FR3070890B1 - WORK PLATINUM WITH TWO TOOL GAMES ON ONE SIDE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a work plate (6) on one side a first set of first support and holding tools (7), a positioning of the first tools (7) being configured for the reception and maintenance of a first set (1). The plate (6) comprises on the same face a second set of second support and holding tools (7a) of a second set (1a), the second set being offset with respect to the first set so that the second tools (7a ) are positioned on areas of the plate (6) left free by the first tools (7). The invention also relates to a robotic welding device comprising such a plate (6), the device comprising movable arms relative to the plate each comprising a welding head at a free end of the arm.

Description

WORK PLATINUM WITH TWO TOOL GAMES ON ONE SIDE

[0001] The invention relates to a work plate comprising two sets of tools for the work of two mechanical assemblies, received and assembled on one and the same face of the platen, in particular by welding of parts composing these sets together.

In motor vehicle manufacturing processes, a first structural assembly commonly referred to as "rolling base" is mounted a second structural assembly commonly referred to as "silhouette". The rolling base essentially comprises the vehicle frame, commonly provided with cross members and / or side members, as well as passages for the wheels of the vehicle. The rolling base is common to all vehicles in the same range with different silhouettes, such as silhouettes of cabriolets, sedans or minivans.

[0003] The assemblies according to the present invention are advantageously silhouettes of different shape, but this is not limiting and the present invention may also cover other assemblies than motor vehicle silhouettes.

In what follows it will be taken the example of the assembly of a silhouettefaisant part of the bodywork of a motor vehicle to describe a platen according to a state of the art, which is not limiting. Reference will be made to FIG. 2 for the knowledge of the various elements making up a silhouette of a motor vehicle.

A silhouette 1 comprises a longitudinal member 2 substantially elongatedereréalisant the lower part of the silhouette 1. At one end of the spar 2 is welded by a robotic welding means a front foot reinforcement 3. Parallel to this welding, on a piece 4 said curved ring is welded a central foot reinforcement 5, this in the longitudinal medianportion of the curved portion. The spar 2 with its forefoot reinforcement 3 and the curved piece 4 with its central foot reinforcement 5 are welded together to give a silhouette body 1.

In addition, a ring liner for the curved piece 4 and its central foot estréalisée by welding different parts of lining. The lining is then assembled with the silhouette body 1 to obtain a finished silhouette 1.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, showing a platen 6 workingrespectively without and with a silhouette 1 to assemble, this is performed on a face of the plate 6 flat work comprising support tools 7 of the silhouette 1 and assembly tools 8 of the silhouette 1, preferably clamps.

The positioning of the support tools 7 and assembly on the face of platinum 6 work is specific to each silhouette 1, several types of silhouette 1 may be available for a vehicle of the same range. It follows that each piece 1 is associated with a positioning of the support tools 7 and assembly 8 which is specific to it.

There may be reversible plates that have, on one side, a positioning tools specific to a type of silhouette and, on the opposite side, another positioning tools specific to another type of silhouette. The assembly means, for example robotic welding means are mounted on anindexeur. The fact of mounting the assembly means on an indexer increases the working height of the plate with an enhancement of the plate relative to the ground, since it is necessary to move the assembly means from the ground. Following this distance, all the control of the assembly means is to redesign.

The disadvantages of replacing a platinum by a platinum indexed two work faces and its frame according to this state of the art are as follows. The investment for the design of an indexed platinum is very important and requires less two to three weeks of work. Important modifications to integrate theindexes in the assembly process are required. It is necessary to modify the implantation of the plate to take into account the rotation of the indexer, mainly by raising the platinum, as well as the implantation of the robotexistants for access to the welding means that are to be repositioned to allow the platinum larotation.

Finally, the plate and its support have an aggravated clutter having an impact on the line edge, which leads to a reduction of aisles between various workstations in a workshop. The work cycle time is impacted by the fact that the rotation of the indexer is taken into account.

The document FR-A-2 915 412 describes a fixed or movable assembly tooling, to ensure assembly functions of a part using tools attached to a platinum bonded to a structure. Versatility is achieved by the change of plates, with the aid of a tool changer. This document however does not describe how a same platinum can be used to assemble several pieces of different shapes.

Therefore, the problem underlying the invention is to design a platinede work bearing support tools and maintenance of a set to assemble that can be adapted to at least two types of assembly without requiring a displacementnotamment by rotating the platen for assembling one of the assembly types.

To achieve this goal, there is provided according to the invention a workstationportantant a face a first set of first support and maintenance tools, apositioning of the first tools being configured for receiving and maintaining a first set characterized in that the plate comprises on the same face a second set of second support and holding tools of a second set, the second set being offset relative to the first set so that the second tools are positioned on areas of the board left free by the first tools.

The technical effect is to obtain a plate that can be used during the assembly of two different sets, this without change of position of the plate, for example without rotation of the plate to present a new face equipped with support tools and specific maintenance for one of the two sets. A space saving is achieved by combining two sets of tools on the same face of the plate, an implementation of the assembly is facilitated without having to move the plate.

It is performed a shift of the repository of the second set of tools associated with the second set with respect to the first set of tools associated with the first set to allow to house the two sets on the same plate. This offset can be done in a width of the plate with a possible component of the offset in the length of the plate or vice versa. The welding means, advantageously carried by a robot outside the plate, have access to both sets. The two sets are processed consecutively and, preferably, a single assembly is positioned on the plate for assembly but this is not possible. is not limiting. There is no impact on the geometry and assembly, advantageously by welding, caused by one set on the other set.

A same plate serves for the assembly of two sets, simultaneously or prefere consecutively, which represents a minimization of investments. There is also a saving of work cycle time.

The integration of the second tools is done using the free spaces left by the first tools so that there is no interference between them. The gap between the two games allows this adaptation. The assembly process previously implemented remains unchanged.

According to the state of the art, there was need for two sets of tools, each jeuétant associated with one of two opposite faces of the plate for the assembly of two sets and a rotation to change the model. According to the invention, the two sets of tools are on the same face with a possibility of having common tools for assembly of the two sets, this without movement of the plate.

As an idea, the solution of the state of the art with indexederotative platinum gave a cost of 1 850 K € while the solution according to the present invention would cost about 1000 K €. The integration work of the second set of tools on the same platinum surface as the first game are much faster and all the parts of rotation of the platinum become superfluous, which reduces the cost of platinum and gives off the place in the environment of the platinum.

Advantageously, the second tools are carried by marble unitspositioned on areas of the work plate left free by the first tools. It is then taken advantage of the empty spaces to integrate the second set of second tools on laplatine. The offset is calculated to avoid interference between the two sets of tools.

Advantageously, at least a portion of the marble units are independent of one another by being distributed discontinuously on the plate. As laplace is restricted on the plate, it is possible to separate the marbles to better introduce them between the first tools and to keep them a simple shape, which helps theirr fixation on the plate.

The marble units have the advantage of being able to integrate on the deck without questioning a modification of the deck. The plates are easily removable, especially when they are independent of each other and there is no impact on the second set when their replacement can be unitary.

The shapes and dimensions of the marble plates are designed tosupport the new geometry taking into account the existing tool for integration. These plates can be assembled together by screwing and grounding.

[0025] Advantageously, the marble units are in the form of plates respectively fixed against an area left free by the first tools on the face being planede platinum. With plates, the contact with the plate is optimal.

Advantageously, the first and second games extend in a platinum length, the second set being shifted laterally with respect to the first game in a width of the platen, or vice versa. It may also be that there is a component offset in the length for example from 0 to 20 °. The offset is measured globally from one game to another and is not necessarily between a first tool and a second tool, such a match may not exist. The number of tools in the first game can be different from the number of tools in the second game.

Advantageously, the first game or the second game has raised tools relative to the second game or the first game, the raising being away from the plate. This avoids interference between the first game and the second game.

Advantageously, the first and second support and maintenance tools first and second sets comprise clamping clamps. These clamping pliershave to maintain, where appropriate, the components of the assembly against each other before final securing, preferably by welding.

Advantageously, each first or second set comprises a longitudinal series of support and holding tools distributed along a length of the plate, a lateral series of support and holding tools distributed along a width of the plate and a complementary series supporting and holding tools disposed along a curved path on the turntable completing each set, the support and holding tools including members supporting their associated assembly and clamping tongs of their assembly. This takes the shape of a silhouette for a motor vehicle and is just a particular but advantageous embodiment of the present invention.

Advantageously, the plate carries at least one welding means. This is general for small sets to assemble.

The invention relates to a robotic welding device, characterized in that it comprises such a plate, the device comprising movable arms relative to laplatin each comprising a welding head at a free end of the arm. This is the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows and with reference to the accompanying drawings given as non-limiting examples and in which: - Figures 1 and 2 are schematic representations of a top view of a working plate according to a state of the art respectively without assembly and with assembly to assemble, a single assembly that can be assembled on this plate, - Figures 3 and 4 are diagrammatic representations of a top view of the marble units positioned on areas of the work plate left free by the first tools according to the present invention, these units carrying support and holding tools for a second set positioned on the work plate, the second set being omitted at FIG. 3 and present in FIG. 4; FIGS. 5 to 7 are diagrammatic representations of FIG. plan view of a plate according to the present invention comprising two sets of tools respectively associated with first and second sets of marble, the plate shown without the assemblies in Figure 5, with the second set in Figure 6 and the first and second sets in Figure 7.

It is to be borne in mind that the figures are given by way of examples and are not limitative of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily at the scale of practical applications. In particular, the dimensions of the various elements illustrated are not representative of reality.

In what follows, it is referred to all the figures taken together. When reference is made to one or more specific figures, these figures are to be taken in combination with the other figures for the recognition of designated numerals.

A single support and maintenance tool is referenced for each set but what is stated about this tool support and maintenance is for all other support and maintenance tools.

In Figures 3 to 7, the various elements 3 to 5 constituting a silhouette 1, 1aquand present will not be referenced to make more visible otherreferences. We will then refer to Figure 2 for details of these references.

Referring in particular to Figures 3 to 7, the present invention relates toplatine 6 working on a face a first set of first support tools and futurtien 7, a positioning of the first tools 7 being configured for the reception and lemaintien a first set 1 to work and not part of the plate 6.

In general, such a work plate 6 is associated with a robot which comprises at least one arm carrying a welding member at its free end. However welding means may also be present on such a platen 6 working in other embodiments of the invention alternatively or in addition to a robot.

In order to assemble a second set 1a to work and not part of the platen 6 on the same face, this by arranging the two sets 1.1a simultaneously on the same face and working successively or arranging them one after the otheron the same face, the plate 6 comprises, on the same face as for the first game, a second set of second support and holding tools 7a of a second set1a.

To avoid interference between the two games, the second set is offset compared to the first set so that the second tools 7a are positioned on areas of the plate 6 left free by the first tools 7. This can be done in width or end of platinum 6 or both at once. An offset in height away from platinum 6 by support elements such as marble units is also possible.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second tools 7a can be carried by marble units 9 positioned on zones of the plate 6 of free working by the first tools 7. These marble units 9 cover only partially the face of the work plate 6.

To facilitate their positioning on the plate 6 between the tools of the first game, at least part of the marble units 9 may be independent of each other by being distributed discontinuously on the plate 6. Notably in Figure 4, it is visible a spacer or connecting piece 8 connecting two marble units 9 to solidify the structure formed by the marble units 9.

As is particularly well seen in Figure 3, the marble units sontsous plates 9, preferably rectangular and of different dimensions.Les plates 9 are respectively fixed against an area left free by the first tools 7 on the face being flat of the plate 6.

The plates 9 fixed on a larger area left free will present larger dimensions than the plates 9 fixed on a restricted area. A same plate can join two zones then presenting a non-rectangular shape. One or more corners or edges of the plates 9 may for example be bevelled by giving a polygonal shape to the plate.

The plates 9 may have stalls in the form of retreating parts of their edge. Fixing the plates 9 against the face of the plate 6 is done by multiple means such as screws. It is possible to provide other means as rivets suckers or even by magnetization when the plates 9 and platinum 6 contain iron.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 5 to 7, the first and second games may extend in a length of the plate 6. The second set may be offset laterally with respect to the first play in a width of the plate 6. Curbscaling can also have a small longitudinal component that is to say with undécalage making an angle of less than 20 ° with the width of the plate 6. The reverse, that is to say a shift in length with or without width offset component, may also be possible within the scope of the present invention.

As the sets to work are not necessarily the same, which is the most common case, the positioning of a support tool or assembly of the first game does not necessarily correspond to a positioning of a support tool orassembling the second game. These are the first and second games taken in their entirety which are shifted between them, which does not necessarily apply for each second game tool compared to a tool of the first game.

The first and second games may have different tool settings and different tool numbers. Conversely, when the first and second sets 1.1a are similar, which is possible within the scope of the present invention although not mandatory, a tool of the first set may correspond to a tool of the second game.

Without this being mandatory, the first game or the second game may have enhanced tools compared to the second game or the first game, the enhancement being away from the deck 6. This avoids interference between the tools during their possible displacement, which is mainly for assembly tools 8.

The assembly is preferably by welding. In this case, the first and second support and holding tools 7, 7a of the first and second games comprise clamps. This is not limiting and other forms of assembly than welding, for example bonding or fastening elements, may fall within the scope of the present invention.

Referring still more particularly to Figures 5 to 7 and also to Figure 2 for the references to a silhouette 1, 1a, in an embodiment of the invention specifically designed for the assembly of a set resuming in the form of a silhouette 1, 1a forming part of a motor vehicle body, each first or second set may comprise a series of support and holding tools 7, 7a extending along a length of the plate 6, these tools being for exampleoperational on a spar 2 of the silhouette 1,1a.

Each first or second set may comprise a lateral series of support and support tools 7, 7a distributed along a width of the plate 6, these tools being for example operational on a spar 2 of the silhouette 1, 1a on a reinforcement front foot 3 of the silhouette 1,1a.

Finally, each first or second set may comprise an additional series of support and holding tools 7, 7a arranged along a curved path on the plate 6 completing each set, these tools being for example operational on a curved piece 4 said ring of the silhouette 1,1a.

The support and holding tools 7, 7a may comprise elements supporting their associated assembly 1.1a and local clamping collets 1.11a together.

The invention relates to a robotic welding device comprising suchplatine 6. The device comprises movable arms relative to the plate 6 comprisingchacun a welding head at a free end of the arm. The welding device is not illustrated in the figures.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sets 1, 1 can be assembled separately one after the other or simultaneously while being jointly positioned on the same face of the plate 6. In this case, for reasons of congestion, one of the first and second sets 1, 1a covers at leastpartially the other sets 1, 1a. In Figure 7, it is the first set 1 quirecouvre the second set 1a but this is not limiting and this can be reversed.

There could be more than two assemblies assembled on the same face of laplatin 6 but this is not preferred, given the lack of space on the plate 6. The dimensions of the plate 6 should then be enlarged, which would require aggravated clutter for platen 6 and a new arrangement of means for controlling assembly tools 8.

Such joint positioning of two sets 1.1a on a platen is not preferred for bulky sets, for example automobile vehicle silhouettes and it is preferred to treat the two silhouettes 1, 1a one after the other in placing them alternately on the plate 6.

The invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments that have been given as examples.

Claims (2)

Claims: 1. A work platen (6) having on one side a first set of first support and holding tools (7), a positioning of the first tools (7) being configured for receiving and maintaining a first set (1), characterized in that the plate (6) comprises on the same face a second set of second support tools and futurtien (7a) for a second set (1a), the second set being shifted relative to the first set so that the second tools ( 7a) are positioned on deszones of the plate (6) left free by the first tools (7). 2. Platinum (6) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second tools (7a) are carried by marble units (9) positioned on areas of the plate (6) working left free by the first tools (7) . 3. Platinum (6) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the marble units (9) are independent of each other being distributed in a discontinuous manner on the plate (6). 4. Platinum (6) according to the preceding claim, wherein the marble units sontsous plates (9) respectively fixed against an area left free by the first tools (7) on the flat face of the plate (6). 5. Platinum (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second games extend in a length of the plate (6), the secondgame being laterally offset from the first game in a platinum width (6) or vice versa. 6. Platinum (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein thefirst game or the second game has enhanced tools relative to the secondgame or the first game, the raising being away from the plate (6). 7. Platinum (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second support and holding tools (7, 7a) of the first and second games comprise clamps. 8. Platinum (6) according to the preceding claim, wherein each first second second set comprises a longitudinal series of support and holding tools (7, 7a) distributed along a length of the plate (6), a side series of support and holding tools (7, 7a) distributed along a width of the plate (6) and an additional series of support and holding tools (7, 7a) arranged along a curved pattern on the plate (6) completing each set, the support and holding tools (7, 7a) comprising elements supporting their associated assembly (1, 1a) and local clamping tongs of their assembly (1, 1a). 9. Platinum (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (6) carries at least one welding means. 10. Robotic welding device, characterized in that it comprises a plate (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, the device comprising movable arms relative to the plate (6) each comprising a welding head at a free end of arms.