CALCULATION OF RESPONSE TIME OF EXECUTIVE MECHANISMS OF PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS OF MODULAR MECHATRONIC COMPLEXES

This paper investigates the pneumatic systems of modular mechatronic complexes (MMC) by calculating the response speed of the actuating equipment of conveyor lines. Particular attention is paid to calculating the response time of pneumatic mechanisms, which is a key parameter for increasing productivity and synchronizing all system units. A methodology for calculating the response time of actuating mechanisms is developed taking into account the main factors of influence: pressure, air flow rate, piston area and length of cylinder piston stroke. On the basis of theoretical formulas and practical calculations the response time of two pneumatic cylinders used as a part of MMC sorting gripper was determined. According to the research results, the total MMC cycle operation time was determined. The calculated values of the response time confirm the possibility of using pneumatic systems as a means of ensuring the rapid performance of actuators to move workpieces on the conveyor line. The results obtained can be used in designing and adjusting pneumatic systems to achieve maximum efficiency and quickness in real operating conditions.