DE102013014259A1 - Device for unfolding a seam connection of a sheet metal assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for unfolding a folded connection of a sheet-metal arrangement, comprising a table (3) which has a base body (5) and a bearing device (7) connected to the base body (5), the bearing device (7) being an imaginary one Support surface (9) for supporting a sheet metal arrangement has been proposed. The device (1) is characterized in that the imagined support surface (9) is defined by at least three and at most finitely many support regions (11) which are adapted to receive the weight of a sheet arrangement arranged on the imaginary support surface (9), wherein at least one support region (11) is formed by a suction cup (13) in fluid communication with a vacuum suction device comprised by the device (1).

Description

The invention relates to a device for unfolding a rabbet joint of a sheet metal structure according to the preamble of claim 1.

A joining technique, in particular sheet metal parts, especially of body parts, provides that two parts are folded together to form a sheet metal and glued in the rebate area. For example, an adhesive is applied to an inner panel in the region of a seam to be formed, after which a rabbet flange of an outer panel is bent by approximately 180 ° in the region of the rabbet seam, so that it engages around the inner panel on both sides and rests on the latter in the region of the rabbet seam. Due to the adhesive, the seaming flange is glued to the inner panel at the same time. The adhesive cures a certain time after the folding process. It is used in particular to improve the hold of the rabbet joint and to protect it from corrosion. It is necessary to randomly control a quantity and a course of the adhesive after folding. For this purpose, the interconnected parts of the sheet assembly are removed randomly in the production directly after the folding process, and the seaming is bent before the adhesive cures, which typically takes about twenty minutes. Frequently, the seaming is manually bent by a first operator holds the interconnected parts on a workbench, while a second worker bends the folding flange using a device provided for this purpose. This is problematic because a great deal of effort is required to hold the sheet assembly. When the force is released, on the one hand holding the sheet assembly and, on the other hand, the unfolding of the same is made more difficult. It can lead to injury slipping the device for unfolding and / or the sheet assembly, in particular, the second worker may injure, which performs the defloration. In addition, the known procedure is already complicated because mandatory two workers are required.

From the German patent application DE 10 2011 119 156 A1 shows a device that serves the Vorfügen of two sheet metal parts for subsequent folding processing. It comprises a table which has a main body and a bearing surface provided thereon, which serves to support a sheet metal. The arranged on the table support surface takes on the weight of the sheet and supports this. There is provided a suction gripping device, with which a sheet metal component lying on the table is sucked in an edge region and thereby elastically deformed. During the elastic deformation, the sheet is supported on the support surface of the table. The suction gripping device is thus neither part of the support surface, nor does it serve to support the sheet. Rather, the sheet is actively deformed by the suction gripping device, wherein the forces to be applied for this purpose are supported on the support surface of the table. It turns out that this device is too complex for unfolding a sheet arrangement on the one hand, in particular because it requires no deformation of a resting on the table plate assembly, on the other hand, on the other hand, on the other hand, is not flexible enough to allow efficient Entfalzung.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a device which does not have the disadvantages mentioned.

The object is achieved by providing a device having the features of claim 1. The device for unfolding a rabbet joint of a sheet metal assembly has a table which has a main body and a bearing device connected to the main body. The support device comprises an imaginary support surface for supporting a sheet metal assembly. It is characterized in that the imaginary bearing surface is defined by at least three and at most finitely many bearing areas, which are adapted to accommodate the weight of arranged on the imaginary bearing surface sheet assembly. In this case, at least one support region is formed by a suction cup, which is in fluid communication with a vacuum suction device comprised by the device. Contrary to what is known from the prior art, the support surface is not formed as a continuous surface, and insofar infinitely many support regions which are not delimited from one another, but as an imaginary bearing surface which is defined by a discrete number of mutually delimited support regions. These bearing areas take on the weight of a arranged on them plate assembly. By having at least one of the bearing portions formed by a suction cup which can suck the sheet assembly by means of a vacuum suction device with which it is in fluid communication, it is very flexible and rapidly possible to position, unfold, and unfold a sheet assembly on the support means to remove again from the support device. The at least one suction cup does not serve to deform the sheet arrangement, but rather to hold it, in any case carrying part of the weight of the sheet arrangement. This is based on deferred at least on the at least one suction cup.

Due to the fact that the sheet arrangement can be securely and stably arranged on the supporting device and fixed by means of the at least one suction cup, it no longer has to be removed during unfolding to be held the first worker. Rather, it is possible that a worker alone bends a folding flange of the sheet metal assembly by means of a device provided for this purpose, so that the costs associated with the Entfalzung effort is significantly reduced. In this case, a lesser amount of force is required, and slipping of the sheet assembly and / or the device for unfolding is avoided. Thus, a risk of injury to the worker, who bends the folding flange, significantly reduced.

It is possible that the imaginary bearing surface substantially represents a plane, wherein the finitely many bearing areas are arranged coplanar with each other. This is particularly preferred in order to fix planar sheet arrangements. Alternatively, it is possible that the support surface has a shape that deviates from a plane, for example, a curved shape, in particular a convex or concave shape, or a shape in the manner of a freeform surface. For this purpose, it is possible that the finitely many bearing areas are not arranged coplanar with each other, but rather follow the desired shape of the imaginary bearing surface or form support points of the same.

The term "sheet assembly" is particularly an arrangement of body panels addressed here, which are interconnected by folding.

The device is preferably designed as a positioning table, which serves the rapid, simple and flexible recording and fixing of the sheet assembly.

The table provides for the Entfalzung performing workers a comfortable working height, being designed adjustable in height in a preferred embodiment of the device. Particularly preferably, the support means is mounted vertically adjustable relative to the base body, so that a worker can adjust the height of the support means relative to the main body of the table and in particular relative to a floor on which the worker stands, flexible. In this case, a locking device is preferably provided to fix the set working height.

A device is preferred which is characterized in that the at least one suction cup is oriented vertically. The device and in particular the table are preferably on a footprint, such as a hall floor, wherein the footprint defines a horizontal plane. A vertical direction is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. If the at least one suction cup is oriented vertically, it is possible to place the sheet arrangement from above onto the suction cup and to fix it by means of this.

A device is also preferred, which is characterized in that all support regions of the support device are each formed by a suction cup. Alternatively, it is possible that at least one support area is not formed by a suction cup, but for example by a passive support element, on which the sheet arrangement is supported in regions. However, an embodiment of the device in which all bearing areas are formed by suction cups, however, has the advantage that a particularly efficient, safe and stable arrangement of the sheet assembly is realized on the support areas.

A device is also preferred, which is characterized in that the support device has exactly three contact areas. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the support device has exactly three suction cups. Three support areas are advantageous because three points just define a plane so that the sheet arrangement can be positioned particularly stable in the region of the imaginary support surface. Particularly preferred is an embodiment with exactly three support areas, in which all three support areas are designed as suction cups, whereby the strength and security of the positioning is further increased.

A device is also preferred, which is characterized in that the base body of the table is formed from a plurality of profiles. Particularly preferably, the base body of the table is formed from aluminum profiles, in particular ITEM profiles. As a result, it can be configured in a very simple manner weight-saving, flexible and extremely stable.

An embodiment of the device is preferred in which the table is arranged displaceably on rollers. Particularly preferably, four rollers are arranged on an underside of the table, which are preferably attached to four legs of the table. The table legs are preferably formed from profiles, in particular aluminum profiles, preferably ITEM profiles. By means of the rollers, the table is very easy to move and can be arranged relative to other workstations, in particular in the Karosseriefertigung, in a flexible and favorable position for process monitoring. Preferably, at least one of the rollers is designed lockable, so that the table can be arranged fixed position or fixed.

An embodiment is also preferred, which is characterized in that the support means comprises a turntable which is pivotally connected to the base body about a first pivot axis. At the turntable is at least one substantially in the radial direction protruding arm attached to which the at least one suction cup is arranged. The turntable is preferably pivotable about 360 ° about the first axis or rotatable. The first pivot axis preferably extends in the vertical direction, wherein the vertical direction can be understood as an axial direction at the same time. A radial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction, and therefore preferably perpendicular to the vertical, and is therefore preferably in a horizontal plane. The arm protrudes from the turntable - seen in the radial direction - outward, ie away from the first pivot axis, from. The suction cup is arranged on the arm and thus enables an off-center fixation of the sheet assembly. It is possible that further bearing areas are provided directly on the turntable, for example, at least one suction cup may be provided directly on the turntable. The pivoting of the turntable allows flexible pivoting of the arranged on the support areas sheet assembly, so that the Entfalzung performing workers with a circumferential folding flange does not have to go around the entire device, but rather can pivot the sheet assembly, where he himself remains essentially stationary. This significantly increases the ergonomics of the deflaking process. In order to facilitate the pivoting of the turntable and to minimize wear, a bearing is preferably provided, with which the turntable is pivotally mounted on the base body. The bearing is preferably designed as a rolling bearing.

Preferably, a locking device is provided, so that the turntable can be locked in discrete or continuously variable angular positions in order to pivot it on the one hand for ergonomic operation and on the other hand to be able to fix it for safe defloration.

The at least one arm is preferably designed as a profiled arm, in particular formed by an aluminum profile, particularly preferably by an ITEM profile.

In a preferred embodiment, the turntable is mounted on a profile cross-beam which connects two opposite frame profiles of the table. Preferably, the turntable is arranged centrally on the table.

An embodiment of the device is preferred, which is characterized in that the arm is pivotably connected to the turntable about a second pivot axis. In this case, the second pivot axis is preferably oriented parallel to the first pivot axis, so preferably also extends in the vertical direction. It is also spaced radially from the first pivot axis. The pivotable in this way arm, on which the at least one suction cup is arranged, allows flexible positioning of the support area formed by the suction cup, whereby the support means can be adapted in particular to different sheet metal arrangements.

In particular, an embodiment of the device is preferred, which has exactly three arms which are attached to the turntable. Each of the three arms carries a suction cup. Preferably, all three arms are pivotally mounted on the turntable. This embodiment allows a particularly high flexibility of the arrangement and fixation of the sheet assembly on the support device. In particular, the various support areas can be positioned very flexibly relative to each other, whereby the support means can be adapted to different sheet arrangements. Preferably, exactly three support areas are provided, which are arranged in the form of three suction cups on the three arms.

Preferably, attachment points of the arms are arranged on the turntable at a constant angular distance from each other, so that adjacent arms - seen in the circumferential direction about the first pivot axis - are provided at an angular distance of 120 ° to each other. The extending through the attachment points second pivot axes are preferably arranged concentrically around the first pivot axis. All three second pivot axes are therefore on a circular lines, through the center of which runs the first pivot axis.

Finally, a device is preferred, which is characterized in that the at least one suction cup is arranged in the vertical direction adjustable on the at least one arm. If a plurality of bearing areas and / or suction cups are provided, these are preferably adjustable independently of one another in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to make the shape and arrangement of the support surface or the relative arrangement of the different support areas to each other flexible and in particular to vote on different concrete plate assemblies. It is particularly possible to arrange the different support areas or suction cups coplanar or non-coplanar with each other.

Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the at least one suction cup-preferably independently of other support areas and / or suction cups -is arranged to be adjustable in the radial direction on the at least one arm. This makes it possible in particular to match the arrangement of the support areas to a size of the sheet arrangement to be fixed and / or the Force application points for the support of the sheet assembly flexible and suitable to match the concrete to be held sheet arrangement. In this case, the at least one suction cup is preferably fixable in the vertical and / or in the radial direction, so that it can be fixed at its once set position.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Showing:

1 a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of the device;

2 a first detail of the device according to 1 , and

3 a second detail of the embodiment of the device according to 1 ,

1 shows a three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of a device 1 for unfolding a rabbet joint of a sheet metal assembly. The device 1 includes a table 3 with a basic body 5 and one with the main body 5 connected support device 7 , The support device 7 has a here indicated by a dashed line, imaginary bearing surface 9 at the in 1 illustrated embodiment by three support areas 11 is defined. All three circulation areas 11 are each through a suction cup 13 formed, with an unillustrated, from the device 1 included vacuum suction device is in fluid communication to fix a arranged on the support device sheet assembly. Here are the suction cups 13 adapted to accommodate and support the weight of the sheet assembly. In particular, the suction cups support 13 also from the forces occurring during unfolding.

For the fluid connection with the vacuum suction device vacuum lines are provided, of which in 1 a vacuum line 15 is shown. Furthermore, the device 1 Preferably, a negative pressure control device, by which the vacuum suction device can be controlled.

In the embodiment according to 1 is a switching device 17 provided by which the vacuum suction device can be activated and deactivated. For fixing a sheet assembly to the suction cups 13 the vacuum suction device is switched by means of the switching device 17 activated. It turns off the sheet assembly from the suction cups 13 to solve. The switching device 17 here includes a rotary switch 19 , By means of the negative pressure generated by the vacuum suction device, the sheet assembly is fixed.

Based on 1 it turns out that all suckers 13 are vertically oriented here.

The main body 5 of the table 3 is made of aluminum profiles, with the table 3 slidable on rollers 21 is arranged, of which one is lockable here.

The support device 7 has a turntable 23 on, the 360 ° about a first, vertical pivot axis pivotally connected to the main body 5 connected is. From the turntable 23 here are three arms 25 - Seen in the radial direction - from, with the suction cups 13 on the arms 25 are attached. Each arm wears it 25 exactly a suction cup 13 ,

It turns out that the turntable 23 on a profile cross-beam 27 is attached, the profile cross-beam 27 two opposite frame profiles 29 . 29 ' combines. The turntable 23 is centered on the profile cross-beam 27 and in the middle of the table 3 arranged. He is relative to the main body 5 swiveling in a warehouse 31 stored, with the camp 31 is preferably designed as a rolling bearing.

A first locking device 32 is provided to the turntable 23 to lock in its angular position about the first pivot axis.

2 shows a detailed view of the embodiment of the device 1 according to 1 , Identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the preceding description. Based on 2 it becomes clear that the arms 25 are designed as profile arms or profiles, in particular aluminum profiles are formed. The sucker 13 is here with a mounting rod 33 in the vertical direction in a mounting block 35 guided, being separate from the other suction cups 13 is adjustable in the vertical direction. Here is a second locking device 37 provided to the vertical position of the suction cup 13 to fix. The mounting block 35 is in the radial direction on the arm 25 displaced, whereby at the same time also the suction cup 13 in the radial direction displaceable on the arm 25 is arranged. Here is a third locking device 39 provided with the help of which the radial position of the mounting block 35 and at the same time the suction cup 13 can be fixed. All suction cups are preferred 13 according to the arms assigned to them 25 arranged, and in particular separately and independently of one another in the vertical and radial directions are adjustable and fixable. This allows a very flexible tuning of the support device 7 be set to a specific recordable sheet metal arrangement, so that it can be kept safe and stable.

3 shows a second detail view of the embodiment of the device 1 according to 1 , Identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the preceding description. It turns out that the three arms 25 each about a second pivot axis 41 swiveling on the turntable 23 are hinged, wherein the second pivot axes 41 oriented parallel to the first pivot axis, radially spaced therefrom, and concentrically disposed therearound. In this way, in particular, an angular position of the suction cups 13 flexibly adjustable around the first pivot axis. In this case, a fourth locking device, not shown here, is preferred for each pivot axis 41 assigned in the way that the angular position of each arm 25 can be fixed. It is obvious that the three arms 25 can be adjusted separately and independently of each other with respect to their angular positions.

Overall, it shows that using the device 1 a simple, less complex unfolding a rabbet joint of a sheet metal structure is possible, with a worker ergonomic working with significantly reduced risk of injury is possible.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102011119156 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Contraption ( 1 ) for unfolding a seam connection of a sheet metal assembly, with a table ( 3 ), which has a basic body ( 5 ) and one with the main body ( 5 ) associated support facility ( 7 ), wherein the support device ( 7 ) an imaginary bearing surface ( 9 ) for supporting a sheet arrangement, characterized in that the imaginary bearing surface ( 9 ) by at least three and at most finitely many circulation areas ( 11 ), which are adapted to the weight of a on the imaginary bearing surface ( 9 ) arranged sheet arrangement, wherein at least one support area ( 11 ) through a suction cup ( 13 ) formed with one of the device ( 1 ) vacuum suction device is in fluid communication. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one suction cup ( 13 ) is vertically oriented. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all bearing areas ( 11 ) by a respective suction cup ( 13 ) are formed. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device ( 7 ) exactly three areas ( 11 ) and / or exactly three suction cups ( 13 ) having. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the basic body ( 5 ) of the table ( 3 ) is formed from a plurality of profiles. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the table ( 3 ) slidable on rollers ( 21 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device ( 7 ) a turntable ( 23 ), which - preferably by 360 ° - pivotable about a first pivot axis with the main body ( 5 ) is connected, wherein on the turntable ( 23 ) at least one substantially projecting in the radial direction arm ( 25 ) is attached, at which the at least one suction cup ( 13 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the arm ( 25 ) about a second pivot axis pivotally mounted on the turntable ( 23 ), wherein the second pivot axis is preferably oriented parallel to the first pivot axis and spaced radially therefrom. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that exactly three arms ( 25 ) preferably pivotally mounted on the turntable ( 23 ), each arm ( 25 ) a suction cup ( 13 ), preferably attachment points of adjacent arms ( 25 ) are arranged at an angular distance of 120 ° to each other, and wherein preferably the extending through the attachment points second pivot axes are arranged concentrically around the first pivot axis. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the at least one suction cup ( 13 ) in the vertical and / or in the radial direction adjustable on the at least one arm ( 25 ) is arranged.

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