210
Introduction to the Autosampler
Transport Assembly
Transport Assembly
The transport unit comprises of an X-axis slide (left-right motion), a Z-axis
arm (up-down motion), and a gripper assembly (rotation and
vial-gripping).
Figure 36 Transport Assembly
The transport assembly uses four stepper motors driven in closed-loop
mode for accurate positioning or the gripper assembly for sample-vial
transport. The rotational movement of the motors is converted to linear
motion (X- and Z-axes) by toothed belts connected to the drive spindles.
The rotation (theta axes) of the gripper assembly is transferred from the
motor by a toothed belt and series of gears. The opening and closing of the
gripper fingers are driven by a stepper motor linked by a toothed belt to
the planetary gearing inside the gripper assembly.
Gripper
Flex board
X axis
Z axis
Theta axis
Theta motor
X motor
Gripper motor
Z motor (not in
view)