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Low Cost Automation Tutorial

#203 Design Image Training - 19: Color Ball Separation Actuator

Category : Automation elements technology
April24, 2015

This section explains the unit of the separation (escapement) mechanism.

  • There are two typical methods for the separation (escapement) mechanism: a drive mechanism to separate the workpiece by pushing in a linear manner and a mechanism to separate the workpiece by rotation.
  • For the method of pushing linearly, use the air cylinder and design the shape of pusher section according to the shape of magazine containing the workpiece and that of workpiece.
  • The method of separating the workpiece by rotation (see Photo), which is applied in the Bingo Machine, is designed using various drive mechanisms for such applications as rotary motors and a rack and pinion mechanism.
  • Making full use of commercial units offers many advantages in terms of shortening the design time and standardization.
  • The figure below ([Fig. 1]) shows the appearance of an SMC rotary table.
  • This oscillating actuator utilizing pneumatic force can easily switch rotation directions between forward and reverse and adjust the angle of oscillation.
  • Specifications with a built-in shock absorber are also available for the purpose of alleviating impact when oscillation stops.
  • [Fig. 2] shows the internal structure of a typical rotary table.
  • In this rotary table, air cylinder mechanism is used to convert reciprocating motions of the rack in the linear direction into rotary oscillation motion.
  • High rigidity is achieved in a compact structure because the bearing for oscillating shaft is supported in two steps (circle part in [Fig.2]).

[Fig. 1] Rotary table [Fig.2] Structure of a rotary table

(Source of [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2]: MSQ series rotary table in SMC Catalog)

MISUMI USA eCatalog