The company is now presenting the LKE series as a world first: The electrical clamping elements replace the existing LCE series and offer significantly better properties in terms of speed and ease of commissioning.

In contrast to a pneumatic solution, the new LKE series is particularly impressive with its integrated status monitoring (open/closed), which is output via digital status signals. The kinematics are performed via an eccentric shaft with mechanical self-locking (bistable). Due to the self-locking functional principle, the full holding force is maintained in the closed state in the event of a power failure or in a de-energized state, for example when the system is switched off.

Depending on the size, the LKE series can apply a holding force of up to 1,800 newtons without jamming permanently. Opening and closing is carried out by a 24-volt DC voltage with a maximum current consumption of 1.5 amps.

Zimmer emphasizes that the most impressive feature of the LKE series is its speed. With a closing time of around 400 milliseconds, depending on the size - this corresponds to an improvement of around seven times compared to the previous model - the manufacturer also wants to demonstrate its innovative ability when it comes to electrical clamping elements. The Zimmer clamping elements are equipped with integrated electronics and can be easily controlled via digital signals. The "open" and "closed" positions achieved are each output via a pin for reliable monitoring against cable breakage.

Flexible down to the smallest detail
The manufacturer of the LKE series draws attention to an interesting finesse with which any rail tolerances can be corrected; typical rail tolerances of plus/minus 0.05 millimetres can be compensated on a scale attached to the product.

The clamping elements are sealed to IP64 and have a flexible cable outlet that enables maximum use of installation space thanks to adaptable cable routing, thus minimizing interfering contours. With the features already mentioned, the electrical clamping elements create the conditions for high flexibility and high machine utilization, while ensuring maximum reliability in production with a B10d value of 500,000 clamping cycles.

The clamping elements are primarily used for electrically driven linear axes. By holding the axis via the clamping element, high process forces can be absorbed while maintaining the clamping position, which exceed the forces of the linear drive many times over. The LKE series is particularly suitable for use in applications without an existing pneumatic or hydraulic supply, for example in clean room applications or in medical and food technology. Other areas of application include simple automation, mechanical engineering and the automotive industry, for example in autonomous assembly islands.

Functional view of the LKE electric series. © Room

Safety through mechanical emergency release
All four variants offer an important safety feature in the form of a mechanical emergency release. If the clamping element needs to be opened manually in an exceptional situation when the system is switched off, this can be done using an externally accessible screw with an Allen key. This means that the clamping element can still be opened in the event of a power failure, for example to remove workpieces despite the system being at a standstill.

The LKE series is available on the market for the first time with a choice of four sizes. It was launched with rail size 25 at the start of 2019. From May, the clamping elements will be available with the standard rail sizes of 15, 20 and 35 from the leading manufacturers. pb

About the company
With over 1,200 employees, the Zimmer Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of automation, machine and furniture damping components and is a partner for system solutions for numerous national and international companies in the fields of mechanical and plant engineering as well as the aviation and automotive industries. Zimmer has stood for innovative strength "made in Germany" since 1980; its sales network extends to 125 countries.