Interlinking of machines during the production of household appliances

Task
Several workstations must be interlinked in a production line for dishwashers. The stations have different cycle and changeover times, which is why the conveyor technology between them must stagger and buffer the dishwasher casings. Furthermore, it must be possible to stop the casings for visual inspections using image processing as well as to assemble additional components. This work is partly performed manually. The conveyor technology must therefore transport the casings at an ergonomic height. The conveyor technology must be designed in such a way that the casings are transported safely and at the same time can be removed easily by workers. Furthermore, appropriate guardings were required for the production line.

mk Solution
The SPU 2040 accumulating pallet recirculation system was the ideal solution for this task. The system was built as a dual-line conveyor in this plant to be able to safely transport the large dishwasher casings (approx. 800 x 600 x 400 mm). A flat top chain feeds the workpieces into the system on pallets. After the workpieces are removed, the empty pallets are safely carried over the tail and then conveyed back suspended below the transport level. The challenge here was to design the pallets in such a way that they could accommodate the large dishwasher casings and also be transported around the compact tail. The solution was to build the pallets from mk profiles that are flexible but connected to each other at a fixed distance. At the start of the transport line they are conveyed back to the upper transport level, where they are available to accept new workpieces. This eliminates the need for a second conveyor level or lift-and-lower units with complex control elements. It also eliminates the need to load the pallets on the belt, whether manually or automatically. mk was able to use the required guardings from their large standard portfolio and adapt and integrate them to the system.

Benefits to the Client

• Minimal space requirements thanks to very compact conveyor technology
• Modular construction kit allows for flexible expansion
   

Products

> SPU 2040
> Guardings