AS 0628 DC 24V 45 Degree Rotary Actuator For Sorting Machine

Part 1 :  Characteristics of rotary actuator

1.1:  The rotary actuator is driven by electromagnetic force. When current passes through the coil, a magnetic field is generated around plunger. This magnetic field interacts with the armature to generate a torque that causes the armature to rotate around the shaft. This drive method has the characteristics of non-contact, and compared with traditional mechanical drive, it reduces the wear between mechanical parts. For example, in some automated equipment, the rotating actuator can work stably for a long time without the need to frequently replace parts damaged by friction.

Its driving speed can be adjusted by changing the magnitude and frequency of the current. By increasing the current, the magnetic field strength can be enhanced, thereby speeding up the rotation speed of the armature; conversely, reducing the current will reduce the rotation speed. This allows the rotating actuator to flexibly adjust the working rhythm in different working scenarios. For example, in high-speed sorting equipment, the current can be increased to achieve fast sorting; in situations where high precision is required, the current can be appropriately reduced to ensure the accuracy of rotation.

1.2 : Angle control characteristics

Rotating actuator can achieve precise angle control. By accurately controlling the on-off time and size of the current, the armature can be rotated to a specific angle. This feature is very important in many application scenarios that require precise positioning. For example, in the adjustment device of an optical instrument, a rotating actuator can rotate optical elements such as lenses to a precise angle to meet different optical experiments or measurement requirements.

Some advanced rotating  actuators are also equipped with angle feedback devices, such as encoders. The encoder can monitor the rotation angle of the armature in real time and feed the signal back to the control system. The control system fine-tunes the current of the actuator based on the feedback information to further improve the accuracy of the angle control and achieve very high angle resolution, such as rotation control that can be accurate to a few tenths of a degree.

1.3: Fast response speed

The response speed of rotating actuator is usually fast. When the coil is energized or de-energized, the change in the magnetic field is almost instantaneous, and the armature can start or stop rotating in a very short time. In an automated control system, this fast response feature enables the device to respond to external signals in a timely manner. For example, in the sorting link of the automated production line, when the sensor detects the position or type information of the product, the rotating actuator can be quickly started to sort the product to the corresponding position, greatly improving production efficiency.

Its response time can generally reach milliseconds. The specific response time will be affected by factors such as coil inductance and power supply performance. By optimizing the design of the rotary solenoid, such as reducing the coil inductance and adopting high-performance power supplies, the response speed can be further improved.

1.4: Compact structure design

The structure of the rotating solenoid is relatively compact. It is mainly composed of coils, iron cores, armatures and rotating shafts, which can be integrated in a small space. This compact structure enables it to be widely used in equipment with limited space. For example, in the joint control of small robots, the rotating actuator can be easily installed in the joint part of the robot to provide power and control for the movement of the robot.

Due to its compact structure, the rotating solenoid is also easy to integrate with other mechanical parts or electronic components. It can form a complete automation system with sensors, controllers, etc., and is more flexible in system layout and can adapt to various complex equipment structure requirements.

1.5: High reliability and stability

The rotating actuator has high reliability under normal working conditions. Its working principle is based on electromagnet induction, without complex mechanical transmission links, reducing the risk of equipment damage caused by mechanical failure. As long as the normal state of components such as coils and iron cores is guaranteed, the actuator can work stably. For example, in some environmental monitoring instruments with high requirements for equipment stability, rotating actuators can operate reliably for a long time, record and adjust various parameters of the instrument.

In order to improve reliability, rotating actuators can also adopt some protective measures. For example, moisture-proof and dust-proof treatment of the solenoid coil, rust-proof treatment of the iron core and armature, etc. These measures can extend the service life of the actuator and ensure that it can work stably in various harsh environments.

Part 2 :  Application advantages in sorting machines

2.1:  Precise control: can accurately control the angle and speed of rotation. For example, in some high-precision sorting equipment, rotating actuators can sort items at very accurate angles and positions. By adjusting the size and direction of the current, the rotation angle of the armature can be accurately controlled. For example, when sorting small electronic components, it can accurately sort the components into the corresponding collection container.

2.2: Fast response: has fast response characteristics. On a high-speed sorting line, when the sensor detects the items to be sorted, the rotating actuator can start and complete the sorting action in a very short time. This helps to improve sorting efficiency and meet the needs of large-scale production.

2.3: High reliability: The structure is relatively simple and has high reliability under normal maintenance. It is not as prone to mechanical wear and failure as some complex mechanical transmission devices, reducing the downtime of the equipment.

2.4: Working parameters and selection points

Torque requirements: It is necessary to consider the torque required by the rotatingactuator when working. The torque depends on factors such as the weight and size of the items to be sorted and the speed of sorting. For example, if you want to sort heavier packages, you need to choose a rotating actuator with a larger torque to ensure that the package can be sorted to the designated location smoothly.

2.5: Rotation angle range: Different sorting tasks may require different rotation angles. Some sorting actions may only require a smaller rotation angle, such as transferring items from one conveyor belt to another adjacent conveyor belt; while some situations may require a larger rotation angle, such as sorting items from the main conveyor belt to a distant collection box. Therefore, it is necessary to select an actuator with a suitable rotation angle range according to the specific sorting requirements.

2.6: Working frequency: The working frequency of the sorting machine is also an important factor in the selection. If it is working in a high-frequency sorting environment, it is necessary to select a rotating actuator that can withstand high-frequency action to ensure its service life and performance. For example, in an automated food sorting workshop, there may be dozens or even hundreds of foods to be sorted per minute, and a rotating actuator working at a high frequency is required.

Part 3 : Maintenance and common problem handling

3.1: Regular inspection: Check the coil of the actuator regularly for short circuit or open circuit. You can use a multi meter and other tools for detection. At the same time, check whether the connection between the armature and the shaft is loose, because looseness may cause inaccurate rotation angle.

3.2: Cleaning work: Keep the surface of the actuator clean to prevent dust and debris from entering the interior and affecting its performance. Especially in some sorting places with harsh environments, such as ore sorting factories with a lot of dust, cleaning work should be strengthened.

3.3 Common problems and solutions

Insufficient suction: If the rotating actuator is found to have insufficient suction, it may be caused by coil aging, insufficient power supply voltage, etc. In the case of coil aging, the coil needs to be replaced; if it is a power supply voltage problem, check the power supply system and adjust the voltage.

3.4: Inflexible rotation: When there is a foreign object stuck between the armature and the core or the shaft is rusted, the rotation will be inflexible. At this time, it is necessary to clean the foreign object and lubricate the rusted shaft, such as using lubricating oil or grease to improve the rotation performance.

Part 4 :  How to choose a rotating actuator suitable for a specific application?

4.1: Consider the load characteristics

Torque requirements: First, it is necessary to clarify the torque required in the application scenario. If it is a device used to carry heavy objects, such as an industrial robot arm, a rotating actuator with a larger torque is required to ensure that the heavy objects can be grasped and moved stably. The required torque can be estimated by calculating the weight of the load, the distance from the center of gravity of the load to the rotation axis, and then according to the lever principle (torque = force × lever arm). For example, an object with a mass of 10 kg, its center of gravity is 0.5 meters away from the rotation axis, and the gravity acceleration is 9.8m/s², then the required torque is approximately 10×9.8×0.5 = 49N・m.

4.2:  Moment of inertia matching: For applications that require rapid start and stop rotation, the moment of inertia of the load should be considered. The moment of inertia is related to the mass distribution and shape of the object. If the moment of inertia of the load is large, and the torque of the selected rotating actuator is insufficient or the inertia matching is unreasonable, it may cause slow startup or overshoot. For example, in the tool turret application of an automated lathe, the mass distribution and shape of the tool determine its moment of inertia, and it is necessary to select an actuator that can match it to achieve fast and accurate tool replacement.

4.3: Working environment factors

Temperature range: Different working environment temperatures have different effects on rotatinga ctuators. In high temperature environments, such as near the furnace of a metallurgical plant, the coil resistance of the actuator will increase, which may cause severe heating or even damage. Therefore, it is necessary to select an actuator that can withstand high temperatures, such as using high-temperature resistant insulating materials to make the coil. In low temperature environments, some materials may become brittle and affect the mechanical properties of the actuator. At this time, it is necessary to consider using materials that can still maintain good elasticity and toughness at low temperatures to make components such as the armature.

4.4:  Protection level: If there is dust, water, corrosive liquids or gases in the working environment, it is necessary to select a rotating actuator with a corresponding protection level. For example, in a food processing workshop, there may be a lot of moisture and food residue, so you need to choose an actuator with a protection level of at least IP65 (dust proof level 6: completely prevent dust from entering; waterproof level 5: prevent water from large waves from entering) to prevent equipment damage.

4.5: Electromagnetic interference: In some environments with high requirements for electromagnetic compatibility, such as near medical equipment in hospitals or electronic laboratories, it is necessary to consider the electromagnetic  interference generated by rotating actuators. Choose actuators with good actuator shielding, or adopt some actuator interference suppression measures, such as installing filters, to avoid affecting the normal operation of other sensitive equipment around.

4.6: Accuracy and control requirements

Angle accuracy: For applications that require precise angle control, such as optical instrument calibration or precision machining equipment, choose rotating actuators with high angle accuracy. Some actuators can achieve precise angle control through built-in high-precision encoders or sensors, and the angle accuracy can reach ±0.1° or even higher. At the same time, it is also necessary to consider whether the control system can support this high-precision angle control, such as whether it has sufficient resolution to adjust the current and monitor the angle.

Speed ​​control requirements: If the application scenario has strict requirements on the rotation speed, such as in high-speed automated sorting equipment, it is necessary to select a rotating actuator that can accurately control the speed. Accurate speed regulation can be achieved by selecting an actuator with suitable frequency response characteristics and combining it with advanced speed control algorithms such as PID (proportional-integral-differential) control. At the same time, it is necessary to consider whether the maximum speed of the actuator meets the application requirements. For example, the maximum speed of the rotating actuator of some high-speed sorting robots may need to reach several thousand revolutions per minute.

4.7: Power supply conditions

Voltage and current range: Choose a suitable rotating actuator based on the existing power supply system. Make sure that the rated voltage and current of the actuator are within the range that the power supply can provide. For example, if the power supply output voltage is 24V, then an actuator with a rated voltage close to 24V should be selected to avoid the actuator from not working properly or being damaged due to voltage mismatch. At the same time, it is necessary to consider whether the output current of the power supply can meet the current demand of the actuator during startup and operation, especially for some large-torque actuators, the starting current may be relatively large.

4.8: Power supply stability: The stability of the power supply also has a great impact on the performance of the rotating actuator. If the power supply voltage fluctuates greatly, the torque and speed of the actuator may be unstable. In applications that require high power supply stability, such as precision testing equipment, a stabilized power supply or a power module with voltage regulation function can be used to power the actuator to ensure its stable operation.

Cost and service life.

4.9: Cost budget: Under the premise of meeting the application requirements, cost is an important consideration. The prices of rotating actuators of different brands and specifications vary greatly. It is necessary to comprehensively consider the balance between performance and price. For example, for some consumer electronic products that do not require high precision and have a short service life, relatively low-priced actuators may be selected; while for long-term applications such as industrial automation equipment, they may be more willing to invest higher costs to purchase actuators with good quality and long service life.

4.9: Service life estimation: The service life of the rotating actuator should be estimated based on factors such as the operating frequency, load conditions and working environment of the application. Generally speaking, the higher the operating frequency, the greater the load and the worse the environment, the shorter the service life of the actuator. You can obtain reference data on the service life of the actuator under different conditions by consulting the product manual or consulting the manufacturer. For example, under normal operating conditions, the service life of a certain brand of rotating actuator may be 10 million operations, but in a harsh environment with high load and high frequency, the service life may be reduced to 1 million operations.

Product detail diagram