The present invention concerns an electric linear actuator of the type comprising an electric motor, a tubular body comprising a piston and connecting means between the motor and the piston (commonly known as a jack).
Electric linear actuators used until now have been driven by an electric motor disposed outside the body of the linear actuator rotating a screwthreaded rod through a gear, the rod driving the piston of the linear actuator.
Linear actuators of the above kind are bulky, permeable because they are not sealed and fragile because the force is transmitted to the piston by a screwthreaded rod. There is a risk of the rod buckling when the linear actuator is operating in compression with a long travel.
Sealing against dust, inclement weather and moisture is difficult because the linear actuator is in two parts.