2013

NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) has received the Nippon Brand Award at the 2013 “CHO” MONODZUKURI Innovative Parts and Components Award sponsored by the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Ltd.

Awarded Product

Parallel Link High Speed Angle Control Equipment

Product Overview

A compact angle positioning device that allows high-speed, high-precision positioning over 2-degrees of freedom and a wide-range of moving angles. A proprietary parallel link mechanism^* consisting of two spherical links ensures a compact design and a wide range of movement, as well as a newly developed drive mechanism to control the angles of three arms on the stationary side for high-speed positioning. If this device is used as a grease applicator by attaching a dispenser capable of non-contact application to the end effector, the quantity of grease applied can be controlled to help reduce grease consumption in a feature that is suited to mass-production equipment.

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Mechanism comprising of three sets of similar link systems between the moving and stationary link hubs. Each link system consists of a rotating L-shaped arm attached to the outer circumference of the moving and stationary link hubs, and a rotatably connected intermediate link connecting the axis of rotation of the end of each hub in a single location.

Reason for Receiving the Award

High-speed application (approximately 10 points/second) is possible compared to conventional methods, and application from an angle means high-speed application of complex shapes, with a special teaching console allowing teaching using XY coordinates along the work plane for outstanding operability, all of which have been rated highly. The award was received as the product is anticipated to further contribute to more advanced automation and robotics technology used in production equipment.