Cautions for installation

• 1. The ZCA uses grease for lubrication, which may lead to spattering. Take appropriate precautions to avoid any adverse effect on the usage environment. (If scattering is a concern, bellows are recommended. ) In particular, when using the ZCA in a suspending position (vertically suspending installation), grease may drip.
• 2. The ZCA can be installed in the vertical lifting or suspending directions or horizontally. However, when installed horizontally or in a suspending position, do not allow the weight of the unit and the weight of conveyed items to be placed on the mounting bolts. Operating the unit in such a condition may result in damage to the unit. Install the unit in a manner that prevents the mounting bolts from receiving any of the load. (Fig. 1)

  Hanging installation

  

  Horizontal installation when pushing

  

  Horizontal installation when pulling

  

  Fig. 1 Acceptable installation directions (Example)

• 3. When installing a model without a motor, prepare a pedestal to install a motor, speed reducer, and this unit on. The pedestal should be solid and rigid enough to sufficiently secure the alignment accuracy established during the installation even if the maximum load is applied. Install a separate mechanism to align the center heights of the motor output shaft and the ZCA input shaft. If the shaft center heights are misaligned, the force of the rotation bending will act on the motor output shaft and ZCA input shaft, leading to shaft damage.
• 4. If the input shaft is driven by a chain, belt, or similar device, make sure the overhang load acting on the shaft is kept within the allowable overhang load. (Please refer to the selection page for details. )
• 5. Install the ZCA securely using four mounting holes tapped on the unit and the end fitting respectively. (No mounting bolts provided. ) Refer to Table 1 and use suitably sized mounting bolts with a rigidity of class 10.9 or higher (JIS B1051). Consider the strength of fixing parts when deciding appropriate screw-in depths.

  Table 1 　Mounting bolt size

  Model No.	Drive section (bottom)	Drive section (side)	End fitting
  ZCA25	M5	M5	M4
  ZCA35	M6	M6	M5
  ZCA45	M8	M8	M8

  Apply thread-locking fluid when installing.

• 6. Never use the stroke end of the chain as a stopper. Doing so may cause serious damage to the inside of the main body.
• 7. Install the unit so that the load put on the main body will act on the shaft placed in the same travelling direction as that of the Zip Chain. If the direction of action or position is not correct, the Zip Chain may receive bending loads or lateral loads that can damage the unit. (Fig. 2) Be sure to mount a linear guide in the direction of travel so that the Zip Chain is not subjected to direct lateral loads or to bending/twisting moments.
  

  Fig. 2

• 8.A Zip Chain consists of two lengths of chain whose links engage with each other to form a column. Some twisting or warpage may occur in this column.
• 9. Include adequate leeway with the stroke used. If the actual stroke exceeds the determined range, it may damage the stopper, cause the chain to come off, or cause the end fitting to collide with the drive section, damaging the unit.
• 10. Set the limit switch installed to control the stroke with consideration for inertia.
• 11. Check the rotational direction of the input shaft and the traveling direction of the Zip Chain beforehand. (Refer to the external dimensional diagrams. ) An incorrect rotational direction may damage the unit. When the unit is equipped with a motor, please note that the traveling direction of the chain in relation to the electrical wiring varies depending on the speed.
• 12. Ensure that foreign substances such as dust and hot chips do not attach to or enter the Zip Chain or the opening of the drive section. These substances will accelerate wear in the unit and may lead to serious trouble such as chain fracture or damage to moving parts.
• 13. If the ZCA is installed using the bottom surface of the drive section, then the keyway of the input shaft will face almost perfectly upward at the stroke lower limit (see Figure 3). However, if synchronized, a small amount of displacement will occur due to individual differences in backlash and so on. To prevent this, install a separate mechanism that adjusts the phase. Phase misalignment will result in increased load per ZCA unit, leading to chain buckling, shaft damage, and other problems. When aligning phase, use a Tsubaki Power-Lock® or similar item, and align the phase with the height of the fitting when the Zip Chain is at its lowest position.
  

  Fig. 3

• 14.When a ZCA is used in equipment hung from above, install a safeguard and safety fence as a precautionary measure against chain fracture, and refrain from entering the area beneath the suspended objects. Tsubaki will not be able to manufacture or sell ZCA units in situations where there is a risk of injury to people.
• 15. Using bellows intended for vertical lifting or hanging installation with horizontal lateral installations or horizontal longitudinal installations will shorten the service life of the bellows. If bellows are needed in horizontal lateral or longitudinal installations, be sure to use bellows that incorporate special parts designed for this purpose. Please order as it will be manufactured separately.
• 16. Condensation, humidity, and other factors may cause the grease to deteriorate prematurely and leak out. Consult Tsubaki if the unit will be used in a special environment.
• 17. Do not modify the Zip Chain Actuator.