月: 2023年2月

What Is a Chain Gate?

A chain gate is an automatic parking gate with a chain tensioning system.

The chain is automatically lowered just before a car passes through and is automatically raised after the car has passed through.

A chain gate is operated by a remote control, and the owner of the building where the chain gate is installed, such as a house, automatically opens and closes the chain gate.

In this way, only the owner of the house, who is the owner of the remote control, can enter and exit the gate, thus preventing the entry of vehicles from outside the department.

Uses of Chain Gates

Chain gates come in small, medium, and large sizes and are used in a wide variety of applications, from private residences to apartment complexes.

The small type is highly functional, yet compact, so it does not disturb the scenery and is suitable for small to medium-sized parking lots and condominiums.

The medium-sized type has upper and lower sliding chains and is suitable for large condominiums and parking lots.

The large type is suitable for large parking lots in public housing complexes and developed areas and is also suitable for corporate parking lots.

Principle of Chain Gates

The simple design of the chain gates makes it suitable for installation in any location, even in condominiums and parking lots with height restrictions.

Chain gates require very little space at either end of the gate, so they require very little approach.

The main body of the chain gates is made of aluminum, which is rust-resistant and can maintain its beautiful appearance for a long period.

Chain gates are equipped with LED nighttime illumination as standard equipment, including an easy-to-read two-color rotating indicator light, which makes it possible to enter and exit the gate at night with peace of mind.

When a chain gate’s chain is lowered, the chain retracts into the rail, allowing smooth passage for vehicles.

The chain gate has a low-decibel drive for reduced operating noise and a highly reliable internal frame structure.

On top of that, they are equipped with a photoelectric sensor and designed not to raise the chain if a vehicle or obstacle is in the way, to prevent accidents.

An emergency switch allows the chain to be lowered in the event of an emergency such as a fire or earthquake, and in the event of a power failure, the chain automatically lowers so as not to interfere with vehicle entry and exit.

The large chain gates use Φ13mm stainless steel chain and have a robust FRP head cover.

Some are equipped with a beam sensor for car detection.

What Are Vacuum Clamps?

Vacuum Clamps are jigs that secure a workpiece by creating a vacuum.

Since the workpiece can be fixed without touching it, it can be processed without damaging the workpiece.

It can also easily fix materials and three-dimensional molded products that are difficult to adsorb or fix.

The vacuum system is often built into the base unit, eliminating the need for a separate vacuum pump or vacuum ejector.
Workpiece replacement can be done simply by switching the vacuum state on and off, providing excellent workability.

Applications of Vacuum Clamps

Vacuum Clamps are used for various purposes, mainly for fixing workpieces.

• Fixing of non-magnetic workpieces
• Cutting thin workpieces
• Fixing of workpieces with three-dimensional shapes or complex shapes
• At the site of cell production system
• For exposure of positive photosensitive substrates and reliable pattern baking
• Fixing vibrators during vibration testing
• Fixing in places where welding is not possible
• Fixing on curved surfaces
• Workpieces that are difficult to adsorb or fix, such as steel products after pressing or bending, CFRP, and curved glass
• For processing wood or plastic plates
• For cutting and polishing processes in glass processing

Principle of Vacuum Clamps

Vacuum Clamps create a vacuum by sucking air through a factory air or vacuum pump to fix workpieces.

Many products, especially those with a vacuum ejector built into the base unit, do not require separate equipment if air from a compressor is used.

When the workpiece is held down and air is injected into the supply valve, the built-in vacuum engine operates to create a vacuum state and adsorb the workpiece.

Continuous supply of air maintains the vacuum state, and the workpiece is held in place during operation.

Since the workpiece is held in place by air suction, it can be processed on all surfaces except the bottom surface, and there is no risk of damaging the workpiece when it is held in place.

The vacuum state can be released by turning the air on and off, making it easy to attach and detach the workpiece. Therefore, jig replacement and positioning are also easy, which contributes to handling a wide variety of workpieces and shortening setup time.

Moreover, as long as air is available, the jig can be fixed regardless of its shape, eliminating the need to make a jig for each workpiece. This helps simplify the production process and reduce equipment costs.

What Is a Handheld Oscilloscope?

A handheld oscilloscope is a small oscilloscope designed for outdoor use and can be operated by batteries.

It is also called a handheld oscilloscope. An oscilloscope is a measuring instrument that displays changes in signal voltage in an electronic circuit as time-series waveform data. By reading the changes in this waveform and the magnitude of the amplitude, changes in the signal are measured.

Originally designed for use in laboratories and on factory production lines, these devices require high precision, high sensitivity, high-speed data processing, and other high performance features, resulting in a large chassis and high power consumption. On the other hand, oscilloscopes are also needed for use in the field where electronic equipment is installed for adjustment and repair of the equipment.

In this case, even if the performance is somewhat inferior, the oscilloscope must be small, lightweight, and battery-powered, eliminating the need for a commercial power supply. Handheld oscilloscopes satisfy these requirements. Portable oscilloscopes are generally smaller versions of the installation type oscilloscopes and are different from handheld oscilloscopes.

Uses of Handheld Oscilloscopes

As mentioned in the previous section, handheld oscilloscopes are used for waveform observation at the site where the equipment is installed. Because they are compact and do not require a power supply, they are easy to maneuver, easy to use, and increase work efficiency.

Also, because it is battery-powered, it is suitable for waveform observation of equipment in a floating state. For oscilloscopes that use a commercial power supply, it is recommended that the main unit be grounded to prevent electric shock. However, if the ground level of the device to which the oscilloscope is connected is floating, there may be a large potential difference between the two, which may damage the device or the oscilloscope.

On the other hand, if the oscilloscope is battery-powered, such a problem does not occur because the handy oscilloscope is also in a floating state. Furthermore, handy oscilloscopes are also used for personal electronics work because of their relatively simple functions and low cost. Similarly, they are easy to use in classes at educational institutions.

Principles of Handheld Oscilloscopes

There are two types of oscilloscopes: an analog type that uses the afterimage effect of a cathode-ray tube, and a digital type that converts the signal waveform to A/D and records it in memory.

Therefore, the principle of capturing signal waveforms is exactly the same as that of digital oscilloscopes. However, because they are small and battery-powered, there are various limitations in terms of functionality. The main limitations are as follows:

• Small waveform memory capacity
• Waveform sampling frequency cannot be increased to high speed.
• Limited accessories such as probes
• Limited number of channels (most models have 2-channel configuration, few have more than 2 channels)
• Complex trigger conditions cannot be set.

On the other hand, since they are battery-powered, the ground level can be set independently of the ground, as described in the previous section, so ordinary probes can be used even in situations where differential probes are required with ordinary oscilloscopes.

Types of Handheld Oscilloscopes

Miniaturized handheld oscilloscopes are available in the following types:

1. PC to Oscilloscope Type

This type of oscilloscope combines a digitizer function that converts signals to A/D and stores them in memory, and connects to a PC via USB to display signal waveforms on the PC’s display. This type is generally simple and inexpensive, but it is not strictly speaking a handy device since a PC is indispensable for waveform observation.

2. All-In-One Type

This type is equipped with a display device and is capable of capturing and displaying signal waveforms by itself. The captured signal waveforms can be output to an external device via USB or a memory card, and the data can be analyzed using a PC.

In addition, the built-in rechargeable battery allows measurement without connecting to a commercial power source, as long as the battery is charged with an AC adapter. Some models can use commercially available alkaline batteries.

3. Type With Digital Multimeter Function

In addition to the functions of an oscilloscope, this type integrates the functions of a digital multimeter and a frequency counter. Although their individual functions are not as good as those of dedicated measuring instruments, they are extremely convenient, especially when brought to the site where the equipment is installed for measurement, since they have all the measurement functions in a single unit.

What Is a Turbofan?

Turbofans are centrifugal fans that sucks in air and redirect it 90° to the intake direction, increasing static pressure. This characteristic makes turbofans suitable for applications requiring gaseous blasts through ducts, and is utilized across industrial equipment and home appliances.

Uses of Turbofans

Turbofans find applications in numerous sectors, enhancing efficiency and versatility:

• Jet Engines: Central to aviation, turbofans power airliners and fighter jets with high efficiency and thrust.
• Industrial Use: Essential for cooling personal computers and managing heat in precision equipment, maximizing performance.
• Ventilation Systems: Vital in building and home ventilation, turbofans facilitate effective ventilation through duct connections, improving indoor environments.

Principle of Turbofans

Operating on centrifugal force, turbofans push air outward as they rotate, sucking in air and blowing it out at a 90° angle. Despite their potential for higher noise levels, their significant static pressure and volumetric flow rate make them suitable for a wide range of uses. The air volume output is influenced by blade number, width, and rotation speed.

Structure of Turbofans

Characterized by their high blowing capacity, turbofans have backward-mounted blades at their core, differing from sirocco fans, which have forward-facing blades. This design efficiently draws in and expels air.

Types of Turbofans

Turbofans vary by design, functionality, and intended use:

• Axial Flow Turbofan: Common in large engines and industrial settings, air flows linearly along the axis.
• Centrifugal Turbofan: Air flows radially outward, fitting for compact appliances and small equipment.
• Mixed-Flow Turbofan: Blending axial and centrifugal features, used in medium installations and some industrial applications.

What Is a Tapping Drilling Machine?

A tapping drilling machine is a tabletop drilling machine with a tapping function.

Tapping is performed by using forward and reverse rotation. The tapping drilling machine can be rotated in reverse with the flip of a switch. After threading with a tap, the machine can be turned in reverse with the flip of a switch to remove the tap.

There are two types of tapping drilling machines: those that have been modified to become tapping drilling machines, and those that were designed as tapping drilling machines. The latter is more accurate for threading than the former; ultra-fine tapping such as M1 and M2 is not possible with a modified drilling machine.

Uses of Tapping Drilling Machines

Tapping drilling machines are mainly used in factories that handle metal.

Threading (tapping) machines are more common than you might think in mold and die factories, metal processing, and equipment maintenance operations. Most of the machines and parts in factories are fixed by bolts and other screw parts. Screws and tapping are inseparable.

For example, when manufacturing dies in a mold and die factory, most of them have more than 300 parts. Metal plates, punches, dies, etc., are all secured with hexagon socket head bolts, so the number of tapping points easily exceeds the number of parts. Some factories have dedicated workers who cut screws all day long. In such operations, tapping drilling machines are machine tools that greatly improve productivity.

Principle of Tapping Drilling Machines

Tapping drilling machines are machine tools that can efficiently perform two operations: drilling and tapping. The changeover can be done with a single switch. (The rough setting of the spindle speed is determined by the way the V-belt inside the belt cover is applied.)

Inverter control is also recommended for frequent tapping size changes. Since the speed can be quickly adjusted to any desired rotation speed, it is possible to adjust the rotation speed to suit the drilling and tapping size and material to be processed. In addition, manual tapping work is essentially a repetitive process of cutting in, putting back, cutting in again, and putting back. With tapping drilling machines, this is not necessary, and it takes only about 4 seconds to cut an M6 tap to a depth of 3/4″ if the pre-hole has already been machined.

However, care must be taken when tapping SKD material or hardened products. The higher load increases the possibility of damage to the tap. When machining such materials, the spindle speed of the tapping drilling machines should be reduced to a low speed. Frequent switching is also necessary in tapping operations, as the tapping operation requires repeated in-feed and out-feed operations. Since it is anticipated that both hands will be busy, a foot switch may be used.

What Is a Tachogenerator?

A tachogenerator is a sensor that is attached to a rotating shaft and outputs a DC voltage signal in response to the rotation speed.

It is used to detect the rotational speed of a shaft and is abbreviated as TG. The “tacho” in tachogenerator is derived from the Greek word takhos, which means speed, and a device used to measure the rotational speed of an engine is called a tachometer.

A generator is a device that generates electricity. The name “tachogenerator” is derived from the fact that a tachogenerator is a device that both measures RPM and generates electricity. Tachogenerators are used in a wide range of fields because of their compact size, high reliability, and ability to measure rotation speed with high accuracy.

Uses of Tachogenerators

Tachogenerators are mainly used to detect the rotation of moving equipment.

They have long been used in tachometers and speedometers for automobiles and ships. By attaching a tachogenerator to the rotating shaft of an engine or other equipment, it is possible to calculate the speed from the rotation speed. In recent years, inexpensive and highly accurate pulse generators are often used as an alternative.

It is also used to control rotation speed in machine tools. It is also used for positioning of robot arms, etc. In general, they are used for equipment that requires high-precision rotational speed control and position control.

In addition, it may be used for general-purpose rotational speed measurement applications. It may be used to detect the moving speed of a crane or the speed of an arm drive.

Principle of Tachogenerators

A tachogenerator consists of a rotor, brushes, and stator/casing.

1. Rotor

The rotor is a component that rotates with the rotating shaft. A coil is wound inside.

The coil is a wire wound around the core of the rotor and is used to generate a DC voltage through changes in the magnetic field. As the rotor rotates, the magnetic flux passes through the coil, inducing an induced electromotive force in the coil.

Since the positive/negative direction of the induced electromotive force is reversed depending on the direction of rotation of the shaft, the direction of rotation can be determined in addition to the rotation speed.

2. Brush (Commutator)

The commutator is a component that comes into contact with the rotor of the tachogenerator. It is used to switch the polarity of the voltage applied to the coil. It is mainly composed of carbon and other materials.

Wear may increase with prolonged use, and periodic maintenance or replacement may be required. In addition, if the brushes contact the wrong position or if the contact is deteriorated by dirt or rust, accurate rotation speed detection may not be possible.

3. Stator and Casing

The stator is the component that provides the magnetic field to the rotor. Permanent magnets are mainly used.

The casing protects the rotor and permanent magnet inside, and serves to protect them from external environmental influences. It is generally housed in a metal casing and supported by bearings.

The casing is made of durable, heat- and corrosion-resistant materials. Steel and stainless steel are examples. In some cases, high-precision machining techniques are required.

Connectors for input and output are often installed in the casing. This allows signals output from the tachogenerator to be taken out and supplied externally. The casing also has holes or slits for mounting, which are used for mechanical fastening or as wiring passages.

How to Select a Tachogenerator

When selecting a tachogenerator, the rotational speed range and output voltage should be taken into consideration.

Tachogenerators output a signal of rotational speed within a certain range. Therefore, it is important to check the rotational speed range of the target equipment. It is necessary to select a tachogenerator to be used within that range.

The output voltage and other factors must also be selected to match the requirements of the system to be used. Generally, the output of a tachogenerator is a DC voltage, but it is possible to incorporate a circuit to convert it to AC if necessary.

What Is a Torque Screwdriver?

Torque Screwdrivers are tools used in screw tightening operations that require torque control. Unlike ordinary screwdrivers, torque screwdrivers can tighten screws to a specified torque, and are therefore mainly used for automobile maintenance and assembly of precision equipment in factories.

There are manual and digital torque settings. In addition to manual screwdrivers, there are also electric torque screwdrivers, which are often used for assembly work in factories.

Usage of Torque Screwdrivers

Torque screwdrivers are mainly used for assembly of precision electronic parts and maintenance of bicycles in factories.

When these operations are performed with ordinary screwdrivers that do not allow torque settings, they can cause variations such as too high tightening torque and damage or too low tightening torque and screws not tightened completely, which can lead to product defects and a reduction in work efficiency by having to redo the work.

In contrast, a torque screwdriver can be used to tighten each screw. Torque Screwdrivers can solve this problem by controlling the torque for each operation.

In general, Torque Screwdrivers have replaceable bits, so they can be used with a variety of screw heads, just like regular screwdrivers.

Principle of Torque Screwdrivers

Torque Screwdrivers are available in the following two types of mechanisms:

• Dry Torque Screwdrivers Before use, the target torque is set by turning an adjustment ring. During screw tightening work, when the set torque value is reached, the clutch automatically disengages and idles to prevent over-tightening. It is a general torque driver mainly used for assembly work.
• Umbrella Type Torque Screwdrivers
  This screwdriver has a scale on the driver to read the torque value. It has a scale on both sides, and the tightened torque value can be read on the scale.

In addition to the differences in mechanism described above, there is also a difference in whether the setting and reading are done analog or digital.

Calibration of Torque Drivers

Torque Screwdrivers are measuring instruments. It is important to calibrate it periodically to ensure that it functions at the correct torque value. However, there is no standard or law that defines the calibration cycle. Decide the calibration interval according to the regulations of the company that uses or manages the torque driver.

The unit of measurement for Torque Screwdrivers is cNm (centi-Newton meter).

To calibrate the Torque Screwdriver, fix the Torque Screwdriver horizontally, attach a 1 cm long calibration device to the torque sensing section, also horizontally, and hang a weight 1 cm from the Torque Screwdriver.

We will test whether the value of the weight and the torque display of the torque driver are within the specified accuracy range. If it is out of the accuracy range, adjust it and test again. As for the weight, use a weight that divides the full scale of the torque driver into equal parts, test the number of divisions, and record each value.

Calibrate in both clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) directions.

There is also a calibration method using a dedicated verification device.

Air-Operated Torque Screwdrivers

Torque screwdrivers are used to measure screw tightening torque, but with a dry-running torque screwdriver, when dry-running occurs, the screw has been tightened to the set torque value.

This is because when torque exceeds the set torque value is applied to the torque screwdriver, the shaft idles and no further torque load can be applied.

There are two types of dry-running torque screwdrivers: those that allow the set torque value to be changed, and those that have a fixed torque value that cannot be changed (preset type). The idling type torque driver does not need to work while watching the torque value, so it is suitable for the work of continuously tightening screws with the same torque setting at the assembly site. Even non-idling torque screwdrivers have products that emit some kind of signal when the specified torque is exceeded.

Torque Screwdriver Bits

Most torque screwdrivers can use commercially available screwdriver bits with a 6.35 mm side-to-side diameter.

What Is a Caster?

A caster is mainly used as moving wheel parts attached to carts and shelves. Various types of caster exist, depending on differences in installation methods and tire materials, and they are used for different purposes.

Some of them are equipped with a stopper mechanism, which is useful when it is necessary to secure the cart during transportation.

Uses of Casters

Casters are mainly used for different types of terrain and different load capacities depending on the material of the tire. Typical materials and their main applications are shown below.

Elastic Material

Since casters can move smoothly even if there are some bumps, they are mainly used in situations where casters need to be used on bumpy road surfaces. Typical materials include rubber, urethane, and elastomer. Some of these materials are susceptible to oil and chemicals and deteriorate over long periods of use, so care must be taken when selecting materials for factory carts. There are also casters that use tires filled with air, similar to automobile tires, and are often used for outdoor applications.

Rigid Materials

Compared to elastic materials, rigid materials have lower shock absorption performance and are prone to vibration on bumpy surfaces, but they have the advantage of being able to move even heavy objects smoothly and are used for transporting heavy objects in warehouses. Typical materials include “nylon,” and “phenol.” Compared to elastic materials, many of them have higher resistance to oil and chemicals, so they are sometimes employed for the convenience of the place of use.

Principle of Casters

Casters are mainly composed of three parts: the “mounting part,” “the body part,” and the “wheel part.”

Mounting Part

The type of mounting part should be selected depending on how to attach the casters to the object. The main types are “flat type with a plate fixed by screws,” “type with a caster itself screwed in,” “type inserted into a square pipe or round pipe,” etc.

Main Body Part

This part is used to connect the mounting section and the wheel section and is generally made by bending sheet metal. Since the load capacity varies greatly depending on the material and shape, special consideration should be given when handling heavy objects.

Wheel Part

This is the key part of casters. Various materials exist, and the size of the wheel also affects performance. In general, the larger the wheel diameter, the less rolling resistance, allowing smooth movement even on bumpy, unpaved surfaces. For this reason, if there are no restrictions on the overall size of the equipment, it is advantageous to choose a wheel diameter. In reality, however, there are almost always restrictions on the overall size of the device after the installation of casters, so the optimal one is often selected by weighing ease of use and size.

What Are Digital Counters?

Digital counters are devices that count output signals from switches and sensors.

In addition to digital counters that only display the count on a dedicated display device, there are also types that have a function to inform when a preset count value has been reached.

Digital counters are not necessary when simply counting a small number of items, but they are useful when the number of items to be counted is large, or the counting must be done over a long period of time, or when the counting must be done continuously and accurately.

Applications of Digital Counters

For example, a kitchen timer used in a home has a built-in timekeeping function and is used to keep track of the elapsed time when cooking in order to keep track of the prescribed cooking time.

A pedometer counts output signals from a vibration sensor that detects vibrations generated when a person walks and presents the results to the user by displaying them on a dedicated display.

If considered in business applications, pedometers are used in factory production lines, for example, when counting the number of products produced by combining them with sensors that detect when a product has passed a predetermined location.

Principles of Digital Counters

In general, digital counters consist of an LCD or other display that shows the count value, a button for setting the count value, a button for setting the time, and several buttons for resetting the count value.

In addition, most commercial digital counters have a terminal for inputting signals from the outside and a terminal for outputting signals to the outside.

Digital counters for consumer use are generally powered by a DC battery.

Digital counters should be connected to the output of a sensor on the production line.

In advance, the digital counters are set to a predetermined value. When production starts, the product passes in front of the sensor.

In response, the digital counters increase the count value by +1 and simultaneously display the count value on the LCD screen.

When the digital counters receive a signal input from the sensor and the count value reaches its target, they will, for example, sound a buzzer or output a signal to a subsequent process.

What Are Tube Filling Machines?

Tube filling machines are used to fill viscous creams and other products into tube-shaped containers. Many products are capable of not only filling, but also performing integrated pre- and post-filling processes such as washing and discharging tubes.

Filling contents and tube materials vary, but there are some common characteristics. Since each mechanism operates at high speed as filling operations become faster and faster, safety door covers are provided. Machine operation itself is becoming increasingly easy with touch panel operation screens. High-precision filling reduces content loss and tube adhesion. Productivity is also improved in multi-product production, as the machine can switch between different types of contents in a short time without the use of tools.

• Since each mechanism operates at high speed as filling operations become faster and faster, safety door covers are provided.
• Machine operation itself is becoming increasingly easy with touch panel operation screens.
• High-precision filling reduces content loss and tube adhesion.
• Productivity is also improved in multi-product production, as the machine can switch between different types of contents in a short time without the use of tools.

In addition, the filling volume is highly reproducible, and some machines can check weights after sealing for quality inspection.

Applications of Tube Filling Machines

Tube filling machines have been installed in many cases in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

• Sunscreen creams and hand creams
• Bath and hair gels
• Pharmaceutical ointments and creams
• Pastes
• Lotions
• Oils
• Hair color
• Mascara and other cosmetics
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste, etc.

In addition, tubing is also used in the food industry to fill tubed products and paste foods.

Tubing materials include plastic tubes, laminated tubes, and metal tubes (aluminum, etc.).

Principles of Tube Filling Machines

Tube filling machines fill the contents in the following flow:

• Tube Feeding
  The machine is equipped with a cassette-type feeding device, and the number of tubes can be controlled by camera check, etc.
• Cleaning
  Tubes are cleaned with air, etc.
• Alignment
  Tubes are aligned by setting color marks on them and reading them with a sensor. Depending on the shape of the tube supply mechanism, some have a mechanism to rotate the container.
• Filling
  Cylinder piston type and valveless rotary piston type are most commonly used to fill tubes by suctioning a specified volume with a piston. In addition to the automatic type, which is capable of follow-up control with a servo motor, there is also a cam-type control type and a manual type for high-mix low-volume production. Some products are equipped with a device that automatically adjusts the filling volume. To prevent the purchase of air bubbles during this process, air bubbles are removed by high-speed rotation, etc.
• Sealing and Marking
  Sealing of tubes is performed. Sealing includes hot air type, folding and tightening type, heat sealing type, ultrasonic type, etc. Many products are available with capping torque control. In addition, labeling and lot no. marking on the tube body are also applied in this process.
• Cutting
  In order to accommodate products with a design on the cut portion, some products can be cut in fan or corrugated shapes in addition to R-cut.
• Discharge
  Some machines are equipped with an automatic tube ejection system.