Cleaning Installation with Pre- and Post-Treatment Transfer Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for cleaning and deburring workpieces often have long cycle times due to excessive time spent on loading and unloading, which hampers workpiece throughput and affects cleaning results.
Innovation Solution
The system optimizes cycle time by allowing simultaneous pretreatment of workpieces in the loading device and post-treatment in the unloading device during the main treatment process, utilizing internal and external transport devices with multiple degrees of freedom, and incorporating various treatment devices like spray cleaning, deburring, rinsing, and cleanliness checking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a robot is used to load and unload the cleaning system through a large door opening, then the workpiece can be transferred, but the cycle time becomes too long due to excessive loading and unloading time
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device performs pre-cleaning and pre-deburring operations on workpieces before they enter the main treatment area. This preliminary treatment reduces the contamination load that needs to be handled during main treatment, thereby reducing the time required for loading and preparation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous operation by performing pre-treatment in the loading device while the main treatment area is processing workpieces, and performing post-treatment in the unloading device while the main treatment area is preparing for the next workpiece. This eliminates idle time and maintains continuous productive action throughout the system.
2Extent of automation
If turntables are used to convey workpieces into and out of the cleaning system via 180° rotary movement, then loading and unloading can be automated, but the cycle time remains too long
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device performs pre-cleaning and pre-deburring operations on workpieces before they enter the main treatment area, reducing the time required for main treatment and enabling faster cycle times despite the automated transfer mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential single-area processing to parallel multi-area processing by adding dedicated pre-treatment and post-treatment zones that operate simultaneously with the main treatment area, effectively utilizing time in a new dimensional aspect of the process flow.
3Productivity
If pre-treatment is performed in the loading device parallel to the main treatment process, then cycle time is optimized and workpiece throughput is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a workpiece holder and a pre-treatment station with spray cleaning and deburring capabilities. Similarly, the unloading device functions as both a transfer mechanism and a post-treatment station with rinsing and drying capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the pre-treatment functions with the loading device and post-treatment functions with the unloading device, combining multiple operations into integrated units rather than using separate standalone equipment for each function.
4Manufacturing precision
If the loading device includes spray cleaning and deburring devices, then pre-treatment can be performed, but the device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spray cleaning and deburring devices in the loading device perform preliminary contamination removal before workpieces enter the main treatment area, reducing the burden on the main cleaning system and improving overall cleaning efficiency and results.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces cycle time, improves cleaning results, extends bath life, and enhances workpiece throughput by utilizing time during the main treatment process for pre- and post-treatments, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the cleaning and deburring process.
Implementation Method 1
Provision is preferably made for the loading device to comprise a spray cleaning device
Implementation Method 2
the unloading device includes a rinsing device for rinsing the workpiece with a rinsing liquid
Implementation Method 3
drying can be carried out in the unloading device, in which, for example, the workpiece is pre-dried before a vacuum drying process by being subjected to blowing air
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to provide an installation (100) for cleaning and/or deburring workpieces (102), comprising a treatment region (104) in which a cleaning treatment and/or a deburring treatment can be carried out on a workpiece, a loading device (110) for transferring the workpiece from an outer space (108) of the installation to the treatment region and an unloading device (130) for transferring the workpiece from the treatment region to the outer space of the installation, with which installation a high workpiece throughput is achieved with good cleaning and/or deburring results, it is proposed that the loading device and/or the unloading device comprises at least one treatment device (126, 146), by means of which the workpiece can be treated during the transfer between the outer space of the installation and the treatment region of the installation.