August 2014 Archives

Machine equipment is moved from the manufacturing to the delivery locations, post delivery installations, and layout changes. For this, selections of casters that are convenient for moving, and adjusters for installations will become important. Here, casters and adjusters are explained as the Bingo Game machine as an example.

(1) Casters and adjusters

Casters:

・Wheeled support component convenient for moving machines and equipment.
・There are types that provide lesser turning resistance when changing directions, with stoppers, vibration absorbing models.
・There are types with characteristic wheels such as chemical resistance, dustproof, quiet (rubber, urethane, nylon).

Adjusters:

・Support component for machine equipment installations with fine height and level adjustments.
・There are integrated type with casters, and stand-alone adjusters.
・There are also anti-vibration adjusters with an emphasis on anti-vibration performance.
・For heavy equipment, anti-vibration mounts (MISUMI: KFJH、KFEH、KFJM、KFEM) are used.
・For preventing inadvertent movements such as during earthquakes, adjuster anchoring components (Adjuster fixing plates) are used.
・For small and light equipment, seating plates can also be used.

(2) In the case of Bingo Game machine

・Since this unit is used at shows etc., nylon wheeled small type with small turning resistance is selected.
・HCFTF model casters are suitable for the frame unit.
・At installation location, adjust the bolt shaft so that the adjusters are slightly longer than the height of the casters (so the casters do not tough the ground), then make the horizontal adjustments at the equipment base plate with a bubble level, etc.

There are many occupational accidents caused by machinery equipment. Limiting only to the manufacturing sector, machinery related accidents constitute 40% or more of all accidents. With large machinery equipment, many accidents are "getting caught, entangled", followed by "being cut, scraping, galling". In this section, the automated Bingo Game machine will be evaluated based on equipment safety design examples.

(1) Equipment dangers

Dangers of equipment can be classified into following two types.

- 1. Mechanical hazards

Following mechanical hazards can be listed in case of the automated Bingo Game machine.

Mechanical hazard type Explanation (1) Rotary motion Motor shaft rotations (2) Linear motion, sliding motion Linear motion of the XY table, pick and place (3) Parts and material popping out Not applicable (4) Getting caught in gaps Related to item (2)

-2. Non-mechanical hazards

Types of non-mechanical hazards Explanation (5) Electrical hazards Incorporate into electrical systems design. Parts selection requires choices of components compatible with appropriate standards. (6) Noises, vibrations Not applicable (7) Others Combustible materials, chemically hazardous materials, temperature, pressure, dust, and poison, etc.: Not applicable

(2) Safety design of machinery and equipment

Safety designs will need to be incorporated in the following items.

Non-mechanical hazard items Explanation Safety design of the structure - Machine strength: Mounting strength and loosening prevention, hanging hook strength, floor strength, etc. - Electrical safety, hydraulic/pneumatic systems safety, control systems safety Safety design of the appearance - Preventing dangerous features (sharp tips, etc.) protruding from the equipment, covering of moving sections, etc. - Covering of high temperature sections, etc. Safety design of the work area - Safety for working area: Protection from driven areas, prevention of safety device disabling, etc.

(3) In case of automated Bingo Game machine

Many people approach the device and play the Bingo Game by operating the switches on the control panel. Since the motion area is not to be touched directly, the entire machine is covered with a clear acrylic cover for the countermeasure.

a) Entire motion area is covered (the cover is of clear acrylic for visibility)
b) Install a mechanical switch to disable the machine when the cover is opened.