Abstract
In the past few years, CIM and FA systems have progressed rapidly in industrial fields. Recently, rotary racks (RR) have been attracting attention as one of several material handling systems. Most notable is the remarkable increase in demand for multilevel RR systems which can store, transfer and extract light load parts. This type of RR provides a range of automatic warehouse equipment which reduce cycle-time for more systematic performance.
However, this results in an increase in cost. Also, the trend toward handling high densities and large capacities will make high speed (50m/min) inevitable as a result of the extended length of RR (30∼50m).
In response to these needs, pendulum mechanisms have been developed. Centrifugal action is reduced in the rotary area, preventing the bucket from sliding outward. These RR are capable of travelling at 50m/min.
Having experimentally determined the dynamic characteristics of RR at their sliding points, the authors established impact conditions between trays in the rotary area. They were thereby able to prevent the buckets from sliding outward, due to the high speed twinrotary rack mechanism, and to provide space saving qualities.
In this paper, problems with the conventional method, and the dynamic characteristics of a high speed twin-rotary mechanism, are reported.
