DE102019209853A1 - Tool change device for a production cell for processing add-on parts, production cell with such a tool change device and method for processing add-on parts - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool changing device (2) for a production cell (4) for processing add-on parts (6), the production cell (4) comprising at least one rotary table (8) which comprises at least one first work area (10) in which or on which at least one attachment receptacle (12) can be arranged or is arranged and which is from an equipping position in which the first work area (10) is arranged outside the production cell (4) and in which an attachment (6) can be arranged in or on the attachment receptacle (12) is transferable, in particular rotatable, into a processing position in which the work area (10) is arranged in the production cell (4) and in which the attachment (6) can be processed by a production robot (14), with at least one in the first work area (10) of the turntable (8) arranged first holding means (16) on which at least one first tool (18) for the production robot (14) can be arranged in the loading position and in de The machining position can be removed by the production robot (14).

Description

The invention relates to a tool changing device for a manufacturing cell for machining add-on parts, a manufacturing cell with such a tool changing device, and a method for machining add-on parts.

Production cells for processing add-on parts are known from the prior art, in which production robots process add-on parts using tools, in particular join and handle. Due to the robot standard used, a maximum of four tools, for example welding tongs, clinching tongs, glue gun, etc., are arranged in the production cells, which the production robot can pick up and use to process the attachment.

The tools made available in the production cell can be used for a large number of add-on parts.

It has been found to be necessary that one or more specific tools for the production robots have to be rearranged in the production cell in order to process specific add-on parts. In this case, the production process has to be interrupted and the tools arranged in the production cell have to be replaced entirely or partially manually with a tool crane by the specific tools, which has proven to be time-consuming and cumbersome.

One object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention is to offer a tool changing device for a production cell for processing add-on parts, a production cell with such a changing device, and a method for processing add-on parts, by means of which tool replacement is facilitated.

This object is achieved by a tool changing device for a production cell for processing add-on parts, the production cell comprising at least one turntable which comprises at least one first work area in which or on which at least one attachment part receptacle can be or is arranged and which is from an assembly position in which the first work area is arranged outside the production cell and in which an attachment can be arranged in or on the attachment part receptacle, can be transferred, in particular rotated, into a processing position, in which the work area is arranged in the production cell and in which the attachment can be processed by a production robot, in particular joinable and manageable, is, with at least one first holding means arranged in the first work area of the turntable, on which at least one first tool for the manufacturing robot can be arranged in the loading position and in the processing position by the manufacturing operator oboter is removable.

Because the production cell comprises at least one turntable which has a first work area which can be transferred from a loading position to a processing position, the attachment part receptacle can be equipped with attachments outside the production cell. This increases the safety for users and facilitates access to the attachment receptacle. By providing a first holding means, a first tool can easily be arranged in the equipping position on the first holding means and transferred with the attachment by moving the first working area of the turntable from the equipping position to the processing position in the production cell. There the provided tool can then be accessed in a simple manner by the production robot.

The first holding means can for example comprise a so-called docking station.

In the known production cells, up to four tools are arranged within the production cell, which the production robot can access while processing the attachment. In order to be able to pick up a first tool transferred by the tool changing device into the production cell and fix it to the production robot, it proves to be advantageous if the tool changing device comprises at least one second holding means which is arranged in the first working area of the turntable on which at least one second tool can be arranged by the production robot and from which the second tool can be removed in the equipping position.

As a result, the production robot can place the currently used second tool on the second holding means and pick up the first tool on the first holding means.

Furthermore, after processing the add-on part, the manufacturing robot can place the first tool on the first holding means and pick up the second tool from the second holding means before the first work area changes to the equipping position. This ensures that the tools in the production cell always remain there.

Processing of the attachment by the production robot can mean, among other things, joining and handling of the attachment.

The first tool and / or the second tool can in principle have any design. In one embodiment of the tool device, it proves to be advantageous if the first tool comprises a specific tool that is specifically designed for machining a specific attachment, and / or if the second tool comprises a general tool that is used for machining a large number of different Attachment is designed and usable.

In such a case, a specific tool is transferred into the production cell by the first holding means if the attachment comprises a specific attachment. In order to create space for depositing the specific tool for further processing steps in which the production robot uses general tools, a general tool is at least temporarily stored on the second holding means.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the tool changing device it is provided that the attachment part receptacle comprises a base frame on which at least one attachment-part-specific clamping tool for fixing the attachment part can be fixed.

By providing a base frame, the attachment part can be precisely clamped, as a result of which the processing results of the production robot can be improved.

In order to be able to keep sufficient tools within the production cell for machining the attachment, in one embodiment of the tool changing device at least one, in particular at least four, tool holder arranged in the production cell is provided, with at least one second tool being able to be arranged on each tool holder.

In addition, in one embodiment of the tool changing device, at least one perforated plate fixed on the base frame and / or on the turntable is provided, on which the first holding means and / or the second holding means can be arranged in one or more positions.

By providing a perforated plate fixed on the base frame and / or on the turntable, the positions of the first holding means and / or the second holding means can be precisely stored, which improves the approach of the first holding means and / or the second holding means by the production robot. As a result, the first holding means and / or the second holding means of the tool changing device can be integrated into a virtual work environment with a high degree of correspondence with a real work environment.

In a further embodiment of the tool changing device it is provided that the first holding means and / or the second holding means comprise / comprises an essentially L-shaped cross section, a first section being fixed on the base frame and / or on the turntable, in particular the perforated plate, and a second section is arranged transversely or obliquely to the first section and comprises a receptacle for the tool.

In this way, the first tool and / or the second tool can be arranged above the attachment part, as a result of which a restriction of the freedom of movement of the manufacturing robot can be reduced to a minimum.

It also proves to be advantageous if the first holding means and the second holding means are at the same distance from the base frame or if the first holding means and the second holding means have a differing distance from the base frame and are arranged offset from one another with respect to the base frame.

As a result, the first holding means and the second holding means can be adapted to different spaces in the production cell.

In particular, when the first holding means and the second holding means are at the same distance from the base frame, it can prove to be advantageous if the first holding means and / or the second holding means are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another.

In order to further optimize the process for processing add-on parts, it proves to be advantageous if the turntable has a second work area in which or on which at least one further add-on part receptacle, at least one further first holding means and / or at least one further second holding means can be arranged, wherein the second work area is arranged in the equipping position when the first work area is arranged in the processing position and vice versa.

In this way, for example, the additional attachment part receptacle and the additional first holding means and / or the additional second holding means can be loaded or unloaded in the equipping position while the attachment is being processed by the manufacturing robot in the first work area. This allows the machining of an attachment and the loading and unloading of attachments and workpieces in parallel.

In addition, the object is achieved by a production cell for processing add-on parts, with a production robot, with a turntable, the at least one first work area comprises, in which or on which at least one attachment receptacle can be or is arranged and which can be transferred, in particular rotated, from an assembly position in which the work area is arranged outside the production cell and in which an attachment can be arranged in or on the attachment receptacle, in which the first work area is arranged in the production cell and in which the attachment can be machined by the production robot, and with at least one tool changing device with at least one of the aforementioned features, the at least one first holding means arranged in the first work area of the turntable the at least one first tool for the production robot can be arranged in the equipping position and can be removed by the production robot in the processing position.

1. a. Bestücken des ersten Haltemittels in der Bestückungsstellung des ersten Arbeitsbereichs des Drehtisches mit einem ersten Werkzeug;
2. b. Bestücken der Anbauteilaufnahme in der Bestückungsstellung des ersten Arbeitsbereichs des Drehtisches mit einem unbearbeiteten Anbauteil;
3. c. Überführen des ersten Arbeitsbereichs des Drehtisches von der Bestückungsstellung in die Bearbeitungsstellung;
4. d. Entnahme des ersten Werkszeugs vom ersten Haltemittel durch den Fertigungsroboter und Festlegen des ersten Werkzeugs am Fertigungsroboter; und
5. e. Bearbeiten des Anbauteils durch den Fertigungsroboter.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for processing add-on parts by means of a production cell with at least one of the aforementioned features, which has at least one production robot and at least one turntable which comprises at least one first work area on which at least one attachment part receptacle can be or is arranged and which can be transferred, in particular rotated, from an assembly position in which the first work area is arranged outside the production cell and in which an attachment can be arranged in or on the attachment part receptacle into a processing position in which the first work area is arranged in the production cell and that Attachment can be processed by the production robot and which comprises at least one tool changing device with at least one of the aforementioned features, the at least one first holding means arranged in the first working area of the turntable on the at least one first tool Can be arranged for the production robot in the assembly position and can be removed by the production robot in the processing position, with the following steps:

1. a. Equipping the first holding means in the equipping position of the first work area of the turntable with a first tool;
2. b. Equipping the attachment receptacle in the equipping position of the first working area of the turntable with an unprocessed attachment;
3. c. Transferring the first working area of the turntable from the loading position to the processing position;
4. d. Removal of the first tool from the first holding means by the production robot and fixing of the first tool on the production robot; and
5. e. Processing of the attachment by the production robot.

The aforementioned process steps are interchangeable with one another, or the order in which they are processed is arbitrary.

1. a. Anordnen eines in der Fertigungszelle vorhandenen zweiten Werkzeugs des Fertigungsroboters an einem zweiten Haltemittel der Werkzeugwechselvorrichtung.

In a further development of the aforementioned method, the following additional step can be provided:

1. a. Arranging a second tool of the production robot present in the production cell on a second holding means of the tool changing device.

1. a. Entnehmen eines zweiten Werkzeugs vom zweiten Haltemittel in der Bestückungsstellung eines zweiten Arbeitsbereichs des Drehtisches;
2. b. Bestücken des ersten Haltemittels in der Bestückungsstellung des zweiten Arbeitsbereichs des Drehtisches mit einem ersten Werkzeug;
3. c. Entnehmen eines bearbeiteten Anbauteils aus der Anbauteilaufnahme in der Bestückungsstellung des zweitens Arbeitsbereichs und Bestücken der Anbauteilaufnahme des Drehtisches mit einem unbearbeiteten Anbauteil.

Finally, in a further development of the method, the following steps can be provided:

1. a. Removing a second tool from the second holding means in the equipping position of a second work area of the turntable;
2. b. Equipping the first holding means in the equipping position of the second working area of the turntable with a first tool;
3. c. Removing a machined attachment from the attachment holder in the equipping position of the second work area and equipping the attachment holder of the turntable with an unmachined attachment.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the attached patent claims, from the drawing and the following description of preferred embodiments of the tool changing device, the production cell and the method.

• 1 Eine perspektivische Draufsicht auf ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel der Werkzeugwechselvorrichtung;
• 2 Eine perspektivische Draufsicht auf ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der Werkzeugwechselvorrichtung;
• 3 Eine Draufsicht auf das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß 2;
• 4 Ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

In the drawing shows:

• 1 A perspective top view of a first embodiment of the tool changing device;
• 2 A perspective top view of a second embodiment of the tool changing device;
• 3 A plan view of the embodiment according to 2 ;
• 4th A schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention.

The 1 to 3 show two exemplary embodiments, one with the reference numeral 2 provided tool changing device. The tool changing device 2 is in the embodiments shown in the figures for a manufacturing cell 4th for processing attachments 6th . The manufacturing cell 4th In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, each comprises a rotary table 8th , the at least one first work area 10 includes. It also includes the turntable 8th a fixture 12th that are also in the first workspace 10 of the turntable 8th is arranged. The turntable 8th is in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures with its first work area 10 arranged in a processing position. In this one it is in the attachment 12th arranged attachment 6th in the manufacturing cell 4th arranged and by a manufacturing robot 14th editable (only shown schematically in the figures). In addition, the first work area 10 of the turntable 8th a first holding means 16 arranged on the at least one first tool 18th for the manufacturing robot 14th can be arranged or arranged.

The turntable 8th can of the processing position according to the representation of the 1 to 3 be transferred to an assembly position in which the first work area 10 of the turntable 8th outside the manufacturing cell 4th is arranged. In the equipping position, the attachment can 6th after processing by the production robot 14th from the attachment 12th removed and an unprocessed attachment 6th in the attachment 12th to be inserted by the manufacturing robot 14th to be edited. In addition, the first tool can be used in the equipping position 18th on the first holding means 16 be arranged or by a further first tool 18th be replaced.

The attachment part 12th In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, it comprises a base frame 20th as well as at least one attachment-specific clamping tool 22nd to define the attachment 6th . To the first holding means 16 regarding as a basic framework 20th trained attachment 12th To be able to align precisely, includes the tool changing device 2 at least one on the base frame 20th or at the turntable 8th fixed perforated plate 24 . The first holding means is on this 16 can be arranged in different positions.

1 shows a first embodiment of the tool changing device 2 , in which only a first holding means 16 is provided.

The 2 and 3 show a second embodiment of the tool changing device 2 , in addition to the first holding means 16 a second holding means 26th is provided on which a second tool 28 by the manufacturing robot 14th can be arranged. Also the second holding means 26th is on the perforated plate 24 arranged. The one in the 2 and 3 The embodiment shown are the first holding means 16 and the second holding means 26th at a different distance from the base frame 20th arranged.

4th shows a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for processing an attachment 6th . With reference to the 1 and 3 the individual process steps are described below.

In a first step 100 is the first holding means 16 in the equipping position of the first work area 10 of the turntable 8th with a tool, in particular a first tool 18th , equippable.

In a subsequent step 101 is the attachment 12th in the equipping position of the first work area 10 of the turntable 8th with an unprocessed attachment 6th equippable. The step 101 however, it can also be done in parallel or before step 100 be performed.

In a subsequent step 102 becomes the first work area 10 of the turntable 8th transferred from the assembly position to the processing position. This is where the turntable 8th for example rotated around an axis by 180 °.

In a subsequent step 103 is made by the manufacturing robot 14th the tool, especially the first tool 18th , from the first holding means 16 removed and on the production robot 14th set.

This is followed by one step 104 the processing of the attachment 6th by the manufacturing robot 14th carried out.

When the tool changing device 2 a second holding means 26th includes can after step 102 first a deposit in the production cell 4th existing second tool 28 of the manufacturing robot 14th on the second holding means 26th the tool changing device 2 be performed at a step 102 '.

The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, in the claims and in the drawing can be essential both individually and in any combination in the implementation of the invention in its various embodiments.

List of reference symbols

2

Tool changing device

4th

Manufacturing cell

6

Attachment

8th

Turntable

10

first work area

12

Attachment

14th

Manufacturing robots

16

first holding means

18th

first tool

20th

Base frame

22nd

Clamping tool

24

Perforated plate

26th

second holding means

28

second tool

100-104

Procedural steps

Claims (14)

Tool changing device (2) for a production cell (4) for processing add-on parts (6), the production cell (4) comprising at least one rotary table (8) which comprises at least one first work area (10) in which or on which at least one attachment part receptacle (12) can be arranged or arranged and from an assembly position in which the first work area (10) is arranged outside the production cell (4) and in which an attachment (6) can be arranged in or on the attachment receptacle (12) into a Machining position can be transferred, in particular rotated, in which the work area (10) is arranged in the production cell (4) and in which the attachment (6) can be machined by a production robot (14), with at least one in the first work area (10) of the First holding means (16) arranged on the turntable (8), on which at least one first tool (18) for the production robot (14) can be arranged in the loading position and in the processing position the production robot (14) can be removed. Tool changing device (2) after Claim 1 , characterized by at least one second holding means (26), which is arranged in the first work area (10) of the turntable (8), on which at least one second tool (28) can be arranged by the manufacturing robot (14) in the manufacturing position and from which the second tool (28) can be removed in the equipping position. Tool changing device (2) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the first tool (18) comprises a specific tool that is specifically designed for machining a specific attachment (6), and / or that the second tool (28) comprises a general tool that is designed for machining a plurality different attachments (6) is formed and used. Tool changing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment part receptacle (12) comprises a base frame (20) on which at least one attachment part-specific clamping tool (22) for fixing the attachment part (6) can be fixed. Tool changing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one, in particular at least four, tool holder arranged in the production cell (4), with at least one second tool (28), in particular general tool, being able to be or arranged on each tool holder. Tool changing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one perforated plate (24) fixed on the base frame (20) and / or on the turntable (8), on which the first holding means (16) and / or the second holding means (26 ) can be arranged in one or more positions. Tool changing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first holding means (16) and / or the second holding means (26) comprise / comprises a substantially L-shaped cross section, a first section on the base frame (20) and / or on the turntable (8), in particular the perforated plate (24), and a second section is arranged transversely or obliquely to the first section and comprises a receptacle for the first tool (18) or the second tool (28). Tool changing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first holding means (16) and the second holding means (26) are at the same distance from the base frame (20) or that the first holding means (16) and the second holding means ( 26) to the base frame (20) have a different distance from one another and are arranged offset to one another with respect to the base frame (20). Tool changing device (2) after Claim 8 , characterized in that the first holding means (16) and / or the second holding means (26) are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another. Tool changing device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turntable (8) has a second work area in which or on which at least one further attachment receptacle (12), at least one further first holding means (16) and / or at least one further second holding means (26) can be arranged, the second working area being arranged in the equipping position when the first working area (10) is arranged in the processing position and vice versa. Production cell (4) for processing add-on parts (6), with a production robot (14), with a turntable (8) which comprises at least one first work area (10) in which or on which at least one add-on part receptacle (12) can be arranged and which can be transferred, in particular rotated, from a loading position in which the work area (10) is arranged outside the production cell (4) and in which an attachment (6) can be arranged in or on the attachment receptacle (12) into a processing position , in which the first work area (10) is arranged in the production cell (4) and in which the attachment (6) can be processed by the production robot (14), and with at least one tool changing device (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 , the at least one first holding means (16) arranged in the first work area (10) of the turntable (8) on which at least one first tool (18) for the production robot (14) can be arranged in the loading position and in the processing position by the production robot (14 ) is removable. Method for processing add-on parts (6) by means of a production cell (4) according to Claim 11 , which has at least one production robot (14) and at least one turntable (8) which comprises at least one first work area (10) on which at least one attachment receptacle (12) can be arranged or is arranged and which is from an assembly position in which the first work area (10) is arranged outside the production cell (4) and in which an attachment (6) can be arranged in or on the attachment receptacle (12) can be transferred, in particular rotated, into a processing position in which the first work area (10) is in the Production cell (4) is arranged and the attachment (6) can be processed by the production robot (14) and the at least one tool changing device (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 comprises at least one first holding means (16) arranged in the first work area (10) of the turntable (8), on which at least one first tool (18) for the production robot (14) can be arranged in the loading position and in the processing position by the production robot ( 14) is removable, with the steps: a. Equipping the first holding means (16) with a tool in the equipping position of the first working area (10) of the turntable (8); b. Equipping the attachment receptacle (12) in the equipping position of the first work area (10) of the turntable (8) with an unprocessed attachment (6); c. Transferring the first work area (10) of the turntable (8) from the loading position to the processing position; d. Removal of the first tool (18) from the first holding means (16) by the production robot (14) and fixing of the first tool (18) on the production robot (14); and e. Processing of the attachment (6) by the production robot (14). Procedure according to Claim 12 with the steps: a. Arranging a tool of the production robot (14) present in the production cell (4) on a second holding means (26) of the tool changing device (2). Procedure according to Claim 12 or 13th , with the steps: a. Removing a second tool (28) from the second holding means (26) in the loading position of a second work area of the turntable (8); b. Equipping the first holding means (16) in the equipping position of the second working area of the turntable (8) with a first tool (18); c. Removing a machined attachment (6) from the attachment receptacle (12) in the equipping position of the second work area and equipping the attachment receptacle (12) of the turntable (8) with an unprocessed attachment (6);

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