Electric Actuators – Rack-and-Pinion System L Series

Compact Size and Maximum Transportable Mass of 100 kg

Comparison With Electric Linear Slide

The rack-and-pinion system can transport the transportable mass if it is mounted without consideration of the moment of inertia.

Overview of Rack-and-Pinion System

The rack-and-pinion system can easily convert the rotation of the motor into linear motion.
Although the linear motion mechanism part is compact in design, it can transport a large load due to its high strength processing.

Contributing to Design Efficiency

Reduces Startup Time

The rack-and-pinion system reduces the number of components traditionally used, significantly reducing the man-hours required for design and assembly.

Space Saving

By fixing the screw holes on both ends of the rack, the main unit can be self-propelled. This function is effective for equipment that is too small to provide motor space.

Allows Setting in mm Units

αSTEP AZ Series is used for the drive motor.
Using together with the MEXE02 support software makes setting travel amount in mm units easy, allowing for a variety of linear motion applications.

Minimum Travel Amount

High-Speed Type	Large Transportable Mass Type
0.01 mm	0.001 mm

Operating Speed Range (For AC input type)

High-Speed Type	Large Transportable Mass Type
	Frame Size 60 mm	Frame Size 80 mm
0~500 mm/s	0~90 mm/s	0~40 mm/s

Applications

The rack-and-pinion system, which can be applied to a variety of applications, is a user-friendly product that can be selected as if it were a component.

Rack Moving Direction	Motor Fixed	Rack Fixed
Parallel (B type)	Easily move objects by pushing or pulling.	A wide variety of stroke and speed is available.
Vertical (F type)	Vertical operation is also easy. Electromagnetic brake drop protection is also available.	Using the screw holes at the end of rack simplifies the fastening of loads and rack fixing.

Real examples from the Oriental Motor production facilities of load elevating and lowering equipment used to explain points for adoption of products.
Oriental Motor’s extensive product lineup and wide range of services contribute to overall reduced costs, by shortening startup times, and equipment design with specifications to meet your needs.

Labor-Saving Ideas

At Japan’s Manufacturing sites, labor shortages due to a decline in the working population associated with the decreasing birthrate and aging population is becoming an issue. Amidst this, there is an urgent need for labor-saving that reduces the burden of “heavy lifting work” and “repetitive work such as sorting.” Rack-and-pinion system that transports high loads contributing to labor-saving in manufacturing operations.

Rack-and-Pinion System Labor-Saving Recommendations

Use Example for L Series (Automated lifting equipment demonstration unit)

Oriental Motor offers a demonstration unit (for exhibition) of the automatic lifting equipment using the L Series. With a simple mechanism, heavy objects up to 100 kg can be lifted and lowered. Refer to the video for details on lifting equipment.

Proposal for Utilization of Rack-and-Pinion System L Series

Overview of Demonstration Unit Configuration

		Product Name	List Price
L Series F Type		LM4F40AZMC-6	106,500 JPY
Built-In Controller Type Driver		AZD-AD	57,200 JPY
Flexible Connection Cable Set (2 m)		CC020VZRB	11,800 JPY

Battery-Free Absolute Encoder Equipped

It is equipped with a small battery-free mechanical absolute encoder (ABZO sensor). This can help improve productivity and reduce costs.

• Mechanical-Type Sensor
  Retains positioning information even when power is not supplied
• Multi-Rotation Absolute Encoder
  Absolute position detection is possible with ±900 (1,800) revolutions of the motor shaft from the home position

Simplifying the Main Program via Sequence Function

The AZ Series come equipped with a wide variety of sequence functions such as timer settings for linked operation and during operations, conditional branching, and loop operation. (excluding some models)
It can be set up using the support software MEXE02, which simplifies the sequence program of the host system.

• Positioning Operation Data Setting Value (max. 256)
• General-Purpose I/O Signal Counts (Input 10, Output 6)
• Communication I/O Signal Counts (Input 16, Output 16)

• Useful Functions and Usage of the AZ Series
• Simple Sequence and Utilization Examples for Functions

Return-to-Home Not Required (Built-in controller type)

Even if the power shuts down during a positioning operation, the position information is retained. With the built-in controller type, the positioning operation can be restarted without performing return-to-home, after an emergency stop on the production line or a blackout.

Data Collection of Motor Operation Status and Functions Useful for Preventive and Predictive Maintenance

This software is equipped with various monitoring functions for checking the operating status of the motor.
By using different types of equipment for different situations, it is possible to shorten the start-up and adjustment time of the equipment, as well as to utilize it for maintenance and servicing.

Monitoring Function to Visualize the Motor Operating Status and Help Collect Data

The ABZO sensor bulit in the AZ Series allows you to monitor the motor’s operating status numerically.

[Monitoring With MEXE02 Support Software]

In addition, the built-in controller type can realize data collection at a host master via industrial network.

Information Functions Useful for Preventive and Predictive Maintenance

By setting arbitrary numerical values for the monitored information items, external signals can be output when the values are reached.
Importing this information into the host controller helps in early detection of problems and adjustment of product maintenance timing.

Examples of Information Functions

TRIP Information

You can set the number of rotations you want to output in advance, and output when that number is reached. (Motor operation will continue)

Temperature Information

You can set the desired output temperature in advance, and the driver will output when it reaches that temperature. (Motor operation will continue)

Standardized Wiring, Control, and Maintenance Parts

Various actuator products equipped with the αSTEP AZ Series are available.
Each of them has the same motor and driver, for standardized wiring, control, and maintenance parts.

Wiring Standardization

The wiring for motor cables, I/O signals, and power supply is the same.

Control Standardization

These products can be operated via the same method, since the control method is the same. For the network control, the remote I/O and the command code are also the same. It saves you the trouble of creating a program.

Unification of Maintenance Parts

Maintenance parts can be minimized, since the motor, driver, and cable are common to all. Management costs (parts cost, management space) can be reduced.

AZ Series-Equipped Product Line

Electric Actuators (AZ Series Equipped)

• The power supply input of the installed motor differs between Series. Please refer to each series page for the detailed product line.

Drivers That Can be Selected to Match the Host Controller

Driver Type		Compatible Interfaces	Single Axis Driver
			AC Input	DC Input
Network Compatible	Drivers are controlled directly from a host control device through industrial network	EtherCAT	○	○
		EtherNet/IP™	○	○
		PROFINET	○	○
		MECHATROLINK-Ⅲ	○	−
		SSCNETⅢ/H	○	−
Built-in Controller	Operation data is built into the driver.Controllable via Modbus (RTU) and I/O. Can be controlled via CC-Link by using a network converter.	Modbus (RTU) I/O CC-Link*	○	○
Pulse Input with RS-485 Communication	Controlled by pulse signal. Motor status information can be monitored via Modbus (RTU).	Pulse input Modbus (RTU)	○	○
Pulse Input	Controlled by pulse signal	Pulse input	○	○

• DC input mini drivers and multi-axis driver lineups are also available.

• *Available when using a network converter (sold separately).

• *EtherCAT® is registered trademark and patented technology, licensed by Beckhoff Automation GmbH, Germany.
• *EtherNet/IP™ is a trademark of ODVA.
• *PROFINET is a trademark or registered trademark of PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO).
• *MECHATROLINK is a registered trademark of the MECHATROLINK Members Association.
• *SSCNETⅢ/H is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.
• *CC-Link is a registered trademark of the CC-Link Partner Association.

Easy Drive From PC with Support Software MEXE02

By using the support software MEXE02, you can set and edit operation data and various parameters, as well as teach and monitor various conditions.

Comprehensive Support From Start-up to Maintenance with a Variety of Functions

• Startup and Evaluation

  Useful functions for wiring check and test operation are provided.

  • Setting and Saving of Operation Data
  • I/O Monitoring
  • Teaching, Remote Operation
• Adjustment

  The following functions are available to help you adjust motor operation after the equipment is installed.

  • Waveform Monitoring
• Diagnosis and Maintenance

  Diagnostic and maintenance functions are available for trouble diagnosis and maintenance after operation is started.

  • Alarm Monitoring
  • Unit Information Monitor
  • Status Monitor