Turntable Cleaning Layout for Axial Workpiece End Washing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cleaning apparatuses face difficulties in efficiently cleaning and drying axially extending workpieces, such as crankshafts, due to challenges in positioning and rotating nozzles effectively around the workpiece's axis.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning apparatus with a 180-degree turntable and clamping devices on both sides of the cleaning and drying stations, allowing for axial clamping and rotation of the workpiece, combined with a lifter that moves up and down to position the cleaning table, enables efficient cleaning and drying of both ends of the workpiece while rotating it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the cleaning table is rotated to clean axially extending workpieces, then the workpiece can be cleaned, but the nozzle must be retracted which increases cleaning time and reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning table is designed to move dynamically between a retracted position (when the workpiece is placed on the turntable) and a forward position (when the workpiece is clamped and cleaned). This dynamic positioning allows the cleaning table to approach the workpiece closely during cleaning operations, eliminating the need for nozzle retraction and reducing cycle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The workpiece is clamped to the cleaning table before the cleaning operation begins. This preliminary clamping action ensures the workpiece is securely fixed in position, allowing the cleaning table to move forward and clean the workpiece without requiring nozzle retraction or repositioning during the cleaning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the nozzle is positioned close to the workpiece for effective cleaning, then cleaning quality improves, but the workpiece cannot be properly rotated and cleaned from all angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning qualityVSAvoidworkpiece rotation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system uses multiple nozzles arranged at different positions and angles around the cleaning table. This segmentation allows each nozzle to target specific areas of the workpiece, enabling comprehensive cleaning of all surfaces including end faces and outer circumferential surfaces without requiring the workpiece to rotate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning table moves in the axial direction (forward and backward) relative to the workpiece, adding a dimensional aspect to the cleaning process. This axial movement, combined with the stationary positioning of nozzles, allows the cleaning table to access different surfaces of the workpiece without requiring workpiece rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If clamping devices are added to secure the workpiece on the cleaning table, then cleaning stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece clamping stabilityVSAvoidclamping mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component (clamping device) that is independently controllable. The clamping device includes a clamping plate and clamping means that can be activated only when needed, separating the clamping function from the cleaning table structure and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping device is designed to automatically clamp and release the workpiece based on the operational cycle. The clamping means engage with the workpiece when the cleaning table moves forward and release when it retracts, providing self-service clamping without requiring complex manual intervention or additional control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3760323B1Cleaning apparatus and cleaning method
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 SUGINO MACHINE
  • EP3760323B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3760323B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3760323B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Cleaning apparatus (10) for cleaning a workpiece (3), including a cleaning chamber (19) having a first side wall and a second side wall, a cleaning station (97) including a cleaning axis, a cleaning nozzle, a first clamping device (51) arranged on the first side wall, a second clamping device (151) arranged on the second side wall, and a drying station (95) including a drying axis (121), a drying nozzle (85b), a second clamping device (151) arranged on the second side wall, and a turn table (87) having two regions arranged in a 180 degree rotational symmetry. The turn table (87) arranges one of the two regions is arranged in the cleaning station (97), and the other in the drying station (95).