Sunbeam-Oster Center Module Assembly Machine

The function of the machine is to automatically assemble drive gears and motor to an electric can opener module. This multi-station machine uses conveyors, pick and place cells, auto screw driving unit, auto-loading units, and special positioning equipment. This machine demonstrates the many aspects of automation that Sunshine does well.

We start by taking a drive shaft and a ball gear and orienting same onto a fixture perpendicular to the line of travel. The first station lifts the Center Module up and positions it onto the ball gear and drive shaft on the fixture. Next operation takes a drive gear and places it onto the drive shaft. The drive gears are fed from a bowl feeder down a track to a stop. The drive gear is then picked up, position oriented and placed on the module automatically. Next station adds a snap ring onto the drive shaft to secure the drive gear. Next an intermediate pin is then placed (1) pitch diameter away from the drive gear. Once the intermediate pin is in place, the unit takes an intermediate gear and places it in position. If the intermediate gear does not engage properly, it is rotated until it falls into place. Once the intermediate gear has been placed, the intermediate snap ring is placed to secure the gear. The next station places the first of two contacts into a slot and presses down to secure it.  Another contact is then placed in a slot at a slight angle to the first. The last station screw drives two screws through the manually placed motor onto the module.

This machine is designed to automatically assemble two (2) different styles of modules without any machine changeovers. The machine rate is one assembly every 5.75 seconds.