

Use an Electromagnetic Brake Motor for Vertical Operation
Operation using vertical motion, such as in elevators, often requires that the load be held in position at mid-stroke. For such applications, a motor equipped with an electromagnetic brake, which offers high holding power, is recommended. The combination of a linear head and reversible motor has a certain amount of holding power, but the holding power is unstable and unsuitable for vertical operation. The electromagnetic brakes that can be combined with linear heads, are power off brakes that are engaged in the event of a power failure.