January 2015 Archives

When designing an automated/labor-saving parts supply system, you will determine the supply method in consideration of the part shape and the relationship with the next process task, such as that using the self-weight of the workpiece or that of mechanically moving the workpiece with actuators.

To collect color balls from the bingo layout plate, we adopted the collection mechanism by self-weight for the Bingo Machine. This method utilizes the self-weight of color balls when they roll down the inclined surface. To return the color balls back to the stock rotation table after collecting them, we adopted the mechanical hoisting mechanism.

By effectively combining the movement by self-weight and the mechanical movement, you will be able to take advantages of both methods to create a simple, compact, and highly reliable parts supply mechanism.

If you rely heavily on adopting the mechanical method, the mechanism structure is likely to become unnecessarily complex. Therefore, this is where we need to devise the design by combining the simple moving method of rolling/sliding on the inclined surface or that of dropping by self-weight.

A part lowered down by its self-weight will be moved up to the higher position by mechanical method and have the potential energy again. Then it will be grasped by a tool such as a chuck and positioned by the transferring mechanism, which is the end of one cycle.
The Bingo Machine uses this series of moving cycles.

A Hoisting mechanism is one of the typical element mechanisms of the parts supply system.This section explains the hoisting mechanism using the Bingo Machine as an example.The hoisting unit of the Bingo Machine restores color balls collected back to the stock rotation table.

Structure of the hoisting unit

Points to remember when designing a hoisting unit

The structural strength, linear actuator selection, and the control method of the hoisting unit will vary depending on the load weight and the positional accuracy of the stop position.
To build the unit economically, simplify the structure and select an inexpensive actuator.

In the case of the Bingo Machine:
a) Use a lot of aluminum materials to reduce the weight of the hoisting parts.
b) Reduce the number of parts by adopting a structural design that uses the weight of the color balls.
c) Design the actuator with the single-acting air cylinder and do not adopt a vertical motion guide.

If you are going to adopt a guide, the slim-type slide rail (ex. MISUMI: SAR2 (see photo)) would be a good choice.