Rotary machine with separately controllable stations
A rotary machine may have multiple stations that have a linear motion operated by a cam and a rotational motion operated by individual motors mounted on each station. Each station may perform a motion profile that is proportional to the machine's central axis rotation or, in some cases, independent of the central axis rotation. In some embodiments, each station may rotate to orient a part prior to processing. In one embodiment, the cam driven linear motion may enable a station to lower for loading and unloading, then raise for processing. The rotary machine may have various mechanisms at each station for processing a part. One such embodiment is a rotary machine that may be outfitted with compound dispensing mechanisms at each station.
1. A rotary machine comprising:
a table having a center axis and being configured to rotate about said center axis, said table comprising a plurality of stations disposed about said center axis;
a first motor connected to drive said table to rotate about said center axis;
a position sensor for said table, said position sensor capable of resolving a rotational position of said table;
a cam;
each of said stations comprising:
a non-rotating guide attached to said table;
a rotating element configured to rotate within said non-rotating guide, said rotating element revolving about a station axis;
a station motor configured to cause said rotating element to rotate with respect to said non-rotating guide; and
a linear slide configured to enable said non-rotating guide to linearly move along a linear axis with respect to said table; and
a controller configured to cause said first motor to rotate said table at a first speed and cause said station motors to rotate according to a motion profile.
2. The rotary machine of claim 1 , said motion profile being performed at a speed proportional to said first speed.
3. The rotary machine of claim 1 , said motion profile being performed at a speed independent of said first speed.
4. The rotary machine of claim 1 , said motion profile being a constant speed profile.
5. The rotary machine of claim 1 , said motion profile being a variable speed profile.
6. The rotary machine of claim 1 , said motion profile comprising an orientation routine.
7. The rotary machine of claim 1 , said motion profile being dependent on said rotational position of said table.
8. The rotary machine of claim 1 , said stations being substantially below said table.
9. The rotary machine of claim 1 , said station axis being substantially parallel to said center axis.
10. The rotary machine of claim 9 , said linear axis being substantially parallel to said center axis.
11. The rotary machine of claim 10 further comprising:
a compound dispenser at each of said stations.
12. The rotary machine of claim 1 , said cam comprising a cam path generally circular in shape and substantially centered about said center axis.
13. The rotary machine of claim 1 , said linear axis being substantially perpendicular to said center axis.