July 25, 2006

New Hi-Performance Controller Cuts Parts Feeder Power Consumption by 30%!

<Controller automatically detects parts vibration status to maintain optimum operation>

The NTN Corporation has succeeded in developing a "High Performance Controller for Parts Feeders". This controller not only provides a stable component supply without having to mount a new sensor but also cuts power consumption by up to 30 percent.

A Parts feeder is a device that aligns parts in the position required and supplies them to the next process, by applying a tiny vibration. This vibration must be maintained at an optimum frequency in order to efficiently supply the parts. However, this optimum frequency is constantly changing according to parts vibration conditions. In some cases the feeder might operate in a state that deviates from this optimum frequency. Because of this problem, it was a challenge to achieve energy savings. Another controller was marketed having a separate sensor to maintain this optimum frequency, but it was troublesome to install and adjust.

As a solution, NTN developed a controller with a function of detecting and controlling parts feeder vibration from the supply voltage waveform to an electric solenoid within the parts feeder chassis. This function not only constantly supplies an optimal frequency and stable vibration to the part but also saves energy by cutting power approximately 30 percent compared to current models. Moreover, no additional sensor has to be installed, so this controller can be mounted on parts feeders already in use.

A standard type (up to 4 amp control current capacity) controller is already on sale. This product series will also include a large current capacity controller (up to 10 amp control current capacity) that goes on sale this July, and a controller capable of driving 2 parts feeders from a single unit that goes on sale this autumn.

[Features]

• Automatic detection and auto adjusting to optimal frequency
  • → Energy savings of up to 30%
• Automatically aligns vibration amplitude to a preset figure
  • → Maintains parts in optimum vibration state
• No need to install a separate sensor
  • → Controller is easy to replace

[ADVANTAGES]

AUTOMATIC FOLLOWUP TO OPTIMAL FREQUENCY ·Automatically adjusts to frequency with highest efficiency → Energy savings up to 30% MAINTAINS OPTIMAL PART VIBRATION STATE USING FIXED AMPLITUDE FUNCTION ·Maintains amplitude fluctuations within 3% (under conditions with fluctuations of more than 10% in current models) NEEDS NO VIBRATION SENSOR ·Needs no vibration sensor or wiring installation → So it easily replaces existing models ·No problem of breaking wire leads connected to the vibration sensor → So there are fewer equipment failures and down-time

[HOW IT WORKS]

• Accurately measures drive signal (voltage & current) to an electric solenoid [drive signal measurement device]
• Estimates actual (i) phase difference from optimum vibration frequency (ii) supply volume(vibration amplitude) [CPU]
• Applies power to an electric solenoid using optimum amplitude value and vibration frequency sent from CPU [Inverter]
  

→	Needs no externally mounted sensor since it automatically follows up on optimal frequency with fixed amplitude function!

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