DE102008038760A1 - processing concept - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing a plurality of first (1) and second (2) workpieces, which are sequentially fed to an at least partially common machining process. Workpieces (1, 2, 106, 108) are processed in at least two processing steps in at least two spatially remote processing areas (12, 14, 16, 52, 54, 56) and a transport of the workpieces (1, 2, 106, 108) between the respective processing areas (12, 14, 16, 52, 54, 56) is effected by a common conveyor system. The workpieces (1, 2, 106, 108) are moved for a respective processing step on a conveying path (18, 20, 22, 58, 60, 62, 102) belonging to the conveyor system into the respective processing region (12, 14, 16, 52, 54, 56) in and out. According to the method, first (1) and second (2) workpieces are respectively conveyed in and / or out in at least one common processing region through the processing region (12, 14, 54) arranged conveying path (18, 20, 60). The invention also relates to a corresponding processing area.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for processing a plurality of first and second workpieces.

It is well known that industrial products such as Automotive bodies from a variety of individual workpieces are joined together. Due to the ever increasing demands the customization of the customer increases the variety of shapes of the produced Workpieces. But also the color variety, for example the automobile bodies and associated attachments like bumpers or mirror housings, is steadily increasing to.

This has the consequence that, in particular when painting such Workpieces between different customer-specific design variants one and the same kind of workpiece, such as a Bumpers, sometimes significant differences in the required Effort of the respective processing or painting process result.

For example requires a bumper with inlays for Fog lights higher painting than the same bumpers without edits. Also the painting a workpiece in a difficult-to-paint color, such as yellow, which is characterized by a low opacity distinguished, requires an increased Lackieraufwand or even an additional coating step opposite the painting of the same workpiece, for example in the Color black, which has a high opacity. Ie. a workpiece If necessary, it is repainted as needed, preferably with a flash off time is provided between the painting steps.

Especially in automotive attachments is in an industrial paint shop a variety of different shaped workpieces in varnish a variety of different colors, resulting in one each time different in the processing leads. The workpieces go through, for example dependent of their material to be painted also a different number process steps, some repeat (2 layer order), some are omitted (eg, Beflämmen).

Appropriate Industrial paint shops are mostly for a majority designed by different to be painted workpieces. The workpieces are conveyed by means of a conveyor system from one processing area of the paint shop to the next following transported. Often have such conveyor systems the structure of a closed ring, with the unpainted Workpieces mostly in a task area of the paint shop on a workpiece carrier transported by the conveyor system be attached. Together with the workpiece carrier the workpieces go through the strings like a string of pearls respective processing areas of the paint shop and are called finished painted workpieces in a removal area of the Painting plant removed from the workpiece carrier. The now empty workpiece carrier is then again promoted to the receiving area.

In the WO 2005/120733 For example, the structure of such a conveyor system is shown with different processing areas. There is also the possibility of ejecting workpiece carriers at a branch of the conveying path from the circular structure to a further processing region or a bypass and subsequently feeding them back into the circular structure in the conveying direction.

adversely in this procedure is in particular that at a different required processing for first, second and more Workpieces, which at least partially in common processing areas be processed, the highest processing costs relevant is the required working capacity the respective processing areas. Depending on the workpieces and to be performed processing steps arise Times in which the processing capacities in the editing areas are not be used.

outgoing From this prior art, it is an object of the invention, a method indicate what a better utilization of processing capacity allowed. The object of the invention is also to provide a corresponding Specify the processing area for this.

These The object is achieved by a method of processing a plurality of first and second Workpieces with the features specified in claim 1.

Accordingly, the method is characterized in that the workpieces are sequentially fed to an at least partially common machining process, wherein workpieces are processed in at least two processing steps in at least two spatially remote processing areas and a transport of the workpieces between the respective processing areas by a common conveyor system, wherein the Workpieces for a respective processing step on a conveyor system associated conveyor line in the respective processing area and are conveyed out and wherein according to the method first and second workpieces in little at least one common processing area of opposite sides of the transversely extending through the processing area arranged conveying path in each case one and / or discharged.

The Structure of the conveyor system is inevitable here not exclusively as a ring, but rather to be regarded as at least partially mesh-shaped. The mesh-shaped Structure enables the selection of an individual conveying route for a workpiece or for a group of workpieces through the respective machining areas. The conveying path is preferably to be determined such that the existing processing capacities of the processing areas be used as fully as possible.

ever after the emergence of the workpieces to be processed is at a larger number of consecutively processed first workpieces a common conveying path for this conceivable, which then for a subsequent larger Number of second workpieces to be processed one after the other is changed, for example, the shape of the first and second workpieces, but other processing steps required are.

One essential feature of the invention is that the conveyor line if necessary bidirectionally by at least one processing area is operated, whereas according to the state of Technique the conveyor lines through machining areas only be operated in one direction. This allows one shortened conveying path of a workpiece between different mesh-like with a conveyor system connected editing areas, because in a editing area now not only promoted by a given page can be, but a promotion from both sides is possible. Transports the workpiece outside of the work area from its second end to its first end following this for editing from the first end to the second To go through end, thus eliminating advantageously. The meshed conveyor system is thereby easier and the Transport times are reduced.

Further Embodiment variants of the invention Method are characterized in that in at least one Processing step, a coating process takes place and that of Coating process in a paint booth by means of at least one Painting robot takes place.

Just Coating or painting operations are by a high variety of variants of the workpieces to be painted characterized, why the advantages of the invention This process particularly come into play.

Of the Use of a painting robot for the coating of Workpieces allows in an advantageous manner a reproducible quality of painting in advance known processing time for a respective processing step. The possibilities of an improved utilization of the existing ones Processing capacities of the processing areas, for example by means of a higher-level control system, are thereby be increased.

A further embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that in at least one processing step a drying process of the workpiece takes place, for example after a painting or a cleaning process. The corresponding Processing area in this case, for example, an oven or Radiation dryer on. But also a cleaning of a workpiece in a designated processing area is as to consider a possible processing step.

In a variant of the method according to the invention be at least first workpieces in the at least one common processing area from the same side of the conveyor line promoted and promoted. The delivery times of the workpieces between The processing areas are thereby depending on given boundary conditions further reducible.

When advantageous with respect to a reduced delivery time It also turns out that a workpiece during conveying by a processing area therein at least partially processed simultaneously.

In a preferred embodiment will be in a for provided processing area on a subsidized Workpiece performed several processing steps. The funding period can be further reduced.

In a further embodiment of the invention Method takes place in the at least one common processing area at least one processing step for first and second workpieces differently. For example, the first workpieces painted with a base coat while second workpieces be painted with a primer, which is usually takes place in different processing areas. The possibilities the improved utilization of processing capacities will be further increased.

In a further embodiment of the subject invention, workpieces are arranged on a workpiece carrier before processing and then fed to the processing. As a result, the conveying of the workpieces at a reduced Anord simplified tolerances. The conveying takes place preferably with a floor conveyor or with an overhead conveyor.

A further embodiment of the method is characterized in that that the conveyor system and / or the associated Conveying sections at least in sections with one each be operated adjusted conveyor speed. This leaves the conveying flow of the workpieces between the make various processing areas even more variable and the utilization of existing processing capacities further increase. Similar advantages result from the at least section-wise operation of the conveyor system and / or the associated conveyor lines in each one adapted conveying direction.

In a further variant of the method is at least partially different conveyor path for first and second Workpieces by means of at least one switchable branch specified in the conveyor system. This is for example a switch or a turntable, which on at least three sides with the connected to another conveyor system. The funding flow of the workpieces between the different machining areas is therefore particularly easy to influence.

In A preferred variant of the method become workpieces buffered between two processing steps in a buffer area of the conveyor system. This allows a temporal equalization possibly occurring Tips of needed processing capacity and provides another control option for improved Exploitation of processing capacity.

In a particularly preferred variant of the invention The process is based on a conveyor-related transition a workpiece carrier and / or a workpiece on a conveyor line, in a common processing area leads, before submitting in the processing area a with the workpiece carrier and / or the workpiece connected disk automatically by means of a reading device read.

such Data carriers contain information about the relevant data carrier Workpiece and the processing steps to be performed. For example, this information is a parent control system which also has data from others Processing areas are supplied.

Based The control system determines this data and other production data For example, automatically the respective delivery routes the workpieces and / or goods carriers and controls the flow of the workpieces by switching the corresponding branches in the conveyor system.

By Reading the disk at the reading points of the common Machining area with bidirectional conveyor system information is provided to the tax system, which the reliable control of the delivery flow and simplify the processing steps of the workpieces.

The inventive object is also solved through a editing area for editing Workpieces according to the method of one of the claims 1 to 15, associated with a conveyor system Conveyor track for feeding in and out of workpiece carriers and / or on these arranged workpieces.

Of the Machining area is characterized in that the conveyor line is bidirectionally operable and that between two Anschlussstellender Conveyor line to the other conveyor system on the one hand and the entry or exit point of the conveyor line on the other hand, at least one each in the processing area Reading device for reading one with a workpiece and / or Workpiece carrier connected data carrier is provided.

such Data carriers contain information about the relevant data carrier Workpiece and the processing steps to be performed. In an annular conveyor system is mostly a single read before conveying the workpiece in the processing area, in which the first processing step is executed, sufficient. The read data will be then, for example, via a higher-level tax system forwarded to the respective subsequent processing area. When conveying the workpiece in the following Editing area, only the information is captured that a workpiece was conveyed into this, the detailed information is taken over from the previous editing area. Along a conveyor route without branches this is sufficient, because the order of the workpieces along the conveying path is not changeable.

One bidirectional conveying path through a processing area is inevitable with branching possibilities at its two ends provided when incorporated in a meshed conveyor system is. The order of the workpieces is therefore changeable. Several along a common conveyor line arranged processing areas are in this context as to look at a single processing area, at its two Ends are each provided with a reading point.

A Control of the processing steps in a processing area with bidirectional conveyor system is characterized by a two-sided Reading device significantly simplified.

Further advantageous design options are the other refer to dependent claims.

Based the embodiments shown in the drawings the invention, further embodiments and more Advantages are described in more detail.

It demonstrate:

1a a first processing system in a first method state,

1b the first processing system in a second process state,

1c the first processing system in a third process state,

2a a second processing system in a first process state,

2 B the second processing system in a second process state and

3 an example of a workpiece carrier with workpieces

1a shows a first processing system 30 in a first process state 10a , The editing system 30 has a first 12 , a second 14 and a third 16 Machining area for machining workpieces. Each processing area is to be regarded in this example as delimited paint booth, through which a respective conveyor line 18 . 20 . 22 is arranged.

By means of the conveyor lines 18 . 20 . 22 are workpieces 1 . 2 , which are arranged for example on a workpiece carrier, in the paint booths 12 . 14 . 16 one and also ausförderbar. Every paint booth 12 . 14 . 16 is with two painting robots each 36 equipped with which a variety of different paints can be applied. However, the number of painting robots can also be only one or even more, for example eight, or else a purely manual machining area is also conceivable. Preferably, a painting robot 36 provided with 6 degrees of freedom of movement, because this is an achievement of each spatial point in the respective working area of the robot 36 with any orientation, but also an arrangement of such a robot 36 on a so-called seventh axis or a support column is of course within the spirit of the invention. The robots 36 can differ from each other, for example in their execution and in the type or number of applicable lacquers. A painting of a workpiece during conveyance through the paint booth is provided in both conveying directions.

The paint booths 12 . 14 . 16 are an exemplary example of a processing area, a real industrial painting plant has, in addition to the paint booths for the various paints, for example, cleaning, drying, rework and / or buffer areas, which of course also the possibility of a conveyor bypass is given.

The conveyor system has the three conveyor lines crossing the paint booths 18 . 20 . 22 on which at a first 32 and a second 34 switchable branch conveyor technology are connected to two meshes, with each switchable branch ever another conveyor line is connected, via which the workpieces 1 . 2 into the editing system 30 be promoted or out of this. Usually, these two conveyor sections are connected to each other au ßerhalb the processing system, so that workpiece carrier after removal of the finished painted workpieces can be re-stocked with unpainted workpieces and the processing system to be re-supplied.

In the first method state shown 10a is exclusively a variety of first workpieces 1 to paint, which are indicated as a triangle, but in reality, for example, bumpers for automobile bodies or even automobile bodies themselves can be. The term first workpieces does not necessarily mean that first workpieces must resemble each other in shape and / or the steps to be performed, but rather comprises a group of workpieces to be painted, possibly even selected at random. Of course, the invention concept also any number of other groups of workpieces, ie third, fourth, ..., detected.

In the example shown 10a are the first workpieces 1 to be regarded as equally shaped workpieces, on which only a paint application in possibly different colors has to be made. The in the editing area 30 conveyed first workpieces 1 be at the first switchable turnoff 32 on the three processing areas 12 . 14 . 16 in which they are then varnished during the passing through. Then they will be at the second switchable turnoff 34 reunited and promoted on a common conveyor line. Depending on the colors to be applied an assignment of different colors to the processing areas makes sense to reduce the number of color changes and the associated color change losses.

The 1b shows the same editing system 30 now in a second process state 10b , They are only second workpieces 2 to paint, which are on the one hand larger than the first workpieces 1 and also require three different paint jobs. The first 12 and second 14 Processing area are only intended to perform the first and second coating application - for example, the application of a base coat - the third processing area is intended to perform in addition to the first and second coating application and the third coating application - for example, the application of a clearcoat.

In the process state 10b All three paint booths are now conveyor technology in series and no longer connected in parallel and are sequential of the second workpieces 2 run through. By means of this series connection, precisely one processing step is carried out in each processing region, which advantageously reduces, for example, the number of necessary color changes.

The 1c shows the same editing system 30 now in a third state of the process 10c , First 1 and second 2 Workpieces are joined together sequentially in the machining area 30 processed. It's first 1 and second 2 For each type of work on selected paints, for example, the color yellow, still a second paint layer of the color yellow is to be applied.

Through the second processing area 14 are only second workpieces 2 promoted and edited while through the third editing area 16 only first workpieces 1 be promoted and edited. In the first editing area 12 If necessary, from the left first in the color yellow to be painted workpieces and discharged, while from the right, if necessary, second in the color yellow to be painted workpieces and be discharged, wherein in the first processing area 12 in each case one of the two color jobs necessary for the color yellow takes place.

2a shows a similar second processing system 70 with 3 processing areas 52 . 54 . 56 , each with painting robots 76 are equipped. The three conveyor sections crossing the processing areas 58 . 60 . 62 are connected to each other at a total of six switchable branches, of which in the Fig. Four with the reference numerals 72 . 74 . 78 . 80 are designated. Also included is a buffer area 90 the conveyor system, in which workpieces can be cached. Shown are in this example, a first 82 and a second 84 Reading device at the beginning of the unidirectionally operated conveyor lines 58 . 62 of the fourth 52 and sixth 56 Editing area and a third 86 and fourth 88 Reading device on both sides of the bidirectionally operable conveyor line 60 of the fifth processing area 54 ,

by virtue of the meshing of the conveyor lines of the conveyor system it is advantageous to provide such reading devices so as to a clear identification of transferred to a conveyor line Ensure workpieces, with the workpieces or the workpiece carrier with a corresponding data carrier are provided, the identification data contains. The information read by the reader are then preferably to a parent and not transmitted control system, for example, a data processing device. Based on this data and other production data are taken into account the respective boundary conditions corresponding funding routes determined for the respective workpieces. The results are transmitted from the control system back to the processing system and implemented there.

The 2a shows the second processing system 70 in a first process state 50a , First and second workpieces are to be applied, each with two coats of lacquer, with the lacquering time for the first 1 Workpieces is significantly smaller than for the second 2 workpieces and wherein between both paint jobs a Abdunstzeit in the buffer area 90 is required. A large number of consecutive second workpieces 2 has already been provided with the first coat of paint. Some of the second workpieces are still in the buffer area 90 another one has already left the buffer area for painting the second lacquer layer. In spite of the increased painting time for second workpieces 2 to allow a correspondingly high processing throughput, the paint is done in the fifth 54 and sixth 56 Machining area in parallel, leaving the buffer area 90 accelerated is driven empty.

Into the editing system 70 and in the fourth processing area 52 a variety of successive first workpieces is painted 1 , Due to the lower painting costs corresponds to the time throughput of the fourth processing area 52 on first workpieces 1 in about the time throughput of the parallel fifth 54 and sixth 56 Processing areas on second workpieces 2 ,

The 2 B shows the second processing system 70 in a second process state 50b , Out of the buffer area 90 are now all second workpieces 2 discharged. In the fifth processing area 54 Now takes place in the reverse direction of the first paint job for first workpieces 1 parallel to the fourth processing area 52 , The resulting increased throughput of machined workpieces is thereby from the intermediate buffer 90 added.

In a further, not shown process state with only similar workpieces with comparable processing time, for example, the fifth processing area 54 each for a certain number of successive workpieces alternately parallel to the fourth 52 or sixth 56 Processing area are operated, the buffer area 90 compensates for the resulting fluctuations in the throughput of the workpieces. In this case, first and second workpieces would be considered each to be a number of successive like workpieces, which even require the same processing steps.

3 shows an example of a workpiece carrier 104 with workpieces 106 . 108 , which are suggested as bumpers for automobile bodies. The workpiece carrier 104 is located on a conveyor line 102 , a floor conveyor with rollers 112 , With the workpiece carrier 104 connected is a disk 110 , which data about the workpieces to be processed 106 . 108 contains and which are readable with a reading device. The disk can also contain only a serial number, with an assignment of the serial number to the workpieces to be machined 106 . 108 is done in a separate mapping table, which is included, for example, in the parent control system.

1

first workpiece

2

second workpiece

10a

first Processing system in a first state of the process

10b

first Processing system in a second process state

10c

first Processing system in a third state of the process

12

first editing area

14

second editing area

16

third editing area

18

conveyor line of the first processing area

20

conveyor line of the second processing area

22

conveyor line of the third processing area

30

first processing system

32

first switchable branch

34

second switchable branch

36

first processing device

50a

second Processing system in a first state of the process

50b

second Processing system in a second process state

52

fourth editing area

54

fifth editing area

56

sixth editing area

58

conveyor line of the fourth processing area

60

conveyor line of the fifth processing area

62

conveyor line of the sixth processing area

70

second Processing system with buffer of the conveyor system

72

third switchable branch

74

fourth switchable branch

76

second processing device

78

fifth switchable branch

80

sixth switchable branch

82

first reading device

84

second reading device

86

third reading device

88

fourth reading device

90

buffer area of the conveyor system

100

example for a workpiece carrier with workpieces

102

part a conveyor line

104

Workpiece carrier

106

first attachment

108

second attachment

110

disk

112

role

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2005/120733 [0007]

Claims (18)

Method of editing a plurality of first ( 1 ) and second ( 2 ) Workpieces that are sequentially fed to an at least partially common machining process, wherein workpieces ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ) in at least two processing steps in at least two spatially remote processing areas ( 12 . 14 . 16 . 52 . 54 . 56 ) and a transport of the workpieces ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ) between the respective processing areas ( 12 . 14 . 16 . 52 . 54 . 56 ) is carried out by a common conveyor system, the workpieces ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ) for a respective processing step on a conveying system associated with the conveyor system ( 18 . 20 . 22 . 58 . 60 . 62 . 102 ) into the respective processing area ( 12 . 14 . 16 . 52 . 54 . 56 ) and, according to the method, first ( 1 ) and second ( 2 ) Workpieces in at least one common processing area ( 12 . 14 . 54 ) from opposite sides of the across the processing area ( 12 . 14 . 54 ) extending arranged conveyor line ( 18 . 20 . 60 ) are each in and / or promoted. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that in at least one processing step, a coating process he follows. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that that the coating process in a paint booth by means of at least a painting robot takes place. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in at least one processing step a drying process takes place. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least first workpieces ( 1 ) into the at least one common processing area ( 12 ) from the same side of the conveyor line ( 18 ) are promoted and promoted. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a workpiece ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ) during conveyance through a processing area ( 12 . 14 . 16 . 52 . 54 . 56 ) at the same time at least partially processed therein. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a processing area ( 12 . 14 . 16 . 52 . 54 . 56 ) on a conveyed workpiece ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ) several processing steps are performed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the at least one common processing area ( 12 . 14 . 54 ) at least one processing step for first ( 1 ) and second ( 2 ) Workpieces are different. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that workpieces ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ) before machining on a workpiece carrier ( 104 ) are arranged and then fed to the processing. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that workpieces ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ) are conveyed with a floor or overhead conveyor. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor system and / or the associated conveyor lines ( 18 . 20 . 22 . 58 . 60 . 62 . 102 ) are operated at least in sections with a respectively adapted conveying speed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor system and / or the associated conveyor lines ( 18 . 20 . 22 . 58 . 60 . 62 . 102 ) are operated at least in sections in a respective adapted conveying direction. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an at least partially different conveying path for first and second workpieces by means of at least one switchable branch ( 32 . 34 . 72 . 74 . 78 . 80 ) is specified in the conveyor system. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that workpieces ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ) between two processing steps in a buffer area ( 90 ) of the conveyor system are cached. Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that after a conveyor-related transition of a workpiece carrier ( 104 ) and / or a workpiece ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ) on a conveyor line ( 18 . 20 . 60 ), which are placed in a common processing area ( 12 . 14 . 54 ), before being conveyed into the processing area with the workpiece carrier ( 104 ) and / or data carrier connected to the workpiece ( 110 ) automatically by means of a reading device ( 82 . 84 . 86 . 88 ) is read. Processing area ( 12 . 14 . 16 . 52 . 54 . 56 ) for machining workpieces ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ) according to the method according to one of claims 1 to 15, with a delivery system associated with a conveyor system ( 18 . 20 . 22 . 58 . 60 . 62 . 102 ) for feeding in and out of workpiece carriers ( 104 ) and / or on these arranged workpieces ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ), characterized in that the För the way ( 18 . 20 . 22 . 58 . 60 . 62 ) is bidirectionally operable and that between both connection points ( 32 . 34 . 72 . 74 . 78 . 80 ) of the conveyor line ( 18 . 20 . 22 . 58 . 60 . 62 ) to the further conveyor system on the one hand and the entry or exit point of the conveyor line ( 18 . 20 . 22 . 58 . 60 . 62 ) into the editing area ( 12 . 14 . 16 . 52 . 54 . 56 ) on the other hand in each case at least one reading device ( 82 . 84 . 86 . 88 ) for reading one with a workpiece ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ) and / or workpiece carrier ( 104 ) data carrier ( 110 ) is provided. Machining area according to claim 16, characterized that this is a paint booth. Machining area according to claim 17, characterized in that for the machining of the workpieces ( 1 . 2 . 106 . 108 ) Painting robots are provided.