Method and device for emptying an engine after its hot test

Abstract

Method for emptying an engine (10) after a hot test, characterized by the following features: - the engine (10) is transferred from a carriage (11) used for the hot test to a swivel station (12) and - the motor (10) is rotated by means of a rotating unit (13) on the swivel station (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for draining an engine after its hot test. The present invention also relates to a corresponding swivel station, a corresponding computer program, and a corresponding storage medium. State of the art

[0002] The state of the art in automotive engineering includes various methods and devices for testing and treating engines after a test phase, especially after a so-called hot test. During a hot test, the engine is operated under operating conditions up to a certain temperature to test its performance and reliability. After such tests, it is necessary to drain the engine and prepare it for further transport.

[0003] Traditionally, after the hot test, the engines are manually transferred from the test fixture to a draining station. Draining itself is often performed manually by opening drain plugs or by means of simple mechanical devices that allow the engine to be tilted or tilted to allow the fluids to drain from their respective openings.

[0004] More advanced processes utilize automated systems that enable more efficient and controlled emptying. These systems may include, among other things, lifting and pivoting mechanisms that move the motor into different positions to ensure complete emptying.

[0005] CN 116793690 A, for example, discloses a swivel device for holding an engine after a test. The swivel device rotates the engine so that cooling water can flow out of the engine.

[0006] JP H0519943 U also discloses a swivel device for holding an engine after a test. The swivel device rotates the engine so that cooling water can flow out of the engine.

[0007] CN 203817003 U discloses a workpiece holder. The workpiece is lifted and rotated after machining, so that coolant from the machining process is expelled by centrifugal force.

[0008] KR 101215193 B1 discloses picking up an engine block after machining, turning it, washing it and rinsing it.

[0009] The automation of such processes typically involves the use of robotics and specialized devices that perform both the lifting of the motor from the test platform and the precise pivoting and rotation required to empty fluids. These devices can be powered by various drive systems, such as electric motors or pneumatic systems, and are often capable of programmatically controlling the motor's movement.

[0010] Automation is typically controlled by computer programs specifically developed to monitor and execute the required processes. These programs are stored on machine-readable storage media and loaded into the controllers of the corresponding devices. Disclosure of the invention

[0011] One problem is that transferring and draining the engines is often time-consuming and labor-intensive. The manual or semi-automatic methods used in many workshops and production facilities require substantial human labor and are associated with a significant time expenditure. This often results in bottlenecks in the production process and can negatively impact the efficiency of the manufacturing process.

[0012] Furthermore, manual handling of the hot engines poses a significant safety risk for operating personnel. Burns and other injuries can occur if employees come into contact with the engines or operating fluids that are still hot after the hot test.

[0013] Another problem is the frequently incomplete draining of operating fluids. Conventional draining methods cannot always guarantee that all fluids are completely removed from the engine. This can lead to corrosion and contamination, which both pollutes the environment and impairs the quality and functionality of the engine, causing further complications during subsequent processing steps.

[0014] Finally, automating the emptying process presents challenges, particularly when it comes to controlling the motion sequences. Existing automated systems often lack the adaptability needed to specifically address different engine types and sizes or specific emptying process requirements.

[0015] The described problem is solved by a method for emptying an engine after its hot test, a corresponding swivel station, a corresponding computer program and a corresponding storage medium according to the independent claims.

[0016] This approach has the advantage of enabling automated and precise control of the draining process. By using a tilting station that mounts an engine and rotates it in several opposing rotations using a rotating unit, efficient removal of operating fluids from the engine is achieved. These movements, which are performed at an angle of ±60° and in a jerky manner, help remove fluids from the internal areas of the engine, which often cannot be fully reached by conventional tilting movements.

[0017] In addition, automating the process offers the advantage of consistent quality and reproducibility of the emptying process, regardless of varying conditions or human influence. By subsequently placing the engine on an engine transport trolley, the engine is efficiently prepared for the next step in the production or testing chain. Integrating lifting stations into the process simplifies engine transfer and reduces physical strain on personnel as well as the risk of engine damage.

[0018] Overall, this methodical approach results in an optimized process chain that ensures reliable emptying of the engine and at the same time improves process reliability and material flow within the production environment.

[0019] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows the transfer of the engine from the hot test car via a lifting station to the swivel station. Fig. 2 shows the emptying of the cooling water by swinging the engine back and forth several times in jerky movements using a pneumatic rotating unit. Embodiments of the invention

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the first step of the process, in which an engine (10) is transferred to a transfer and swivel station (12) after completing the hot test. The engine (10), which until this point has been resting on a carriage (11) specifically designed for hot testing, is lifted from this carriage (11) using a lifting station.

[0021] In Fig.Figure 2 illustrates the process of draining the cooling water from the engine (10). The engine (10) is now located at the swivel station (12), which is equipped with a rotating unit (13). This rotating unit (13) consists of a pneumatic motor capable of pivoting the engine (10) to be drained around its own axis. The pneumatic rotating unit (13) moves the engine (10) back and forth in jerky movements, which assists in draining the cooling water in the engine (10).

[0022] The movements performed by the rotating unit (13) rotate the engine (10) through an angle of approximately ±60°. This sequence of movements is repeated several times to ensure that all fluid is removed from the various areas of the engine (10). This special type of movement also removes cooling water located in hard-to-reach areas of the engine (10).

[0023] Once the emptying process is complete, the engine (10) is picked up from the lifting station and placed on an engine transport trolley. This final phase of the process ensures that the engine (10) is now ready for the next stage of processing or for further transport within the production facility. List of reference symbols 10 Engine 11 cars 12 swivel station 13 Rotating unit QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 116793690 A

[0005] JP H0519943 U

[0006] CN 203817003 U

[0007] KR 101215193 B1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Method for emptying an engine (10) after a hot test, characterized by following features: - the engine (10) is transferred from a carriage (11) used for the hot test to a swivel station (12) and - the motor (10) is rotated by means of a rotating unit (13) on the swivel station (12). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by following feature: - the rotation occurs in several opposing rotational movements. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by following feature: - the rotational movements occur at an angle of ±60°. [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by following feature: - the rotational movements are jerky. [5] Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by following feature: - after emptying, the engine (10) is placed on a motor transport vehicle. [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by following feature: - the engine (10) is transferred via a lifting station. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by following feature: - the motor (10) is also lowered via the lifting station. [8] Swivel station (12), characterized by following features: - the swivel station (12) comprises a rotating unit (13) with a pneumatic motor and - the pivoting station (12) is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Computer program which is designed to carry out all the steps of a method according to one of claims 1 to 7. [10] A machine-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program according to claim 9.

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