Fluid-powered actuator and method of attaching mounting plates

Abstract

A fluid-powered actuator having a body with a shaft adapted for coupling to an external device to provide rotational drive thereto. A piston sleeve is mounted for reciprocal longitudinal movement within the body to provide rotational drive to the shaft. A plurality of seals are positioned within the body to provide a fluid-tight seal between the body and the shaft, and between the piston and both the shaft and the body. A pair of support members are positioned out of the body and fixedly attached to the body at spaced-apart locations. Each support member has an attachment portion extending circumferentially fully about the body, and a mounting portion. A pair of boom attachment plates are weldable to the mounting portions while the shaft, piston, torque-transmitting member, and seals remain assembled within the body. To avoid damage to the seals, a fluid channel is formed at least partially within each of the attachment portions and fully encircles the body. Cooling water is passed through the channel to absorb and transport away from the body a sufficient portion of the heat applied during welding of the attachment plates to prevent the heat from damaging the seals. Each of the channels is provided with a water inlet and a discharge outlet. In an alternative embodiment, the support member extends longitudinally along the body and defines a longitudinally extending fluid channel positioned between the support member and the body.