Page 522 - Sensors and Control Systems in Manufacturing

FIGURE 9.32 Insertion machine. Communications 475

When actuators C and D retract for the second time, box change-
over is triggered. Only when a new empty box is brought into position
does a new insertion cycle begin.
The feed functions carried out by this inserting machine include
arrangement, separation, and insertion cycles.

9.9 Linear Indexing for Manufacturing Applications
Linear indexing is best-suited in applications where strip or rod-shaped
materials have to be processed in individual stages throughout their
entire length. An example of linear indexing is shown in Fig. 9.33.
A machine stamps holes into a strip of sheet metal at equal inter-
vals. After each stamping process, the metal strip is clamped, pushed
forward a specified distance, and clamped again. Pushing forward
and clamping are carried out by a pneumatic feed unit controlled by
various sensors. This feed unit is a compact handling component spe-
cifically intended for strip-indexing tasks.
Figure 9.34 illustrates indexing conveyer belts, which are also
referred to as linear indexing systems. Suitable devices for driving such
a belt are either motors or pneumatic actuators with a mechanism
such as a ratchet to convert an actuator linear stroke into a rotary