Traversing Spindle Clamping Unit for Flow-Forming Workpiece Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flow-forming processes, the limited working space and need for precise transfer movements within a closed housing make automated workpiece handling difficult, leading to slow and inefficient machine usage, especially in series production of large or heavy parts.
Innovation Solution
A device and method where the spindle and clamping unit are combined into a traversing unit that can move between a forming position and a set-up position outside the working space, allowing for easier workpiece handling and reducing the need for complex robots, enabling quicker setup and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated feed and removal devices with grippers or multi-axis robots are used, then workpiece handling is achieved, but the transfer movement must be very precise and relatively slow due to limited working space and closed housing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the dynamics principle by making the spindle assembly movable between a processing position and a loading/unloading position. This dynamic repositioning allows workpiece handling to occur outside the constrained working space, eliminating the need for slow, precise transfer movements within the closed housing while maintaining automated handling capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes another dimension by moving the spindle assembly along a guide rail in a direction perpendicular to the forming rollers' working area. This dimensional change allows workpiece loading and unloading to occur in a different spatial plane, bypassing the limited working space constraints and enabling faster, simpler handling operations
2Reliability
If the working space is closed by a housing as a splash guard, then protection during operation is provided, but accessibility is further restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the workpiece handling operation from the enclosed housing by moving the spindle assembly to an external loading/unloading position. This separation allows the housing to remain closed and protective during forming operations while providing open accessibility during workpiece handling, as the spindle assembly can be positioned outside the splash guard
3Ease of operation
If separate feed and removal devices are provided, then workpiece handling is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the feed and removal functions into a single integrated system. The movable spindle assembly serves both functions by moving to a loading position for workpiece insertion and to a unloading position for finished part removal, eliminating the need for separate complex feed and removal devices
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for forming, in which at least one spindle is driven in rotation by means of a rotary drive, a workpiece is held on the spindle by means of a clamping device and clamped on the spindle, and at least one forming roller is axially and/or radially relative to the Workpiece is delivered to perform a flow-forming or flow-forming process. According to the invention, it is provided that the spindle and the clamping device are combined to form a changing unit which can be adjusted transversely to the axis of rotation, the changing unit being adjusted between a forming position and a set-up position.