New style ceiling plug assembled by Modular Automation system

Citation

(1999), "New style ceiling plug assembled by Modular Automation system", Assembly Automation, Vol. 19 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1999.03319aaf.005

New style ceiling plug assembled by Modular Automation system

New style ceiling plug assembled by Modular Automation system

Keyword Assembly

MEM 250V are producing a revolutionary type of ceiling rose, at their Chadderton site, that allows users to position lighting where it is most needed. The assembly system was designed and built by Modular Automation (see Plate 4).

The new ceiling rose is in two parts. Any number of fixed fittings can be set into the ceiling wherever light might be needed (just like 13 amp sockets in the walls). Each lighting unit is then fitted with a simple plug which slips on to the outlet and can be moved at any time. Typical applications will be in hospitals, schools and offices wherever rooms have multiple functions or require frequent changes in lighting position.

Plate 4Part of the Modular Automation machine, designed and built for MEM 250V, handling terminal pins for inserting into its new two-part ceiling rose

Modular Automation's system assembles the plug only. It uses two concentric rotary tables, running at different cycle times, to produce a completed assembly every six seconds. The first table assembles the terminals; the second, the complete plug.

The first table receives terminal pins from a bowl feeder and an orbital riveting head fixes them to the terminal block. This works on a two-second cycle time for each terminal giving six seconds for the complete plug. A linear feeder moves the completed assembly to the main assembly table and acts as a buffer to prevent interruptions in production.

At the second table an operator loads the plug base and a pick and place unit loads all three terminals. The table indexes round to a pressing station which presses the terminals home. A further station feeds and screws a cable clamp. The operator loads the plug cover and a bowl feeder presents a quarter-turn brass locking pin which completes the assembly.

As part of the machine's design, Modular Automation had to ensure that the maximum dimensions and weight restrictions of the company's building structure were not exceeded. To do this, Modular Automation's engineers designed a very compact system and allowed the two tables to be split for transportation.

Modular Automation also designed the two tables so that they can be operated independently; this allows the terminal assembly table to manufacture components in place of other areas within the factory, thus freeing-up manufacturing capacity elsewhere.

For further information contact: William Bourn, Modular Automation, Talbot Way, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham B10 0HZ. Tel: +44 (0) 121 766 7979; Fax: +44 (0) 121 766 6385.