DE202015100782U1 - manufacturing plant - Google Patents

Abstract

Production plant for workpieces (2), in particular body components, wherein the production facility (1) has a production area (3) with a plurality of automatic, program-controlled production facilities (18-22) and a provision (10) for workpieces (2), characterized in that the Production plant (1) has a provision (11) for various application-specific tools (8) and a conveyor (4), which connects the production facilities (18-22) with each other and with the external provisions (10, 11) flexible.

Description

The invention relates to a manufacturing plant with the features in the preamble of the main claim.

From practice, manufacturing facilities for the body shop of vehicle bodies are known in which the manufacturing area is divided into two or more separate lines in which manufacturing cells are conveyor-technically linked together. The sequence of the manufacturing steps and the manufacturing cells involved is fixed. The workpiece transport from cell to cell usually takes place via handling robots. These manufacturing facilities can be made flexible for different types of vehicle bodies, while maintaining the fixed linkage.

The DE 20 2008 012 602 U1 shows such a single manufacturing cell or processing station. This has a central workstation and two subsequent station-internal loading points as well as a station-bound linear conveyor for workpiece carriers. The separately supplied workpieces are loaded at the loading points of handling robots on workpiece carriers and transported via said conveyor to the workplace. Here they are processed by joining robots and unloaded by means of a handling robot and brought to a workpiece delivery. Stationary tool magazines are arranged in the working area of the robots. The supply and removal of workpieces to and from the production cell takes place with conventional rigid as well as functionally and locally separate conveyor technology.

The DE 20 2009 005 237 U1 deals with a manufacturing cell, which has a rotary holder and a here additionally attachable clamping device for workpieces.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved production technology.

The invention solves this problem with the features in the device main claim. The claimed automated manufacturing technique, i. The production plant and the manufacturing process are characterized by a high level of flexibility. The manufacturing facilities arranged in the production area, preferably in the form of production cells, are themselves highly flexible and can be used for a very wide variety of applications. The application-specific tools required for this purpose can be kept in an external provision and, if necessary, brought to the production facilities for their automatic tooling equipment and retrofitting by means of a conveyor. The same conveyor can also be used to transport the workpieces.

The automated production plant has a flexible and, where necessary, convertible conveyor-technical linking of the production facilities on the one hand with each other and on the other hand with provisions, in particular for different application-specific tools and for different workpieces.

The application-flexible production facilities and their production equipment are supplied by the conveyor with workpieces and application-specific tools. They can be adapted to different applications by means of an automatic replaceable assembly with various application-specific tools as well as a program change. This adaptation option relates to different manufacturing processes and / or different workpieces.

In a production facility, such a adaptation allows a wide range of different production processes to be selectively carried out. Such manufacturing processes are e.g. Joining processes, in particular welding, soldering or gluing processes, forming processes, assembly processes, application processes or the like. The process and tool technical conversion can take place very quickly.

By an application technology adaptation and different workpieces can be edited. The workpieces can be of any type and size. They can be completely different. They can also be similar to each other and differ by type. Such workpieces may e.g. Sidewalls or other components of vehicle bodies that are designed to fit different body types, e.g. for a saloon, a coupe, a van or the like.

The highly flexible conveyor can be designed in any suitable manner. Preferably, it comprises a plurality of autonomous and individually controllable conveying means moving on a plurality of different conveying paths. Preferably, a network of conveying paths is provided, on which the conveying means run on predetermined conveying paths between the production facilities and the provisions, wherein the conveying paths are freely selectable and programmable. The conveyor is also flexible in terms of transport options for application-specific tools and workpieces. For this purpose, adapted load-receiving means are provided, which are fixed or changeable connected to the funding. The funding and / or the Lifting devices may also be stored in one or more deployments and retrieved and deployed as needed.

The various provisions for application-specific tools, for workpieces and for load-handling means can be designed to be similar to one another and have a storage area and a loading area connected to the conveyor as well as a loading device, preferably one or more handling robots.

The production facilities are preferably arranged island-like distributed in the production area and are multi-sided, preferably on all sides, surrounded by conveyor paths. A delivery path can lead in and preferably through a production facility. The funding with the application-specific tools and / or the workpieces can be brought directly into the manufacturing facility and the local job.

The machining of the workpieces and the tooling can be done by distributed, application flexible manufacturing equipment, especially robots. The production equipment can also carry out the tool-technical conversion. The application-specific tools required again and again in the production process can be stored in one or more stores, in particular rotary stores, and used and exchanged as needed by the production unit. Such application specific tools may e.g. Be handling in particular gripping tools that are adapted to different workpieces. On the other hand, various process tools, in particular joining tools, forming tools or the like. For the above-mentioned different processes, be present.

The workpiece machining can take place on the load receiving means, which can be suitably positioned together with the workpiece in a predetermined position for this purpose. The load-carrying means can remain connected to the conveyor or be separated from this. A workpiece machining can also be carried out detached from the load receiving means, wherein e.g. a handling robot with its gripping tool holds one or more workpieces in a floating position for processing with one or more other robots. This allows a change of the load receiving and conveying means during the workpiece machining, which can be used for different purposes.

Automatic manufacturing technology has the following characteristics and advantages. An application-neutral basic equipment of a manufacturing facility, in particular manufacturing equipment, are supplemented according to a plan created by application-specific tools and possibly other equipment and adapted to the particular application. After this combination, the production line is ready for production.

By memory, in particular tool magazines, within the manufacturing facility and application-specific tool sets can be transferred, which allow a specific manufacturing sequence on the same workpiece or the production in a type mix. Furthermore, a manufacture of different workpieces, such as e.g. Floor parts and side panels of car bodies in a chaotic mix possible.

By distributing the application-specific tools or tool sets required for production to a different number of production facilities, the production times can be variably planned. The entire production can be focused on a single manufacturing facility, if you introduce tools and workpieces in a suitable sequence or edited.

The workpieces to be processed are also retracted and processed with the funding in the manufacturing facilities ready for production. The machined and / or joined workpiece is transported in sequence according to a previously defined path or conveyor track through a series of manufacturing facilities. The load-handling device (LAM) picks up the workpieces or workpiece parts required for the production process, as well as the workpiece processed by the process carried out in the production device. The entire manufacturing sequence may require different load handling devices.

Each type of load handling device can be transported in a closed loop. In order to transfer the finished workpiece from Loop A to Loop B, there are production facilities that are traversed by LAM "A" and LAM "B" in direct succession. The part of loop "A" is taken in the production facility, the empty conveyor leaves the manufacturing facility. Thereafter, another conveyor of the loop "B" enters. After the process has been completed, the production part is placed on the conveyor of the loop "B" for onward transport. Through a corresponding number of such handovers, the connecting conveyor technology is ensured throughout the entire production process.

The workpieces can also be retracted with more than one conveyor in sequence in the manufacturing facility. Thus, it is possible that in the first step, a conveyor, in particular attachments, enters the manufacturing facility, the Workpieces are there removed by robots and be joined to a body, which is on a second conveyor - for example, on a clamping pallet - is supplied. This is for example advantageous in an automated cultivation of doors and flaps or when joining the side walls and roof cross member to a vehicle chassis.

The concept allows one and the same production facility to participate in several ways within the manufacturing process. It is also possible to use one and the same production device of two or more different but synchronously running production methods.

If required, the application-specific tools can be moved to a toolstore for maintenance or servicing purposes. This ensures concentrated maintenance due to optimal accessibility and suitable resources. The maintenance issues are usefully controlled holistically by a tool / management software, which has an interface to the plant control.

In the subclaims further advantageous embodiments of the invention are given.

The invention is illustrated by way of example and schematically in the drawings. Show in detail

1 : a schematic of a manufacturing plant with a manufacturing area and multiple deployments,

2 : a schema representation of a control hierarchy,

3 : a schematic representation of a manufacturing facility,

4 : an exemplary representation of a production area with several production facilities and deployments,

5 : another example of a manufacturing area with provisions for the tooling outfitting and conversion of production facilities,

6 : another fragmentary representation of the manufacturing area of 5 for the machining operation with a provision for workpieces and

7 : another variant of a production plant.

The invention relates to a production plant ( 1 ) and a production method for workpieces ( 2 ). The invention further relates to a production device ( 18 - 22 ) for workpieces ( 2 ) and there running production processes.

The production plant ( 1 ) and their components, in particular the production equipment ( 18 - 22 ), are automated and programmatically.

The workpieces ( 2 ) can be of any type and size. They can be one-piece or multi-piece. Preferably, it is body parts of vehicle bodies. The production plant ( 1 ) can be used for example for the body shop of vehicle bodies.

The workpieces ( 2 ) can be the same or different. The differences can be fundamental and exist, for example, in nature and size. On the other hand, there may be gradual differences, eg type differences, especially in body parts. Here are several workpieces ( 2 ) Similar to each other, for example, they represent side walls of a vehicle body, and differ in terms of the vehicle type, for example, sedan with two or four doors, convertible, caravan, etc.

In the course of the automatic manufacturing process, one or more workpieces ( 2 ) are processed in a sequence of manufacturing steps with different manufacturing processes. The production steps are preferably used in several production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) carried out. Alternatively, they can be stored in a single manufacturing facility ( 18 - 22 ) respectively.

These manufacturing processes may involve different techniques, eg joining, in particular welding, soldering or gluing, application and removal of materials, heat treatments, forming, machining, assembling and assembly operations or the like. Furthermore, the manufacturing processes can be identical or different workpieces ( 2 ), in particular workpiece types.

The production plant ( 1 ), the manufacturing process and the manufacturing facilities ( 18 - 22 ) are flexible and adaptable to the specific application. With an application specification, an adaptation to different production processes and / or to different workpieces ( 2 ) designated.

For these different processes, different application-specific tools ( 8th ) needed. These tools ( 8th ) can differ from each other in terms of the aforementioned different processes. In terms of process technology, similar tools ( 8th ) can also in the adaptation to different workpieces ( 2 ). The application-specific tools ( 8th ) can be single tools or set tools.

The application-specific tools ( 8th ) for simplicity as tools ( 8th ) designated.

1 shows a schematic representation of a production plant ( 1 ) and their components. The production plant ( 1 ) has a manufacturing area ( 3 ) with a plurality of production devices ( 18 - 22 ) on. Furthermore, the production plant ( 1 ) a provision ( 10 ) for workpieces ( 2 ) and a deployment ( 11 ) for various said tools ( 8th ) on. Furthermore, a conveyor ( 4 ), which the production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) with each other and with the preferably external deployments ( 10 . 11 ) connects flexibly. The deployments ( 10 . 11 ) are also called Warehouse ( 10 ) and as a toolstore ( 11 ) designated.

The conveyor ( 4 ) may be formed in any suitable manner. In the embodiments shown, it has a plurality of autonomous and individually controllable conveying means ( 5 ) as well as a variety of funding routes ( 7 ) on which the funds ( 5 ). The transport routes ( 7 ) are preferably arranged in a network. The funding ( 5 ) are preferably designed as floor-bound driverless transport vehicles, so-called AGV or AGV. The funding ( 5 ) operate in the network of transport routes ( 7 ) on freely programmable conveyor tracks. Alternatively, the funding ( 5 ) hanging and drive eg on elevated conveyor rails with switches.

The funding ( 5 ) have in the various embodiments each have their own individually controllable drive and its own programmable controller. The energy supply can take place in any suitable manner, for example by a stationary or transient energy supply device ( 33 ). This may be an energy charging path, eg an inductive or conductive power supply, which may be connected to one or more suitable points in the manufacturing plant ( 1 ), eg at a deployment ( 10 . 11 ) or a manufacturing facility ( 18 - 22 ) is arranged.

For the transport of workpieces ( 2 ) and / or tools ( 8th ) of the deployments ( 10 . 11 ) to the manufacturing area ( 3 ) and back as well as in the production area ( 3 ) between the production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) the funds ( 5 ) one or more adapted load handling devices ( 6 ). These are referred to below as LAM.

The LAM ( 6 ) can be fixed or changeable on a conveyor ( 5 ) can be arranged. The LAM ( 6 ) can be a fixed adaptation for certain workpieces ( 2 ) and / or tools ( 8th ) exhibit. Alternatively, they can be designed to be flexible or adjustable and differently adaptable. The LAM ( 6 ), different receptacles and holding means for the workpieces ( 2 ) and / or tools ( 8th ) and keep them in a defined position. This enables automatic transfer and transfer of workpieces ( 2 ) and tools ( 8th ).

The production plant ( 1 ) has a with the conveyor ( 4 ) connected provision ( 9 ) for the different LAMs ( 6 ) on. The LAM ( 6 ) can be used for a fixed connection together with their 5 ) in the deployment ( 9 ) be stored. With a detachable connection, the LAMs ( 6 ) in the provision ( 9 ) and the separate funding ( 5 ) in a separate deployment ( 12 ) be stored.

The manufacturing area ( 3 ) and the deployments ( 9 - 12 ) can be present individually or multiple times. The deployments ( 9 - 12 ) are preferably arranged separately. They are preferably outside the production area ( 3 ).

The deployments ( 9 . 10 . 11 ) may be similar. Such a deployment ( 9 . 10 . 11 ) can, for example, be a storage area ( 32 ) for workpieces ( 2 ) and / or tools ( 8th ) and / or LAM ( 6 ) and one with the conveyor ( 4 ) associated loading area ( 30 ) with a loading device ( 31 ) having. The loading device ( 31 ) comprises, for example, one or more loading robots which are arranged stationary or by means of a driving axle along a single or a number of conveying means ( 5 ) with LAM ( 6 ) are arranged movable.

In the manufacturing area ( 3 ) are the several manufacturing facilities ( 18 - 22 ) arranged in a linear or planar distribution. They are multilateral of funding routes ( 7 ) surround. A funding route ( 7 ) extends in each case and preferably through a production device ( 18 - 22 ). The funding ( 5 ) with the LAM ( 6 ) can thereby and preferably through the individual production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) drive.

The manufacturing facilities ( 18 - 22 ) are preferably arranged island-like and at a mutual distance in the manufacturing area. You are on all sides of funding routes ( 7 ) surround. Preferably, the production equipment ( 18 - 22 ) arranged distributed in a uniform, in particular Cartesian matrix.

At least several production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) are identical to each other. Preferably, they are as manufacturing cells ( 23 ) designed. Alternatively, another training is possible. In 3 is a cell-like manufacturing facility ( 18 - 22 ) exemplified.

The shown production device ( 18 - 22 ), in particular manufacturing cell ( 23 ) works automatically. It has a single, preferably central, job ( 26 ) and several application-flexible production devices ( 28 . 29 ) on. Alternatively, several jobs ( 26 ) to be available. The manufacturing facility ( 18 - 22 ) and their production equipment ( 28 . 29 ) as well as possibly further furnishing components have an application-neutral basic training and are equipped with application-specific tools ( 8th ) and adapted by reprogramming to the respective application. This basic training and the placement and adaptation options make them application-flexible.

The workplace ( 26 ) is located on a preferably straight conveying path ( 7 ). This funding route ( 7 ) can only be traveled in one or preferably in both directions. The workplace ( 26 ) has a positioning device, not shown, for the process-oriented positioning of the LAM (FIG. 6 ) and / or the grant ( 5 ) on. This is also an exact positioning of one or more entrained workpieces ( 2 ) and / or one or more entrained tools ( 8th ).

The production equipment ( 28 . 29 ) are around the job ( 26 ) arranged distributed. In particular, they are located on both sides of the job ( 26 ) and the transport route ( 7 ). The production equipment ( 28 . 29 ) may be arranged to be stationary or movable by means of an additional axis. The application-flexible manufacturing devices ( 28 . 29 ) are preferably designed as multiaxial and programmable industrial robots. They have at their output elements, in particular their flanges, an automatic change coupling. You can automatically use the required tool ( 8th ) record, use and, if necessary, automatically submit and change.

The application-flexible manufacturing devices ( 28 . 29 ) are intended for different tasks. The production equipment ( 29 ) have, for example, interchangeable application-specific tools ( 8th ) for the implementation of the respective manufacturing process, which are designed, for example, as a joining tool, forming tool or the like. These manufacturing equipment ( 29 ) are designed, for example, as a welding robot.

The other manufacturing equipment ( 28 ) also carry interchangeable application-specific tools ( 8th ), for example, for handling the one or more workpieces ( 2 ) are formed during the manufacturing process. These tools ( 8th ) can be gripping tools. The production equipment ( 28 ) are designed, for example, as handling robots.

In the preferred and in 3 configuration shown are six production devices ( 28 . 29 ) available on both sides of the job ( 26 ) are arranged distributed.

Here are two production devices ( 29 ) or welding robots centrally and on both sides of the job ( 26 ) arranged. They are supported by four processing devices ( 28 ) or handling robots flanked in two-sided arrangement.

The manufacturing facility ( 18 - 22 ), in particular the manufacturing cell ( 23 ), has one or more memories ( 27 ) for said tools ( 8th ) on. The memory ( 27 ) can accommodate several different tools ( 8th ) exhibit. They can be powered and controllable. They can be designed, for example, as rotary storage. The memory ( 27 ) are located in the working area of a production device ( 28 . 29 ). In the exemplary embodiment shown, four memories ( 27 ) are arranged at the corner regions, each one a production device ( 28 ) or handling robot, are assigned.

The manufacturing facility ( 18 - 22 ), in particular the manufacturing cell ( 23 ) may further comprise one or more control units, supply means for resources, in particular electrical power, fluidic media or the like, as well as auxiliary devices. Furthermore, a surrounding protective separation ( 24 ), eg in the form of a fence. In the protective enclosure ( 24 ), one or more locks ( 25 ) for the secured inlet and outlet of a conveyor ( 5 ) with LAM ( 6 ) on the conveyor ( 7 ) to be available.

The production plant ( 1 ) has a controller ( 13 ), which are equipped with control units ( 14 - 17 ) for the manufacturing facilities ( 18 - 22 ), the conveyor ( 4 ) and the deployments ( 9 . 10 . 11 ) connected is. 2 shows an example of such a control architecture. The central system control ( 13 ) is on the one hand with a control unit ( 14 ), a so-called warehouse manager, for the warehouse ( 10 ) and the manufacturing facility ( 18 - 22 ) and, where appropriate, the conveyor ( 4 ) connected.

Warehouse Manager includes a warehouse management system for controlling logistics processes from goods receipt to goods issue, inventory management and inventory, task management, transaction history, warehouse configuration customization by administrators, and interfaces to System components of the production plant ( 1 ). In addition, the warehouse manager ( 14 ) a material flow system with global control of the automated plant components, in particular the production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) and the conveyor ( 4 ), for transport management, congestion and flow control, routing and throughput optimization, integrated troubleshooting across all levels, subsystem coordination, asset customization, and global material flow optimization.

There is also a connection between the controller ( 13 ) and a control unit ( 15 ), called the Toolstore Manager. There is also a connection between the warehouse manager ( 14 ) and the Toolstore Manager ( 15 ). The Toolstore Manager ( 15 ) deals with the toolstore ( 11 ). It includes a tool manager for logistics processes from tool input to tool issue, for picking the tools for planned productions, for managing storage locations and locations, for controlling and documenting maintenance intervals and for a history of all tools. Furthermore, the spare parts are controlled with regard to inventory management and inventory. The same applies to the consumables, so-called consumables and for a workshop.

The Toolstore Manager ( 15 ) is equipped with a control unit ( 16 ), the so-called Fleet Manager. This includes interfaces to the logistics and material flow system and concerns the functions of scheduling, planning and fleet management of the subsidies ( 5 ). Furthermore, the warehouse manager ( 14 ) connect to the Fleet Manager ( 16 ). The Fleet Manager ( 16 ) performs orders from both the warehouse manager ( 14 ), as well as from the Toolstore Manager ( 15 ) out.

The Fleet Manager ( 16 ) is connected to another control unit ( 17 ), which is called Field Manager. This deals with the status control for processes in the production plant ( 1 ), Interfaces to hall and building technology as well as interfaces for quality assurance. The Field Manager ( 17 ) is in turn connected to the controller ( 13 ) connected.

The aforementioned connections between the controller ( 13 ) and the control units ( 14 - 17 ) are designed as signal lines. They can be wired or wireless.

The production plant ( 1 ) with the manufacturing area ( 3 ) and the deployments ( 9 - 12 ) and the conveyor ( 4 ) can be configured arbitrarily. Here, different workpieces ( 2 ) are manufactured in parallel operation. This can be, for example, the parallel production of left and right side walls, a body roof, a floor assembly or the like. The same applies to other types of workpieces ( 2 ), which are not designed as body parts. Furthermore, within these parallel manufacturing operations, different types can be made in free mix,

The manufacturing facilities ( 18 - 22 ) can all carry out different production steps. In this case, for example, for each workpiece-related production step, a separate production facility ( 18 - 22 ) to be available. Furthermore, it is possible to have a production step for a specific workpiece ( 2 ) in two or more functionally identical production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) in parallel. This can be useful, for example, to compensate for different cycle times for different production steps. Furthermore, it is possible to increase manufacturing capacities and the number of production facilities involved ( 18 - 22 ) to reduce or enlarge.

Due to the fast application-specific adaptation of the production plant ( 1 ) and in particular the production facilities ( 18 - 22 ), the individual application-related production jobs of the production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) be changed flexibly and quickly. The requisite tool-technical conversion and reprogramming and the resulting application-specific adaptation of the production equipment ( 18 - 22 ) can also be very fast. Accordingly fast, the conveyor ( 4 ) with their conveyor tracks can be quickly changed and reprogrammed.

4 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a manufacturing plant ( 1 ) with a production area ( 3 ), in which four production facilities ( 18 - 21 ) are arranged in a row and by a meandering conveyor ( 7 ) are successively interspersed. The manufacturing facilities ( 18 - 21 ) can do accordingly 3 be educated. After passing through the last manufacturing facility ( 21 ), the subsidy ( 5 ) with the LAM ( 6 ) and the finished workpiece ( 2 ) into a delivery area ( 34 ) on which the workpiece ( 2 ) with robots or the like and from this part of the manufacturing plant ( 1 ) can be discharged. For example, it can be transferred to an intermediate storage facility or directly into another production area ( 3 ).

4 this also illustrates the manufacturing area ( 3 ) upstream warehouse ( 10 ), in which the funds ( 5 ) with LAM ( 6 ) with one or more workpieces ( 2 ) and then into the production area ( 3 ) retract. In addition, a deployment ( 9 ) for LAM ( 6 ) and a deployment ( 12 ) for funding ( 5 ) upstream and over a funding route ( 7 ) to the warehouse ( 10 ) and the manufacturing area ( 3 ) connected.

5 and 6 show by way of example another configuration of the production plant ( 1 ) with a production area ( 3 ), which has a number of five production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) having. 5 illustrates the application-specific preparation and armament of the production area ( 3 ).

The funding ( 5 ) from a deployment ( 12 ) are first with suitable LAM ( 6 ) and then drive to a tool store ( 11 ), which has one or more loading areas ( 30 ). Here, the required application-specific tools ( 8th ) on the funding ( 5 ) and LAM ( 6 ), which are then loaded on programmed conveyor tracks into the respective production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) and there the tools ( 8th ) to the production equipment ( 28 . 29 ) and possibly the memory ( 27 ) to hand over. In addition, a reprogramming in the control unit of the respective manufacturing facility ( 18 - 22 ). The armor can be done in parallel mode.

Unloading the tools ( 8th ) can be used in the production facilities ( 18 . 22 ) by the local production equipment ( 28 . 29 ), whereby the tools which are no longer needed ( 8th ) to the funding ( 5 ) and the LAM ( 6 ) be handed over.

In another variant, not shown, for the tooling on the conveyor ( 5 ) and / or the LAM ( 6 ) a handling device can be arranged, the tool change and the refitting with tools ( 8th ). This handling device can be, for example, a multi-axis handling robot. This allows tools ( 8th ) and / or other devices outside the transit or transit route ( 7 ) to be placed.

After application-specific conversion or equipment of the production area ( 3 ) the manufacturing process can begin. 6 clarifies this stage. In the network of funding routes ( 7 ) the respective programmed conveyor paths of the conveyor ( 5 ). In 5 and 6 be with the reference number 7 while the said programmed conveyor tracks referred to the existing conveyor paths.

About the conveyor ( 4 ) is a warehouse ( 10 ) to the manufacturing area ( 3 ), which also has two or more loading areas ( 30 ). In this case, according to the manufacturing process different workpieces ( 2 ) to the various manufacturing facilities ( 18 - 22 ) be transported. The manufacturing facilities ( 18 - 22 ) can again according to 3 be educated.

A grant ( 5 ) with LAM ( 6 ) and a workpiece designed as a parts set, for example ( 2 ) moves from the left loading area ( 3 ) in 6 into the first manufacturing facility ( 18 ) one. The production equipment ( 28 ) or handling robot with appropriate tools ( 8th ), especially geo-grippers, the workpiece parts from the LAM ( 6 ). Here, the production equipment ( 28 ) cooperate with each other and with their geogrippers interlock as needed and the gripped and tensioned workpiece parts the one or more manufacturing equipment ( 29 ), in particular welding robots, present for joining. In this case, for example, a laser welding takes place with a remote laser on the gripped workpiece parts.

If necessary, locked geogrippers are brought together in further working positions. Furthermore, if necessary, one or more further workpiece parts of one or more production devices ( 28 ) from the LAM ( 6 ) and added to the already gripped workpiece parts.

After the joining process, the produced workpiece on the conveyor ( 5 ) and / or the LAM ( 6 ) and then from the manufacturing facility ( 18 ) transported away. Alternatively, during the manufacturing process, the workpiece ( 2 ) are withdrawn in total, with the subsidy ( 5 ) with the LAM ( 6 ) the manufacturing facility ( 18 ) and a new subsidy ( 5 ) with a LAM ( 6 ) into the manufacturing facility ( 18 ), in which case the finished workpiece ( 2 ) is subsequently stored. During this change, the produced workpiece ( 2 ) are supplemented with other workpieces or workpiece parts, which on the new LAM ( 6 ). The assembled workpiece configuration can then be transferred to the next production facility ( 19 ) are driven. According to manufacturing processes and workpiece feeds can also in the further manufacturing steps and manufacturing facilities ( 20 - 22 ) respectively.

It is also possible that a subsidy ( 5 ) with LAM ( 6 ) and a workpiece produced in a production step ( 2 ) from a manufacturing facility ( 18 ) first to the warehouse ( 10 ) and added there with other workpieces or workpiece parts and then in the next manufacturing facility ( 19 ) retracts. Corresponding processes can also occur during the further production steps and production facilities ( 20 - 22 ) connect.

7 shows another more complex configuration of a manufacturing plant ( 1 ) with a Production area ( 3 ) of the type described above, a warehouse ( 10 ) and a toolstore ( 11 ). The other deployments ( 9 . 12 ) are not shown for the sake of clarity. The Warehouse ( 10 ) and the toolstore ( 11 ) on opposite sides of the manufacturing area ( 3 ) can be arranged by, for example, a single row of production facilities ( 18 - 21 ) is located. Such an arrangement has the advantage that the conveying paths ( 7 ) and the programmed conveyor tracks for the tool exchange and for the workpiece feed can be unbundled. In addition, a variant is shown in which the different loading areas ( 30 ) of the warehouse ( 10 ) Buffer memory for loose LAM ( 6 ) with prepared workpiece configurations ( 2 ) assigned. The for the workpiece transport from and to the production facilities ( 18 - 21 ) ( 5 ) then load only the prepared LAM ( 6 ), with other subsidies ( 5 ) are responsible for the loading of the buffer memory. This ensures particularly fast changeover and assembly times.

A manufacturing area ( 3 ) can, in addition to the aforementioned types of application-flexible production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) one or more other manufacturing facilities ( 35 ), which include, for example, a predetermined tooling and a predetermined manufacturing step, which is not or only to a limited extent flexible. In 7 is the manufacturing facility ( 35 ) formed in this way. It may be designed, for example, as a geostation or framing station for vehicle bodies and may have a pairing of clamping frames, which may optionally be replaceable and replaceable on site.

Such non or less flexible manufacturing equipment ( 35 ) can be provided for example for particularly large and heavy workpieces or workpiece configurations. Otherwise, they can have the same properties as the application-flexible production facilities ( 18 - 22 ), in particular application-flexible production equipment ( 28 . 29 ), Storage ( 27 ) etc. You can also contact the conveyor ( 4 ) and also a continuous conveying path ( 7 ).

Variations of the embodiments shown and described are possible in various ways. In particular, the features of the various embodiments and their variants can be arbitrarily combined with each other, in particular also be reversed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 manufacturing plant

2

 workpiece

3

 production area

4

 Conveyor, Fleet

5

 Funding, AGV

6

 Load handling attachment LAM

7

 conveying

8th

 Application-specific tool

9

 Provision for load handling equipment LAM

10

 Deployment for workpieces, warehouse

11

 Provision for tools, toolstore

12

 Provision for funding

13

 control

14

 Control unit, warehouse manager

15

 Control Unit, Toolstore Manager

16

 Control unit, Fleet Manager

17

 Control unit, Field Manager

18

 manufacturing facility

19

 manufacturing facility

20

 manufacturing facility

21

 manufacturing facility

22

 manufacturing facility

23

 manufacturing cell

24

 protective separation

25

 lock

26

 place of work

27

 Memory, rotary storage

28

 Production equipment, robots, handling robots

29

 Production equipment, robots, welding robots

30

 loading area

31

 Loading device, loading robot

32

 storage area

33

 Energy supply device, energy charging path

34

 delivery area

35

 manufacturing facility

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 202008012602 U1 [0003]
• DE 202009005237 U1 [0004]

Claims (29)

Production plant for workpieces ( 2 ), in particular body components, whereby the production plant ( 1 ) a manufacturing area ( 3 ) with several automatic, program-controlled manufacturing facilities ( 18 - 22 ) and a deployment ( 10 ) for workpieces ( 2 ), characterized in that the manufacturing plant ( 1 ) a provision ( 11 ) for various application-specific tools ( 8th ) and a conveyor ( 4 ), which the production equipment ( 18 - 22 ) with each other and with the external deployments ( 10 . 11 ) connects flexibly. Production plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) are formed flexible application and by the conveyor ( 4 ) with workpieces ( 2 ) and application-specific tools ( 8th ) and by an automatic exchangeable assembly with various application-specific tools ( 8th ) as well as a program change to different manufacturing processes and applications are adaptable. Production plant according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conveying device ( 4 ) a large number of individually controllable subsidies ( 5 ) and a network of funding routes ( 7 ) having. Production plant according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the conveying means ( 5 ) in the network of transport routes ( 7 ) operate on freely programmable conveyor tracks. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying means ( 5 ) are designed as floor-bound driverless transport vehicles (AGV or FTF). Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device ( 4 ) a provision ( 12 ) for funding ( 5 ) having. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) in the production area ( 3 ) are arranged in a linear or planar distribution, and on several sides of conveying paths ( 7 ) of the conveyor ( 4 ) are surrounded. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a conveying path ( 7 ) in and preferably by a production device ( 18 - 22 ). Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) in the production area ( 3 ) island-like and arranged at a mutual distance and on all sides of conveyor paths ( 7 ) are surrounded. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the production facilities ( 18 - 22 ) in the production area ( 3 ) are distributed in a uniform, preferably Cartesian, matrix. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying means ( 5 ) adapted load-carrying means ( 6 ) for the transport of workpieces ( 2 ) and / or application-specific tools ( 8th ) wear. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a load-carrying device ( 6 ) fixed or changeable on a conveyor ( 5 ) is arranged. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a load-carrying device ( 6 ) is designed to be flexible and differently adaptable. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the production plant ( 1 ) one with the conveyor ( 4 ) connected provision ( 9 ) for load handling devices ( 6 ) having. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a provision ( 9 . 10 . 11 ) a storage area ( 32 ) for workpieces ( 2 ) and / or application-specific tools ( 8th ) and / or load handling equipment ( 6 ) and one with the conveyor ( 4 ) associated loading area ( 30 ) with a loading device ( 31 ) having. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a loading device ( 31 ) of a deployment ( 9 . 10 . 11 ) has one or more handling robots. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least several production devices ( 18 - 22 ) are equal to each other and like a cell ( 23 ) are formed. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a production device ( 18 - 22 ) several for a job ( 26 ) arranged distributed Application-flexible production equipment ( 28 . 29 ), in particular robots. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a production device ( 18 - 22 ) several memories ( 27 ), in particular rotary storage, for application-specific tools ( 8th ), which in each case in the working area of a production device ( 28 . 29 ), in particular a handling robot. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a production device ( 18 - 22 ) a positioning device for a conveyor ( 5 ) and / or a load handling device ( 6 ) at the workplace ( 26 ) having. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a production device ( 18 - 22 ) a surrounding protective separation ( 24 ) and a lock ( 25 ) for a grant ( 5 ) having. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the production area ( 3 ) and the deployments ( 9 . 10 . 11 ) are arranged spatially separated from each other. Production plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the production plant ( 1 ) a controller ( 13 ) equipped with control units ( 14 - 17 ) for the manufacturing facilities ( 18 - 22 ), the conveyor ( 4 ) and the deployments ( 9 . 10 . 11 ) connected is. Production facility for workpieces ( 2 ), in particular body components, wherein the program-controlled automatic production device ( 18 - 22 ) several for a job ( 26 ) distributed production equipment ( 28 . 29 ), in particular robots, characterized in that the manufacturing device ( 18 - 22 ) is designed application flexible and manufacturing equipment ( 28 . 29 ), in particular handling robots, with automatic exchangeable couplings and application-specific tools ( 8th ), wherein the manufacturing device ( 18 - 22 ) by an automatic exchangeable assembly of the production equipment ( 28 . 29 ) with various application-specific tools ( 8th ) and a program change to different manufacturing processes can be adapted. Manufacturing device according to claim 24, characterized in that the production device ( 18 - 22 ) as a production cell ( 23 ) is formed, in or through which a conveying path ( 7 ) of a conveyor ( 4 ). Manufacturing device according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the production device ( 18 - 22 ) several for a job ( 26 ) distributed production equipment ( 28 . 29 ), in particular robots. Manufacturing device according to claim 24, 25 or 26, characterized in that a production device ( 18 - 22 ) several memories ( 27 ), in particular rotary storage, for application-specific tools ( 8th ), which in each case in the working area of a production device ( 28 . 29 ), in particular a handling robot. Manufacturing device according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the manufacturing device ( 18 - 22 ) a positioning device for a conveyor ( 5 ) and / or a load handling device ( 6 ) at the workplace ( 26 ) having. Manufacturing device according to one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the manufacturing device ( 18 - 22 ) a surrounding protective separation ( 24 ) and a lock ( 25 ) for a grant ( 5 ) having.

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