“New Mechanism” Torque adjustable rotary dampers are introduced

 

The motion of hoisting up something, such as blinds, roll screens, winches is heavy when it starts to hoisting up and very light when it finishes hoisting up, depending on the own weight of the object to be hoisted. In such applications where the motion stroke is long and the braking force is highly variable, our standard rotary damper cannot keep up with the braking torque, and centrifugal brakes are typically used. However, centrifugal brakes are known for their noisy operation (sliding brake noise) and complicated mechanisms. As noise during operation is particularly disliked by users, we have decided that a new mechanism is needed to replace the centrifugal brake. 

TD115, TD116, and TD117 series are new rotary-damper developed in consideration of the above situation. Despite its small number of parts and compact size, TD115, TD116, and TD117 achieve a highly variable damping force that cannot be achieved by continuous rotation dampers. 

By fixing the housing to a case and inserting a sleeve to the shaft, the internal vane closes and exerts damping force when released from the wound-up state of an application. The damping torque follows the increase in torque due to winding down, allowing the object to be lowered gently to the end.

When winding up, the vanes open at the same time as winding up, so viscous resistance due to oil is hardly felt. 

TD115, 116, and 117 are customized products designed for specific torque levels. We would be happy to assist you with your existing rotary damper if you are unable to achieve the desired motion. We will design a braking device that matches the torque characteristics of the product actually used. If you use our products, you will be able to eliminate noise during operation and complications of the mechanism.

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Improve the lid design closing horizontally

 

Table of contents:

・How to select the rotary damper for a lid

・How to close the lid softly and horizontally

・Examples of horizontal use dampers

How to select the rotary damper for a lid

   

     TOK rotary dampers have many different kinds of torques, damping directions, and torque curves, even if they have the same shape. When the rotary damper does not work as expected after mounting due to the problem of "torque" and "damping direction", it is easy to notice "it is because the torque is insufficient" or "it comes from the wrong of damping direction ". However, there are other important points for the selection. That is, there is the rotary damper used for the lid which closes horizontally and the rotary damper used for the lid which closes vertically. We will introduce the best rotary damper for the lid which closes horizontally at this time.

How to close the lid softly and horizontally

     In TOK, the rotary damper used for opening the lid upward and then closing it horizontally is in the category named horizontal use damper. To explain why we set this category, we have to explain the damping torque required by a lid at first.

     If you use rotary dampers that generate a constant torque, the lid cannot move at a constant angular velocity. In order to experience this, you should have a heavy rod and you will find it out. I will explain with the picture below.

A:When you hold the rod vertically, a strong holding force is not required.

B: If you gradually take down it, a holding force will be gradually required.

C: When the rod comes to the horizontal position, you can feel that the highest holding force is required.

     When the lid closes, it requires the same force which your arm feels. That is to say, the rotary damper also have to have the same torque curve which your arm feels, and it needs to generate the highest torque at the closing of the lid.

  

      In this way, the rotary damper which is designed as gradually increasing the torque is optimum for the lid which closing at horizontal position and we call it horizontal use damper. You can check the motion and mounting method of horizontal use damper.

Examples of horizontal use dampers

     Finally, we introduce examples of horizontal use dampers.

     TD99 has an outer diameter of φ18 mm and the most common rotary damper design, and is often used for printer covers, trash cans, and so on. In addition, it has excellent chemical resistance, so the rotary damper can be installed even in places where bathroom cleaner is used like toilet sheet and cover. We have a torque lineup of 10K, 15K, and 20K. TD99 also have vertical use type and horizontal and vertical use type, and they can be used according to the purposes. Click here for TD99 information.

     TD73 has a small diameter with an outer diameter of φ11 mm, which is just the right size for a small lid. It can be used in small trash cans, car interiors, toilet paper holders, and other small spaces. We have a torque lineup of 0.5K, 0.8K, 1K, 2K and 3K. The symmetrical design allows it to be inserted in any direction, and it is easily installed. Click here for TD73 information.

     We also have many other horizontal use dampers. Please check here. 

     Next time, we will introduce a rotary damper suitable for different movements. Please look forward to it!

     If you have any inquiries, please contact us.

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Season's Greetings 2021 from TOK

 We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your collaboration and support throughout this year.

Due to the pandemic, it has been hard situation, however, thanks to you, we have been able to produce a lot of products in 2021.

We will be happy to collaborate with you to create new motions in 2022.

Wishing you and your family a healthy, safe, and Happy New Year in 2022!

Sincerely,

Your TOK team

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TOK’s rotary dampers

A rotary damper is generally a mechanical component that uses the viscosity of oil to enable smooth slowdown. It is effective for giving the application a constant speed movement, smooth opening and closing, safety enhancement, and high-quality operation.

TOK rotary damper is roughly divided into partial rotation angle dampers and continuous rotation dampers. Among partial rotation angle dampers, there are three types: Horizontal-use type, Vertical-use type, Horizontal & Vertical-use type.

 

Partial rotation angle damper

A partial rotation angle damper has a limited opening angle. Due to the limited angle and limited oil flow, it is relatively easier to generate high torque.

Horizontal-use type

Horizontal-use type is applied to the case where the final position of an application (moving object) becomes horizontal. This rotary damper torque increases gradually as the position of the application (moving object) becomes horizontal.

 

Vertical-use type

Vertical-use type is applied to the case where the final position of an application (moving object) is suspended vertically. This rotary damper torque increases gradually as the position of the application (moving object) becomes vertical.

 

 

Horizontal & Vertical-use type

Horizontal & Vertical-use type can achieve high torque at all opening angles. This rotary damper generates high torque when an application (moving object) is in both the horizontal and vertical positions.

 

Continuous rotation damper

Continuous rotation damper does not have a limit on an opening angle and generates torque endlessly. Combined with rack gear, linear motion can be buffered at a constant speed.

You can choose TOK rotary damper according to your requests. We are pleased to help you make your choice of rotary damper so please feel free to contact us.

Next time, we are going to introduce horizontal-use type rotary dampers in detail. Please look forward to it!

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Introducing K-Series, examples of TOK’s custom bearings.

There are 4 main types of “K series“ custom bearings:

1) Unit assembly, which includes the manufacture of accessory parts, bearings, and assembly as a unit.

2) Full customization, where all parts are custom made.

3) Reassembly of existing parts.

4) Partial customization, in which the bearing is partially modified.

Our custom bearings can be prototyped in as little as one month.

1. Unit assembly

　 

   Example: Guide roller with integrated bearing 

TOK can design & assemble units with integrated bearings and guide rollers for production.

In the past, the customer only purchased TOK bearings.
However, we proposed to produce the guide rollers and assemble them with the bearings as a one-stop resource.
This has contributed to production efficiency by reducing the burden of product maintenance and inventory management.
 
We also design complex units.

And you will benefit greatly from our one-stop resource that handles everything from unit production to bearing assembly.

2. Full customization

Even special bearings are designed and produced to meet the customer's requirements.

In the case of fully-customized products, the design range is expanded to accommodate special forms and conditions.

 

For example, TOK's plastic bearings are used in the safety doors of injection molding machines.

In the past, metal bearings were used, but there was an issue that metal equipment and metal bearings made contact with each other, resulting in severe wear and short end life.

By proposing a combination of plastic bearings and metal equipment, it is possible to extend the life of both.

In this way, we also offer suggestions for solving the problem.

3. Reassembly of existing parts

It is also possible to customize the bearing to suit your application by combining existing parts.

The photo above shows a custom bearing that combines an existing outer race and a wide type inner race.

There is no extra cost because we only change the combination.

Various combinations are possible, so please contact us with your requirements.

4. Partial customization

As shown in the photo above, only one part, such as the outer race or inner race, can be customized.
The inner race can be customized in the case of cutting process, which does not require a mold.

Thank you for reading to the end.
We have introduced TOK bearings in three articles so far.
Please take a look at the past articles as well.

• Introducing TOK small bearings with big load capacity
• Introducing I-Series, TOK’s ultra-silent bearings for high loadcapacities
• Introducing TOK’s special function bearings. (Chemical resistance/ conductivity, etc.)

If you are interested in our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

 

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Introducing TOK’s special function bearings. (Chemical resistance/ conductivity, etc.)

   Contents:

1. Chemical resistant bearings (PK/PE series)

2. Conductive bearings (ER series)
3. Non-magnetic bearings (C series)
4. Rust-resistant bearings(S/SS series)

TOK offers 4 types of special bearings that are chemical resistant, conductive, non-magnetic, and rustproof.

You can select the most suitable bearing for your application.

1. Chemical resistant bearings (PK/PE series)

In environments to chemicals, such as cleaning with chemicals, plating, etching, and chemical treatment, metal bearings can have problems with corrosion.

In the PE/PK series, the outer races, inner races, and balls are made of plastic, so they are less likely to deteriorate due to chemicals.

There are many types of plastic materials, each with different chemical resistance, so we will select the most suitable bearing and material according to the chemicals used.

Application examples : Cleaning machines (Glass/Film cleaning, Semiconductors, Electronic-related equipment, etc.)

Click here to view the S/SS series bearing catalog. (P.25/26)

2. Conductive bearings (ER series)

As plastic is an insulator, some plastics may be prone to static electricity.

The ER series, with its good conductivity and anti-static properties, protects your applications by preventing the adsorption of dust and other debris such as paper dust.

Application examples : High-speed scanners, Guide rollers

Click here to view the S/SS series bearing catalog. (P.28)

3. Non-magnetic bearings (C series)

The C series has excellent non-magnetic and chemical resistance, because its components are made of ceramic.

For example, MRI machines in hospitals use powerful magnets to examine the inside of the body, so magnetic materials cannot be used in the machine itself, and they always check to see if the patient is not wearing any precious metals.
This is where non-magnetic bearings (C series) come in handy.

Application examples : Hospital inspection equipment, Measuring instruments

Click here to view the S/SS series bearing catalog. (P.23)

4. Rust-resistant bearings(S/SS series)

Since all the components are made of stainless steel, 
there is no cause for concern about rusting or corrosion even in environments where the product is exposed to water, seawater, or steam.

In environments where normal metal bearings cannot be used or are difficult to use, rust-proof bearings (S/SS series) can be used to increase the life of your applications.

In addition, S series bearings can be used without grease, so there is no need to worry about grease flowing out even when exposed to moisture, liquid, or steam.

Application examples: Special pumps, Fountain-related equipment

Click here to view the S/SS series bearing catalog. (P.27)

Next time, we are going to introduce TOK custom bearings.

From single part replacement to full customization, these can meet your needs.

If you are interested in our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

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Introducing I-Series, TOK’s ultra-silent bearings for high load capacities.

  Contents:

1. Features of TOK I-series bearings

2. Three types of TOK I-series bearings

3. Application examples

1. Features of TOK I-series bearings

One of the best features is that the sleeves are made of satiny-smooth engineering plastic, which allows for ultra-quiet operation under high load capacities.

In addition, the steel parts are plated to prevent rusting and various types of inner races are available, providing a range of installation methods to suit your application needs.

2. Three types of TOK I-series bearings

I-series is available in three types: IN type, ID type, and IDS type.
You can choose the most suitable bearing for your application.

＊Operation temperature: 0° to 40°

＊Rotation speed: 300 rpm

＊Durability: 1,000,000 cycles

Click here to view the I series bearing catalog.

3. Applications examples

The following are examples of major applications for each bearing type.

IN series: Display cabinet drawers
                Suitable for applications that are moved frequently or are subject to high force.

ID series: Refrigerator drawers/Rollers for sliding doors
                 Durable and does not require regular replacement.

IDS series: Cash registers, kitchen cabinet drawers
                   It has a particularly high load capacity among the I series so it is ideal for heavy applications.

Click here to view the TOK bearing catalog.
 

Next time, we are going to introduce special function bearings. (Chemical resistance/electrification, etc.)

If you are interested in our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

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