Workpiece Magazine Subgroup Swapping for Crankshaft Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crankshaft processing machines face dead times and inefficient handling due to the need for swiveling movements during part changing, which restricts the time window for loading and unloading and can lead to waiting times and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece magazine with two subgroups of receiving locations that can swap places using a group transport device, allowing only axial movement for inserting and removing parts, eliminating the need for swiveling and maximizing the time window for loading and unloading by maintaining a loading and transfer position simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the workpiece magazine uses swiveling movements to transfer parts between loading and transfer positions, then the machine can maintain compact structure, but the time window for loading and unloading is restricted causing dead times
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece magazine is divided into two independent subgroups (first subgroup with receiving locations 39-41, second subgroup with receiving locations 42-44). Each subgroup can be independently positioned, allowing one subgroup to be in the loading position while the other is in the transfer position, eliminating the need to stop for position changes and maximizing the loading/unloading time window.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece magazine employs a swivel support 63 that can rotate about a swivel axis 64, enabling dynamic repositioning of the subgroups. This dynamic capability allows the magazine to switch between loading and transfer positions as needed, maintaining flexibility while eliminating dead times through coordinated operation of the two subgroups.
2Ease of operation
If the workpiece magazine performs swiveling movements during part changing, then the machine structure remains compact, but handling clarity is reduced and safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the magazine into two independent subgroups, the system allows one subgroup to remain stationary in the loading position during manual operations, providing a stable and clear handling environment. The other subgroup can be repositioned independently, maintaining operational clarity while enabling continuous workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel support 63 acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables smooth transitions between positions. It provides controlled movement with proper support and guidance, ensuring that position changes occur in a safe and manageable manner, reducing safety risks during manual operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the invention, a workpiece magazine (35, 35a) is provided in a machine tool, which is configured to transfer workpieces, in particular crankshafts, to or from a machining station (18) in groups. The workpiece magazine (35, 35a) distinguishes between a loading position and a transfer position. In both the loading position and the transfer position, the parts, preferably shafts, in particular crankshafts, are oriented parallel to each other in a common plane. The workpiece holding positions are divided into two subgroups. The workpiece magazine is designed such that the workpiece holding positions of the first subgroup and the second subgroup move from the loading position to the transfer position and vice versa in a single transport operation. When one subgroup is in the transfer position, the other is in the loading position.This avoids repositioning processes during the loading or unloading of the workpiece magazine, thereby maximizing the time window for operating the workpiece magazine and thus the time for loading and unloading it.