Kindexing Mechanisms

INDEXING MECHANISMS
Mechanism is a system of rigid elements arranged and connected to transmit motion

in a predetermined fashion. Indexing mechanisms generally converts a rotating or
oscillatory motion to a series of step movements of the output link or shaft. In
machine tools the cutting tool has to be indexed in the tool turret after each
operation. Also in production machines the product has to be indexed from station to
station and need to be stopped if any operation is being performed in the station.
Such motions can be accomplished by indexing mechanisms. Indexing mechanisms
are also useful for machine tool feeds. There are several methods used to index but
important types are ratchet and pawl, rack and pinion, Geneva mechanism and cam
drive.
1. Ratchet and pawl mechanism
Fig. 4.5.1 Ratchet and pawl mechanism
A ratchet is a device that allows linear or rotary motion in only one direction. Figure
4.5.1 shows a schematic of the same. It is used in rotary machines to index air
operated indexing tables. Ratchets consist of a gearwheel and a pivoting spring
loaded pawl that engages the teeth. The teeth or the pawl, are at an angle so that
when the teeth are moving in one direction the pawl slides in between the teeth. The
spring forces the pawl back into the depression between the next teeth. The ratchet
and pawl are not mechanically interlocked hence easy to set up. The table may over
travel if the table is heavy when they are disengaged. Maintenance of this system is
easy.
2. Rack and pinion mechanism
Fig. 4.5.2 Rack and pinion mechanism

A rack and pinion gear arrangement usually converts rotary motion from a pinion to
linear motion of a rack. But in indexing mechanism the reverse case holds true. The
device uses a piston to drive the rack, which causes the pinion gear and attached
indexing table to rotate (Fig. 4.5.2). A clutch is used to provide rotation in the desired
direction. This mechanism is simple but is not considered suitable for high-speed
operation.
3. Geneva mechanism
Fig. 4.5.3 Geneva mechanism

The Geneva drive is also commonly called a Maltese cross mechanism. The Geneva
mechanism translates a continuous rotation into an intermittent rotary motion. The
rotating drive wheel has a pin that reaches into a slot of the driven wheel. The drive
wheel also has a raised circular blocking disc that locks the driven wheel in position
between steps (Fig. 4.5.3). There are three basic types of Geneva motion
mechanisms namely external, internal and spherical. The spherical Geneva

mechanism is very rarely used. In the simplest form, the driven wheel has four slots
and hence for each rotation of the drive wheel it advances by one step of 90. If the
driven wheel has n slots, it advances by 360/n per full rotation of the drive wheel.
In an internal Geneva drive the axis of the drive wheel of the internal drive is
supported on only one side (Fig. 4.5.4). The angle by which the drive wheel has to
rotate to effect one step rotation of the driven wheel is always smaller than 180 in
an external Geneva drive and is always greater than 180 in an internal one. The
external form is the more common, as it can be built smaller and can withstand
higher mechanical stresses.
Fig. 4.5.4 Internal Geneva mechanism

Because the driven wheel always under full control of the driver, impact is a problem.
It can be reduced by designing the pin in such a way that the pin picks up the driven
member as slowly as possible. Both the Geneva mechanisms can be used for light
and heavy duty applications. Generally, they are used in assembly machines.
Intermittent linear motion from rotary motion can also be obtained using Geneva
mechanism (Fig. 4.5.5). This type of movement is basically required in packaging,
assembly operations, stamping, embossing operations in manufacturing automation.
Fig. 4.5.5 Linear intermittent motion using Geneva mechanism
4. Cams mechanism
Fig. 4.5.6 Cam mechanism

Cam mechanism is one of the accurate and reliable methods of indexing. It is widely
used in industry despite the fact that the cost is relatively high compared to
alternative mechanisms. The cam can be designed to give a variety of velocity and
dwell characteristics. The follower of the cams used in indexing mechanism has a
unidirectional rotary motion rather than oscillating rotary motion which is usually the
case of axial cams. The cam surface geometry is more complicated in a cross over
indexing type of cam as shown in Figure 4.5.6.
5. Applications of indexing mechanisms

Some of the applications of indexing mechanism are discussed below.
5.1 Motion picture projectors
Fig. 4.5.7 Motion picture projector with Geneva mechanism

Geneva drive mechanism is used in conventional-mechanical type movie projectors.
Figure 4.5.7 shows the schematic of movie projector with Geneva mechanism. The
film does not run continuously through the projector. It is requited that the film
should advance frame by frame and stands still in front of the lens for fraction of a
second. Modern film projectors use an electronically controlled indexing mechanism

which allows the fast-forwarding of the film.
5.2 Automated work assembly transfer lines
Fig. 4.5.8 Automated assembly line

In assembly lines, the parts to be assembled have to be moved over the assembling
machine tool (Fig. 4.5.8). This is done using indexing mechanism. The part on the
table is indexed to be in line with the assembly unit. Once the assembly is done the
table is indexed to get the next part in line with the assembly.
5.3 CNC tool changers
Fig. 4.5.9 CNC tool changer

In the CNC tool changing mechanism the tool magazine has to be indexed to bring
the desired tool in line with the tool changing arm (Fig. 4.5.9). The tool changing arm
picks the cutting tool from the spindle. Then it is indexed to reach the tool magazine.
The tool is placed in the magazine. Then the magazine is indexed to bring the next
cutting tool to be picked by the changing arm. Again the tool changing arm indexes
to reach the spindle.
5.4 Material inspection station
Fig. 4.5.10 Rotary table with cam indexing

Here a rotary index table is used to convey the parts for inspection operation. This
index device conveys the parts in a rotary motion and stops intermittently for a fixed
period of time for inspection. A cam mechanism is used to index the table (Fig.
4.5.10).

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INDEXING MECHANISMS

Mechanism is a system of rigid elements arranged and connected to transmit motion

1. Ratchet and pawl mechanism

Fig. 4.5.1 Ratchet and pawl mechanism

2. Rack and pinion mechanism

Fig. 4.5.2 Rack and pinion mechanism

Fig. 4.5.3 Geneva mechanism

mechanisms namely external, internal and spherical. The spherical Geneva

Fig. 4.5.4 Internal Geneva mechanism

Fig. 4.5.5 Linear intermittent motion using Geneva mechanism

Fig. 4.5.6 Cam mechanism

5. Applications of indexing mechanisms

5.1 Motion picture projectors

Fig. 4.5.7 Motion picture projector with Geneva mechanism

second. Modern film projectors use an electronically controlled indexing mechanism

5.2 Automated work assembly transfer lines

Fig. 4.5.8 Automated assembly line

5.3 CNC tool changers

Fig. 4.5.9 CNC tool changer

5.4 Material inspection station

Fig. 4.5.10 Rotary table with cam indexing

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