An oscillating lifting cam indexer is a precision intermittent drive. A cam curve controls it. It produces rotary oscillation and axial lifting at the same time.
Main components
The mechanism has four main parts: input shaft, output shaft, cam, and turret.
Input shaft: connects to the drive source, such as a servo motor. Its rotation is the power input.
Cam: mounted on the input shaft. Its profile curve sets the motion law of the indexer.
Turret: mounted on the output shaft. Needle roller bearings are arranged evenly around its circumference. These bearings stay in contact with the cam profile.
Output shaft: connects to the load. It outputs the intermittent motion.
Working principle
The cycle is a repeated push and lock sequence.
Indexing period, or motion phase: The input shaft turns. A curved section of the cam engages the needle roller bearings on the turret. The cam surface pushes the bearings. This forces the turret, and the output shaft, into a combined motion: rotary oscillation plus axial movement. The turret moves to the next station.
Dwell period, or locking phase: The cam turns until its concentric arc surface contacts the needle roller bearings. The cam applies a large radial force and locks the bearings. The turret and output shaft are fully fixed and cannot rotate. The input shaft keeps turning, but the output stays still. This gives stable time for processing or assembly.
Features and applications
Two motions in one unit: Unlike a standard indexer that only rotates, this mechanism produces two motions in one unit. This simplifies machine structure.
High accuracy and rigidity: The cam roller engagement principle gives positioning accuracy, usually within ±30 arc seconds. The dwell period has strong self-locking. It can take large radial and axial loads.
Main applications: Used in automated applications that need intermittent transfer, lifting, and flipping, such as automated assembly lines, welding, handling robots, packaging machinery, and electronic component insertion.
Hansheng Automation also supplies cam indexers and can machine cams, turrets, input and output shafts, and related components from customer drawings in single pieces or small batches.
